Poblet Natural Park is a specially protected natural area, on the northern slope of the Prades mountains in Tarragona (province) of Spain. The park corresponds to the headwaters of the Francolí River, in the Conca de Barberà. There is the Poblet monastery in the park which is in the UNESCO World Heritage List
Understand
[edit]
This area offers many possibilities for excursions and walks or simply to stroll enjoying the landscape and a hundred natural springs, many of which have ferruginous water. A section of the GR 175 trail passes through this natural area. It is one of the best preserved natural areas in the Tarragona region and is home to the only community of Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica) in Catalonia.
- 1 Main Tourist office and park office, Edifici de l’Alberg Jaume I - baixos, Ctra. de les Masies (TV-7007) s/n - L’Espluga de Francolí - 43440, ☏ +34 977 871 732, [email protected]. M-F 08:00-15:00. free.
- 2 Poblet Monastery Tourist office (Monestir de Poblet), Passeig Abat Conill, 9 - Vimbodí i Poblet - 43430 (at the entrance of the Poblet Monastery complex), ☏ +34 977 871 247, [email protected]. M-Sa 10:00-19:00.
- 3 Tourist office at Roca de l’Abella picnic area (punt d'informació de l'Àrea de lleure de la Roca de l’Abella). Temporary closed.
History
[edit]The Poblet Natural Site owes its name to the Cistercian monastery that was founded in the 12th century on land given by Ramon Berenguer IV to the monks of the Cistercian order. The place where the current monastery was built was known as hortus populeti (a place of orchard surrounded by a forest of poplars, Populus alba) and this is where the name Poblet comes from. With the foundation of the monastery, the monks began the rational use of the forest and built different farms there. The monastic domain lasted until 1835,
It was declared a natural site of national interest in 1984 with the aim of conserving and defending the environment, preserving the landscape and restoring the heritage of the natural setting that surrounds the monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet. In 1998, the Partial Natural Reserves of the Trinitat ravine and the Tillar ravine were declared. Both are managed jointly by the Poblet PNIN. The protected area is part of the Conca de Barberà county, specifically within the municipalities of Vimbodí i Poblet and l'Espluga de Francolí.
Landscape
[edit]In the Poblet natural park, two major types of relief are clearly distinguished: in the sector of the northern slope of the Prades mountains, the relief is markedly mountainous (Prelitoral mountain range), while the northernmost part of the park is characterized by a set of flatter lands around the valley of the Sec river (Central Catalan depression). The altitude of the Natural Area ranges from 400 m in the lowest parts to 1,201 m on the Tossal de la Baltasana at the southwestern end of the protected area, a peak that represents the highest point of the Prades mountains.
Flora and fauna
[edit]The Poblet forest is an important protected forest station and contains a very varied and leafy vegetation: holm oak and holm oak with marfull; oak groves of small-leaved oak, holm oak and smoky oak and also small communities of red pine, stone pine, stone pine and white pine. Also noteworthy are the yew and holly box, which are protected species. It has the largest holm oak reserve in the country. The Baltasana hill is the highest point of the Prades mountains.
The fauna is typical of the Mediterranean mountains. Several endemic invertebrates or mammals stand out, such as the small shrew, whose population is isolated from the species' distribution area. Wild boar are abundant.
Climate
[edit]The climate is typically Mediterranean, but with nuances. It has a tendency towards continentality and also the logical effects of altitude. The general orientation of the place towards the north influences its climate, appearing as a great shadow. The average annual temperature is 13.2°C and the average annual precipitation is between 550 and 600 mm.
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]Nearest airport is Reus REU IATA near Tarragona. Poblet is 42km away following C-14 and N-240
Barcelona El Prat Airport BCN IATA is 112km by C-32 and AP-2
By train
[edit]High speed train station Camp de Tarraona is 37 km away from Poblet by N-240 . You can Connect to Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, or further away with rest of Spain cities connected by high speed or even the rest of Europe using Barcelona as connection.
