Siurana Natural Pools & Waterfalls 13km Circular Hike

About Natural Pools and waterfalls of Siurana

Siurana is a dramatic mountain‑top village perched on a limestone cliff in the Prades Mountain Range, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Siurana Reservoir. It belongs to the municipality of Cornudella de Montsant in the Priorat region of Tarragona, an area known for rugged landscapes, medieval legends and world‑class wine.

The village is famous for being the last Muslim enclave to fall to the Christians in Catalonia in 1153. According to legend, Queen Abdelazia, the Moorish ruler of Siurana, chose to leap from the cliffs with her horse rather than surrender. The horse’s desperate final step is said to have left a permanent horseshoe imprint in the rock — a haunting reminder of the last Saracen stronghold in Catalonia.

Today, Siurana is a beautifully preserved medieval hamlet of stone houses, cobbled streets and castle ruins, surrounded by some of the most impressive limestone cliffs in Europe. These cliffs have made Siurana one of the world’s premier destinations for rock climbing, while the surrounding Siurana River Basin is renowned for its waterfalls, natural pools and lush forest trails.

This 13km circular hiking route begins at the castle ruins and descends the cliffs via the iconic La Trona rock formation into the Siurana River Valley. The trail passes the historic Moli de l’Esquirola watermill and its millstone before climbing the opposite side of the valley to the plateau near the Mas d’en Ribelles de Dalt farmhouse ruins.

From here, the route enters dense forest and follows a series of waterfalls and pools, including Gorg del Mas de Frares and the spectacular Gorgs de la Febró, located where the trail crosses the Barranc de Foradada river. This natural pool, framed by rock walls and fed by a powerful cascade, is one of the most beautiful wild‑swimming spots in Catalonia.

The return to Siurana follows the same cliff‑side path or continues around the headland for sweeping views of the reservoir before ascending back to the village. With its blend of history, geology, waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints, this route showcases the very best of the Prades Mountains and the timeless charm of Siurana.

Siurana Tourism Website

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Visiting Natural Pools and waterfalls of Siurana

From the parking area, follow the Cingles Blancs cliff‑top path as it curves around the headland of Tossal del Franquet and passes the striking La Trona rock formation. The trail soon begins its descent via the rocky ravine of Grau de la Trona, zig‑zagging down a series of switchbacks until it reaches the gravel track known as Camí Ral, right beside the Siurana River.

Turn left and follow this riverside track to Mas de En Candi farm. Continue through the gate along the same gravel road until you reach the atmospheric ruins of Moli de l’Esquirola, an old watermill with a millstone still visible. A gravel beach area beside the river makes this a peaceful spot to pause.

Continue along the trail and take the right fork into a forest path that climbs steadily to another gravel road. Turn left and follow this track as it winds uphill. At the U‑turn bend, stay on the gravel road and continue ascending until you reach a junction where you take a left.

The landscape opens into a shrubland plateau where you’ll find the ruins of Mas d’en Ribelles de Dalt. It’s worth taking a short detour to explore — the farmhouse sits on the cliff edge and offers excellent views across the valley. Return to the main track and continue, keeping an eye on your GPS or Wikiloc route, as an unmarked footpath branches off to the right into the shrubland.

This narrow path transitions into a cliff‑side ledge overlooking a series of small waterfalls and pools, including El Gorguet and Gorg del Mas de Frares. Cross the river here and follow the forested trail as it gently descends. On the Wikiloc route, there is an unmarked side path that drops down to a beautiful natural pool — a perfect swimming spot in summer.

Return to the main trail and continue until it crosses the river again. Here, wade upstream through shallow water between rock walls. A short scramble leads to a ledge where you can leave your rucksack before swimming into the spectacular Gorg de la Febró. This deep turquoise pool, fed by a powerful waterfall and framed by the Barranc de Foradada gorge, is the highlight of the entire route and absolutely unmissable.

After enjoying the pools, continue along the forested path beside the cliffs until it reconnects with the ascent route. Retrace your steps past the watermill and farmhouse ruins, then climb back to Siurana via the same ledge path. Once you return to the car park, you can drop off your hiking gear and explore the village’s medieval streets, viewpoints and castle ruins.

Siurana can be visited year‑round thanks to its mild climate, but this route is at its best in late spring and summer when the waterfalls and natural pools are ideal for swimming.

Allow 6–8 hours to complete the full loop, including time to swim in the pools. A medium level of fitness is required.

