May 15, 2021 | CLIMBING
LONG ROUTES IN TARRAGONA: THREE CLASSIC MULTI-PITCH CLIMBS
Discover three of the best long routes to get started with multi-pitch climbing in Tarragona's Costa Dorada.
Discover three of the best long routes to get started with multi-pitch climbing in Tarragona's Costa Dorada.
Tarragona province — particularly the Baix Camp and Priorat areas — is world-famous for sport climbing, with zones like Margalef, Siurana, Arbolí, La Mussara, Mont-ral, La Riba, Montsant, and Vilanova de Prades drawing climbers from all over the globe.
With over 5,000 bolted sport routes — most between 10 and 40 meters — the Costa Dorada doesn't have towering walls, but spots like Siurana, La Mussara, and the Castellfollit ravine hide real gems for classic, multi-pitch climbing.
Don't be fooled by its short length. After an easy warm-up pitch (4th grade), the second pitch steps up to a demanding 5th grade with great exposure and beautiful movement, leading to the top of a slender limestone spire with stunning views over the Camp de Tarragona and the Mediterranean beyond. Covallonga is the ideal route for a first multi-pitch experience: the first belay sits on a comfortable ledge, making it easy to practice the essential maneuvers, and the descent is by rappel — so in a single day you'll learn both how to climb a long route and how to rappel down.
Best of: excellent rock, a superb second pitch, and the summit views.
Difficulty: V | Length: 35m | Gear: bolted, bolted belays | Location: La Mussara | Approach: 15 minutes.
Just to the left of Covallonga, along the same wall, Entre Boires is a beautiful route just under 100 meters long with surprises on every pitch. After an intense start, the difficulty holds steady around 5th grade, with a variety of solid holds that make for great vertical, exposed climbing. The final meters bring a bouldery move — the last challenge before topping out.
Best of: climbing in one of La Mussara's quietest corners, with an athletic style on superb-quality limestone.
Difficulty: 6a | Length: 90m | Gear: bolted, bolted belays | Location: La Mussara | Approach: 20 minutes.
Aresta GER is one of the true gems of classic climbing in Tarragona. Set in the Castellfollit ravine — a peaceful, remote spot reminiscent of the Pyrenees despite sitting just over 400 meters above sea level — this is one of the longest routes in the area, tracing an elegant line up the spur of the Roc de Ponent. Climbing on pink-hued granite rich in cracks and solid holds, the route holds a moderate difficulty and offers several spots to place your own protection with nuts and cams — a perfect introduction to adventure climbing.
Best of: a wild, seldom-visited setting, with steady, easy-to-protect climbing using natural gear.
Difficulty: V | Length: 180m | Gear: semi-equipped, tree belays | Location: Barranco de Castellfollit (L'Espluga de Francolí/Poblet) | Approach: 25 minutes.
Interested in any of these routes? Get in touch with us — we offer both group and private activities tailored to you. Just tell us what you'd like to do, and we'll take care of the rest.
Margalef is one of Europe’s premier sport climbing destinations. Its pocketed conglomerate rock creates a very specific climbing style requiring finger strength, body positioning, and tactical pacing.
LEARN MOREGetting started in climbing isn't as easy as taking up sports like basketball, swimming, or running. Besides having the right gear, you need to know some basic safety maneuvers, technical points, and yes, proper etiquette — whether you're climbing at the gym or on real rock.
LEARN MOREYou can contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone to (+34) 645 432 307, or by filling up the contact form in the following link.
(Translated by Google) In August I climbed two long routes in the Pyrenees with Santi, "Tanger" in Collegats and the next day "El Rap del Niño" in Cavallers. A fantastic experience and the best guide to get back to climbing after a break of almost a year due to injury. 100% recommended :)
(Original) En agosto escalé con Santi dos vías largas en el Pirineo, "Tanger" en Collegats y al día siguiente "El Rap del Niño" en Cavallers. Una experiencia fantástica y el mejor guía para volver a escalar después de un parón de casi un año debido a una lesión. 100% recomendado :)
(Translated by Google) Highly recommended course, especially for those who are new to climbing. Technician Yoel a 10!
(Original) Curso muy recomendable, sobretodo para aquellos que se inician en la escalada. El técnico Yoel un 10!
(Translated by Google) Great experience! In addition to good training and security. They are the cane! I recommend it.
(Original) Gran experiencia! Ademas de buena formación y seguridad. Son la caña! Lo recomiendo.
(Translated by Google) Santi's mix of professionalism and good vibes makes the climbing experience complete: educational to learn and fun to enjoy. 100% recommended
(Original) La mezcla de profesionalidad y buena vibra de Santi hace que la experiencia de escalada sea completa: educativa para aprender y divertida para disfrutarla. Recomendado 100%
(Translated by Google) A great climbing day!
(Original)Un dia d'escalada genial!
(Translated by Google) Great climbing course! Santi knows how to transmit all his experience, he also explains very well and makes the most of each one by transmitting confidence. Great experience!! A great group!
(Original) Gran curso de escalada! Santi sabe transmitir toda su experiencia, además explica muy bien y hace sacar el máximo de cada uno transmitiendo confianza. Gran experiencia!! Un grupo genial!
(Translated by Google) Super happy with the climbing course!! It was just what we were looking for
(Original) Super contentos con el curso de escalada!! Era justo lo que buscábamos
(Translated by Google) I have done the initiation course and I liked it a lot, because of the content, relaxed atmosphere and at the same time serious in relation to safety. I will surely sign up for more activities!
(Original) He he hecho el curso de iniciación y me ha gustado mucho, por el contenido, clima descontraído y a la vez serio en relación a la seguridad. Seguramente me apuntaré a más actividades!
(Translated by Google) We spent a great day learning to climb in very good company and in spectacular surroundings. Santi is a magnificent professional and knows how to convey the beauty of this sport to you. Looking forward to repeat!
(Original) Pasamos un gran día aprendiendo a escalar en muy buena compañia y en un entorno espectacular. Santi es un magnífico profesional y sabe transmitirte la belleza de este deporte. Con muchas ganas de repetir!
First of all, I want to thank Santi - our rock climbing guide - for an excellent teaching!!⚡️
He was consistent, attentive to our strengths and weaknesses, inspiring confidence and really professional (technically and psychologically)!
I finally overcome my fear of lead rope climbing which followed me for a long long time… A friend of mine had his first time real rock climbing and now he already knows both types (lead and top) of climbing and belaying!🤯
And it hasn't felt like a boring studying with a tired of all this annoying tourists instructor. Santi was behaving not just as a mentor, but also as a friend of us🤝🏻
Hope to climb together one day again✨🏔️
