Mola De Colldejou Plateau Hiking Trail in Llaberia Natural Park
18km circular hike from Marçà–Falset to the Mola de Colldejou plateau via forest tracks, vineyards, a ravine scramble and a cliff‑top path. Panoramic views, hilltop castle ruin and rugged Llaberia landscapes
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About Mola de Colldejou Plateau
Mola de Colldejou is one of the most striking landforms in the Llaberia Natural Park — a vast limestone plateau rising abruptly above the Priorat and Baix Camp regions. Its fortress‑like walls form a natural citadel, with steep cliffs guarding the summit and only a handful of narrow access points carved by erosion. In the warm evening light, the rock glows a deep honey‑gold, making the plateau visible from many kilometres away.
The lower slopes of the Mola are covered in holm oak forests that were once intensively managed for charcoal production, while the upper pastures served as grazing land for local shepherds. Today, the area is a quiet, rugged corner of Catalonia, rich in biodiversity and far less visited than the more famous parks closer to Barcelona.
This circular 18km route begins and ends at Marçà–Falset station on the R15 regional line, roughly two hours from Barcelona. Marçà and Falset are wine‑producing villages at the heart of the DO Montsant region, home to small independent wineries such as Dosterras and Acústic Celler.
The hike follows rural roads and forest tracks before tackling a steep, rocky ascent through a ravine to reach the top of the plateau. This section requires care — the path is loose underfoot and involves some light scrambling — and may be challenging for anyone with vertigo.
Once on the summit, the reward is immense: sweeping views across the Llaberia mountain range, the Priorat vineyards, and the distant Mediterranean coastline. At the far end of the plateau stands the ruined Mola de Colldejou castle, likely part of a historic visual semaphore network used for long‑distance communication before the invention of the telegraph.
The descent follows a cliff‑top path with dramatic panoramas before dropping into a pine forest and rejoining the rural tracks that lead back to the train station. It’s a demanding but unforgettable route through one of Catalonia’s most underrated mountain landscapes.
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Visiting Mola de Colldejou Plateau
Leave Marçà–Falset station and turn left onto the gravel road, following it to the end before turning right. Continue along this track and take the next left, walking through open vineyards towards the Mas d’en Crusat farmhouse. From here, bear right onto a wide gravel road flanked by more grapevines until you reach a paved section.
After roughly 200 metres on the road, turn left onto another gravel track, crossing the Riera de Fontaubella. Follow the Camí de Falset a Colldejou through rolling vineyards until a left turn leads onto a steadily ascending forest road. This climb continues for several kilometres until you reach a T‑junction on a mountain ridge. Over the stone wall you’ll see distant wind turbines lining the horizon.
Turn right and follow the ridge track, enjoying views over La Torre de Fontaubella. Soon you’ll leave the gravel road and join an uphill footpath that passes the ruins of Caseta del Sord and crosses the high farmland of Hort del Font. The route then narrows into a forest trail.
This is where the ascent becomes more demanding. Along the Canal del Camí del Mig, the path climbs through scree fields formed by centuries of rockfall from the cliffs above. The stones underfoot are loose, and the trail is steep in places, so take care. The scree can obscure the route, so pay close attention to waymarks to ensure you stay aligned with the ravine.
After a sustained climb through ash forest, you’ll reach the base of the Canal del Camí del Mig ravine. The final ascent involves light scrambling over large boulders, using hands and feet to navigate the rocky channel. No ropes or technical equipment are required, but it’s a physical section that rewards patience and careful footing. At the top, you’re greeted with sweeping views over the forested valleys and the towns of Marçà and Falset.
Once on the plateau, the hard work is behind you. Cross the wide, open meadow — often grazed by free‑roaming goats — and follow the marked trail past a small stone shepherd’s shelter. Ahead, the round stone tower of the Castell de Mola comes into view. Walk around the perimeter until you find the entrance, where you can step inside to take shelter from the wind and enjoy the sense of history.
Continue along the cliff‑top path that skirts the edge of the plateau, offering dramatic views down ravines and across the rugged Llaberia landscape. The path is wide enough to feel safe, but on windy days it’s wise to walk slightly further from the edge. Follow the trail to the Portal de Mola, where the descent begins.
The route drops into a gentler ravine and then into a pine forest, eventually emerging at Coll de Guix. From here, follow the descending gravel road through a forested valley for several kilometres until you rejoin the track used during the ascent. Retrace your steps back to Marçà–Falset station.
