Pratdip Circular Hike in Llaberia – Chains, Cliffs & Legends

Visiting Pratdip in Llaberia Natural Park

This is one of my favorite winter hiking routes in Catalonia. I’ve completed it in November, December and January, and the conditions are consistently excellent: cool temperatures, dry terrain and almost no risk of snow thanks to Pratdip’s proximity to the coast. The route does include several short ravine climbs equipped with chains, with vertical steps of up to two metres, so it is not suitable for anyone uncomfortable with exposure or steep ascents.

The hike begins at the Pratdip Castle ruins, a perfect viewpoint overlooking the village and the surrounding Llaberia mountains. From here, the trail follows the horseshoe‑shaped Cingles de Brancana cliffs. Leave the village following the direction indicated in the Wikiloc track, walking briefly along a paved road through vineyards before turning left onto a forest footpath.

The path climbs steadily through woodland until reaching the rocky formation of Coll de la Seda. This marks the start of a more technical section that winds up the mountain via narrow ravines. Some of these passages, such as Pas dels Ciscos and Pas del Porc Senglar, are equipped with chains to help you negotiate short but steep rock steps. The ravines eventually open onto the high plateau of Pla de Mont Redon, offering wide views across the Llaberia Natural Park.

Cross the plain towards the small summit mound of Mont Redon, where you’ll enjoy excellent views back towards the curved line of the Cingles de Brancana. Continue along the marked route until you reach a fork at Portell de la Roca Mitjanera. Take the ascending path into a rocky climb that eventually levels out beneath a shaded stand of trees. Here you’ll find a cylindrical marker and distant views of the wind‑turbine ridges.

At Portal de Madrocs, several paths converge. Follow the route indicated in the Wikiloc track, continuing past Portell de l’Huera and Portell de la Llenya to the panoramic Mirador de Coll dels Colivassos. The radar dome visible on the horizon is the Radar Meteorològic de Tivissa–Llaberia. From this point, the trail follows the gravel road Carrer Senda de la Miranda until a turnoff leads onto a descending footpath towards the remote village of Llaberia.

The first landmark you’ll encounter in this rustic stone village is the Església de Sant Joan. Follow the cobbled street as it curves left towards the small stone arch of El Pontet. Note that Llaberia has no bars, shops or water fountains, so ensure you are fully stocked before leaving Pratdip.

From the village, take the left‑hand ascending footpath back into the forest. The trail climbs through Bassa de les Fonts and Coll de Bassa de les Fonts, both offering excellent viewpoints. At Portell de la Cova de Carrater, the path transitions into a cliff‑top traverse through shrubland before turning right into the steep ravine of Portell del Carreter. This descent requires hands‑and‑feet scrambling on rocky terrain.

At the bottom, follow the path to the right along the base of the cliffs. This is one of the most spectacular sections of the entire hike, with towering limestone walls rising above the Camí de la Forestal beneath the Cingles de Brancana. The trail eventually emerges onto the Pla de Zenon, followed by another ravine descent via Portell de l’Estudiant and Pas del Ramon.

The final stretch descends gently past old terraced fields to the viewpoint of Los Solans. From here, the path forks right into a rocky forest trail that leads to a gravel road returning to Pratdip village.

As for the legendary Dips — the hellhounds of Catalan folklore — I’ve never encountered anything more frightening than a goat. Even finishing the hike at night, there were no howls, no vampires and no supernatural surprises. If you want to bring a wolf mask for a post‑hike drink in the village bar, the locals will probably enjoy the joke.

Allow 6–8 hours to complete the full loop, depending on fitness and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

Important: Pratdip hosts a rally on the T‑310 road at the end of October. Avoid hiking on rally days — road closures block access to the village, and traffic on the single access road becomes extremely slow.

Pratdip circular hiking route in Llaberia Natural Park with a Dog

This route is mostly forested, with long stretches of oak, beech and pine woodland and open shrubland on the higher ridges. In winter it’s an excellent dog‑friendly hike — cool temperatures, no snow, and very little risk of encountering pine processionary caterpillars.