For a perfect weekend, pair this hike with a day exploring the Montsant Escaladei & Clot del Cirer route and stay overnight in Siurana.

Notable highlights of Siruana Village

Castell de Siurana — The ruined castle marks the entrance to the village and offers sweeping views over the Siurana Reservoir and surrounding cliffs. Its walls are a reminder of the village’s role as the last Muslim stronghold in Catalonia.
Església de Santa Maria de Siurana — A beautifully preserved Romanesque church dedicated to Mare de Déu de l’Aigua. Its simple stone façade and cliff‑top setting make it one of the most photographed spots in the village.
Creu del Vuitè Centenari — A commemorative cross marking 800 years since the Christian conquest of Siurana. Located beside the cemetery, it’s a peaceful viewpoint overlooking the valley.
El Balcó de Siurana — A dramatic cliff‑top balcony with some of the best panoramic views in the Prades Mountains. Ideal for sunset photography and reservoir views.
Bar La Acácia — Open 9:00–18:00 (until 21:00 on weekends). Serves hot and cold snacks, tapas, pizzas and burgers. A convenient stop after the hike.
Refugi Siurana | Ciríac Bonet — A mountain refuge with a restaurant and hostel. A great option for staying overnight if you’re combining Siurana with other hikes in the Prades or Montsant ranges.
Siurana Viewpoint 2 — Another excellent lookout near the refuge, offering wide views of the cliffs, reservoir and surrounding mountains.

Siurana can be visited year‑round thanks to its mild climate. The natural pools and waterfalls along this route are at their best in late spring and summer, when the water is warm enough for swimming.

Allow 6–8 hours to complete the hike, including time to enjoy the waterfalls and natural pools. A medium level of fitness is required.

Hiking the Natural Pools & waterfalls of Siurana with a Dog

This route is an excellent option for hiking with a dog, especially in late spring and summer when the Siurana River is flowing and the natural pools offer plenty of opportunities for dogs to cool off. The terrain is a mix of forest, shrubland and rocky paths typical of the Prades Mountains, with no ladders, chains or technical scrambles that would make the route difficult for dogs.

The only seasonal concern is the presence of pine processionary caterpillars in spring and early summer. If you see pine trees along the trail, stay alert and keep your dog close. For this reason, I recommend doing this hike in late summer when the risk is low, though vigilance is always important.

Most dogs will enjoy this route immensely. The river crossings, shallow pools and shaded forest sections make it a fun and stimulating environment. The deeper pools — especially near Gorg del Mas de Frares and Gorg de la Febró — are perfect for swimming.

Siurana Restaurant

What to take with you for Natural Pools and waterfalls of Siurana

This route includes stretches of river walking, waterfall approaches and shaded forest paths, so bringing the right gear will make the experience far more comfortable.

Anything that must stay dry should go inside a waterproof bag within your rucksack. Phones, wallets and car keys need protection, and an IPX8 waterproof phone case is ideal for taking photos directly from the river or near waterfalls without worrying about splashes.

Carry at least 2 litres of water. Although the trail follows the river, the water is not drinkable, and summer temperatures in the Prades Mountains can be high.

Trail shoes are perfectly suitable for this route. If you plan to swim in multiple pools, bring escarpines (water shoes) for comfort and grip on slippery rocks.

A microfibre towel, swimwear and a dry change of clothes are useful if you intend to spend time in the pools. The shaded gorge sections can feel cool after swimming, even in summer.

Sun protection is essential — hat, sunglasses and sunscreen — as the plateau and cliff sections are exposed. A small first‑aid kit for minor scrapes and a dry bag for wet clothes complete the essentials.

Natural Pools and waterfalls of Siurana Summary of Prices

Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Adult € 20.00 FREE Child € 20.00 FREE Notes 3 euros per day parking fee

Getting to Siurana

Address: Carrer Major S/N, Siurana, 43362

Siurana is only accessible by car and sits deep in the Prades Mountains, about a 2‑hour drive from Barcelona. There is no bus or public transport service to the village, so driving is the only realistic way to reach the trailhead.

Parking is available next to the castle ruins, and the main Siurana car park costs €3 per day. During busy summer weekends, overflow parking is available near the Siurana camping area.

From junction 34 of the AP‑7 motorway, take the T‑11 towards Reus and continue as it becomes the N‑240. At Les Borges del Camp, turn onto the C‑242 in the direction of Alforja and Cornudella de Montsant. After passing through Cornudella, take the T‑3225 up the winding mountain road to Siurana.