Margalef – Nature, Trails and Culture in the Parc Natural de la Serra de Montsant

Margalef is located in the Parc Natural de la Serra de Montsant and in the valley of the Montsant River in the north of the Priorat region. The natural surroundings of Margalef include gorges, rock faces and rock formations of great landscape significance.

Landscape

The Embassament de Margalef reservoir lies in a scenic setting surrounded by rock faces and mountains. The Racó dels Pèlics is a viewpoint of its own, a natural lookout offering excellent views of the Montsant massif.

The Ermita de Sant Salvador is located 3.5 km from the village in the Parc Natural de la Serra de Montsant. It has a spring with fresh water and a picnic area.

The Cova d'en Ximet is located in the Barranc de Sant Salvador gorge, a restored natural area designed as a rest area integrated into the landscape. The Cova del Teix is an access point to one of the most distinctive trails in the Parc Natural de la Serra de Montsant.

Culture and History

The Església de Sant Miquel, a Neoclassical parish church built in the 18th century, stands in the historic centre of the municipality. The characteristic villagescape also includes Carrer de les Covetes, one of the village’s most distinctive streets; natural rock is integrated into its façades and traditional urban structure.

The Parc Natural de la Serra de Montsant is home to the Abric del Filador, an important archaeological site. The site preserves remains attesting to human presence in the region since prehistoric times and is of archaeological and heritage-conservation interest.

The Centro de Interpretación del Aceite y de las Economías Productivas de la Sierra de Montsant is located in the village of Margalef. It also serves as an information centre for the nature park.

On 6 August, Margalef celebrates Sant Salvador with the traditional ascent to the hermitage, a mass and a communal breakfast. 29 September is the feast day of Sant Miquel, the patron saint of the municipality of Margalef.

Other places in this selection: Alfara De Carles, Els Guiamets, Farena, L'espluga De Francolí, La Bisbal Del Penedès, Vallmoll, Capafonts and Reus.

Trails and Activities

Margalef has an extensive network of traditional paths and marked hiking trails. From Falset, you can reach Margalef via the T-710, then via the T-702 and from there via the T-713.

Route Itinerari 3: Margalef can be extended with a visit to the Cova de la Taverna. A headlamp or torch and a helmet are required; you should also allow at least one hour.

The Cova de la Taverna is one of the municipality’s best-known caves and is particularly popular as an introduction to caving. The climbing routes in Margalef range from difficulty levels for beginners to routes at a high performance level.

To the higher-level travel overview: Tarragona.