Top 17 Castles around Blanes
Best castles around Blanes are found in a picturesque coastal town on the Costa Brava, known for its strategic location overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The area features a diverse landscape, from the coastline to the Tordera plain and the Montseny mountains. This region offers historical sites that once served to defend the Catalan coast.
Best castles around Blanes
- The most popular castles is Palafolls Castle, a castle that is a medieval military building located on the "Cerro del Castillo" near the coast. It is very in ruins and was strategically placed to control the Tordera River and the royal road between Gerona and Barcelona.
- Another must-see spot is Sant Joan Castle of Lloret de Mar, a historical site. Visitors can expect a fortification located on a cliff, separating Lloret beach from Fenals beach, with a central master tower and a triangular walled enclosure.
- Visitors also love Camí de Ronda Along Cales dels Frares, a trail that offers great viewing points. It is a nice place to rest and enjoy views before heading down to the calas, forming part of the historic route along the Costa Brava.
- Blanes is known for medieval military buildings and historical fortifications. The region offers a variety of castles and castle remnants to explore, each providing insights into the area's past defensive strategies.
- The castles around Blanes are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 120 upvotes and 70 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 7, 2026
Camí de Ronda Along Cales dels Frares
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Sant Joan Castle of Lloret de Mar
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The fortification is located on the cliff of a small elevation popularly known as Cerro Castell, about 60 meters above sea level, which separates Lloret beach from Fenals beach. From its position you can perfectly see both the area near the center of Lloret and the castle of San Juan de Blanes, which is part of the same line of fortifications (hence they share the same name).
The castle is accessible both by car and on foot, with a path that starts from one of the main promenades of the town and runs along the sea side, until reaching the promontory on which it is located from the east.
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Palafolls Castle
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The fortress sits on the crest of a low elevation, elongated mountain that runs from northwest to southeast and almost parallel to the Tordera River. Very in ruins, it was built dominating the panoramic view of the lower course and the fertile plain of the Tordera river, in a strategic place to control the royal road from Gerona to Barcelona along the coast. It became the center of the important barony of Palafolls in the county of Gerona, a jurisdiction that extended through the current terms of Malgrat de Mar, Palafolls, Santa Susana and part of Blanes.
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Torre de Marata
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The date of construction of the fortification is not known, but it appears for the first time in a written document in the year 1279.
It belonged to Alemanda de Cartellá, married to Ramón de Marata and from whom it took its name. This has been the name that has remained until today, despite having changed owners for centuries.
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Maçanet de la Selva
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The relief of the municipality is predominantly mountainous, of low altitude due to the proximity of the coast. To the north run the Sils canal and the Pins stream, forming a natural boundary with the municipality of Sils. To the west, it is the stream of Santa Coloma that marks the limit with Riudarenas and Massanas. Finally, to the southwest, the Tordera river borders Fogars de la Selva. Puig Marí stands out within the territory (237 meters), although the altitude ranges between 329 meters in the southeast (Montbarbat) and 40 meters on the banks of the Tordera river. The village rises 100 meters above sea level.
The municipality has an area of 45.77 km2. In 2022 it had a population of 7572 inhabitants and a density of 165.43 hab/km2.
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Tips from the Community
The Torre de Marata is a Gothic, fortified manor house with a distinctive defensive tower. It is located on a hill and overlooks the area of the municipality of Maçanet de la Selva (province of Girona). The building is now privately owned.
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A fortified tower dating from the 13th century. Currently privately owned.
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The Torre de Marata emerged from the rolling hills. A medieval watchtower that has watched over the landscape since the 13th century. Today, this tower is privately owned.
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Amidst ruins and wind, this castle holds a little-known curiosity: on one of its walls, stonemasons' marks in the shape of a cross were found. According to some historians, these are not religious symbols but rather the "signatures" of the workers who were paid per stone laid. They say each mark represented a payment. From the summit, the sea and Montseny seem closer, as if the castle still serves as a lookout, this time not for armies, but for horizons.
