We are going to tell you all about the village of Siurana and its famous reservoir. If you haven't visited it yet...get ready for a great adventure with your family!
A village of legend
The village of Siurana (in the Priorat region), is located in a unique natural setting, on top of a hill and its privileged position will allow you to enjoy breathtaking views of the reservoir and the surrounding mountains.
In addition to the reservoir, Siurana is known for its impressive castle and for being the site of the last Arab resistance against the Christians in the 12th century.
According to legend, the Moorish king Abengalbon retreated here after the Christian conquest of Tarragona in the 12th century. He built the castle here and defended it fiercely against the Christians. After a long struggle, the Christians managed to conquer the castle and took Siurana. Legend has it that Abengalbón preferred to throw himself from the top of the cliffs rather than be captured.
🔝 You'll be amazed by the views from the castle lookout point
And although it is a small village, our recommendation is that you take your time to explore all its charm.
Take a stroll through its cobbled streets and the Plaza Mayor. Its stone houses with red-tiled roofs will transport you to another era.
Visit the church of Santa María, built in the 13th century and restored in the 18th century. The interior of the church is modest but very beautiful, with some Romanesque and Gothic elements.
After visiting the village - or before, depending on how early in the morning you are :) it's time to get out into nature and enjoy the great outdoors. There are as many options as you like.
Hiking and mountain biking
The Siurana reservoir is an ideal place for hiking or simply relaxing by the water. There are several routes that allow you to walk around the reservoir and enjoy the breathtaking views of the cliffs and mountains that surround it.
The route from the village to the reservoir is short. The path is quite steep and has a few flights of stairs, but it is easy to follow.
If you like photography, Siurana is a perfect place to get some spectacular images. Both the village and the reservoir offer landscapes that will leave you open-mouthed.
Afterwards, you can continue walking at your own pace along the reservoir, or if you have the time and energy, you can go on other cool routes. If you really love hiking or mountain biking, the best thing to do is to take a look at these routes on the Siurana tourism website.
The Siurana reservoir also has a wide variety of fauna and flora. In its waters you can find a large number of species of fish, and if you're lucky you'll be able to spot some of the birds that live in the area, such as the griffon vulture or the golden eagle.
Water sports
Here you can practice all kinds of sports such as kayaking, paddle surfing and sailing. The tranquillity of its waters makes it an ideal place for those who want to take their first steps in these activities and for the whole family.
There is a company that offers boat trips, so you don't have to paddle ;)
A paradise for climbers
The Siurana reservoir is also known for being a place of reference for climbing lovers. The cliffs surrounding the reservoir are some of the most spectacular climbing routes in the area.
Siurana is an area of great cultural importance. It is well known for its gastronomy and for its numerous wineries and vineyards, where you can taste some of the best wines of the Priorat and Montsant DOs.
All of them offer guided tours with wine tasting at very good prices, and some of them are even free if you buy wine.
And in the village there are also several restaurants where you can eat delicacies such as escalivada, trinxat or cod with sanfaina.
Els Tallers Restaurant, in Siurana. With typical local home cooking.
👉 Gastrobar El Refugi, in Cornudella del Montsant. More informal and with good dishes.
👉 Another option is to go down to the reservoir, where there are picnic areas. And enjoy a relaxing day in the countryside with family and friends.
🔝 We prefer to do the Wine Route on a different day, so you can take it easy and savour everything better. One day you go on an excursion and picnic to the reservoir, to swim and do some water sports. And another day you can enjoy the wineries, a good restaurant and a stroll through the village.
The best way to get to Siurana is by car, as there is no public transport. The road is a bit winding and narrow, but the views you will discover as you go up the mountain are worth it.
Once in the village, you can park in a small car park near the church. From there, you can walk around the village and go to the reservoir.
In short, Siurana is a beautiful place that combines nature, history and culture. A must-visit if you are in the Costa Daurada area.
However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before visiting Siurana.
For example, it is a rather touristy place, so it is advisable to go in the low season or on a daily basis to avoid crowds.
Furthermore, as we have already mentioned, access by car is the best option, but parking is limited, so you may have to park at the bottom of the mountain and walk up.
Another important aspect is respect for the natural and cultural environment of Siurana. It is a protected area and you should avoid leaving rubbish, making excessive noise or damaging the historical and cultural heritage of the village.
We hope you come and visit it and that you like it as much as we do!
