Prades is a charming municipality located in the province of Tarragona, ideal for enjoying spectacular views of the mountains of the Baix Camp region. The town is easily recognisable due to the red sandstone buildings in the centre of the village. In fact, it is known as Vila Vermella - the vermillion villa.
Getting here is possible in several ways, including by car and by bus. It’s an easy journey either way, but if you want to visit the surrounding area, we recommend a private vehicle.
This small village has a lot of heritage, and it's also surrounded by spectacular scenery that's worth spending a few days in. For that reason, we recommend finding a place to stay.
Among the different accommodation options, you will find bungalows, charming hotels and some of the best holiday cottages in Cataluña. Everything is ready for you to start your holidays.
What to see in Prades? There are many things to visit in this mediaeval village, which is one of the best preserved in the area.
The most central point is the imposing Plaza Mayor, which is the town's focal point and the busiest place in the municipality. It is an arcaded square where you can enjoy local gastronomy in the restaurants while you enjoy views of the Renaissance-style fountain, the Font de Prades.
In the same square stands the church of Santa María, one of the most distinctive monuments of this town. Its mixture of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles are its hallmark. If you want to see the interior, you can take a guided tour.
A stroll through its centre, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1993, allows you to see the history on show in the narrow streets. Among the jewels of the city's heritage are the remains of the old defensive wall that once surrounded almost the entire village.
But if you head instead for the highest point in the village, you’ll find the ruins of the castle, alongside the partly ruined church of San Miguel. It’s here that you get the best views of Prades and the surrounding area.
Nearby are the Muntanyes de Prades, an impressive mountain range with a high biodiversity whose highest peak is the Tossal de la Baltasana, standing at more than 1,200 metres above sea level. Anyone will enjoy a visit to the area, but getting to the summit of la Baltasana and enjoying the expansive views is a challenge that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
We also encourage you to visit the nearby villages of Siurana and Capafonts, just a few kilometres away, both of which have a wealth of legends and stories that you can discover.
If you’re making up your mind what time of year to visit this village, the Festival of Thyme or Festa de la Farigola is a good bet. It’s held at the end of May and has been going on for over 40 years.