Bea’s and Oriol’s cosy caravan (Tarragona)
Bea’s and Oriol’s cosy caravan (Tarragona)
Normally, our climbing trips take place in areas we can easily drive to in our trusty van, Rocher. This means accommodation is sorted! For our most recent trip to Spain, we decided to fly (£20 return flights!). Spain is full of refuges, hostels and campsites but we decided to have a look on Airbnb for our sleeping needs. Having only heard good things about the online booking website that specializes in renting rooms, flats, castles and apparently caravans, we began our search.
After not much searching, we set our sights on a ‘Rustic Caravan’ in the ‘middle of the mountains with several waterfalls’. Being a sceptic, I had thoughts of a caravan in someone’s garden, on the edge of the main road with a waterfall an hour away. However, when we arrived at the entrance we couldn’t see a house in sight. We were up in the mountains of Arbolí with views like you had never seen before around every bend. Our hosts, Bea and Oriol, had been chatting to us and arranging our arrival for several weeks in the lead up to our visit via WhatsApp and even came across excited about our impending arrival like we were old friends.
When we arrived in Spain, Bea sent us a Google pin of the caravan’s location and let us know it can be tricky to find. The entrance to the caravan begins after a hidden turn off the road travelling up the mountains. There is locked gate at the edge of the forest, it then follows a forest track that is partially paved, partially dirt and stones for approximately 3 km. The path winds around through the forest passing only a few other houses and plenty of vineyards. Our little Fiat Panda rental car managed the track with ease but if you’re worried, opting for a 4×4 could be a good idea. The property is located up a small hill with ample parking.
The caravan itself is set back behind Bea’s and Oriol’s house, providing privacy with its own garden and stunning views down the valley and to the rock faces above. There is an outdoor kitchen next to the caravan and a decked area complete with table and chairs. For sunny days, the property also boasts another outdoor seating area, a hammock and a tranquil pool with a small waterfall only 2 minutes from the caravan. Inside the caravan there is a bunk bed with a double on the bottom, single on the top and a sofa opposing which can be used as an additional single bed. Although cosy, there is plenty of room to chill in the evenings. Bea and Oriol have equipped the caravan with several books, magazines and games to keep you entertained.
Although it was still hot when we visited, it was cooling down in the evenings. There are several extra blankets in the caravan and Bea and Oriol were sure to check if we needed an electric heater every evening.
The outdoor kitchen is well stocked with a large frying pan, large pot, several mugs, plates, bowls and sets of cutlery. To cook with, an electric hot plate has been provided. Although we are accustomed to cooking on our dual gas hob, we managed to cook some bang up one-pot meals on the cooker and had absolutely no problems.
The bathroom facilities are in Bea and Oriol’s house. The room has recently been renovated so looks as good if not better than any hotel near by. The shower was always hot and a hair dryer provided.
Breakfast was provided every morning. A selection of muffins, cakes and breads were always provided. As well as fresh fruit and cheese. A freshly brewed pot of coffee was always provided as well. Excellent fuel for a day’s climbing.
The location of the caravan couldn’t have been more perfect for climbing. There are several crags nearby in the village of Arbolí and the popular crags of Siurana and Margalef are easily accessible.
At the end of our stay, Bea and Oriol were kind enough to invite us into their home to share snacks and cervezas. We shared stories about climbing and history of the local area.
If you are looking for quality accommodation, with impeccable views and welcoming hosts this place should be first on your list!
Check out their AirBnB page here!