6 days: “Walking towards the Mediterranean Sea”

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From village to village until the sea. A walk with a welcoming character.

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This trek takes you from the foothills of the Pyrenees all the way to the Mediterranean – right through the heart of the Costa Brava.
Together with our friendly donkeys, you’ll explore the rural countryside: charming villages, peaceful olive groves, rolling vineyards, and the scenic Albera Natural Park. From one accommodation to the next, the donkeys carry your gear and accompany you through a changing landscape until you finally reach the sea. On the last day, you can unwind in the quiet, dreamy coves of the Cap Ras nature reserve – a perfect place to relax and take in the moment.

This is an easy hike, ideal even for beginners.
The trails are well-maintained, distances can often be adjusted, and there are no significant elevation changes. No prior experience with donkeys is needed. We’ll provide a thorough introduction beforehand – teaching you how to care for, pack, and lead your donkey safely. And if you run into any issues along the way, we’re always here to help.

Preis

Please see the Prices section on our website for donkey rental rates, where you will also find information about how the routes are organized.

Route Detail

Your holiday begins the moment you arrive – in a charming apartment in St. Climent Sescebes. It’s the perfect place to settle in, relax, and leave everyday life behind. Depending on availability, part of the introduction may already take place on this day.

For dinner – both here and at the next accommodations – you can either use the kitchen or enjoy delicious home-cooked meals prepared by Norma (see contact info below).

In Sant Climent, there’s also a great pizzeria within walking distance.

Destination: Donkey Ranch – Sant Climent Sescebes
Distance: 7.5 km
Elevation: ↑↓ +50 m / -50 m

The donkey trek begins at our ranch, just a 5-minute drive from Sant Climent Sescebes – the home of our donkeys. If you don’t have your own vehicle for the short transfer, we’ll be happy to pick you up from your accommodation.

The day starts with getting to know your travel companions – our donkeys! You’ll learn everything you need to know about these wonderful animals, their personalities, and their charming quirks. After all, both humans and donkeys should feel comfortable and confident before setting out together.

Once you’re well-prepared, you’ll begin your first walk – a gentle route to ease into the journey.

The path leads across open fields to the small village of Vilarnadal. If you’re up for it, you can continue a bit further to a local winery, La Vinyeta. From there, the trail winds through the picturesque village of Mollet de Peralada, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. As a final stop, you’ll visit the healing sulfur springs of Sant Climent Sescebes.

The day ends back in Sant Climent, where your accommodation – and a pasture for the donkeys – awaits.

Route: Sant Climent Sescebes – Espolla
Distance: 10 km
Elevation: ↑ +200 m / ↓ -170 m

Today’s trail follows the l’Anyet River to Vilartolí, a picturesque village nestled in the scenic landscape of the Alt Empordà. You’ll pass through sections of the Albera Natural Park, where ancient menhirs and dolmens lend a mystical touch to the landscape. The air is filled with the wild scent of thyme and rosemary.

A gentle climb offers sweeping views of the Pyrenees, before the path leads you down into Espolla – a charming Mediterranean village known for its wines. Your accommodation tonight is in Can Salas, the former castle of the village.

Route: Espolla – Rabós
Distance: 9 km
Elevation: ↑ +180 m / ↓ -200 m

The path leads you through vineyards and olive groves, gently climbing to a scenic picnic spot on the banks of the Orlina River. Here, you can explore a botanical trail (2.3 km) that winds through the wild riverside landscape and introduces you to the native plant life. While you stroll, your donkeys can enjoy a well-deserved break.

The journey continues through the quiet and beautiful Albera Natural Park, with breathtaking views over the Bay of Roses – a true highlight for any nature lover. At a relaxed donkey pace, the trail descends through untouched landscapes, past prehistoric dolmens, alongside the river, and deeper into this peaceful Mediterranean wilderness.

If you’re lucky, you might spot a Mediterranean tortoise, one of the park’s rare and protected inhabitants.

Finally, you cross a small bridge to reach Rabós, a charming medieval village nestled in terraces along the hillside. Tonight’s accommodation is a family-run bed & breakfast, full of local charm and hospitality.

Route: Rabós – Vilamaniscle
Distance: 15 km (optional: 12 km)
Elevation: ↑ +350 m / ↓ -300 m

Today’s route leads you through wild and remote landscapes – a true highlight of the trek. Leaving Rabós, you climb to the highest point of the journey, at 437 meters above sea level, before descending into the secluded valley of Sant Quirze de Colera.

Here you’ll find a monastery dating back to the year 935, nestled between rugged mountains. This magical place, far from roads and without mobile reception, feels like stepping back in time – into another world. Next to the monastery, there’s a rustic restaurant where you can stop for lunch and enjoy authentic Catalan cuisine.

From there, the trail leads you back out of the valley, across grazing pastures and through shady cork oak forests, before slowly returning to civilization. You’ll arrive in Vilamaniscle, where your accommodation awaits.

End the day on the terrace with wide-open views, a glass of local wine in hand, and enjoy a peaceful sunset to remember.

Route: Vilamaniscle – Colera
Distance: 14 km
Elevation: ↑ +290 m / ↓ -350 m

Today, the Mediterranean Sea is calling!
The trail leads you over the Sierra and through a hidden, abandoned valley. Scattered ruins bear silent witness to long-gone eras, and the sparse, rugged landscape holds a unique, almost mystical beauty.

As you reach the ridge, breathtaking views open up over the deep blue sea — all the way to Cap de Creus, the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, where the mountains meet the water.

You continue past a castle ruin and the deserted village of Molinas, before descending into the coastal village of Colera, beautifully situated right by the sea.

Tonight’s destination is a small, welcoming hostal. With the sound of the waves and a stroll along the beach, your day ends in the most peaceful way imaginable.

Route: Colera – Colera (circular walk)
Distance: 7 km
Elevation: ↑ +80 m / ↓ -80 m

Today is all about the sea.
You’ll follow a gentle path along the beach, with the sound of the waves as your steady companion. If you feel like it, take off your shoes and walk a stretch barefoot, enjoying the soft sand beneath your feet.

Just nearby lies the Cap Ras Nature Reserve, with its rugged cliffs and wind-shaped Mediterranean vegetation – perfect for a short nature excursion.

Or simply take it slow, enjoy the beach, and let the week fade out in total relaxation.

After your short hike, it’s time to say goodbye to your loyal donkey companion – a farewell filled with gratitude and unforgettable moments.

If you’re in a hurry, you can depart today. Or take it easy and spend one more relaxing night in Colera.

It’s time to say goodbye!
An unforgettable week lies behind you – filled with peaceful trails, breathtaking landscapes, and the gentle company of your donkey companions.

Colera has a train station with direct connections to Barcelona, making your onward journey easy and flexible.

Maybe you still have time to explore a few nearby highlights – like Cadaqués, the Dalí Museum in Figueres, or one last swim in the Mediterranean.
Or perhaps it’s time to head home – with memories in your heart and maybe even the desire to return one day to this beautiful corner of Catalonia.

We’d love to welcome you back. Hasta la vista!

Relevante Informationen

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