Priorat and Beceite guided spring walking holiday in northern Spain

Guided Walking Holiday

Priorat & Beceite

Q: Are your trips guaranteed to run?

Yes. All Hike Pyrenees holidays are guaranteed to run. Once you book, your trip is confirmed.

Q: What makes the Priorat & Beceite holiday special?

The holiday combines two contrasting areas: the vineyards, villages and rugged mountains of Priorat, followed by the wilder landscapes of Beceite, with deep gorges, rocky peaks, forests and clear rivers. Local wine, olive oil, traditional food and cultural visits are also part of the week.

Q: Why visit Priorat and Beceite in spring?

Spring is a wonderful time to walk in this part of Spain. In April the countryside is green, spring flowers are appearing and temperatures are generally comfortable for walking, while the villages and landscapes are quieter than in summer.

Q: Where do you pick up from?

Transfers on the arrival and departure days are included. Pick-ups are available from Barcelona-El Prat Airport and Barcelona Sants train station. Exact meeting points and transfer arrangements are confirmed before the holiday.

Q: Can I arrive by train instead of flying?

Yes. Barcelona Sants is one of the included pick-up points, so arriving in Barcelona by train is fine.

Q: Where will I stay during the holiday?

This is a two-centre holiday. Guests spend the first three nights at Hotel El Palauet del Priorat in Cornudella de Montsant, followed by four nights at Hotel Fábrica de Solfa in Beceite.

Q: What meals are included?

Breakfast, picnic lunches on walking days and seven evening meals are included. One evening meal is a relaxed vineyard barbecue in Matarraña, wine is included with evening meals, and there is also a traditional Catalan lunch on the transfer day.

Q: How difficult are the walks?

There is one guided walking level and the group walks together. The routes are designed for regular walkers with reasonable fitness. Walking days range from around 10 to 15 kilometres, with ascents of approximately 370 to 915 metres, on a mixture of tracks, woodland trails, mountain paths and some rougher rocky sections.

Guided spring walking holiday
in North-East Spain

From the vineyards and mountain villages of Priorat to the wild landscapes of Beceite

★★★★★ 3 trusted reviews from our guests

Guided hiking

7 nights

Grade 2: Moderate

Two centre

Walking, Wine & Wild Landscapes in North-East Spain

Discover two wonderfully contrasting corners of north-east Spain on this guided spring walking holiday, combining the vineyards and rugged mountains of Priorat in Catalonia with the wild gorges and limestone landscapes of the Puertos de Beceite in Aragón.

With three nights in Priorat and four nights in Beceite, we’ll walk through vineyards and Mediterranean woodland, explore the spectacular Serra de Montsant and Siurana, then swap wine country for rocky summits, deep gorges, pine forests and some wonderfully wild walking around Beceite.

Spring is a wonderful time to explore this part of Spain on foot, with green landscapes, wildflowers and comfortable walking temperatures. Along the way, there’s time to enjoy what makes these regions so special off the trail too – excellent local food, Priorat wine, historic villages and a slower, quieter side of Spain.

Read guest reviews of this holiday →

Priorat & Beceite

7-night guided walking holiday in north-eastern Spain

From €1,999
per person

Single supplement: €299

2027 Dates & availability

Ready to book?

You can book your Priorat & Beceite holiday online.

Book this trip

Overview

Moderate spring hiking in north-eastern Spain
Two-centre guided walking holiday
Transfers from Barcelona Airport or Barcelona Sants train station
Guided walking combined with local food, wine and culture
Stay in two charming hotels in Priorat and Beceite

Priorat and Beceite are two very different areas, and it is this contrast that makes the holiday so special. We spend the first three nights among the vineyards, historic villages and rugged mountains of Priorat before moving to Beceite for four nights of wilder walking among deep gorges, rocky ridges and Mediterranean forests.

Priorat
Vineyards and the Serra de Montsant

Beceite
Gorges, rivers and mountain landscapes

One walking level throughout the week

There is one walking level throughout the week, allowing the group to enjoy the routes together. The walking is varied, from ancient paths through vineyards and villages to mountain trails in the Serra de Montsant and the more rugged limestone landscapes around Beceite.

Food, wine and local culture

There is plenty to enjoy away from the trails too. Local food and wine are an important part of the week, and many of our visits are to small, family-run businesses and local projects. Meeting the people behind the vineyards, olive oil and food gives us a much closer connection with the area and a real insight into life in these quieter corners of Spain.

