The Priorat region has recently become famous for its wine thanks to a new generation of wine makers who modernised the traditional methods here just 30 years ago. Today these new Priorato wines are being hailed as some of the best Spanish wines and are gaining world wide recognition for their flavour and heritage.
Priorat has been producing wine for over 1000 years in a tradition that was revived by nearby monks and their holy vineyards in the 11th Century. The quality of todays wine is because of mature lower yielding vines, low summer rainfall, steep slopes that prevent automated harvesting and the rich red volcanic soil. Wine tours of the many bodegas are available (bookable in advance) where you can sample and learn about the making and philosophy behind the wines.
From the Casita you can explore the many monasteries, villages and bodegas by bicycle, foot or car. Nearby Cartoixia d'Escaladei meaning Ladder of God is the oldest Carthusian monastery in Spain and well worth a visit. It also gave the Priorat region it's name. There is a network of foot paths and walking routes called senderos which connect local towns and villages and form part of the E4 euro-walk from Spain to Greece.
Alforja has 3 equestrian centres offering horse back excursions into the surrounding countryside and mountain bikers, climbers and thrill seekers will not be disappointed with recognised routes across the more extreme landscape.
About the neighbourhood.
The town of Falset is known as the gateway to the Priorat, the region is famous for its excellent wine and olive oil. The town is a 2 min drive by car and a 15 min walk from the casita and has all the amenities for a small but lively town. Every Tuesday there is a town market in the square selling the freshest produce and a great place to get a coffee and watch the world go by. The town has a good selection of bars/ restaurants serving great local cuisine and fine wines and always offer a great menu of the day for around €10.
The town has several fiestas throughout the year, our favourites have to be the wine fair at the end of April/May and the summer fiesta in Mid August with many processions and firework displays super fun.
Along our road and the surrounding area many wine bodegas where you get to learn about the wine making process and best of all try the famous wines of the region .
We generally advise that car hire is essential if you wish to explore the wonderful area and all the local attractions that are on offer. Car hire is available at all the airports and cities.
How To Get Here.
Airport : REUS 20 miles
Railway : Marca/ Falset 2 miles
Ferry : Barcelona 75 miles
Reus is the local airport and is only a 25 min drive from Casita Molino. There are many low cost airlines that fly from here and Ryanair has daily flights from Stansted, Dublin, Glasgow, Liverpool and many more in the busy summer months. EasyJet fly to Barcelona and takes 90 mins to drive to Falset.
We have a great train service www.renfe.es , 6 trains a day from Barcelona to Falset for only €11.95
Local Activities include, fishing, horse riding, kayaking , biking, rock climbing and nearby golf courses and near to Salou is the famous PortAventura a large roller coaster theme park and Water Park.
Nearby cities of Reus and Tarragona so something for everyone.
"Priorat is a well-kept secret – and it’s almost all yours. Of course we meet other cyclists from time to time, but if you are familiar with cycling-meccas like the Alps or Mallorca your saluting arm will appreciate a relaxed week! Going to Priorat you can look forward to many wonderful hours of relaxed riding, breathing the clean air and enjoying the unspoilt scenery…" http://www.bikecat.com/wine-tour
Beautiful scenery; vineyards, almond trees, olive fields, mountains etc. Great for hiking!
Rock climbing trails in Siruana such as "Corral Nou".
Priorat produces the famous and prestigious wine of the Denominación de Origen Calificada Priorat. "Is one of the most dynamic wine regions in Spain."