Castell d'Empordà

Castell d'Empordà is a medieval castle standing on the edge of la Bisbal d'Empordà, in the heart of the Costa Brava hinterland. The building now operates as a boutique hotel, yet its walls carry seven centuries of history, and the twelve-hectare estate around it, dotted with oak and olive trees, still feels like open Empordà countryside rather than a manicured hotel garden.

Where does the castle's history begin?

The oldest surviving document mentioning Castell d'Empordà is dated 18 March 1301, making it one of the older fortified estates in the Empordà region. Through marriage, the property passed to the Margarit family, whose most notable member, Pere Margarit, sailed under Christopher Columbus and is credited with discovering the island of Margarita off the coast of present-day Venezuela. The family's prestige shaped the castle's standing for generations afterward.

One detail visitors often ask about dates to 1973: Salvador Dalí, who lived nearby in Púbol at the time, tried to buy the castle as a gift for his wife, Gala. The deal never went through, but the story has become a permanent part of how the place is told. Listed as part of Catalonia's architectural heritage, the castle underwent a full restoration and reopened its doors to guests as a hotel in 2001.

What is there to see on site?

At the center of the estate stands the 14th-century castle itself, surrounded by twelve hectares of grounds planted with mature oaks and olive trees. Walking the property gives a real sense of rural Empordà, away from the coastal crowds, even though the Costa Brava's beaches are only a short drive away.

Right beside the castle sits the chapel of Maria del Remei, built as a place of worship for people from the surrounding villages. Every year, on the second Sunday of October, a local religious festival brings together residents of la Bisbal d'Empordà and nearby towns — a good moment to experience the castle as a living part of local tradition rather than just a historic building.

The hotel's interiors, while reserved for guests, are worth knowing about as part of the estate's story: rooms mix silk fabrics imported from India with furniture from Italy, Morocco, and China, an eclectic decorating choice that echoes the castle's long history of attracting travelers and collectors.

How do you get to Castell d'Empordà?

The castle sits on the outskirts of la Bisbal d'Empordà, a town known for its ceramics tradition. The easiest way in is by car, roughly 30 minutes from Girona, or from Costa Brava coastal towns such as Palamós or Begur. It makes a convenient base for exploring both the inland Empordà region and the nearby coast.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and early autumn show off the surrounding landscape of olive groves and gentle hills at their best, with temperatures comfortable enough for walking the grounds. The second Sunday of October is a particularly notable date because of the annual festival at the Maria del Remei chapel, though it's worth keeping in mind that this is primarily a local, religious occasion rather than a tourist event.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Castell d'Empordà without booking a room? Since the castle operates as a hotel, free access to the interiors is generally limited to guests. The grounds around the Maria del Remei chapel do open up during local celebrations, especially on the second Sunday of October.

What's the connection to Salvador Dalí? In 1973, Dalí, who lived nearby in Púbol, attempted to purchase the castle as a gift for his wife, Gala. The sale never went through, but the anecdote remains a fixture of the castle's history.

How far is the castle from the Costa Brava beaches? Coastal towns like Palamós are only a short drive away, making Castell d'Empordà a practical base for combining beach time with inland sightseeing.

What sets Castell d'Empordà apart from other castles in the area? Its 14th-century architecture, now home to a boutique hotel, is backed by documented history going back to 1301, plus the notable connection to the Margarit family, one of whom is credited with discovering the island of Margarita.