Cantallops: Castle, Wine and Routes Towards Albera

Cantallops brings together castle and church history, wine-making traditions and routes towards Albera. If you’re looking for a hotel in Cantallops, these themes may help you decide: Would you like to explore its historic buildings, plan a visit to Vinyes dels Aspres, or focus your trip on routes and nature?

The castle, church and other historic traces

The castle of Cantallops has been documented since the 13th century. Its partially preserved remains include a fragment of wall and a tower. In the 19th century, the tower was reused as the bell tower of the church of Sant Esteve. The church has been documented since 1279 under the name “ecclesia de Cantalupis” and was formerly the castle chapel. Parts of its Romanesque structure date from the 11th century; side chapels were added in the 18th century. Sant Esteve therefore illustrates several building phases and its former connection to the castle.

Another trace of earlier settlement is the Dolmen del mas Baleta II, a small megalithic stone cist near mas Baleta. Bones and fragments of handmade pottery were found during its excavation. Cantallops is also home to the remains of the medieval Augustinian nuns’ monastery of Sant Bartomeu de Bell-lloc. Alongside these buildings, one tradition is part of local life: every year on Saint John’s Day, a traditional procession takes place to the Santuari de Requesens.

Wine-making traditions in Cantallops

The Vinyes dels Aspres winery is located in Cantallops. Its vineyards have been in the family for generations, and the winery favors traditional grape varieties. It is based at Can Batlle, a country house mentioned since the 17th century. Wine, oil and cork were traditionally produced there. The history of the house and today’s wine production offer two different insights into the local wine-making tradition.

A visit to Vinyes dels Aspres includes the nearby vineyards, the winery facilities, the new wine cellar, the old ageing cellar and a tasting of its own wines. Advance confirmation is required. Arrange your visit in advance rather than planning it as an activity available at any time.

Walking and cycling routes towards Albera

The route from Cantallops to Requesens is designated as an access route from Cantallops into the Paratge Natural de l’Albera. Camins de Cantallops is a walking route through the municipal area. Another route listing is the Ruta dels Aspres i l'Albera: it is 42.63 kilometres long and includes Cantallops. The rideable lower section of this route continues through Cantallops to Castell de Requesens.

This offers a choice of different types of routes: a walking route through the municipal area and a rideable lower section with Castell de Requesens as a further destination. Signage and conditions may change. Before cycling, check the surface and current conditions of the route section in particular.

Nature watching also offers a seasonal perspective on Albera. During the spring migration, birds held up by strong Tramuntana winds use the Albera ponds to stop, feed and rest.

Planning your bus journey

Cantallops’ local transport guide lists TEISA as a bus company. Check the current operator information before travelling. When choosing a hotel, you can also consider whether the town’s history, a winery visit arranged in advance, or the routes towards Albera will shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Fontcoberta, Massanes, Sant Hilari Sacalm, Cruïlles, Monells i Sant Sadurní de l'Heura, Calonge, Breda, Torroella De Montgri, Llívia.

For the broader travel overview: Girona.