Transfers are included from Barcelona-El Prat Airport and Barcelona Sants train station on the arrival and departure days, making the holiday straightforward to join whether travelling to Barcelona by air or rail.

Itinerary

Our itinerary combines guided walking with local culture, food and wine, giving you the chance to discover both the landscapes and character of Priorat and Beceite.

We keep the walking itinerary flexible and may adjust individual routes according to the weather, trail conditions and the group. There is one walking level throughout the holiday, with everyone walking together each day.

Day 1 – Arrival in Priorat

We'll meet you at either Barcelona Sants train station in the city centre or Barcelona-El Prat Airport before transferring to Hotel El Palauet del Priorat in Cornudella de Montsant, our base for the first three nights.

After settling into the hotel, we'll meet for a welcome briefing and talk through the week ahead before enjoying our first evening meal together.

Day 2 – Siurana: A Land of Warriors and Princesses

Our first walk takes us from Cornudella de Montsant up to Siurana, a beautiful medieval village perched dramatically above the surrounding valleys. Siurana was the last Moorish stronghold in Catalonia, finally falling to Christian forces in 1153, and its spectacular position has given rise to legends that are still told today.

On reaching the village, Paul, our host in Cornudella, will meet us for a guided walk through Siurana, bringing its fascinating history and stories to life. We then return to Cornudella.

Distance: 14 km (9 miles) · Ascent: 500 m (1,640 ft)

Siurana village above the Priorat landscape

Siurana
Perched high above the Priorat landscape

Later in the afternoon, Paul will show us around the village's cooperative winery, where his own grapes are used to produce wine. We'll learn about the history and importance of wine growing in Priorat and explore the cooperative's impressive Modernista building.

Day 3 – The Serra de Montsant Ridge

Today we head into the Serra de Montsant, the great wall of rock that dominates the Priorat landscape. We climb to Roca Corbatera (1,163 m), the highest point in the range, before descending through the cliffs to the secluded Hermitage of Sant Joan del Codolar. From here, a wonderful balcony trail beneath the cliffs leads us back towards Albarca.

Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles) · Ascent: 600 m (1,980 ft)

After our walk, we'll visit AJV Winery in the Priorat DOQ for a guided tour and wine tasting — a chance to discover why this small region has developed such an international reputation for its wines.

Day 4 – Priorat to Matarraña

Today we leave Priorat and make our way south-west towards Beceite and the Matarraña region of Aragón.

Our first stop is the historic Carthusian Monastery of Escaladei, whose story is closely intertwined with the development of wine growing in Priorat.

We then visit a small traditional olive oil producer to learn about another of the region's most important products. After an olive oil tasting, we'll sit down to a traditional Catalan lunch.

In the afternoon, we continue to Beceite and the charming Hotel Fábrica de Solfa, our base for the next four nights.

Day 5 – Walking the Parrissal Gorge

A short drive brings us to El Parrissal, one of the best-known natural sights in the Matarraña. We follow the River Matarraña upstream into an increasingly dramatic limestone gorge, with sections of the route following wooden walkways just above the clear water.

As the gorge narrows and the rock walls close in around us, we'll eventually reach the point where our route turns back. Depending on conditions and the group, there are opportunities to add higher-level loops for wonderful views into the gorge.

Distance: 9.7 km (6 miles) · Ascent: 370 m (1,215 ft)

Day 6 – Penyagalera Summit

A proper mountain day today as we climb Penyagalera, a striking conglomerate summit close to Beceite. A steep ascent brings us onto the mountain and eventually to the summit, with extensive views across the Matarraña and surrounding ranges.

Our circular route then descends towards the Río Ulldemó, where its clear pools provide a tempting place to paddle — or swim if the spring weather is kind to us.

Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles) · Ascent: 600 m (1,980 ft)

Penyagalera in the mountains near Beceite

Penyagalera
A spectacular mountain walk above Beceite and the Matarraña

Later in the afternoon, we'll head to the vineyards of Mas de Torubio. Starting beside an ancient Iberian burial tumulus, we'll walk through the vines with the owner, learning about the grape varieties grown here. We'll finish with a wine tasting among the vines followed by a relaxed barbecue evening meal.

Day 7 – The Estrets Gorge

Our final walk explores Estrets, a beautiful conglomerate gorge with a completely different character from the limestone scenery of El Parrissal.