A medium level of fitness is required. It took me around seven hours to complete, including plenty of photo stops. Sturdy, grippy hiking boots are essential for the ravine section.
Important: Check the weather forecast for Reus or Tarragona before attempting this route. High winds or rain can make the ravine and cliff‑top sections hazardous. On my first visit, gusts reached 100 km/h on the plateau — not ideal conditions for exposed terrain.
Allow 7–9 hours to complete the full loop.
Mola De Colldejou Plateau Hiking Trail with a Dog
This route is generally suitable for dogs, especially the long forested sections of oak, beech and pine that make up most of the ascent and descent. The upper plateau is open shrubland and grassland, offering plenty of space for dogs to roam comfortably — though always keep them under control around livestock.
The main challenge is the steep ravine section on the Canal del Camí del Mig. This part of the trail involves loose scree, uneven footing and a short scramble over large boulders. Most dogs can manage it, but you may need to give them a boost on a few of the bigger steps. Take your time here and ensure your dog has good grip and confidence on rocky terrain.
Be aware that the plateau is often grazed by free‑roaming goats and cattle. Keep your dog close and calm to avoid disturbing the animals, and be mindful that livestock guardians may be present depending on the season.
The descent passes through pine forest, which means that in spring and summer there is a possibility of encountering pine processionary caterpillars. For this reason, the route is best done in winter or late autumn, when the risk is extremely low.
Where to Eat and Drink
There are no bars, restaurants or services anywhere along the route, and the restaurant that once operated inside Marçà–Falset station has permanently closed. This means you must bring all the food and water you’ll need for the full day — especially in warm weather.
If you want to enjoy a meal before or after the hike, the nearest options are in the village of Marçà, about a 2km diversion from the trail near Mas d’en Crusat. The village is small, but it does have a couple of reliable places for drinks and simple food:
- Bar la Sénia — Open from 8:00 to 23:00. A friendly local bar serving sandwiches, tapas and drinks. If you stop here after the hike, make sure to leave enough time to walk back to the station.
- Ca la Tere — Open from 9:00 to 13:00. A small morning‑only bar ideal for a pre‑hike coffee or quick bite.
Because services are limited and opening hours can vary, it’s wise to carry a packed lunch and plenty of snacks. The route is long and remote, and there are no opportunities to buy food once you leave Marçà.
What to take with you for Mola de Colldejou Plateau
This is a demanding mountain route with a long approach, a steep ravine ascent and an exposed plateau, so packing the right gear makes a huge difference to both safety and comfort. Because much of the hike follows ridge lines and 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 springs, fountains or refill points anywhere along the route.
Wear sturdy, grippy hiking boots. The ravine section on the Canal del Camí del Mig involves loose scree, uneven rock and short scrambling steps where good traction is essential. Trail runners are not ideal here unless you’re very confident on rocky terrain.
A windproof or lightweight waterproof jacket is strongly recommended. The plateau is fully exposed, and gusts can be intense even when the lower valleys feel calm.
Bring sun protection — hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. The upper plateau has no shade, and the limestone reflects light strongly.
Pack food for the entire day. There are no services on the trail, and the station restaurant is closed. Snacks, a packed lunch and electrolytes are useful for a route of this length.
With the right preparation, this becomes a challenging but incredibly rewarding day in one of Catalonia’s most rugged and underrated mountain landscapes.
Mola de Colldejou Plateau Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
€ 23.90
FREE
Child
€ 23.90
FREE
Group/Family Ticket?
No.
Notes
Walk is free, Return train tickets costs 23.90 Euros.
Getting to Mola de Colldejou Plateau Hike
Address: Estación de RENFE, Marçá-Falset, 43775
The route begins at Marçà–Falset, which is served by the R15 Regional train line running between Barcelona and the Priorat region. Trains are infrequent, so choosing the correct departure is essential if you want enough daylight for the full 18km loop.
For a comfortable day trip, you should take either the 06:33 or the 09:03 train from Barcelona‑Sants. If you’re not a regular mountain hiker or prefer a relaxed pace with time for breaks and photos, the earlier train is the safer choice.
There are no services at the station, so arrive prepared with water and food. The village of Marçà is a short diversion away if you need supplies before starting, but this will add extra distance and time to the route.
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