- 1 l'Espluga de Francolí station (Estació de l'Espluga de Francolí). R13 R14 . It's 4km from Poblet
- 2 Montblanc station (Estació de Montblanc). R13 R14 . Use to acces the east side of the park
By bus
[edit]- La Hispano Igualadina-Monbus, toll-free: 902 29 29 00 (domestic). Route Tarragona - Poblet, has stops in Valls, Montblanc and l'Espluga de Francolí.
- Autocars plana, ☏ +34 977 21 10 30. Has lines to Vimbodí and Vilanova de Prades
By car
[edit]- To Access Poblet Monastery area
- To access Prades area
- From Montblanc follow N-240 until Vimbodí, then TV-7004 until Vilanova de Prades and then TV-7005 and T-700 until Prades.
- An alternative route is in L'Espluga de Francolí take T-700 until Poblet and follow until Prades. Is a mountain road which runs the north side and has scenic views, however slower.
Fees and permits
[edit]The park is free to enter.
Get around
[edit]Parking
[edit]- At Poblet monastery: (look at See section)
- Font de la Teula Picnic Area (look at Eat/Picnic section)
- Roca de l’Abella picnic area (look at Eat/Picnic section)
- Àrea de lleure de Castellfollit (look at Eat/Picnic section)
- Àrea de lleure de l’ermita de la Santíssima Trinitat:(look at Eat/Picnic section)
See
[edit]
- 1 Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet (Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Poblet), +34 977 870 089, [email protected]. daily 10:30-12:30, 15:00-18:00. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant Cistercian monasteries in Europe. Poblet Monastery was founded in 1150 by Cistercian monks. It became a royal pantheon for the kings of Aragon and a major spiritual and cultural center during the Middle Ages. Despite periods of decline, including abandonment in the 19th century, the monastery was restored in the 20th century and is now a thriving religious community. The monastery showcases a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural styles. €9.50, reduced €7.00..
- Key features include:
- The Outer Wall and Gateways: Visitors enter through fortified gates, indicative of the monastery’s defensive purpose.
- The Cloisters: A serene space combining Romanesque and Gothic elements, ideal for quiet reflection.
- The Church of Santa Maria: The monastery’s centerpiece, featuring Gothic arches, an impressive rose window, and royal tombs.
- The Chapter House: A vaulted hall where monks held meetings.
- The Dormitory: A vast room where monks once slept, symbolizing the simplicity of monastic life.
Poblet Monastery houses an array of artistic and cultural artifacts:
- Royal Tombs: Elaborate resting places of kings and queens of Aragon, intricately designed to reflect their status.
- Altarpieces: A collection of stunning Gothic altarpieces, including the alabaster altarpiece by Damià Forment.
- Manuscripts and Archives: Historical documents preserved in the library offer insights into medieval life and monastic practices.
Natural places
[edit]- 2 Castellfollit Valley (Vall de Castellfollit). It is located on granites from the Earth's mantle. It is listed as a Geozone of Catalonia.
- 3 The Western Rock (El Roc Ponent) (access to the base by the route "5.-geological itinerary"). In the middle of the Castell-Follit valley, this tower with vertical walls rises above the multiple spires and granite rocks that surround it.
- 4 The Enchanted Friars Rocks (Els Frares Encantats). Formations that crown the upper part of the Pena ravine. With the erosion of the conglomerates, these rocks separated by a fracture have been sculpted.
- 5 Tossal de la Baltasana Peak (Tossal de la Baltasana). The highest point of the Prades Mountains and from where you can enjoy an excellent circular panoramic view.
- 6 Cave of Fra Maginet (Cova de Fra Maginet) (follow: itinerary 1.- L'alzinar de la Pena). A cave where this monk from Poblet lived around the year 1413. Legend has it that after serving the punishment imposed by the abbot for having become a bandit and having committed misdeeds, he took refuge in this cave to live a solitary life.
other buildings
[edit]- 7 The ice well of Pena (El pou de gel de la Pena) (follow: itinerary 1.- L'alzinar de la Pena). It is an old well that was used to store ice and snow in winter. At the beginning of the 20th century it was adapted as the residence of the forestry engineer.