The trail follows the gorge past colourful rock formations and clear pools before making a small circuit beyond the narrowest section. We then return through the gorge, enjoying the landscape from a different perspective on our way back.

Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles) · Ascent: 500 m (1,640 ft)

Day 8 – Departure to Barcelona

After breakfast, we'll leave Beceite and transfer back to Barcelona, with drop-offs at Barcelona Sants train station and Barcelona-El Prat Airport.

Priorat & Beceite
2027 Dates & Prices

This holiday runs Sunday to Sunday
18 – 25 April 2027

Price

1999 € per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room.
299 € single room supplement.

Included

7 nights' accommodation in two carefully chosen hotels
3 nights at Hotel El Palauet del Priorat in Cornudella de Montsant
4 nights at Hotel Fábrica de Solfa in Beceite
Breakfast each morning
Picnic lunches on each walking day
7 three-course evening meals, including a vineyard barbecue in Matarraña
Wine with the evening meals
Traditional Catalan lunch on the transfer day
Guided winery visit and wine tasting in Priorat
Olive oil producer visit and tasting
Vineyard visit and wine tasting in Matarraña
Arrival and departure transfers from Barcelona-El Prat Airport or Barcelona Sants train station
All transport between the two hotels and to and from the walks

Not included

Flights or travel to Barcelona, travel insurance, and drinks with evening meals other than the included wine.

Getting to Priorat & Beceite

Transfers are included from Barcelona-El Prat Airport or Barcelona Sants train station on the arrival and departure days.

The information below is provided as a guide to help you understand how our Barcelona transfers usually work.

By air – Barcelona-El Prat Airport

Barcelona-El Prat Airport is served by a wide range of international airlines, making it a convenient arrival point for guests travelling from the UK, Europe and further afield.

On arrival day, our airport pick-up is at 14:00. We then continue to Barcelona Sants train station to collect guests arriving by rail before transferring together to the holiday base.

At the end of the holiday, we provide a return transfer to Barcelona, with a drop-off at Barcelona Sants train station at 11:00, followed by Barcelona-El Prat Airport.

By train – Barcelona Sants

Barcelona Sants is the city’s main railway station and is well connected by high-speed and long-distance trains from many parts of Spain.

Our arrival day pick-up from Barcelona Sants is at 14:30.

Our departure day drop-off to Barcelona Sants is at 11:00.

Useful train operators include RENFE and Iryo.

For more details of our transfers, please see our getting here page. If you would like help choosing suitable flights or trains, please drop us an email and we’ll be happy to help.

Hotels

One of the pleasures of this holiday is staying in two very different, characterful hotels. Both are small, welcoming places that make excellent bases for exploring their respective regions.

Hotel El Palauet del Priorat – Cornudella de Montsant

Our base for the first three nights is Hotel El Palauet del Priorat, a small boutique hotel in the village of Cornudella de Montsant. Surrounded by the vineyards and mountains of Priorat, it is ideally placed for our walks to Siurana and in the Serra de Montsant.

The hotel has individually styled, comfortable en-suite rooms and a strong focus on the food and wine of the region. Its location in the heart of Cornudella also means we can enjoy village life and get to know a little more about Priorat during our stay.

Hotel El Palauet del Priorat

Breakfast room at the hotel

Guest room at Hotel El Palauet del Priorat

Individually styled guest rooms

Boutique bedroom at Hotel El Palauet del Priorat

Comfortable boutique accommodation

Food served at Hotel El Palauet del Priorat

Local food is an important part of the stay

Dinner served at Hotel El Palauet del Priorat in Cornudella de Montsant

Regional food and wine at Hotel El Palauet del Priorat

Hotel Fábrica de Solfa – Beceite

For our four nights in Beceite, we stay at Hotel Fábrica de Solfa, a friendly, family-run hotel overlooking the River Matarraña. The building was once a paper mill and has been carefully converted while retaining many of its original features and character.

With just eight en-suite rooms, it is a wonderfully intimate base for our time in Beceite. There is a small terrace overlooking the river, along with a dining room and comfortable lounge. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, although the signal can be weaker in some bedrooms.

