The Prades mountain range reaches over 1,000 metres at its highest points, creating a landscape that could not be more different from the flat, sun-baked coastline below. Dense forests of Scots pine, holm oak and black pine cover the slopes, interspersed with rocky outcrops, seasonal streams and natural springs (fonts) that have attracted walkers for centuries. The area is sometimes called the Catalan Lake District for its combination of water, forest and mountain scenery.
The village of Prades itself, known as the Vila Vermella (Red Town) for the distinctive reddish sandstone of its buildings, is the gateway to the range. Its Plaça Major, with an ornate Renaissance fountain, is a pleasant spot for a coffee before heading into the hills. The village sits at 950 metres altitude, so even on the hottest Costa Dorada days, the temperature here is typically 8-10 degrees cooler.
Hiking trails of varying difficulty lace the mountains. Popular routes include the Font Major spring circuit (easy, 2 hours), the Tossal de la Baltasana summit hike (moderate, 4 hours) and the Barranc de la Trinitat gorge walk (moderate, 3 hours). The trails are generally well-marked and pass through beautiful forest scenery with occasional views down to the coast. In spring, the forest floor is carpeted with wildflowers; in autumn, the deciduous trees turn gold and russet.
The Prades mountains are also home to one of Catalonia's most important Cistercian monasteries — Poblet — at their southern foot, and the prehistoric Coves de l'Espluga near their eastern edge. Combining a morning hike with an afternoon monastery visit or cave exploration makes for a rich inland day trip.
From Camping La Noria, take the AP-2 towards Montblanc and then climb into the mountains on the T-700. The drive takes about an hour and passes through increasingly beautiful countryside.