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A bit of fitness is required.
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It's worth a visit. Highly recommended.
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Nice place with a great view of Blanes and the sea
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Beautiful ruin. Highly recommended. Great view.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most prominent castle directly in Blanes?
The most significant castle directly in Blanes is the historic Castell de Sant Joan. Dating back to the mid-13th century, it was strategically built on a hill to defend the Catalan coast. Today, it primarily consists of a well-preserved watchtower and sections of its original walls, offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Blanes, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Costa Brava coastline.
Which castles offer the best panoramic views around Blanes?
For stunning panoramic views, the Castell de Sant Joan in Blanes is unparalleled, offering vistas of the town, coastline, and even distant mountains. Another excellent option is Sant Joan Castle of Lloret de Mar, situated on a cliff separating Lloret beach from Fenals beach. Montpalau Castle also provides an unbeatable panoramic view of the Alt Maresme region.
Are there any family-friendly castle visits near Blanes?
While many castles are historical ruins, the general area around Maçanet de la Selva is noted as family-friendly and includes historical sites and castles. The hike up to Castell de Sant Joan in Blanes is rewarding for families with older children, offering great views and a sense of history without extensive ruins to navigate.
What historical significance do the castles around Blanes hold?
The castles around Blanes, such as Castell de Sant Joan and Palafolls Castle, were crucial medieval military buildings. They served to defend the Catalan coast against pirate attacks, control vital routes like the Tordera River, and provide refuge during invasions. They offer a glimpse into the region's past defensive strategies and medieval life.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region around Blanes offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including easy touring bicycle loops like 'Punta del Tordera Beach – Les Caletes Beach loop from Blanes' or more challenging road cycling routes. For gravel biking, consider 'Tordera Trail – Maçanet de la Selva loop from Blanes'. You can explore these and more on the dedicated guides for Cycling around Blanes, Road Cycling Routes around Blanes, and Gravel biking around Blanes.
Are there hiking or walking routes to reach the castles?
Yes, many castles are accessible via walking routes. The hike up to Castell de Sant Joan in Blanes is a popular, albeit steep, walk that rewards visitors with spectacular views. The Camí de Ronda Along Cales dels Frares is part of a historic coastal route and offers great viewing points, connecting you to the natural beauty and historical paths of the Costa Brava.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Blanes?
The best time to visit the castles around Blanes is generally during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) months. The weather is pleasant for walking and exploring, avoiding the intense heat of summer and the cooler, potentially wetter days of winter. These periods also offer fewer crowds.
Can I find cafes or restaurants near the castles?
While most castles themselves do not have on-site cafes, they are often located near towns or coastal areas. For instance, Castell de Sant Joan is just above Blanes, where you'll find numerous dining options. Similarly, Sant Joan Castle of Lloret de Mar is close to the amenities of Lloret de Mar.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in this region?
Visitors frequently highlight the incredible panoramic views from the castle sites, especially from Castell de Sant Joan in Blanes. The historical immersion, the rewarding hikes to reach them, and the opportunity to connect with Catalonia's medieval past and defensive strategies against pirate incursions are also highly appreciated.
Is there public transport available to reach the castles?
Public transport options vary by castle. For Castell de Sant Joan in Blanes, you can reach the base of the hill by local bus or walk from the town center. Access to other castles like Palafolls Castle or Montpalau Castle might require a combination of public transport to a nearby town and then a walk or taxi, as they are often in more rural or elevated locations.
Are there any lesser-known or 'hidden gem' castles worth exploring?
While not a 'hidden gem' in terms of being unknown, Palafolls Castle, though largely in ruins, offers a unique glimpse into medieval military architecture. Its strategic location overlooking the Tordera River and its historical significance as the center of an important barony make it a compelling visit for those interested in deeper historical exploration beyond the more prominent sites.
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