Northern Spain and other areas.....

I'm going to be in Europe June 25-July 30th. I start and end in Barcelona. Any recommendations on where I need go? Both climbing, outdoors, and cultural. How about partners?
Thanks!

Near Barcelona is Monserrat, Siurana, Margelef, lots more.

How far away are you willing to go? France? Italy? Western Spain? i can give you more suggestions depending on how far and where you want to go

I am looking for partners all over. See my post
Richard

I was thinking of hitting up N Spain. Perhaps renting a car and camping, etc. I've only climbed in Croatia as far as Europe goes, so I am open to suggestions though. Chamoniox or the DOlomites? Although I suspect there is a ton in N Spain, so why drive all over? Again, I am open to suggestions. THanks!

you have 5 weeks. you could spend in all in N. Spain.

Up to you whether you want to go elsewhere. It will be a long drive to France's best climbing and probably too far for Italy if you need to end there (unless you don't mind long train rides or want to fly one way back)...

I will be driving from Spain to France and Italy anyway and you would be welcome to come along.

Once you know where you will be, I can give you suggestions of culture and scenery to fit in.

I think mainly just Spain. I have rented a car. I also have a friend coming July 4-18th. I may go into France some too, but would like to practice my Spanish....

Hey Meg, for northern spain june and july is less than ideal, its sort of a winter destination(I spent a month between february and march between montserrat marga and siurana and was pretty regularly climbing in a t) I'm pretty sure people climb there in the summer but many of the really epic sectors (el pati, siuranella, les espedellas are south facing) maybe some of spots up in the pyrennes or near Llieda would be better. Otherwise if you are willing to head up to france there are definitely some nice spots that will be a little less toastie in the middle of summer (chamonix, ailefroide, presles, ceûse, etc)
Sorry to be a buzzkill for the catalunya sites, but I'm pretty sure it'll be a furnace.

I'm going to Barcelona to hook up with a sport climbing guide and spend a week climbing in Siurana. It's one of those adventures you can buy on the theclymb.com. My trip starts this Saturdaaaaay!

I used the adventures a couple of years ago to go to kiteboarding lesson in Dominican Republic. Had a blast!

Hopefully I'll remember this thread and tell you about Siurana!

Barcelona is not considered northern Spain. If you want to go to northern Spain go to Picos de Europa. Summer is the season to go there.

Brian wrote:Barcelona is not considered northern Spain. If you want to go to northern Spain go to Picos de Europa. Summer is the season to go there.

Hi there,

Barcelona is not considered northern Spain when talking in climbing terms. Not the best destination for summer, still there are great areas in Spain outside Catalunya that are perfect in summer.

I'd recommend you Rodellar in Huesca, and even better Teverga (Sport) and Picos de Europa (multi-pitch) in Asturias. Cavallers in Lleida and all the areas in the Pyrenees are nice. There are also bouldering in Galicia.

Hope this is useful for you.

^^^
What David said. Head North. Catalunya will be very WARM that time of year. I was there mid-Oct thru mid-Nov and it was perfecto!!

Thanks! I was thinking of heading towards the Pyrenees and west. I have rented a car. Picos de Europa looks great! Any idea on how it would be to find climbing partners? I have a friend coming for part of the time and will be flying sola the rest of the time.
Megan

If you find yourself in Catalunya, there are some shady crags with some great climbing. Collegats, Camarasa, Regina (Terredets), places near Organya like Tres Ponts are all worth it. The weather won't be ideal, but workable in the shade and higher elevations. I would avoid anything south of Organya or Tremp (except Camarasa, which will be warm).

Have a great trip!

There is free camping in Teverga, with nice facilities: WCs, showers...and there will be lot of people to climb with. It's the only place in Spain like this, where climbing is promoted and not restricted.This is THE PLACE to be in summer. Info and contact on the local climbing group website: agujadesobia.blogspot.com/ and on its fbook page.

You can stop over there in you way to Picos de Europa (once there, El Naranjo de Bulnes is a must, with its mega classic multi-pitch Rabada-Navarro).

Basque Country is another great destinations, with sport crags such as Batlzola, Valedegobia, Apellaniz...

Websites to find partners: desnivel.com forums and maybe on the Spanish site of 8a.nu. There are many Facebook pages for local climbing groups, just surf a bit ;-)

Also, what is a typical rack for Spain (if I want to go to Picos de Europa)?

Good information on this post to help me go look for more good information.
I figured I would reply to this thread in case there is a chance that any of you would be around in Northern Spain (my home base will be San Sebastian). I would love to find climbing partners while I am in the area! Thanks!!!
I will be there August 26-September 3.