El Lloar, Priorat

About the place:

What do you think of following an old stone path, where in the past the horses and mules passed with bags, and arrive to the top to enjoy of spectacular views over the landscape of the Priorat?

Rising gently among vineyards from the village of El Lloar, you'll find the path that still keeps some almost intact cobbled parts. The itinerary offers besides panoramic views of the Montsant saw, some elements that will awake the curiosity of children: an unusual rock formation with a face with a very long pointed nose and some small caves to hide.

At the time of harvest in late summer, you can meet the farmers harvesting grapes (some with great care and valuing each grain to ensure a high quality wine). And in spring you can enjoy of the colors of the rosemary and almond blossoms.

An itinerary to see the best of the Priorat!

Direction tips:

The route begins at the Torres winery in Lloar. You will arrive there by road between Gratallops and Lloar (T712). Between km 4 and 5, just before entering the village, you’ll find a street to the right that will take you to the Torres winery. You’ll find it after about 500m.  You can leave your car next to the winery (always bearing in mind that other vehicles have to be able to pass)  

Continue walking towards the mountains along the path on the left leaving the paved road you will find behind the winery. In 15 minutes after passing among vineyards following the main path, you will find a fork with three paths. Take the middle path towards the source of Minfami. Immediately the trail becomes narrower and you will find the first remains of the stone path. Follow the zigzag path that goes upwards. Although you will find a fork to your right, continue straight on  following the main path marked with yellow marks. In a few minutes you’ll reach some stairs. Continue upwards. Immediately you’ll see  the rock with the giant nose, Quima’s nose. Shortly after this you’ll find a big hole on the right that leads to a small cave full of reddish sand. Again you will find a fork. Take the cobbled path on the right. Just after a small curve, you’ll find a path to the left. At this point you’ll leave behind the cobbled path to arrive after passing by a farmhouse in ruins a larger path. Go left at this larger path (GR171) until you arrive to some vineyards. At the bifurcation turn left and when arriving to an other farmhouse in ruins, go again left in direction of Lloar. At the next bifurcation take the path on the right, marked with yellow mark on the acorn tree. You’ll follow again a cobbled path until arriving to an almond field between the mountains. The view from here is magnificent. On one side you have the Montsant saw and the other the mountains of Cardó and Els Ports: a fantastic sight of the Priorat.

Continue left passing in front of a farmhouse and following the almond field. At the end of the field, the road forks. Take the narrow path down to the left. You’ll arrive to the crossroad you passed 40 minutes ealliear. At this pint you have to go straight on and undo the path. In about 30-35 minutes you’ll be back at the Torres wineries, the starting and end point of the itinerary.

The best season:

summer, spring

Lunch tips:

In Lloar you’ll find a bar to have a drink next o the church. If you want to enjoy of an elaborated traditional meal, you must go to the restaurant of the Winery Buil & Giné in Gratallops. They have a large terrace where the kids can run a little. If you prefer some great home cooking in a décor of beginning of the XX century, go to the Fonda Nacional in Falset.

More info:

Difficulty: average
Type: semi-circular path
Total distance: approx. 6 km.
Duration: 2 hours (no breaks, roundtrip)
Accessibility: It is a path with slope of 240m. There are many stones on the road.
Recommendations: use mountain footwear. Watch the kids at all times, since there is one stretch where the trail is very narrow.

Photo: © ExploraTgn.cat