Hotel Fábrica de Solfa beside the River Matarraña in Beceite

Hotel Fábrica de Solfa in Beceite

Historic former paper mill housing Hotel Fábrica de Solfa

A historic former paper mill

Interior of Hotel Fábrica de Solfa in Beceite

Characterful hotel interiors

One of the hotel's eight guest rooms

Dining and lounge area at Hotel Fábrica de Solfa

A relaxed and intimate base in Beceite

River Matarraña and mountain scenery near Beceite

Breakfast in Beceite

Frequently Asked Questions

Hike Pyrenees Trip Guarantee

Are your trips guaranteed to run?

Yes — all Hike Pyrenees holidays are guaranteed to run. Once you book, your trip is confirmed.

About Priorat & Beceite

Where are Priorat and Beceite?

Priorat and Beceite are in north-east Spain, within easy reach of Barcelona. Priorat lies in Catalonia and is best known for its vineyards, historic villages and the rugged Serra de Montsant. Beceite lies further south-west in the Matarraña region of Aragón, surrounded by wild limestone and conglomerate mountains, deep gorges, forests and clear rivers.

What makes the Priorat & Beceite holiday special?

The contrast. We begin among the vineyards, villages and rugged mountains of Priorat before moving to the wilder landscapes of Beceite, with its deep gorges, rocky peaks, forests and clear rivers. Add local wines, olive oil, traditional food and cultural visits, and this is a walking holiday that gives you a real insight into two very different corners of north-east Spain.

Why visit Priorat and Beceite in spring?

Spring is a wonderful time to walk in this part of Spain. By April the countryside is green, spring flowers are appearing and temperatures are generally comfortable for walking, while the higher Pyrenees are still emerging from winter. It is also a quieter time of year to explore the villages and landscapes of both regions.

What is Priorat like for walking?

Priorat may be best known internationally for its wine, but it is also a wonderful area to explore on foot. Ancient paths weave between vineyards, villages and historic sites, while the Serra de Montsant rises dramatically above the wine country and provides some excellent mountain walking.

What is Beceite like for walking?

Beceite has a much wilder character, with limestone and conglomerate mountains cut by rivers and deep gorges. The walking ranges from riverside trails and spectacular canyon scenery to rocky mountain paths and summits, with pine forests and clear pools adding to the variety.

Travel & Transfers from Barcelona

Where do you pick up from?

Transfers on the arrival and departure days are included in the cost of your holiday. We offer pick-ups from both Barcelona-El Prat Airport and Barcelona Sants train station, making the trip easy to join whether you are flying into Barcelona or arriving by train. We will confirm the exact meeting points and transfer arrangements before your holiday.

Can I arrive by train instead of flying?

Yes. Barcelona Sants is one of our included pick-up points, so arriving in Barcelona by train is absolutely fine. We will confirm the meeting point and transfer time before your holiday.

Can I make my own way to Priorat?

Yes — you are welcome to drive or arrange your own transport. Let us know when booking and we will confirm where and when to meet the group.

Will we have long transfers to the walks?

One of the advantages of using two bases is that we can stay close to the areas we are exploring. There will be short transfers to some walks and activities, while other days may start close to the hotel. The longer journey between Priorat and Beceite is incorporated into the itinerary with visits to Escaladei and a local olive oil producer, rather than simply being a transfer day.

Accommodation

Where will I stay during the holiday?

This is a two-centre holiday. We spend the first three nights at Hotel El Palauet del Priorat in Cornudella de Montsant before moving to Hotel Fábrica de Solfa in Beceite for the final four nights. Both are small, characterful hotels that make excellent bases for exploring their respective regions.

Why does the holiday use two bases?

The two bases allow us to explore two very different landscapes without spending long periods travelling each day. Priorat is characterised by vineyards, historic villages and the mountains of the Serra de Montsant, while Beceite has a wilder feel, with rocky peaks, deep gorges, forests and clear mountain rivers.

Can I book a single room?

Yes. Single rooms are available for a supplement of €299.

Is there Wi-Fi at the hotels?

Yes — Wi-Fi is available at both hotels. As these are small rural hotels, the signal may be stronger in some areas of the buildings than others.

Meals, Wine & Dietary Requirements

What meals are included?

Breakfast is included each morning, along with picnic lunches on the walking days and seven evening meals. One of the evening meals is a relaxed vineyard barbecue in Matarraña, and wine is included with the evening meals. We also enjoy a traditional Catalan lunch on the day we travel from Priorat to Beceite.

What are the meals like?

Food is an important part of this holiday. Both Priorat and Matarraña have strong local food traditions, and we want you to enjoy these alongside the walking. During the week we'll enjoy local produce, olive oil, regional dishes and, of course, the wines for which Priorat is famous.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary requirements can normally be catered for with advance notice. Please let us know when booking so that we can make the necessary arrangements with the hotels and restaurants.

