Travelling from the airport in Barcelona to Lloret de Mar, look out for Sant Joan’s Castle. This hidden gem is worth going back to for a closer look.
Sant Joan’s Castle is another of Lloret de Mar’s hidden gems and should be on the itinerary of anyone looking to discover more about this fabulous town.
Introducing Sant Joan’s Castle
While the site might be primarily ruins, the excellent information boards explaining more about the history provoke the imagination and bring the whole place to life. Situated on top of a hill, the castle offers fabulous views across the rugged and wild landscape to the other towns of the Costa Brava.
A Little History
Dating back to the 11th century, when the Lords of Lloret controlled the feudal territory in the area, the castle is entwined with the origins of the town itself. Today, the only original remains that can be seen are the foundations of the keep, parts of the wall and scattered remnants. Subjected to a tumultuous history, the castle received its first significant damage when the Genovese fleet invaded in 1356. Several earthquakes in the 1400s led to more damage, but the castle was successfully reconstructed after each incident.
It wasn’t until the 15th and 16th centuries that the castle was given its biggest makeover. Extra wings of rooms were added, as well as an interior courtyard. At this time, according to archaeologists, the castle was in full use, mainly as a lookout post, but in 1805, when England declared war on France and Spain, the British shot cannons at the castle causing significant damage. The tower was almost destroyed along with the exterior wall. Severe storms in 1840 and 1923 added to the damage, and the tower was completely demolished.
The Castle Today
Today the castle is declared a Building of Cultural Interest. The keep has now been restored and in 2000, when the excavation was completed, the castle became a recognised heritage site and a wonderful place to visit.
Where
The castle is located on Punta de Fenals, 17310, Lloret de Mar. Sitting atop the hill that divides Fenals Beach and Lloret de Mar Main Beach, you can reach the castle by taking the coastal path, before heading up a steep hill to the site itself.
When
From November to March, it is open on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays from 10am-2pm. From April to October it is open from Monday to Sunday from 10am-1pm and 5pm-7pm.
Price
Adults pay €3 to enter but for pensioners, students, disabled and young people the price is €1.50.
How To Get To Lloret de Mar
Flying to Barcelona (the most convenient airport for Lloret de Mar) from the UK is easy. Direct flights from London, Bristol, Edinburgh and Manchester are frequent and can be good value for money if you book with a budget airline, such as easyJet, Monarch or Jet2.
If you want the rest of your journey from Barcelona to Lloret de Mar to be just as simple, book a transfer with one of my team at Shuttle Direct. I, or one of my colleagues will meet you at the airport, help with your luggage and get you to your accommodation in comfort and in good time to start your holiday refreshed and ready to go.
Choose from a shared shuttle service that costs around £10.00 per person or a private vehicle, costing from £56 per person. There are options to upgrade to executive vehicles too, but whatever you choose, the fixed-price 1 hour and 15-minute transfer from Barcelona to Lloret de Mar is great value for money.
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