Top 10 Castles around L'Escala
Best castles around L'Escala are situated in the Empordà region, known for its diverse landscape encompassing coastal areas and inland plains. This area features historical sites that reflect centuries of regional history and strategic importance. The castles often stand on elevated positions, providing views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea. The region's cultural heritage is evident in these preserved medieval structures.
Best castles around L'Escala
- The most popular castles is Montgrí Castle, a castle that is a military fortification built between 1294 and 1301 by King Jaume II. It stands on the 301 m high Montgrí hilltop, offering wide views over the Alt- and Baix Empordà and the Mediterranean Sea.
- Another must-see spot is Verges — Medieval Village, a historical site with medieval charm. Its historic center retains parts of its wall and castle in good condition, offering a glimpse into the past.
- Visitors also love Castell d'Albons, a castle documented since 1170. This fortified manor house, once strategically located between the River Ter and the Fluvià, is now divided into private homes.
- L'Escala is known for military fortifications, medieval villages, and fortified manor houses. The area offers a variety of castles to see and explore, ranging from hilltop ruins to well-preserved structures.
- The castles around L'Escala are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 430 upvotes and more than 450 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: April 27, 2026
Montgrí Castle
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Sant Morí Castle
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Bellcaire Castle
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The castle was built at the end of the 13th century, to improve the defenses of the county, due to the disputes between the Count of Empúries Ponç V and King Jaime II (who in turn had ordered the construction of the castle of Torroella de Montgrí and that of Albons).
Currently its south wing is the seat of the Bellcaire d'Empordà town hall, while the west wing houses the parish church.
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Verges — Medieval Village
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Castell d'Albons
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The castle is currently divided into private homes, and after the reforms suffered in the last century, its appearance is that of a large fortified manor house. It has a rectangular floor plan with an interior patio (not open to visitors), and borders with the church of Sant Cugat.
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful castle in the middle of this little village. Surrounded by beautiful small streets and lots of characteristic houses.
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Verges, charming medieval town. Natural break point on all RdT routes.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi0HgiBDuF0The imposing building that we can see today was built in the 15th century on the remains of a medieval castle documented since 1149 and that in the century XIII was owned by Bernat de Creixell. Historians do not agree on whether the monastery of Sant Miquel de Fluvià had the superior lordship. In any case, we know that the Creixells passed by marriage to the Vilaguts and from these to the Rocabertís, already in the 15th century. It was at that time when the first major transformation of the castle took place and when Queen Joana Enríquez, mother of Ferdinand the Catholic, settled there for a while. Since then it has been in the hands of the descendants of Pere de Rocabertí, the Cardona-Rocabertí and then the Sentmenat and the Moxó. Maria Mercè de Sentmenat i de Patiño received the title of Marchioness of Sant Mori in 1893. The castle is located in the middle of the town. It is configured as a large massive block, rectangular in plan, with a central courtyard. The main portal is dovetailed and on the facades there are several bigeminated crown windows, decorated with noble coats of arms, one of which shows the fleurs-de-lis of the Vilagut. Other windows are the result of modern restoration. swIf you want, you can rent it for rooms or weddings... https://www.airbnb.es/rooms/30806789?adults=1&children=0&enable_m3_private_room=true&infants=0&pets=0&check_in=2024-02-29&check_out=2024-03-05&source_impression_id=p3_1704139137_peqk24%2FuplIlvbBN&previous_page_section _name=1000&federated_search_id=8a9627cf-4904-4024- 9e09-702153ebb233
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This church, of medieval origin, is part of the most important architectural heritage of the old town of Sant Mori, along with the Sant Mori Castle and other historical buildings. The church is an outstanding testimony of the history and architecture of the area, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the town.
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https://www.itinari.com/es/location/castillo-sant-mori https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi0HgiBduF0 It is an architectural jewel from the 15th century with Gothic-Renaissance influences. This castle-palace was significantly remodeled in the 16th century on the ruins of an earlier structure. Today, Sant Mori Castle is not only a testament to the region's rich historical past, but also offers a unique holiday experience, with its impressive architectural features such as a charming interior courtyard, three floors full of history, and a garden terrace with pool. In addition, its location allows easy access to cultural and natural attractions in the area, such as the Dalí House Museum and the beaches of the Costa Brava. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rocwax-EevA
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Beautifully restored castle, in the middle of the town
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles around L'Escala offer the best panoramic views?
For expansive views, Montgrí Castle is ideal. It stands on the 301-meter-high Montgrí hilltop, providing wide vistas over the Alt- and Baix Empordà regions and the Mediterranean Sea.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near L'Escala?
Yes, several castles are suitable for families. Verges — Medieval Village offers a charming historical experience with its preserved walls and castle. Sant Morí Castle and Bellcaire Castle are also categorized as family-friendly.
What kind of historical sites can I explore in the L'Escala area besides castles?
Beyond the castles, the region is rich in history. Verges — Medieval Village is a notable historical site with its well-preserved medieval center, including parts of its original wall and castle. The area also features ancient churches and other structures reflecting centuries of regional heritage.
What outdoor activities can I combine with a castle visit near L'Escala?
The region around L'Escala offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, including those around Montgrí Castle. For more options, explore the Hiking around L'Escala guide or the Mountain Hikes around L'Escala guide for trails that often pass by or lead to historical sites.
How long does it take to hike to Montgrí Castle?
The hike to Montgrí Castle is considered challenging due to its elevation gain to the 301-meter-high hilltop. A popular route, 'View of the Cross of Montgrí – Montgrí Castle loop from Torroella de Montgrí,' is about 5 km long and typically takes a few hours, depending on your pace and stops.
Are there any castles near L'Escala that are less known or considered 'hidden gems'?
While not entirely hidden, Castell d'Albons offers a unique perspective. Documented since 1170, this fortified manor house is now divided into private homes, giving it a more integrated feel within the village rather than a standalone tourist attraction. Its historical significance and charming setting make it a worthwhile stop.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around L'Escala?
The Empordà region, where L'Escala is located, generally enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures for exploring the castles and their surroundings, avoiding the peak summer heat and crowds. These seasons are also ideal for combining visits with hiking or other outdoor activities.
Can I find cafes or amenities near the medieval castles in the L'Escala area?
Many castles, especially those integrated into villages like Verges — Medieval Village, Sant Morí Castle, and Bellcaire Castle, are located within or very close to towns. This means you can often find local cafes, restaurants, or shops nearby for refreshments and amenities. For more remote sites like Montgrí Castle, it's advisable to bring your own provisions.
Are there any castles around L'Escala that are easily accessible or have easy access to ruins?
Castles like Bellcaire Castle and Sant Morí Castle are situated within their respective towns, making them relatively easy to access. While Montgrí Castle is a ruin, reaching it involves a challenging hike to the hilltop.
What are the parking options for visiting Montgrí Castle?
To visit Montgrí Castle, you typically park in Torroella de Montgrí, the town at the base of the Montgrí massif. From there, you begin the hike up to the castle. Specific parking areas in the town are usually signposted for visitors heading to the castle trail.
Can I find circular walking routes that include castles near L'Escala?
Yes, the region offers several circular walking routes that incorporate historical sites. For example, the 'View of the Cross of Montgrí – Montgrí Castle loop from Torroella de Montgrí' is a circular mountain hike that takes you to Montgrí Castle. You can find more options in the Hiking around L'Escala and Mountain Hikes around L'Escala guides.
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