- 8 The charcoal kiln (La carbonera) (follow: itinerary 1.- L'alzinar de la Pena). An example of an old charcoal kiln. Until the mid-20th century, obtaining charcoal was a common practice in the Bosc de Poblet.
Viewpoints
[edit]- 9 Viewpoint "de la Pena" (Mirador de la Pena).
- 10 Viewpoint del tossal de la creu (mirador del tossal de la creu). Excellent view of the Monastery of Poblet
- 11 Viewpoint to The Western Rock (mirador del Roc de Ponent) (access by car by the Catellfollit Road).
- 12 Viewpoint Tossal de la Baltasana (Mirador del Tossal de la Baltasana) (follow suggested itinerary #3.- Teixeda i roureda de reboll al Tillar).
- 13 Viewpoint Era de Noguers (Mirador de l’Era de Noguers) (access by Castellfollit to Tillar trail).
Cities around the park
[edit]- 14 Montblanc . The old town was declared a Monumental and Artistic Site in 1947. In 1998 the cave paintings of the town were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as a site of cave art of the Mediterranean arc of the Iberian Peninsula.
- 15 l'Espluga de Francolí. is a historic town in the Conca de Barberà, known for its impressive karst caves inhabited since prehistoric times, now a key archaeological and speleological attraction. Visitors also enjoy its medieval churches, wine and rural-life museums,
- 16 Vimbodí. is a rural village framed by vineyards and forest at the foot of the Prades Mountains and Poblet Nature Park, offering wine tourism, hiking and traditional glassmaking. Its main attraction is the nearby Poblet Monastery,
- 17 Rojals. a peaceful hamlet of Montblanc, captivates visitors with its fifteen prehistoric rock art sites (9000-2000 BC), declared UNESCO World Heritage as part of the Rock Art of the Iberian Mediterranean Basin. Nestled amid rolling hills, it serves as a gateway for hiking and mountain biking trails through nature reserves and hermitages like Sant Josep and Sant Joan.
- 18 Farena. is a tiny stone village hidden in the Prades Mountains, ideal for peaceful rural tourism and nature lovers. Visitors come for scenic hikes along the Brugent river, natural pools and waterfalls, and its well-preserved traditional architecture that reflects authentic mountain life. There is the 12th century church of Sant Andreu de Farena
- 19 Capafonts. is a tiny mountain village nestled in the heart of the Prades Mountains, offering authentic rural tourism amid cool forests and rivers. Its standout attraction is the 13th-century communal bread oven, now a medieval bakery museum showcasing traditional baking heritage. Visitors enjoy scenic hikes to natural sites like the Bridge of Joi arch, Santa Llúcia hermitage, Gralles cave, and gorges of the Brugent river with its perennial Llúdriga spring. The historic old quarter features Baroque Santa Maria church and prehistoric sites, perfect for peaceful walks and discovering local cheese and charcoal-making traditions.
- 20 Prades. is a charming “red stone” mountain village in the Prades Mountains, about 950 metres above sea level. It offers a medieval Plaça Major with a Renaissance fountain, the Gothic church of Santa Maria and remnants of castle walls. Surrounded by forests and viewpoints, it is ideal for hiking, stargazing and rural gastronomy
Do
[edit]Hiking
[edit]Long range:
- 4 GR 171. and GR-175 (Ruta del Cister). crosses the park
Local hikes:
- 1. L'alzinar de la Pena, 10.4 km, mid level, starts in Font de la Magnesia
- 2. La Roca de l’Abella, very easy, starts in Roca de l’Abella picnic area.
