Attractions and Places To See around Cabacés - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Cabacés include a blend of natural features and historical sites within the Priorat region of Tarragona. The village is characterized by its varied topography, divided by the Montsant river and bordering the Montsant Natural Park. This setting provides opportunities for exploring gorges, rivers, and mountainous terrain. Visitors can discover medieval elements, significant hermitages, and sites related to the region's wine and olive oil production.
Best attractions and places to see around Cabacés
- The most popular attractions is Cadolles Fondes Deep Pools, a canyon carved into the rock by the action of water. It is known for its deep pools and diverse aquatic wildlife, including fish, river crabs, and various birds.
- Another must-see spot is Hermitage of Saint John of Codolar, a religious building originally constructed by Carthusian monks at the end of the 15th century. This Baroque-style hermitage is notable for its historical significance and the hermit who maintains the site.
- Visitors also love Escaladei Charterhouse, a historical site founded in the 12th century by French Carthusian monks. Visitors can explore the ruins of this 12th-century monastery, including cloisters, the church, and a reconstructed cell.
- Cabacés is known for its natural features like deep pools and gorges, historical sites such as medieval bridges and hermitages, and cultural landmarks including museums and churches. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, reflecting its rich history and natural environment.
- The attractions around Cabacés are appreciated by the komoot community, with 6 highlights, 37 photos, and 49 upvotes, indicating their general appeal.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Cadolles Fondes Deep Pools
Highlight • Canyon
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Escaladei Charterhouse
Highlight • Historical Site
The ladder to heaven, or ladder to God, can be found again today in the priory logo.
The charterhouse existed until 1835 and lived through periods of great splendor. For seven centuries the monks tilled the fields, built mills and taught agricultural techniques and viticulture. The prior, hence the name of the region, was the judge and administrator of the villages in the center of what is now the county, roughly corresponding to what is now the Priorat growing area.
With the secularization of the church property (expropriation) by Mendizábal (1835), the monks were forced to flee suddenly, leaving their cells, the cloisters, the church and the guest house abandoned. In just two years, the once-magnificent Charterhouse was reduced to rubble as peasants weary of servitude, tithes, and submission plundered it.
The monastery ruins are open to the public: visitors are led to the three cloisters, the church and the dining room, as well as to a cell that has been reconstructed with great care.
A visit to the Carthusian monastery of Escaladei is a must for anyone who wants to discover the origins of the Priorat region.
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Hermitage of Saint John of Codolar
Highlight • Religious Site
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Hermitage of Sant Bartomeu de Fraguerau
Highlight • Religious Site
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Cornudella to La Morera de Montsant Ascent
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
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Tips from the Community
A beautiful nature surprise - also invites you to take a little dip.
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Beautiful climb, but place just before national park
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A wonderful place, privileged and full of charm and nature, everything very clean and cared for, I recommend going to see it and chat with its pleasant hermit
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impressive sights
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It is a very affordable climb dotted with some 8% ramps. From the moment you leave the town of Cornudella, it is a panoramic climb where you can observe the beauty of this area, both the mountains and the valleys dotted with vines. After passing the first section, which is the hardest, the climb is a succession of slides, where you can enjoy the landscape. Below I leave you the link published by cyclingcols on their website -- http://www.cyclingcols.com/col/MoreraDeMontsant
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The hermitage was built by the Carthusian monks at the end of the 15th century. It has this name because it is surrounded by large rocks, which in Catalan are called “còdols”. Today, it is inhabited by a hermit who is in charge of its maintenance.
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The Carthusian monastery dates back to the 12th century, when the monks of Provence chose to build, in this unique setting, at the foot of the Sierra del Montsant, the first Carthusian monastery on the Iberian Peninsula. During the 19th century, the monks fled the territory, leaving the land and buildings abandoned. Due to the constant looting, the space occupied by the charterhouse was deteriorated and, today, the remains of the cloisters, the church, as well as the refectory can be visited.
