Top 8 Castles around Begur
Castles around Begur offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and strategic importance. Begur, located in the Baix Empordà, is characterized by its elevated position, providing extensive views of the Costa Brava coastline and the Empordà region. The area features medieval fortresses and defensive structures that once protected against pirate attacks and conflicts. These historical sites are often situated on hills, integrating with the natural landscape.
Best castles around Begur
- The most popular castles is Begur — Old Town and Castle, a settlement that sits on a hill, overlooked by an old castle. This site offers panoramic views and is considered one of the most beautiful small towns in the Baix Empordà.
- Another must-see spot is Peratallada — Historic Village, a historical site declared a Historic-Artistic Site and Cultural Asset of National Interest. Visitors can expect well-preserved medieval architecture, including a castle with a keep and palace, and a moat dug into the rock.
- Visitors also love Castell de Sant Esteve de Mar, a castle built on top of a Roman villa. This site features castle ruins overlooking the sea, offering historical insights into its past as a strategic surveillance point.
- Begur is known for medieval fortresses, historic villages, and castle ruins. The area offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from well-preserved medieval architecture to strategic coastal defenses.
- The castles around Begur are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 370 upvotes and over 110 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 7, 2026
Begur — Old Town and Castle
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Peratallada — Historic Village
Highlight • Historical Site
The original constructions of Peratallada are strongly marked by their fortified character. It had three wall enclosures (12th to 13th centuries), the main one being the one with the castle in its center. In addition, the outer enclosure was protected by a moat dug into the rock, with a depth of eight meters.
Of the castle, the keep and the palace (11th to 14th centuries) stand out, with another important building being the church of Sant Esteve (13th century).
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Castell de Sant Esteve de Mar
Highlight • Castle
During the Middle Ages it was owned by different feudal lords: Simon de Geronella, Jaume de Cornellà, Bernat Pallarès (Barcelona), his son Pere Pallarès and, finally, Berenguer de Cruïlles, an important feudal lord of Empordà, who bought it in the previous owner for 20,000 Barcelona sous. In 1484, all the domains of Sant Esteve Castle and the town of Palamós passed into the hands of Galceran de Requesens, first count of Palamós.
During the War of the Remences it was demolished almost in its entirety and was abandoned until in the 16th and 17th centuries it was converted into a farmhouse. The castle becomes a strategic point of surveillance and advanced defense of Palamós and its surroundings. At the same time, it became a farmhouse. During the Modern Age, agricultural exploitation was combined with control of the coast, especially to alert the population of raids by pirates and corsairs from North Africa.
The old castle remained as a farmhouse until the middle of the 20th century, when it was definitively abandoned. From that moment, it suffered a slow but progressive degradation. Its situation, near the sea, subject to inclement weather, and also away from the most frequented centers, were determining factors for its decline.
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Vulpellac Historic Centre
Highlight • Historical Site
The castle and the church of Sant Julià i Santa Basilissa constitute the original nucleus of the town, and houses were added around it, surrounded by a fortified wall. The streets outside the walls were built in the 17th and 18th centuries, and have a good number of unique buildings in the late Gothic and Renaissance styles.
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Sant Sebastià Lighthouse and Viewpoint
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful old town to walk and look around
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Beautiful old town to walk and look around
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With nice restaurants and bars
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It is a diverse excursion with great natural and cultural charm. We will pass through places such as the Ses Negres Marine Reserve and we will enter the water path where we will discover the culture that is hidden there. We will also enjoy a magnificent view of the Costa Brava from the Mirador de la Creu. Peace of mind is guaranteed.
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The lighthouse was built in 1857 on a small hill at Punta del Bou, on the coast of Calella de Palafrugell, with the aim of guiding ships that sailed through the Gulf of Lion. The original tower had a height of 12 meters, but in 1867 a lantern was added and its height was increased to 18 meters.