The main difficulty is the series of chain‑assisted ravine climbs on the ascent. Two of these steps are around two metres high and require dogs to be lifted or guided up. For small or medium dogs, a proper dog harness and a short length of rope make this manageable. For large, heavy dogs, these sections can be impractical or unsafe, so consider carefully whether your dog can be supported on steep rock.

When I last did this route, we were three people with two Yorkshire terriers. They managed the chain sections with help from the harnesses and some teamwork. The descent also includes a steep rocky ravine where dogs may need assistance, but most confident dogs can navigate it with careful supervision.

There is livestock in the area, especially goats on the higher plateaus, so keep your dog close and under control to avoid disturbing the animals. The terrain is rugged and remote, so bring plenty of water for both you and your dog — there are no fountains or streams suitable for refilling.

Where to eat and drink in Pratdip

Pratdip is a small rural village, but it has a few reliable places for food and drinks before or after the hike. None of them are on the trail itself, so make sure you carry everything you need for the full route — especially water and snacks — and treat these bars as pre‑ or post‑hike stops.

• Bar de la Piscina Municipal — Opens at 8:00 and is ideal for a pre‑hike breakfast or coffee. Simple, friendly and conveniently located near the main parking area.
  Avinguda Catalunya 1, 43320 Pratdip
• Casal de Pratdip — A great option for afternoon or evening food. Enter through the wooden door and head up to the second floor. They serve hot dishes, snacks and drinks in a cosy local atmosphere.
  Avinguda Catalunya 9, 43320 Pratdip
• Bar de la Zal — A small central bar serving hot food, good for a simple meal after finishing the route.
  Carrer Santa Marina 22, 43320 Pratdip

Opening hours in rural villages can vary seasonally, so it’s wise to check before relying on any of these places for a late meal. As always in Llaberia, bring enough water and food for the entire hike — there are no fountains, shops or services once you leave the village.

What to take with you for Pratdip in Llaberia Natural Park

This is a rugged mountain route with chain‑assisted climbs, rocky ravines and exposed ridgelines, so packing the right gear is essential for both safety and comfort. Because much of the hike follows high, open terrain, I always prepare for wind — even on days when the forecast looks calm.

Carry 3 to 4 litres of water. There are no fountains, streams or refill points anywhere along the route, and the combination of elevation gain, sun exposure and dry winter air can dehydrate you quickly.

Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip. The chain sections and ravine descents involve uneven rock, loose gravel and short scrambling steps where traction is crucial. Lightweight trail runners are not ideal unless you’re extremely confident on technical terrain.

A windproof or lightweight waterproof jacket is strongly recommended. The Cingles de Brancana cliffs and the high plateaus are fully exposed, and gusts can be surprisingly strong even when the lower valleys feel calm.

Bring sun protection — hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Winter sun in Llaberia can be intense, and the limestone reflects light strongly.

Getting to Pratdip

Address: Avinguda Catalunya 29-23, Pratdip, 43320

By public transport

Pratdip is a small, remote village with very limited public transport. On Saturdays there are only two buses: one arriving from Tarragona at 14:20, and one departing Pratdip at 07:25. These schedules make it impractical to rely on the bus for a full day of hiking.

The most realistic public‑transport option is to take a Regional R16 train to L’Hospitalet de l’Infant and then continue by taxi. The village is about 15 minutes from the station. If you choose this option, arrange a pickup time in advance or call the taxi at least two hours before you expect to finish the hike — mobile coverage can be patchy in the mountains, and taxis are limited.

By car

Driving is by far the easiest way to reach Pratdip. Take exit 38 (L’Hospitalet de l’Infant) on the AP‑7 motorway and follow the T‑310 inland for around 15 minutes. Parking is straightforward — the best place is along Avinguda Catalunya near the municipal swimming pool.

I’ve always reached Pratdip by car, but the train‑and‑taxi combination is viable if you start the hike no later than 10:00 and plan to be back in the village by around 17:00.

Documents for Pratdip in Llaberia Natural Park

Wikiloc Trail for Pratdip in Llaberia Natural Park

a0269 - Pratdip in Llaberia Natural Park

Hiking in the hellhound & vampire village of Catalunya. A medium hard 15km circular route in the Llaberia Natural Park.

Transport Network: Regional + Taxi Return Travel Fare: €29.50 Distance: 14.39 Difficulty: MEDIUM

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