Small country with tons of rock. It's almost a crime to have as much rock as this country has. Spring and Fall are the best times to come, depending on the area, but be careful because it rains the most during these two seasons. With that said, it's Spain and it doesn't rain that much. Winter is great for Andalusia, Catalonia, Costa Blanca and the Central Zone (Madrid), but just expect short days and cold temperatures. During summer it's best to climb in the Pyrennes or in Asturias in the Picos de Europa where you have higher altitudes and lower temperatures. Or find someplace like Rodellar where the climbs are in the shade.
There are several things to remember when on a climbing trip to Spain. Grocery stores, as well as every store, are closed from 2 to 5 so you can't buy anything. Bars are always open. Grocery stores usually won't be open on Saturdays in small towns, but in the bigger towns the larger chain stores will be open. All stores are closed on national holidays...and there are a lot of national holidays. So look at the calendar because it's possible that stores can be closed up to four days in a row depending on the holiday. Grocery stores don't sell aspirin or any type of over the counter medication. You have to go to a pharmacy. If possible, try to shop in the markets in the towns versus larger stores. Prices are cheaper, people are nicer and the food is much better.
Getting There
Fly into Madrid or Barcelona from anywhere in the world.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Spain:
It will be great to see this part of the site get filled. I have never gone climbing there but I can concur that the country is full of climbable rock, at least where I have been. This country should be a climbing Mecca. Madrid and Andalusia start hitting the mid 90s in May so they are probably incredible winter destinations. Hopefully I will be posting some routes from there some day.
If anyone happens to know of some sport climbing or bouldering areas near Barcelona or Seville, please make a post. I'm traveling there from late August to December and I don't think I can part with climbing for that long; however, I have no idea what's out there. I would appreciate the help!
Andalucia is a massive province that runs down the eastern side of southern Spain and it has loads of great climbing.
The most well known area is El Chorro and this is well documented in the latest Rockfax guide. This guide also covers some really good outlying areas such as Desplomilandia, Loja and Archidona.
There is also a Spanish guide (with English translations) to the area by David Munilla.
I have also tried to develop a rock climbing guide to the central area around Villanueva del Rosario that includes the Chilam Balam cave.
I live in the area and don't hesitate to contact me if you need more information
Keep in mind when planning a trip to Spain, that the national holiday usually runs from about mid August to mid September. This is a pretty tough time to be there as everyone is out and many places are very busy, to the point of not being able to find a place to stay and other businesses being completely closed.
Another thing to remember is that most places close during the middle of the day, they open from about 9am to 1 or 2pm then close and re-open around 5pm and stay open till 8 or 9pm. This is also a good thing to remember when trying to call to make any reservations and such.
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