Costa Brava, Spain
Photo: Bertrand GRONDIN → (Talk), CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Albera Natural Site (Paratge Natural d'Interès Nacional de l'Albera) is in Costa Brava of Catalonia. It boasts the magnificent Monastery of Sant Quirze de Colera, a jewel of Catalan Romanesque art. This protected area serves as an ecological and scenic haven, showcasing the unique transition from Pyrenean to Mediterranean species.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The monastery of Sant Quirze de Colera is a Benedictine abbey in the former county of Empúries, within the boundaries of the Diocese of Girona. It is an architectural complex composed of the Basilica of Sant Quirze, various monastic buildings organized around the courtyard of the cloister, a defensive tower, and remains of a section of the wall. It also includes the church of Santa Maria and the remnants of the old hospital. The monastery is situated about five kilometers away and near the old road to the Coll de Banyuls.
Castell de Requesens
The edifice is characterized by a triple line of walls, with square and rounded towers, portals and merlons. In the lower court is the chapel, including Romanesque elements from original structures of the area, or of French inspiration. Probably existing since the 9th century, the castle is mentioned for the first time in a document from Ponce I, count of Ampurias in the 11th century.In the 19th century, the ruined castle was rebuilt in a neo-medieval style. The castle was extensively used after the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), when some modern constructions were added to the original structure.
Castell de Rocabertí
It is located in the municipality of La Jonquera (Alt Empordà), about 3 km northeast of the town. Perched on a steep, conical granite cliff, it is easily visible from the village at its feet. Only the ruins remain. It is first mentioned in 948, but evidence suggests that it is much older. The strategic position of the fortress, dominating the passes of Portús and Panissars, always made it the target of various interests.
It is a pre-Romanesque hermitage located near Mas dels Solers, in the municipal district of Sant Climent Sescebes, Alt Empordà. It is a Romanesque construction with a single nave and a square floor, featuring a trapezoidal apse. The walls are made of stone and mortar, with some sections showing opus spicatum, suggesting that it is a fairly old construction that has been renovated over time. There is no worship, and it is open to the public.
The church was constructed in the late 18th century (1785) and was financed by Josep de Nouvilas and his son Pere. Its dimensions are quite large in relation to the local population it serves. This is attributed to Nouvilas' intention to establish a new village, Sant Quirc de Colera (not to be confused with the Monastery of Sant Quirze de Colera), around the church and Mas Nouvilas. Similar to the founding of Colera in the late century, it was established in connection with the parish of Sant Miquel de Colera.
It was the former parish church of the village of Colera in Alt Empordà until it was relocated next to the sea in the 18th century. It is about 7 km to the west of the urban center of Colera via a forest track accessed upon reaching Colera from the Figueres to Portbou road. Definite records of the temple date back to the 11th century.
The church is a Romanesque building from the 11th century. From the 11th century until the 17th century, it served as the parish church for the hamlet of Valleta. After centuries of abandonment, popular pressure in the late 20th century led to the reopening of the church for worship, the restoration of its surroundings, the promotion of historical research, and the organization of a gathering that has been held continuously since May 1980.
These are the ruined remains of the castle tower of Molinàs. You can see a rectangular-shaped enclosure, of which two building structures are preserved.
By plane
The nearest airports are Girona-Costa Brava (GRO, in Spain) and Perpignan–Rivesaltes (PGF, In France)
By railway
Figueres has a high-speed train station, connected to Madrid and Barcelona and also to France High speed trains
By car
By boat
There are some ports you can use if you go sailing.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Perpignan/Rivesaltes · Regional · PGF
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Paratge Natural d'Interès Nacional de l'Albera and Spain.
Understand travel insurance for a Schengen visa in 2026. Learn mandatory €30,000 medical coverage, zero deductible rules, and embassy-approved policies.
7 min read
Estimate your Europe trip cost for 2 weeks in 2026. Compare realistic budgets for lodging, Eurail trains, dining, and sightseeing across three styles.
8 min read
Find the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Explore the best places to visit in November across autumn foliage, mild desert warmth, southern spring blooms, and off-peak travel bargains.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.