Located to the north of Spain, bordering France and Andorra, the Spanish Pyrenees are a stunning location with awe-inspiring mountains, cliffs, rock formations, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls.
But it's not all about the landscapes; the region also features a unique wilderness environment with breathtaking flora and fauna. Additionally, it is scattered with historical landmarks and heartwarming villages at the foot of the mountains that make visiting the area an overall pleasure. Especially, if rock climbing is your thing.
With its limestone and sandstone cliffs, crags and boulders, there are plenty of climbing opportunities in the Spanish Pyrenees, and for all levels. At Explore-share, we consulted certified AEGM mountain and rock climbing guide Marc Vilaplana to find out his top spots in the region for this breathtaking sport. Read on to find out his recommendations:
Catalonia
Catalonia is an autonomous community located in the northeast of Spain. It is comprised of 4 provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. It is considered to be a premier sport climbing destination. According to Marc, the two most important rock climbing spots in Catalonia are Pedraforca and Cavallers, and both these areas are great for all level climbers.
Pedraforca
Pedraforca is a 2,506 m mountain in the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park, on the boundary between Barcelona and Lleida. Due to its unique shape, with two ridges and a neck, enforcadura, that connects them, it is one of the most emblematic mountains in Catalonia and a great spot for climbers of all levels.
Cavallers
The Cavallers, a cluster of giant granite rock slabs, are located in the northwest of the region in Lleida, in the stunning Aigües Tortes National Park. They feature great sport climbing opportunities for both intermediate and advanced climbers as well as longer alpine climbs.
In the Cavallers, you will find both single and multi-pitch climbing options not to mention, stunning views. Some of the most popular routes in the Cavallers are Agulles de Comalestorres, a tower of rock with three sport climbing routes; Placa Xalmet, a granite slab overlooking the reservoir; and the Pasions Quirúrgicas, Directa Americana, Salam Alekum and La Babosa, perfect for varied climbing and breathtaking views.
Keep reading: Rock climbing in Sierra del Montsec, an amazing spot very close to Barcelona
Aragon
Aragon is an autonomous community in northeast Spain comprised of the Huesca, Tarragona, and Teruel provinces. It is home to the Ebro river and to some of the highest mountains in the Pyrenees. According to Marc, the two main rock climbing spots in this breathtaking region are Peña Montañesa and Ordesa.
Peña Montañesa
Peña Montañesa is located in the province of Huesca in the Sobrarbe Comarca, and it is a stunning limestone rocky outcrop of the pre-Pyrenees. The highest peak on the ridge is 2295 m high. Additionally, this spot is also of great historical importance. There are between 10 to 20 trad rock climbing routes in this area, with difficulties ranging between 5c to 7b. Furthermore, when climbing in Peña Montañesa on a clear day, you can enjoy stunning views of Monte Perdido, Cotiella and Posets.
Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park
Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is also located in Sobrarbe, in Huesca. It is famous for its stunning flora and fauna including willows, birches, pines, edelweiss flowers, and fairy's thimbles, as well as Pyrenean chamois, boars, and golden eagles, to name a few. It is also a renowned spot for difficult rock climbing on sandstone and limestone walls.The most famous rock climbing spots in Ordesa are the Mondarruego peak at an altitude of 2,848 m., the Tozal del Mallo peak at an altitude of 2,254 m., the challenging Zaratustra route, and the Fraucata face of Monte Arruebo.According to Marc, Ordesa boasts some of the most impressive walls in Spain, offering great ambiance and classic multi-pitch climbing for climbers with a very good physical condition.
Join certified guide Marc on a multi-pitch rock climbing trip in Ordesa!
Best Time to Go Rock Climbing in the Spanish Pyrenees
The best time of the year to go climbing in the Pyrenees is from the months of June to October. These are the warmest months in the region and there is no snow in sight. The hottest month in this period is August with an average daytime high of 27°C and an average nighttime low of 14°C. Furthermore, climbing is possible both in the sun and in the shade and the vegetation is in full bloom during these months, which will give you the chance to enjoy the stunning greens.
How To Get There & Where to Stay
The easiest way to get to the Spanish Pyrenees is to fly in the Barcelona Prat de Llobregat airport and then plan your transfers accordingly. If you are going to Aragon, then you can take a domestic flight to Zaragosa. To get around, you can then either travel by car, bus or train to get to specific locations. In terms of where to stay, Marc recommends going to Berga, in the province of Barcelona, to Boi, a beautiful village in Lleida, both in Catalonia, and to Torla-Ordesa and Ainsa-Sobrarbe, both in Huesca in Aragon.
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Start planning your rock climbing adventure and get ready for unforgettable moments in the breathtaking Spanish Pyrenees! Check out Marc Vilaplana's programs in the area and pick your next rock climbing trip! Whether you are just starting out or looking to put your skills to practice, you will find the perfect spots to enjoy a unique active holiday in this stunning location.
Need more inspiration? Keep reading about the best rock climbing spots near Barcelona.
