Spain - regional highlights

Catalonia • Montsant

The Serra de Montsant transports you to a wonderful world of inland sea cliffs, mystical monasteries, olive groves and vineyards.

Known as the Blessed Mountain, Montsant has age-old links with the extraordinary monastery of La Cartoixa de Scala Dei. Dating back to the 12th-century, the monks introduced winemaking which brought great wealth to the region.Two hundred years ago wine making went into decline but now new terraces are being built, thanks to the growing prestige of the Priorat wines.

In the heart of this area lies the market town of Prades where we stay by the porticoed main square of this medieval village.

This delightful hotel has recently been completely restored. Run for many years by Salvador and his family, it is a real favourite with many of our guests. The hotel looks directly over the gates of the town square. All the rooms are en-suite and the food is wonderful. Journey time 2 hours.