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The Cadolles Fondes are located at the end of the Fraguerau gorge, at the confluence of the Gleva stream (in the form of a waterfall) with the Montsant river. The name is due to the large number of ponds of considerable depth carved into the rock by the action of the water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find natural swimming spots near Cabacés?
You can discover the Cadolles Fondes Deep Pools, located at the end of the Fraguerau gorge where the Gleva torrent meets the Montsant river. These pools are carved into the rock and are known for their diverse aquatic wildlife, making them a great spot for nature observation and swimming.
What historical sites can I explore within Cabacés village?
Cabacés boasts a rich historic town center with well-preserved medieval elements, including the Carrer Major and Pla de la Bassada. You can also visit the Old Bridge (Pont Vell), a typical three-arched stone bridge crossing the Montsant river, and the Parish Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, which houses a 14th-century Gothic altarpiece.
Are there any significant hermitages to visit around Cabacés?
Yes, the area is home to several important hermitages. The Hermitage of Saint John of Codolar is a Baroque-style building from the 18th century, originally built by Carthusian monks. Another notable site is the Hermitage of Sant Bartomeu de Fraguerau, known for its tranquil setting. You can also find the Hermitage of La Foia and the Hermitage of Sant Roc nearby.
What hiking opportunities are available near Cabacés?
Cabacés is situated near the Serra del Montsant, offering excellent opportunities for hiking within the Montsant Natural Park. The mountainous terrain provides numerous routes, including trails leading to local hermitages. For more detailed routes, you can explore the hiking guides around Cabacés.
Can I learn about the local art and history of Cabacés?
Yes, the Miquel Montagud Municipal Museum in Cabacés showcases original works by local artist Miquel Montagud Borja (1897-1984), who lived in the village, as well as reproductions of pieces by El Greco. It's a great place to connect with the region's artistic heritage.
What is the history behind the Escaladei Charterhouse?
The Escaladei Charterhouse is a historical site founded in the 12th century by French Carthusian monks, making it the first Carthusian monastery on the Iberian Peninsula. Visitors can explore the ruins, including cloisters, the church, refectory, and a reconstructed cell, offering a glimpse into seven centuries of monastic life and the origins of the Priorat region.
Are there cycling routes suitable for different skill levels near Cabacés?
Yes, the area around Cabacés is well-suited for cycling, with many trails that allow visitors to discover picturesque landscapes and vineyards. You can find various routes, including challenging road cycling and gravel biking options. Explore detailed routes in the Cycling around Cabacés guide or the Road Cycling Routes around Cabacés guide.
What kind of local products are produced in Cabacés?
Cabacés is deeply connected to the production of olive oil and wine. The region falls within the Siurana Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) for oil and the Montsant Designation of Origin (DO) for wine. Visitors can explore local wineries like Celler Mas de les Vinyes and olive oil mills such as Molí Miró Cubells and the Cooperativa de Cabacés.
Are there any scenic viewpoints in the Cabacés area?
The region offers several scenic spots, particularly along routes like the Cornudella to La Morera de Montsant Ascent, which provides expansive views of the vineyards of Priorat and the Serra de Montsant Mountains. The varied topography, including gorges and mountainous terrain, naturally creates many picturesque vistas.
What kind of wildlife can be observed in the natural areas around Cabacés?
The Montsant river, particularly around the Cadolles Fondes Deep Pools, is a wildlife reserve. You can observe a diverse fish population including madrilles and river trout, along with river crabs, green frogs, and water snakes. Birdwatchers might spot water blackbirds and kingfishers, while mammals like water rats and ferrets also inhabit the area.
Is the area around Cabacés suitable for family-friendly activities?
Many of the natural and historical sites, such as the Hermitage of Saint John of Codolar and the Escaladei Charterhouse, are considered family-friendly. The natural parks and trails offer opportunities for gentle walks and exploration suitable for families, and there are picnic areas near sites like the Hermitage of La Foia.
Most popular attractions around Cabacés
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