Top 17 Castles around Tordera
Best castles around Tordera are found in a region characterized by the Tordera River plain, the Maresme coastline, and the Montnegre massif. This area features historical fortified dwellings and medieval castle ruins. The landscape offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Tordera serves as a base for exploring these historical sites, which were strategically important for controlling ancient routes.
Best castles around Tordera
- The most popular castles is Palafolls Castle, a castle that sits atop "Cerro del Castillo" and offers panoramic views of the Tordera River plain. This medieval military building, though largely in ruins, was strategically important for controlling the royal road between Girona and Barcelona.
- Another must-see spot is Sant Joan Castle of Lloret de Mar, a historical site located on a cliff separating Lloret beach from Fenals beach. From its elevated position, visitors can see the Tordera plain, the Montseny mountains, and the coastal range.
- Visitors also love Montpalau Castle, a ruined castle on the Turó de Montpalau. This site provides exceptional panoramic views of the Alt Maresme region and reveals vestiges of an earlier Iberian settlement.
- Tordera is known for its medieval castle ruins and historical fortified structures. The area offers a variety of castles to see and explore, each with its own historical significance and views.
- The castles around Tordera are appreciated by the komoot community, with 122 upvotes and 71 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 3, 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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Medieval Military Building. Of the centuries... XI. to. S - XV, Currently in ruins , and It was the former center of the barony of Palafolls.
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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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All in all it's nice but seeing it open is about as likely as the German authorities. View on the way but very nice
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique castle-themed experiences are available in Tordera itself?
Within Tordera, you can visit the Castell Medieval Comte de Valltordera. This modern reconstruction offers a medieval-themed evening with jousting tournaments, flamenco shows, and a banquet, providing a distinct cultural and entertainment experience.
Are there any historical fortified farmhouses to visit in the Tordera area?
Yes, Mas Sant Jaume, located on the outskirts of Tordera, is a notable 16th-century fortified farmhouse. It features a round arched doorway, Gothic windows, and a defensive watchtower, offering insight into traditional Catalan fortified dwellings. It is recognized as a cultural asset of local interest. You can find more information about it on Wikipedia.
Which castles near Tordera offer the best panoramic views?
For exceptional panoramic views, consider Palafolls Castle, which overlooks the Tordera River plain and the Maresme coastline. Montpalau Castle also provides unbeatable views of the Alt Maresme region, and Sant Joan Castle of Lloret de Mar offers magnificent vistas over the Tordera plain, the Montseny mountains, and the coast.
What kind of historical significance do the castles around Tordera hold?
The castles in this region, such as Palafolls Castle and Sant Joan Castle of Lloret de Mar, were strategically important. Palafolls controlled the royal road between Girona and Barcelona, while Sant Joan was a defensive structure against pirate raids and part of a signaling network.
Are there hiking opportunities to reach these castles?
Yes, many castles are accessible via hiking trails. For instance, you can find routes like the 'Tordera and Palafolls Castle Loop' or 'Castell de Palafolls — circular desde Tordera' which lead to Palafolls Castle. You can explore more options in the Hiking around Tordera guide.
What other outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Tordera?
Beyond hiking, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails, such as the 'Tordera River – Tordera Trail loop from Tordera' in the MTB Trails around Tordera guide, or running routes like the 'Castillo de Tordera loop from Tordera' in the Running Trails around Tordera guide.
Are there any castles that reveal older settlements?
Yes, Montpalau Castle, while a medieval ruin, sits on a site that also reveals vestiges of an earlier Iberian settlement dating back to the 4th century BC, with continuity into Roman times.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the castles and trails in this region?
Visitors often highlight the beautiful landscapes and panoramic views. For example, the trail leading to Palafolls Castle is praised for allowing visitors to enjoy stunning mountain coast scenery. The Camí de Ronda Along Cales dels Frares is also noted for its great viewing points and as a nice place to rest and enjoy the views.
Is there a castle near Tordera that is particularly family-friendly?
While not a traditional castle ruin, the Castell Medieval Comte de Valltordera offers a family-friendly entertainment experience with its medieval jousting and flamenco shows. For historical sites, the town of Maçanet de la Selva, which has castle elements, is categorized as family-friendly.
Can I find any coastal viewpoints related to castles?
Absolutely. Sant Joan Castle of Lloret de Mar is situated on a cliff separating Lloret beach from Fenals beach, offering magnificent coastal views. The Camí de Ronda Along Cales dels Frares also provides excellent coastal viewing points.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Tordera for hiking?
The region generally enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Spring and autumn are often ideal for hiking, offering milder temperatures and pleasant conditions for exploring the ruins and enjoying the panoramic views without the intense heat of summer or the cooler, potentially wetter days of winter. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit.
Are there any castles that were part of a larger defensive network?
Yes, Sant Joan Castle of Lloret de Mar was part of a network of castles known as the 'Tordera line' in the 14th century, used for signaling to Barcelona, highlighting its role in regional defense.
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