The surroundings of El Penell
Welcome to the Albera mountain range, a window from where you can enjoy the true and unknown Empordà
Activities and places of interest
Vilamaniscle is a small and charming village, standing proudly on the plain, protected by the Albera mountain range. It has managed to preserve its rural appeal and the originality of the village square and streets still remains. The village itself borders the charming Garriguella, Llançà and Rabós.
Come and give yourself the pleasure of losing yourself among our vineyards and olive trees, let yourself be captured by the silence and tranquillity of the Empordà Rural, its people, its wines and its local delicacies.
The natural park of the Albera surrounds the whole village of Vilamaniscle, the pine and cork oak forests will slowly seduce you into compete relaxation during your stay.
Located only 20 minutes away from the most iconic towns of the Costa Brava such as Port de la Selva, Roses, Cadaqués or Llançà, our guests can enjoy the best coves of the Empordà but also all the natural parks that surround us, not only the Albera massif, but also the Cap de Creus or the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà.
The Albera Natural Park
A rocky massif located in the easternmost part of the Pyrenees, just before entering the sea at Cap de Creus, it proudly watches over the beautiful Empordà plain. Declared a Natural Site of National Interest since 1986 in order to protect its autochthonous flora and fauna, it is the natural habitat of the Mediterranean turtle, a species especially protected in our area, as it is one of the last reserves in the whole Iberian Peninsula.
MORE INFORMATION
Sant Quirze de Colera
A Benedictine monastery with origins dating back to before the 10th century, it was declared a National Asset of Cultural Interest in 1993. Romanesque in style, this impressive architectural work is isolated in the middle of the natural park surrounded by woods and meadows. It can be reached by road or on foot or by bicycle (6km) and has its very own restaurant.
HOW TO GET THERE
Local wineries and cooperatives
Land of sprawling vineyards,and a local heritage of producing fine wine. The Empordà has been a land of wines and has its own D.O due to its rich history as a wine producing region.
You will find several cooperatives and small family-style wineries, where you can take part in tastings and guided tours. An essential experience for wine and food lovers alike.
WINE TOURISM IN ALT EMPORDÀ
Turtle reproduction center
Open since 1994, in Garriguella, its facilities are used for the breeding, conservation and study of turtles. Breeding, conservation and study of the Albera tortoise (Testudo Hermanni) and the Pewter tortoise (Emys orbucularis) in order to work towards the recovery of the autochthonous breeds. Other species from the Mediterranean basin and other parts of the world are also collaborating in the recovery. A different family activity just 4 km from Vilamaniscle.
WEBSITE
Cap de Creus
Surrounded by natural parks, you can’t miss Cap de Creus. Coves of all varieties whether sheltered or not will cater to everyone’s preference, either open to the sea wind or the tramontana. The lunar landscape of the Cap de Creus lighthouse, is very unique and has been forged by the wind and sea salt over thousands of years. A visit to the surrounding fishing villages is also a must. From Port de la Selva (26 km) or Llançà (14 km), to the iconic and charming Cadaqués (32 km) or the beaches and shops of Roses (19 km). The Costa Brava in all its splendour.
CAP DE CREUS OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Aiguamolls de l’Empordà
The less crowded Empordà. From the Muga to the Fluvià, and in the middle of the plain in its marshes and dunes the light dances, from morning to sunset, the landscape changes without the need to move.
Explore its migratory bird species such as the flamingo or the stork, or go cycling along its paths until you reach the sea.
AIGUAMOLLS DE L’EMPORDÀ OFFICIAL WEBSITE
GR11 or Trans-Pyrenean route
Vilamaniscle is the second stage of the GR 11, or the 45th if you start from Cape Higuer/Hondarribia. The GR11 or Pyrenean Crossing, a long-distance footpath that connects the Cantabrian Sea with the Mediterranean Sea through 800km of peaks, forests and mountain ranges.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE TRANS-PYRENEAN
Dalí Museum
Located in Figueres (20km), capital of Alt Empordà, it receives visitors from all over the world to enter the world of the brilliant artist from Figueres. The visit can be completed with a visit to the Dalí museum house in Port Lligat (Cadaqués).
DALÍ MUSEUM OFFICIAL WEBSITE