Pratdip circular hiking route in Llaberia Natural Park

About Pratdip in Llaberia Natural Park

In Catalan myth, a Dip is an evil black Hellhound and emissary of the Devil, lame in one leg, who sucks people's blood. The legend dates from at least 1602 from images on the altarpiece of Santa Marina de Pratdip church. Legend has it that the Dips sucked the blood of cattle, but only went out at night, and among their victims were drunken night owls who went to drink wine in the village taverns. According to tradition, the name of the village comes from these Hellhounds. The Legend of the Dip is the Catalan equivalent of the fictional Sherlock Holmes Hound of Baskervilles Novel by Conan Doyle.

Due to the Dip's thirst for blood, it inspired the 1960's play, Natural Stories, by author Joan Perucho and tells the story of Onofre de Dip, a noble vampire with the ability to transform himself into many animals. The central part of the play takes place in Pratdip at the beginning of the nineteenth century. This story has elements of Bram Stoker's Dracula.

This Meduim-hard circular hiking route starts and ends in Pratdip village and is around the Llaberia Natural park mountains. This is a great route for winter because of its proximity to the Coastline there is normally never snow in these mountains. The village is less that 2 hours by car south of Barcelona near Tarragona and is a lot warmer than the Pyrenees and pre-pyrennes.

Pratdip Legend Documentary Pratdip Toursim Website

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Visiting Pratdip in Llaberia Natural Park

This is a great Catalan winter hiking route I have done three times, once in November, December and January. The route does involve some steap sections up some short ravines that have chains to traverse ascents of up to 2 metres so is not a route for anyone that has difficulty with vertical ascents or suffers from vertigo. It is possible to do it with dogs but you will need 4m of rope and a dog harness or at least three people to manhandle the dog up the chains section. If your dog is the size of a pony then it is probably not viable!

The route starts at Pratdip Castle ruin which gives 360 degree views of the village and mountains and follows the horseshoe shaped Cingles de Brancana cliffs.

Regarding the Dip or mountain wolves, I have never seen any and it is just a legend, even completing the last section of this hike at night there were no wolf howls, owl hoots, vampires or anything remotely scary. However, If you want to take a wolfs mask for drinks in the village bar and restaurant after the hike I am sure the villagers will appreciate the humour!

Allow 6-8 hours to complete the hike as always depending on personal fitness.

NOTE: Pratdip hosts a rally on the T-310 road from the village into the mountains at the end of October. Avoid doing this hike on rally days because the road closures will block access to the start and end of this trail. Also the traffic to get to the village on the single access makes getting to the village very slow.

Where to eat and drink in Pratdip

Bar de La piscina Municipal: Opens early in the morning and is good for breakfast.
Avinguda Catalunya 1, 43320 Pratdip, Tarragona
Casal de Pratdip: Great bar for snacks and hot food in the afternoon/Evening
Avinguda Catalunya 9, 43320 Pratdip, Tarragona
Bar de la Zal: Small bar in the town centre that serves hot food.
Carrer Santa Marina 22, 43320 Pratdip, Tarragona

Casal de Pratdip bar Pratdip Rally

What to take with you for Pratdip in Llaberia Natural Park

I pack for wind when doing this hike because it is along a ridge line.

I recommend 3 to 4 litres of water because there is nowhere to top up along the route.

Small 30L Hiking Rucksack

Includes high visibility fog and rain waterproof cover in zip compartment at bottom of rucksack.

Gore-Tex Hiking boots

I prefer ankle high boots on mountain trails for the ankle support and increased stability over rocky trails.

Full length Running leggings

For running in the hills around Barcelona or as a base layer for high mountain trails.

Emergency Rain jacket

Small pouch lightweight Waterproof jacket for emergencies

Compact First Aid Kit

Small lightweight first aid kit

Phone Case for watersports

IPX8 waterproof floating and submersible case & Lanyard. Permits photos and touchscreen use.

warm Wool socks

With toe and heel reinforcements that give good padding.

Convertible Trousers

Lightweight convertible trousers that zip down to shorts

Base layer short sleve

Thermal short sleve skin tight top

Mid layer Top

Light weight cotton quick dry T-shirt

Fleece jacket or Jersey

Light weight warm fleece

Head Torch

USB rechargable Head torch

Summary of Prices

Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Adult € 29.90 FREE Child € 29.90 FREE Notes Walk is free, Return train ticket costs 22.90 Euros. Estimated taxi fee 10 Euros return per person.

Getting to Pratdip in Llaberia Natural Park

Address: Avinguda Catalunya 29-23, Pratdip. 43320

By public transport:

Pratdip is a small village with two busses per day on a Saturday, arriving from Tarragona at 14:20h and a bus leaving Pratdip at 07:25h on Saturday Morning. This bus service is not useful for a day's hiking activity. However, Pratdip is 15 minutes' drive from Hospital de L'Infant Renfe Regional Train station. From the Train station It is possible to get a taxi to Pratdip Village. Make sure you agree a pickup time or, 2 hours before arriving back at Pratdip village, call the taxi to avoid getting stranded.

By car:

Take exit 38 (hospitalet d L'Infant) of the AP-7. Village of Pratdip is about 15 minutes drive via the T-310. Park in Avenida Catalunya near the Piscina municipal (town swimming pool).

I have always traveled to Pratdip via car but I think the train and taxi option is viable if you start hiking no later than 10:00h and are back at the village by 18:00h approximately.