5 – 7 Day Trekking: ” Albera-Mountain-Trail “

Destination: Burrotrek – Cantallops
Distance: 12 km
Elevation: ↑↓ +180 m / -100 m

The tour starts in Vilarnadal, where our donkeys are at home. After packing and a brief introduction, the journey begins.
The first stage is relatively gentle, with little elevation gain. The trail leads through cork oak forests and past vineyards, passing through the charming village of Capmany, and continuing to Cantallops, located at the foot of the Albera mountain range.

At this point, there is the option to stay overnight in local accommodation (Cala Marutxi) or to set up a bivouac nearby for a night in nature.

Destination: Cantallops – Requescens
Distance: 11 km
Elevation: ↑↓ +182 m / -157m

From Cantallops, the trail begins to climb steadily into the mountains. The first stop is a scenic mountain pass, offering stunning views over the surrounding landscape.

From there, the path leads into a shady forest, following along a small river, perfect for a refreshing break. The ascent continues until reaching the impressive Requesens Castle, nestled deep in the Albera range.

Just behind the castle lies a refuge hut, where bivouacking is possible. Alternatively, a little further on, there is the option to stay in a rustic guesthouse in the tiny hamlet of Requesens.

Destination: Requesens – Coll d’Ullat
Distance: 11 km

Elevation: +650 m / –100 m

After a hearty breakfast, the trail continues upward into the mountains, winding through beautiful beech and chestnut forests. Step by step, the path leads to a scenic pass just below the summit, marking the border between Spain and France.

Here, on an alpine meadow high along the ridge, it’s hard to resist a well-deserved rest—with breathtaking views in every direction.

Crossing into France, the trail descends gently to the Gîte d’Étape Les Albères, a mountain guesthouse at the Coll d’Ullat pass, where a warm meal and a soft bed await. It’s a welcome change after two nights in the wild.

For those with stable weather, there’s also the option to bivouac near the guesthouse or hike a bit further to the Tanyareda mountain hut.

Destination: Coll d’Ullat – Colomates
Distance: 13 km

Elevation: +792 m / –458 m

With the donkeys’ saddlebags packed, the trail climbs once more—this time to the highest point of the Albera range, the Puig Neulós (1,250 m). At the summit, a stunning 360° panorama opens up: from the Mediterranean coast to the peaks of the Pyrenees, the view seems endless.

The route continues along the mountain ridge, passing over open alpine meadows and into ancient beech forests filled with character and light. With a bit of luck, you may encounter the native Albera cows, living almost wild in this remote region.

The day ends at the hidden herdsman’s hut of Colomates, tucked away on the northern slopes of the range. It’s a peaceful, idyllic place—perfect for an overnight stay in nature. Here, only the murmur of a nearby stream and the songs of birds break the silence.

For those not traveling with tents, the route descends after the summit of Puig Neulós, returning to Requesens for the night.

Destination: Colomates- Mirapols -(Els Vilars)
Distance: 10,1 km
Height: +436/ – 636

A new day begins. After breakfast, packing, cleaning, saddling, and loading the donkeys, the journey continues.

At first, the trail retraces part of the previous day’s path, heading back to the pass. From there, a new route descends along the southern slopes of the mountain.

On a high mountain saddle, a wide and open view opens once again—like looking out from the wings of a bird. Soon after, the path leads past the ruins of an abandoned hamlet, steeped in quiet history. Nearby, a clear mountain stream invites a rest or a splash.

Tonight’s destination is a secluded spot in Mirapols, an ideal place to spend the night in nature. Fall asleep under the stars, listening to the soft hooting of owls and the murmur of the river—a perfect end to a day of wilderness and wonder.

For those feeling a bit sporty, it’s also possible to continue further downhill to the peaceful campsite of Els Vilars, where a quiet and comfortable stay awaits.
This option allows you to shorten the full trek from 7 to 6 days—perfect for those with less time or looking for a more compact adventure.

(For those doing the trail with accommodation, this stage leads 11 km downhill from Requesens to Espolla, following forest paths and quiet tracks through the foothills of the Albera mountains.)

Destination: Mirapols – Els Vilars – Espolla

Distance: 11,3km

Elevation: +379 / – 687

On this day, the trail gradually descends into the Mediterranean vegetation. The spicy scent of wild herbs fills the air as the path winds downward. Along the way, there are sweeping views over the Empordà plain and the Gulf of Roses.

Hidden among the bushes, observant hikers may spot dolmens over 6,000 years old—silent witnesses of ancient times.

The route continues down to the small hamlet of Els Vilars, and from there to a secluded bivouac site near the Orlina River, an ideal final night for those camping.

For those choosing accommodation, the day ends in Espolla, with a stay at Can Salas—a peaceful and comfortable spot to reflect on the journey.

Destination: Espolla – Burrotrek

Distance: 11km

Elevation: +270 / -220

A gentle final hiking day awaits. The trail leads through wild Mediterranean scrubland, past olive groves and vineyards, offering a relaxed pace to take in the surroundings one last time.

The path brings you to the village of Sant Climent Sescebes—from here, it’s just a stone’s throw back home.

Now it’s time to say goodbye: to the mountains, the donkeys, and the peaceful rhythm of life on the trail… but the memories will stay with you.