Max Abroad : The Best of Spain

Ecotourism brings specific images to mind. Hiking wilderness trails. Sleeping in a pile of leaves. Shacking up in an underwater hotel with a view of the ocean floor. But seldom do these notions intersect with extreme sports. Margalef is the exception, if you are into climbing. Not my forte, but my Spanish friend Alberto climbs everything everything and anything. 

Margalef is an isolated village literally built into the crevices and rock formations of a mountain. Nestled in a remote and fantastically climbable conglomerate rock formation, Margalef is a tiny town of quaint houses and understated accommodations. The town is literally tucked in the crevices of the mountainous rocks that surround it, sometimes with only a few feet of space between someone’s front door and the solid rock across from it.

This all adds up to be a mountain climber’s dream destination, combining the enriching atmosphere of a rustic village with a truly unique and remote climbing destination. At places the rocks overhangs and people’s homes are carved directly into the stone.

Margalef is ideal for both types of ecotourists, of course, not just the sports fans. People looking to get back to nature and experience a lifestyle that’s literally a part of nature will find Margalef just as charming as climbers find it intriguing and challenging.