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We made a route through this area, Peratallada is a picturesque medieval town located in the Bajo Ampurdán region, in the province of Girona, Catalonia. Its name means "carved stone", referring to the stone used in its construction. Without a doubt, it is the one we liked the most with the permission of the others The town is completely surrounded by walls and defense towers, and its historic core is made up of a set of cobbled streets and stone buildings dating from the 10th century. The church of Sant Esteve, built in the 13th century, is one of the most outstanding monuments of Peratallada. There you will find a terrace where they make good sandwiches. In addition, Peratallada has a wide gastronomic offer, with restaurants that offer typical dishes of the region, in our case it was only a breakfast.
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At Cape Sant Sebastià is the lighthouse of the same name, famous for being the most powerful on the entire peninsula. In addition to this particularity, the views from the lighthouse are spectacular.
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The name of Vulpellac appears for the first time in the records in the year 894, although its importance would be given centuries later (13th and 14th centuries), thanks to the importance of the lord of Vulpellac, Guillem Sarriera. It is during this period that the castle is reformed, turning it into a luxurious palace. The castle and the church of Sant Julià i Santa Basilissa constitute the original nucleus of the town, and houses were added around it, surrounded by a fortified wall. The streets outside the walls were built in the 17th and 18th centuries, and have a good number of unique buildings in the late Gothic and Renaissance styles.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of Castell de Begur?
The Castell de Begur is an 11th-century medieval castle, though much of what remains today are its foundations, some walls, and battlements from 20th-century restorations. It was strategically built on a hilltop to defend against pirates and conflicts, enduring multiple destructions, notably during the Catalan Civil War in 1468 and by Napoleon's army in 1810. Despite its ruined state, visitors can still see the base of its keep and remaining walls. Information panels on-site explain its rich history. You can find more details about its history on Visit Costa Brava.
Which castles offer the best panoramic views?
The Begur — Old Town and Castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Costa Brava, the Empordà region, the Medes Islands, and even the Pyrenees on a clear day. Another excellent viewpoint is the Sant Sebastià Lighthouse and Viewpoint, located 169 meters above sea level, providing spectacular vistas of Llafranc and Les Gavarres.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit in the Begur area?
Yes, Begur — Old Town and Castle is considered family-friendly. The walk up to the castle is manageable, and the panoramic views are enjoyable for all ages. The Sant Sebastià Lighthouse and Viewpoint also offers a family-friendly experience with its accessible views.
How long does it take to walk to Castell de Begur?
The walk to Castell de Begur from the town center typically takes approximately 20-25 minutes. It's a rewarding climb that offers increasingly impressive views as you ascend.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Begur?
The area around Begur's castles is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, including coastal paths like the Camí de Ronda. There are also options for gravel biking and running trails that pass by or near historical sites and offer scenic views.
Are there easy walks to the castles around Begur?
While many castle sites involve some uphill walking, the path to Begur — Old Town and Castle is a relatively easy and rewarding walk from the town center. For other sites like Peratallada — Historic Village, the village itself is flat and easy to explore once you arrive.
What is the best time to visit the castles around Begur?
The castles around Begur can be visited year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and exploring. Visiting at sunset is particularly recommended for Castell de Begur to experience its panoramic views in a unique light. During summer, early mornings or late afternoons are ideal to avoid the midday heat.
Are there cafes or restaurants near the castles?
Yes, the town of Begur itself, surrounding the Old Town and Castle, has many cafes and restaurants. Peratallada — Historic Village also boasts a wide gastronomic offer with restaurants serving typical regional dishes. Near the Sant Sebastià Lighthouse and Viewpoint, you can find a restaurant with excellent views.
Are there any lesser-known castles worth visiting near Begur?
Beyond the prominent sites, Vulpellac Historic Centre is a notable hidden gem. It features a castle-palace complex and a parish church, forming an old town of remarkable architectural interest. Its historic core, structured around these buildings, was declared a cultural asset of national interest.
What should I wear for castle walks in Begur?
For castle walks in Begur, comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially as many sites involve uneven terrain or uphill climbs. Depending on the season, layers are advisable, and a hat and sunscreen are recommended during sunny periods. Even in summer, a light jacket might be useful for evenings or coastal breezes.
Are the castle walks around Begur dog-friendly?
Many outdoor areas and paths around the castles, including the walk up to Castell de Begur, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep dogs on a leash and be mindful of other visitors and local regulations. Specific indoor areas or protected sites might have restrictions.
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