- 3. Teixeda i roureda de reboll al Tillar, 11.6 km, mid level, starts in Font de la Teula Picnic Area
- 4S. Mycological in Castellfollit - short, 3 km, easy, starts in Àrea de lleure de Castellfollit
- 4L. Mycological in Castellfollit - long, 6.5 km, mid level, starts in Àrea de lleure de Castellfollit
- 5. Itinerari geològic del Bosc de Poblet, 8.1 km, difficult, starts in Roca de l’Abella picnic area.
- 6. Tossal de la Creu, 2.37 km, easy, starts in starts in Font de la Magnesia
- 7. El camí ramader (Poblet ↔ Prades), 12,4km non circular, difficult.
- 8. Les Cent Fonts, 4.1 km, mid level, starts in Santíssima Trinitat hermitage picnic area
- 9S. Therapeutic forestry - short, 1 km, very easy, starts in Àrea de lleure de Castellfollit
- 9L. Therapeutic forestry - long, 3.2 km, easy, starts in Àrea de lleure de Castellfollit
Mountain bike
[edit]There are several mountain bike routes. you can try:
- Prades - Tossal de la Baltasana - Punta del Curull - Vilanova de Prades - Prades
- El Tillar-Castellfollit-Tossal Baltassana
- Prades - Masis de Galzeran - Gorgs - Arboli - Castllejos - Mussara - Motllats Prades
- Poblet - Castellfollit - Titllar - Tossal Baltasana - Vallclara - Poblet
- Poblet - Riudabella - Serret de la Mina - Tossal de la Baltasana - Prades - Castellfollit - la Pena - Poblet
Road cycling
[edit]There are several road bike routes. You can try:
- Alcover, l'Albiol, la Musara, Cornudella de Montsant, Siurana, Prades, Capafons, Montral, Alcover
- Poblet - Prades - Ulldemolins - Vallclara - Vimbodí - Poblet
Climbing
[edit]There are climbing areas.
- Roquer del penitent
Birdwatching
[edit]There are more than 90 bird species in the park, not counting those that are only there during migratory passages.
The species of forest environments stand out, with numerous nocturnal and diurnal raptors, such as the goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), a relentless hunter that maneuvers quickly between the trees.
Many other interesting birds inhabit these forests, such as the jay (Garrulus glandarius), a tireless consumer of acorns, the common siskin (Certhia brachydactyla), which climbs the trunks of trees looking for spiders and other invertebrates, the pine nutcracker (Loxia curvirostra), which specializes in feeding on pine nuts, the great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major), which hollows the trunks of dead trees, and most species of tits, which represent the most numerous group of birds.
As very interesting species, due to their infrequent occurrence and Euro-Siberian requirements, we find the European nuthatch (Sitta europaea) and others from humid forest environments, summer such as the oriole (Oriolus oriolus) and the nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos), winter such as the cuckoo (Coccothraustes coccothraustes) or residents such as the wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) and the buzzard (Phylloscopus sp.).
Another large and diverse group are the so-called rupicolare birds, which inhabit cliffs and bluffs, which include protected species of raptors such as the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and the raven (Corvus corax).
On the other hand, shrubby and agricultural environments provide other species and are hunting areas for nocturnal and diurnal raptors. The most colorful and surprising species include the summer mockingbird (Caprimulgus europaeus), the bee-eater (Merops apiaster), the hoopoe (Upupa epops), the red-crowned crane (Oenanthe hispanica) and the black-crowned shrike (Lanius senator).
Buy
[edit]- Poblet Monastery Shop (La Botiga del Monestir de Poblet), poblet Monastery, ☏ +34 977 870 089. M-Sa 10:00-18:00. Local craft, books, drinks.
Eat
[edit]- Hostatgeria de Poblet, Plaça de la Corona D’Arago, 11, 43448 Vimbodí i Poblet (inside the Poblet Monastery), ☏ +34 977 300 350, [email protected]. They have fixed menu and "à la carte". from €25.
- Masia Sagués, T-700, Km.4-5, 43448 Vimbodí i Poblet, ☏ +34 659 37 49 40, +34 679 78 40 38. €25.
