Camí Ral d'Empúries o de França, via Heraclea. L'Escala.
Vistes al massís del Montgrí i la plana de l'Empordà des de la Vilanera. L'Escala.
Mas Vilanera. L'Escala. Parc Natural del Montgrí, Illes Medes i el Montgrí.
Ruïnes de Santa Maria de Vilanera. L'Escala. Parc Natural del Montgrí, Illes Medes i el Montgrí.
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Vilanera Route

Route
16/04/2018
Index card

Introduction

Farmhouses with views of the Canigó and Montgrí

The best parts of this family route are the panoramic views of the Canigó Nord and the southern side of the Montgrí mountains, as well as the impressive Mas de Vilanera fortified farmhouse and the remains of the former Santa Maria de la Vilanera Benedictine monastery from the fourteenth century.

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  • Typology
    Time Circular
  • Difficulty
    For families
  • Duration
    40 minutes
  • Slope
    6.00 meters
  • Distance
    2.30 km
  • Theme
    Flora and fauna
    Architecture and environment
  • Activity
    By foot
  • Rating

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Description

Farmhouses with views of the Canigó and Montgrí

This route starts in the Plaça del Camp dels Pilans and heads south as far as the sign indicating the “Via Heraclea”, Camí Real d’Empúries a França. You continue walking through the pines until you reach some cultivated fields. At this point, turn right towards Mas de la Vilanera.

You will soon see the Mas de Vilanera which stands out with its imposing square defence tower.

The route passes in front of the farmhouse and, a few metres further on, it takes a path which leads up the Vilanera mountain with spectacular views of the Canigó and Montgrí.

All that remains now is to return easily to the car park.

Tips

Route

  • Most of the route follows roads, trails and paths with no difficulties.

Water

  • Take water, especially in summer.

Precautions

  • Respect the surroundings and the fields of crops.
  • Look out for cars when walking through the built-up area.

Equipment

  • Comfortable footwear suitable for walking.
  • Hat and sun cream to protect you from the sun.
  • Camera
  • Trekking poles.
  • Binoculars for birdwatching.

Weather

  • Avoid the middle of the day in the summer.

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What is there

What to see in: Vilanera Route

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Stone pine

Point of interest
Flora
16/04/2018

This type of woodland is typical of all of the Mediterranean strip. The stone pine (Pinus pinea) copes very well with dry weather and fires because of its thick bark and a crown which is well above...

MAS LA VILANERA

Point of interest
Architecture
16/04/2018

Mas la Vilanera is a fortified farmhouse which comprises a group of buildings from different periods. The defence tower, with its square floorplan, had the role of protecting the peasants from pirates...

Hoopoe

Point of interest
Wildlife
16/04/2018

​​​​​Upupa epops

The hoopoe (photo) can easily be spotted and identified in the abandoned fields that surround the Mas la Vilanera from February until the autumn.

It can be seen eating on the ground...

Sentry plant

Point of interest
Flora
16/04/2018

​Agave americana

This invasive plant, introduced here many years ago, originated in Mexico, where it is called maguey. It grows in regions with temperate climates in rocky places with lots of sun.

T...

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Ruta curta i agradable
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What to see in: Vilanera Route

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