Boulder in Albarracin

Albarracin is the biggest Spanish boulderer meeting spot and one of the best places for bouldering around Europe. Many climbers from all around the globe come every year to Albarracin to climb its sandstone boulders in the endless pine forest. Albarracin is considered one of the most beautiful villages of Spain and it is definitely a paradise for boulder’s fanatic, which explains why some decide to just stay there for weeks, or even months!

The climbing season starts usually in autumn and finishes at the end of spring, although most of the climbers prefers the harsh winter to climb through the slopers of the boulders of Albarracin. It does not mean that climbing in summer is not possible, but it is only recommended if you know well the area. The region is around 1000 meters above sea level, which favors a cold climate. Nights in Albarracin are usually cold and in winter it sometimes snows, even though it does not stop climbers to send their projects.

The main climbing style is sloppers and technical mantles, although you will not miss crimpy boulder problems.The specially grippy sandstone can be very helpful when it comes to climb but is also very aggressive for the skin.
There are many guidebooks of Albarracin available in most of the climbing shops, including the climbing shop of the village.

Regulations

The Pinares de Rodeno is a protected natural area so we all have to be very careful and make sure to respect all of the regulations for the good of the environment and the climbing community. Climbing is permanently prohibited in some sectors such as Sol, Masia, Mirador, Valle de la Madera (higher area), Península, Psicokiller and Acantilados. The use of chalk is forbidden and do not use chalk for tick marks (use instead pine bark or tape). Free camping is totally forbidden.

Sleeping

Albarracin has many different hotels as well as house rentals. One of the best accommodation for climbers is Sandstone Guesthouse with breakfast included, crash pads rental, single / double rooms and house rental. If you have a van, there are only two parkings available for overnight: Mirador de la escombrera and Dornaque. In the camping Ciudad de Albarracin you can sleep in a tent or in a bungalow and rent crash pads. Since Albarracin is a protected natural area, free camping is forbidden.

Other activities

Although Albarracin is a small city, it is very touristic and therefore there are grocery stores as well as restaurants and bars. On rest days, you can visit the beautiful village of Albarracin where there is a guided tour (only in Spanish) that walks you through the city through a typical house of the Middle Age and some local food tasting. You can also do some hiking while visiting the cave paintings throughout the forest. The climbing shop Sofa Boulder offers crash pad rental services.