Albera Natural Site, Protected natural site in Alt Empordà, Spain.

Albera Natural Site is a protected area of 4,207 hectares in the eastern Pyrenees, within the Alt Empordà region. It is divided into two sectors: Requesens-Baussitges in the west and Sant Quirze de Colera-Balmeta in the east, separated by the Coll de Banyuls. The eastern sector is centred on the Romanesque Monastery of Sant Quirze de Colera. The terrain is dominated by metamorphic rocks, schist and slate.

Protection was first proposed in a 1931 territorial plan by the Generalitat de Catalunya, but the Parliament did not declare the Paratge Natural d'Interès Nacional until Law 3/1986 of 10 March. A 1987 decree added the Sant Quirze de Colera nature reserve, and the protected area now covers 4,207 hectares, including two partial reserves.

The name Albera comes from the mountain range whose ridge marks the Franco-Spanish border. The eastern sector is organised around the Monastery of Sant Quirze de Colera, a landmark of Catalan Romanesque art. The Albera cow, a semi-wild local breed, grazes here; only about 400 remain worldwide.

Walking trails are marked throughout the area and visitors can explore both sectors on foot. Expect mountain terrain and bring appropriate gear for hiking in changing weather conditions.

The Albera Natural Site holds the last Mediterranean tortoise populations of the Iberian Peninsula, protected since 1987 in a 580-hectare partial nature reserve between the Sant Quirze valley and the headwaters of the Valleta stream, later enlarged by 680 hectares. The same reserve also shelters an exceptional variety of amphibians and reptiles.