This Overlooked Village Offers Some Of The Most Amazing Hiking & Rock Climbing In Spain

About Spain, world-renowned traveler Anthony Bourdain once said, "Any reasonable sentient person who looks at Spain, comes to Spain, eats in Spain, drinks in Spain — they're going to fall in love. Otherwise there's something deeply wrong with you" (via Explore Parts Unknown). It's true. Spain is very easy to fall in love with. The beaches, climate, historical sites, gastronomy, and quality wine draw millions of visitors a year, and tourism accounts for 12% of the Spanish economy. However, the masses of travelers — 80% of whom visit the Mediterranean coast or Spanish islands – have many concerned about over-tourism. The city of Barcelona alone had 15 million tourists in 2024, which is more than the number of tourists who visit Brazil and Australia combined.

That has led to an effort to get visitors to look beyond the classic tourist hot spots. Director of the Spanish Tourist Office in London, Manuel Butler, told CNN, "Spain has a responsibility to lead the shift towards a more environmentally and socially sustainable model. We're encouraging visitors to explore our lesser-known regions, stay longer, and travel outside peak summer months where possible." Luckily for us, there's a lot to see in Spain outside the busy season and "top destinations" lists. The rural villages are particularly enchanting.

One such overlooked place is Siurana, located around two hours west of Barcelona. Perched atop a cliff overlooking the Siurana River, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Wandering the village's narrow cobblestone streets, quaint stone houses, and medieval ruins — including the remains of a Moorish castle — feels like stepping back in time. The rugged terrain, steep cliffs, and rocky outcrops are also a great place for hiking and rock climbing. 

Siurana is in the Catalonia region of Spain, west of Barcelona — a popular city that still has many underrated attractions for your bucket list. Siurana is a tiny village, so the best way to get there is by car. You could drive the two hours after landing in Barcelona, or there is a closer airport that receives flights from around Europe in the city of Reus. From there, it's under an hour to reach Siurana.

The moment you're in this village, it's immediately noticeable that it's steeped in history. The castle atop a cliff was an ideal defensive position, and Siurana is famous for being the last Moorish stronghold in Catalonia. Eventually falling to the Christians in 1153, a legend from the time is that the Moorish Queen Abdelazia, rather than succumb to the invaders, rode off the cliff on horseback. And her horse left a permanent horseshoe imprint on the limestone cliff's edge.

Siurana is the perfect small village to wander. The center of town features cobblestone streets, a well-preserved Romanesque-style church, and a few shops and restaurants, like Restaurant Siurana. But the expansive views of the Serra de Montsant and the Prades Mountains make a visit to Siurana unforgettable — just be careful on the cliff's edge. 

Standing high and surrounded by mountains also means Siurana is an attractive destination for rock climbers of all levels. Climbing Siurana is a company that introduces visitors to the best routes and crags in the area. It offers guided climbing day tours and even a five-day climbing camp for anyone who wants to learn technique. The company also offers a Via Ferrata route, which uses pre-made holds (like iron rungs and ropes) to help climbers, who are securely attached to a steel cable throughout. It's crucial to understand the differences in outdoor adventure activities before booking so you know what to expect.

There are only a few hotels in Siurana, and there are camping sites close by. Another option is to stay in the nearby village of Cornudella de Montsant or the larger cities of Reus and Tarragona. Siurana makes the perfect day trip and is a good pivot point to explore the surrounding Serra de Montsant area. 

Mountain bikers will find miles of routes that meander up and down the hills, surrounded by trees and Mediterranean bushes with epic mountain views. For those who prefer to walk, there are hiking routes as well, especially the Embassament de Siurana loop trail. Visitors can stroll narrow paths with a steep wall on one side and the valley of the Siurana River on the other. Below the village is a large water reservoir. You can rent kayaks and spend an afternoon gently paddling on the water with the Moorish Castle and Romanesque Church standing on the cliff 800 feet above.

Spain is a must-visit for all wine lovers, and a trip there wouldn't be complete without trying some. The neighboring village, Cornudella de Montsant, has four wineries that offer tours and tastings. After a morning wandering historic Siurana and an afternoon spent climbing cliff walls, the perfect end to the day would be a stop at a winery like Celler Ronadelles. Sample 10 of their wines, like the best-selling Cap de Ruc, with a perfectly prepared matching menu. The winery has its own restaurant, but for hardcore food enthusiasts, it also offers a winery visit and wine tasting menu in the nearby, Michelin-starred restaurant Quatre Molins. The overlooked village of Siurana and the surrounding area prove that, although parts of Spain might be tourist hotspots, there are still plenty of unforgettable places to visit away from the crowds.