Best Medieval Castles on the Costa Brava 2026
Exploring the best castles on the Costa Brava is like stepping back to the Middle Ages without leaving the coast. From seaside fortresses to inland watchtowers, this guide takes you through six gems well worth visiting in 2026. You'll find practical information, approximate opening times and tips to make the most of each stop.
What are the must-see medieval castles on the Costa Brava?
The Costa Brava and its hinterland are home to castles from very different periods. The most outstanding are the Vila Vella in Tossa de Mar (12th century), the Gothic Montsoriu Castle (13th century), the residential castle of Peratallada (10th century), the castle of Púbol linked to Dalí (originally 11th century), the tower of Pals (9th-10th centuries) and the neo-Gothic Requesens Castle (rebuilt in the 19th century). Some are right on the coastline, others are a half-hour drive inland. All preserve original features and offer a glimpse into the past.
Castle of Tossa de Mar (Vila Vella): the only walled castle by the sea
The Vila Vella of Tossa is a 12th-century walled complex with a lighthouse tower that dominates the coastline. It is the only medieval castle on the Costa Brava that touches the sea. You can reach it on foot from the town centre, climbing up cobbled streets. Entry costs around 5 euros (check at the ticket office). If you want to understand its history and the battles it witnessed, I recommend booking a guided tour. Visits last between 45 minutes and an hour, and allow you to walk the perimeter of the wall with views over Cala Boadella.
And since you're on the Costa Brava, here's a selection of the most interesting activities we've found to complement your visit to these castles.
Montsoriu Castle: the best preserved Gothic castle in Catalonia
In Sant Feliu de Buixalleu, inland, stands Montsoriu Castle, built in the 13th century and considered one of the most complete Gothic examples in Catalonia. Entry costs around 6-8 euros (2024 price). You'll need a car to get there, as there's no direct public transport from the coast. From Lloret de Mar, it's about 25 minutes along the GI-551 road. The interior tour takes about 45 minutes and the views from the keep reach the sea on clear days.
Castles of Peratallada and Púbol: two charming stops
Peratallada, in the Baix Empordà, preserves a 10th-century residential castle. The exterior can be visited freely; the interior is sometimes closed. It's an ideal place to stroll through its stone streets. Just a few kilometres away, in La Pera, lies Púbol Castle, linked to Salvador Dalí and Gala. Its origins date back to the 11th century, with 14th-century renovations. The Dalí Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, with hours best checked online. Entry costs between 9 and 11 euros (2024). Both are easily reachable by car from the coast.
Castles of Pals and Requesens: medieval towers and reconstructions
Pals Castle is actually a 9th-10th century tower in the historic walled centre. It can be visited free of charge while exploring the old town. Requesens Castle, in the Albera range, has medieval origins (11th century) but was rebuilt in the 19th century in neo-Gothic style. It is currently privately owned, though you can see it from outside and walk around the grounds. Combining both visits in one day is feasible if you have a car.
Make the most of your time on the Costa Brava and discover the selected activities that best complement this route through its medieval castles.
Practical tips for visiting the Costa Brava castles
The best time to explore them is spring and autumn, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. In summer, outdoor visits can be very hot. A car is almost essential, except for the Vila Vella in Tossa, which is within the town itself. Many castles have reduced hours in winter or close on Mondays; check online before you go. For a multi-day getaway, combine the route with visits to nearby beaches or a gastronomic stop on the best food tour on the Costa Brava. If you're unsure where to base yourself, read our comparison Lloret vs Tossa de Mar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter the castles on the Costa Brava?
How long do you need to visit each castle?
What's the best time of year to visit the castles?
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Is there parking at the castles?
Are the castles suitable for children?
This selection of castles lets you experience the medieval history of the Costa Brava from different perspectives: from the walled fortress by the sea at Tossa to the inland watchtowers. Plan your timings in advance and wear comfortable shoes, especially for the steep climbs. If you're staying nearby, you can visit several in one day without feeling rushed.
For a getaway focused on these castles, staying at Apartamento Remo makes logistics much easier: you're a 5-minute walk from the centre of Lloret de Mar and 200 metres from the beach, so you can spend the morning exploring Tossa or Montsoriu, have lunch in the old town and come back at your leisure. Plus, the apartment has nearby parking, ideal if you're driving between the fortresses.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps us keep this guide up to date.