- 1 Bar Restaurant El Grèvol, Carrer de les Fonts, 11, Capafonts 43364, ☏ +34 977 46 33 46. €10-30.
Picnic
[edit]- 2 Font de la Teula Picnic Area (Área de Lleure de la Font de la Teula) (Aat 6 km on the T-700 road from Poblet Monastery to Prades). It has parking, tables, water source and barbecues. It's at 700 m over sea level. Is the starting point to the itinerary: 3.-Teixeda i roureda de reboll al Tillar
- 3 Roca de l’Abella picnic area (Àrea de lleure de la Roca de l’Abella) (from Poblet monastery take T-700 towards Prades after around 3 km turn right to Castellfollit road, follow around 500 m).
- 4 Àrea de lleure de Castellfollit (Àrea de Lleure de la Font Negra) (from Poblet monastery take T-700 towards Prades after around 3 km turn right to Castellfollit road. follow until the end). Is the start point of 4 routes: #4.-Mycological in Castellfollit - short and long, and #9.-Therapeutic forestry - short and long
- 5 Santíssima Trinitat hermitage picnic area (Àrea de lleure de l’ermita de la Santíssima Trinitat) (at the end of cami de l'Ermita which starts in l'espluga de francoli). It's the start point of route #9.-Les Cent Fonts
Drink
[edit]- Monastery coffee shop (La Granja de l'Hostatgeria de Poblet), inside Poblet Monastery. Th-M 10:00-13:00, 15:00-18:30. They serve coffee and tea, fruit juice, water, beer, wine, soda and some bakery and few sandwiches.
Sleep
[edit]Lodging
[edit]- Hostatgeria de Poblet, Plaça de la Corona D’Arago, 11, 43448 Vimbodí i Poblet (inside the Poblet Monastery), ☏ +34 977 300 350, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00-24:00, check-out: before noon. It has a restaurant. Around €85.
- 1 Masia Sagués, T-700, Km.4-5, 43448 Vimbodí i Poblet, ☏ +34 659 37 49 40, +34 679 78 40 38, [email protected]. around €70.
- 2 Mas de l'Arlequi, Mas de l'Arlequi, s/n, 43415 Rojals España, ☏ +34 670 253 307, [email protected]. Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 12:00. Around €100.
Mountain refuges
[edit]- 3 Refugi de Cogullons, Zona, Cogullons, s/n, 43415, Rojals, Montblanc, (It can be accessed by car via a forest track that leaves Rojals, but it is 6 kilometers in quite bad condition.), ☏ +34 676384329, [email protected]. Stone shelter located in the Montsant mountains. It has a guard service and offers twenty bunk beds equipped with mattresses and blankets, electricity, wood stove, water, toilet and shower.
- 4 Refugi Sant Andreu de Farena, Carrer dels Templers, 3, Farena, ☏ +34 660 660 721, [email protected].
Camping
[edit]Backcountry
[edit]Camping is not permitted. Camping is only permitted in the areas expressly indicated and authorized.
Stay safe
[edit]Go next
[edit]- Santes Creus is a hamlet of Aiguamúrcia in Alt Camp county that has the Santes Creus monastery ("Holy crosses monastery") , which is part of Cister Route, that links together the three Cistercian monasteries of Santes Creus, Poblet and Vallbona.
- Nuns Monastery of Vallbona de les Monges.It's part of "Cister route". Is the most important female cistercenc monastery in Catalonia.
- Valls Known by the Castells (human towers) and the Calçotada food.
- Montblanc, An still walled 12th century city, with nice downtown and intersting jewish quarter. It's also a gateway to the Cistercian Route and the scenic Prades Mountains. It hosts the annual Medieval Week in April,
- Tarragona. The Roman city, Tarraco, was one of the Roman Empire's most important cities in Spain and a provincial capital. A number of buildings and landmarks remain from that era and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many are within walking distance of the town center.
| Routes through Poblet Monastery |
| Vallbona de les Monges ← | N  E
|
→ Montblanc → Santes Creus |