Castell d’Aro

Castell d'Aro lies 3 kilometres from the coast, in the heart of the municipality of Castell-Platja d'Aro, and is one of the best-preserved medieval villages on the Costa Brava. The castle of Benedormiens — built in the eleventh century and designated a Site of National Cultural Interest since 1996 — dominates the village along with the Gothic church of Santa Maria. The narrow cobbled streets breathe history and every August become the stage for a much-loved medieval market. Yet Castell d'Aro is no museum piece: it is a lively village with an active cultural and social life throughout the year.

Facilities are good for an inland village. There are shops, restaurants, schools and basic medical care. For the full coastal life — beaches, water sports, restaurants and shopping — Platja d'Aro is within cycling distance. Girona is around 30 minutes away, Barcelona an hour and a half.

Nature & surroundings

Castell d'Aro lies in the Vall d'Aro, nestled between the Cadiretes mountain range and the southern foothills of the Gavarres. Nature and coast are both within easy reach.

• Castle of Benedormiens — impressive medieval fortress in the heart of the village. Venue for festivals, markets and cultural events.
• Parc Natural de les Gavarres — directly behind the village, with extensive walking and MTB routes through oak and cork oak forests.
• Medieval market — every August Castell d'Aro transforms into a medieval spectacle, one of the most popular on the Costa Brava.
• Platja d'Aro — the coastal town of the municipality, 3 km away, with a wide sandy beach and all tourist facilities.
• S'Agaró — the exclusive villa enclave a short drive away, home to the luxury Hotel La Gavina.

Living & neighbourhoods

Castell d'Aro offers a mix of authentic village properties and villas in the surrounding area, generally at quieter prices than the coastal zone.

• Historic centre — stone village houses and smaller apartments in the medieval core. Unique character, limited supply. Popular with those seeking genuine village life.
• Surrounding urbanisations — villas and chalets in the green hills around the village, with sea or mountain views. Mix of permanent residents and second homes.
• Transitional zone to Platja d'Aro — apartments and smaller villas in the zone between village and coast. Practical for those wanting to combine both worlds.

Practical

Castell d'Aro is the ideal choice for those seeking the peace and character of a medieval village, with the coast and all facilities within cycling distance.

• ✅ One of the best-preserved medieval villages on the Costa Brava
• ✅ Lively local life throughout the year
• ✅ Nature (Gavarres) directly behind the village
• ✅ Platja d'Aro within cycling or walking distance
• ✅ Good accessibility (Girona 30 min, Barcelona 1h30)
• ❌ No beach of its own — bicycle or car needed for the coast
• ❌ Limited property supply in the historic centre
• ❌ Less internationally known than Begur or Pals

More information: Municipality of Castell-Platja d'Aro · Costa Brava — Castell d'Aro