Przemyslaw K.
Google
The Castle of Begur (Castell de Begur) crowns the town from a rocky hilltop that has watched over this stretch of the Costa Brava for nearly a thousand years. Even though only a few towers and fragments of wall remain, it’s an incredibly atmospheric place where history and scenery come together perfectly. The first fortifications here were built in the 11th century, during the early medieval period, when this part of Catalonia was still on the frontier between Christian and Muslim territories. The castle originally belonged to the lords of Begur, local nobles who controlled the surrounding lands and villages. Over the following centuries, it was reinforced several times, especially in the 14th and 15th centuries, when the coast suffered repeated attacks from North African pirates. The strong position of the hill made it an ideal lookout, offering views across the Mediterranean and far inland. In begur’s golden age, between the 16th and 17th centuries, the castle served less as a noble residence and more as a defensive refuge for the townspeople during raids. However, by the late 17th century, it began to lose its strategic importance, and much of it fell into ruin. During the Napoleonic Wars (early 19th century), the remaining structures were further damaged, and stones from the castle were later reused in village houses, a common fate for medieval fortresses across Catalonia.
Today, what’s left is an ruin: stone walls, sections of towers, and a circular platform where the flag of Catalonia now flies. From up here, you can see the entire Empordà region, the Medes Islands, and even Cape Creus on a clear day. Information panels tell the story of the site. Its great to visit at sunset for memorable moments. Climbing to the top only takes about fifteen minutes from the old town, and the path and stairs wind past charming whitewashed houses and narrow cobbled streets. At the summit it offers one of the most breathtaking views on the Costa Brava.
There is small car park right by the castle, busy during Summer peak time, and its free entry to the ruins. Please be causion as its ruins and paths are uneven and slippery. Take extra causion on the egses of the walls.