Walking Level & Fitness

How difficult are the walks?

This is a moderate walking holiday with one guided walking level throughout the week, and the group walks together. The routes are designed for regular walkers with a reasonable level of fitness. Most walking days are around 10–14 km (6–9 miles), with approximately 370–600 metres (1,215–1,980 ft) of ascent. We walk on a mixture of good paths, vineyard tracks, woodland trails and mountain paths, with some steeper, rougher and rockier sections.

How fit do I need to be?

You should be a regular walker and comfortable spending several hours on the trail, including walking uphill and downhill on uneven mountain paths. A reasonable level of walking fitness will make the holiday much more enjoyable.

What is the terrain like?

The terrain changes considerably during the week. In Priorat we walk through vineyards, Mediterranean woodland and the rugged landscapes of the Serra de Montsant. Around Beceite there are more rocky paths, gorges, ridges and mountain trails. This variety is one of the highlights of the holiday.

Group & Guiding

How big are the groups?

The maximum group size on our Priorat & Beceite holiday is just 8 guests. Keeping the group small helps create a relaxed, sociable atmosphere and allows our guides to give everyone plenty of attention throughout the week.

Who leads the walks?

All walks are led by one of our small team of experienced, fully qualified, English-speaking Hike Pyrenees guides. As well as leading the walks safely, our guides will help you discover more about the landscapes, villages, history and traditions of the areas we visit.

Is this holiday suitable for solo travellers?

Yes — many of our guests travel alone. Our guided holidays have a friendly, sociable atmosphere and, with a maximum group size of just 8, solo travellers quickly become part of the group. Single rooms are available for a supplement.

Can you run this itinerary for a private group?

Yes. We can run the Priorat & Beceite itinerary as a private trip for groups of friends, walking clubs or other small groups, with dates to suit the group. Contact us with your approximate group size and preferred dates and we'll be happy to discuss the options.

Walking, Culture & Gastronomy

Is this mainly a walking holiday?

Walking is at the heart of the holiday, but this trip has been designed to show you much more than just the trails. Alongside the guided walks, the itinerary includes cultural and gastronomic experiences that help you discover the character of Priorat and Matarraña. Wine, olive oil, local food, historic villages and the story of the landscape are all part of the week.

Are wine tastings included in the holiday?

Yes. In Priorat we'll visit local wineries to learn more about the region's vineyards and wines, with guided visits and tastings included. Later in the week we'll also visit a vineyard in Matarraña for a tasting among the vines followed by a barbecue. You don't need to be a wine expert — or even a wine drinker — to enjoy the holiday.

Will we visit an olive oil producer?

Yes. On the day we travel from Priorat to Beceite we'll visit a local olive oil producer for a visit and tasting, followed by a traditional Catalan lunch. It's a lovely way to discover another important part of the food and farming traditions of the region.

Are there cultural visits during the week?

Yes. Culture is an integral part of the itinerary rather than simply an add-on. Our week includes a guided visit to the historic village of Siurana and a visit to the Carthusian Monastery of Escaladei, alongside opportunities to discover the history and traditions of Priorat and Matarraña.

Spring Weather & What to Bring

What is the weather like in April?

April is generally an excellent time for walking in Priorat and Beceite, with mild spring temperatures and a greener landscape than during the hotter summer months. Spring weather can be changeable, however, so you should come prepared for warm sunshine as well as cooler, windy or wet conditions.

What should I bring?

Bring sturdy, comfortable hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, warm layers, sun protection, a daypack and a refillable water bottle. Spring weather can vary considerably, so layers are particularly useful. We'll send you a detailed recommended kit list before your holiday.

Can I borrow trekking poles?

Yes. We can lend you trekking poles at no extra cost — just let us know if you would like a pair.

Booking & Insurance

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Insurance covering accidents and illness while hiking in mountainous terrain is compulsory. We also recommend general travel insurance covering circumstances such as flight disruption, lost luggage and cancellation due to illness or injury before your holiday.

What is your cancellation policy?

The €125 per person deposit is non-refundable. If you have paid your balance and cancel seven weeks or more before departure, we will refund 50% of the amount paid. If you cancel less than seven weeks before departure, no refund will be made. We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance that includes suitable cancellation cover.