Castell de Begur

Castell de Begur is a medieval hilltop fortress overlooking the town of Begur on the Costa Brava, in the province of Girona. Its ruins are one of the most recognizable landmarks along this stretch of Catalan coastline.

What is the history behind the castle?

The site is first documented in 1019, with construction credited to the feudal lord Arnust de Begur, who picked the highest point in the area for its strategic position and sweeping views over the sea. The surviving remains — a cistern and a rectangular tower — date from the 12th century, while the massive circular tower was added in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Ownership changed hands repeatedly over the centuries. The Cruïlles family held the castle from 1360 to 1604, when Baron Carles de Vilademany Cruïlles sold it to the Begur town council. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the fortress served as a lookout and defensive post against pirate raids along the coast.

The building was destroyed three separate times. The first destruction came during the Catalan civil war of 1468. In 1694, French troops led by the Duc de Noailles captured and wrecked the castle. The final blow came on September 10, 1810, during the Peninsular War, when English and Spanish forces under Admiral Doyle seized the fortress and deliberately blew it up to keep it out of French hands.

In the early 20th century, the Begur town council redeveloped the site: an access road was built, along with the viewpoint known as the "balcony of Empordà" and the stepped battlements that still define the castle's silhouette today.

What will you see on site?

Little remains beyond wall fragments, tower bases, and the old cistern, but the real draw is the view. From the lookout platform, a 360-degree panorama takes in the center of Begur, the Medes Islands, Sa Riera beach, the Montgrí massif, the Canigó peak in the Pyrenees, the area around Palamós, the mouth of the Ter river, and Cap de Creus. It's one of the best vantage points over the entire Costa Brava and the inland Baix Empordà region.

How do you get to the castle?

The climb starts on foot from the center of Begur — the uphill walk takes around fifteen minutes and needs no special preparation, though sturdy shoes help given the uneven, rocky ground. The route forms part of a popular "viewpoint trail" linking several lookout points around town. Access to the hilltop is free and open year-round.

When is the best time to visit?

Sunrise and sunset give the best light, sharpening the outlines of the coastline and the offshore islands. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for the walk, while in summer it's worth going earlier in the day to avoid the heat on the way up. The site draws visitors all year, though dusk tends to be the most striking time to be there.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the castle? No, access to the ruins and the viewpoint is free and available year-round.

How long does it take to walk up from central Begur? The walk usually takes around fifteen minutes, depending on pace and how many stops you make for photos.

What survives from the original structure? Wall fragments, the base of a 12th-century tower, and the cistern remain; the circular tower and part of the battlements are later additions, including work from the 20th century.

Is it worth combining the visit with other viewpoints in Begur? Yes, the castle is part of a viewpoint trail leading to several other panoramic spots around town, making it easy to see the coast from different angles in a single outing.