Castell Platja d’Aro Spain Travel Guide

Originally a small fishing village, Platja d’Aro is one of the picture postcard seaside towns that you can find on the Costa Brava. These days it is a thriving resort, that offers entertainment for all your waking hours. It has the types of facilities that have enabled it to become a Catalan Official Family Holiday Destination, of which currently there are only 19. For me the highlights are some stunning views, clear water and beautiful coves, plus its historical heritage.

If you like it lively, but don’t want to miss out on some beauty and culture, it could be a good spot for you! If I haven’t tempted you already, then if I throw in an October Beer Festival that has been running since 1987, maybe that might make the difference? It’s the town’s answer to the Oktoberfest.

Located 80 km north from Barcelona, and 43 km south heading onto the coast, from Girona, Platja d’Aro is part of the municipality of Castell Platja d’Aro. This means that although it is a bustling resort, around 3 km inland you’ll find Castell d’Aro, an ancient village that was built up around the fortified church and medieval castle. This historic part of the town’s legacy is thought to date to around the first century BC.

The historical centre of the town, Castell d’Aro, has retained much of its medieval charm. It sits quite comfortably alongside the cosmopolitan Platja d’Aro, and the elegant S’Agaro. I highly recommend walking along the Camino de Ronda de S’Agaro, which is the coastal path that connects the Sant Pol beach with the cove of Sa Conca de S’Agaro. This is a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the superb Mediterranean views of this area.

All Year Round Resort

In terms of liveliness, this resort is ready to welcome tourists all year round. However do be aware that the Costa Brava did get its name from reason, and as it translates into the Wild Coast, if you do decide to come during winter time, you need to be prepared for varied weather. You can easily be lucky and get some lovely sunny days, but the wind is often a factor, once we hit a certain time of year.

Castell d’Aro Historic Quarter

Wander around the narrow, steep streets of the historical Castell d’Aro, and feel as if time may have stood still. This is where you will find the Benedormiens Castle and the Church of Santa Maria, which seem to watch over the town and its people.

Platja d’Aro Beaches

Throughout the municipality there are a total of eight places to choose from to go to the beach. These include gorgeous coves as well as large beaches. The main beach in the town, which has been imaginatively called Platja Gran – Big Beach – is around 2 km long. This contrasts perfectly with some of the most beautiful coves on the Costa Brava, such as Cala Sa Cova and Cala del Pi.

Benedormiens Castle – Castillo de Benedormiens

Considered to be the origin of the historic Castell d’Aro, this Castle was documented back in 1041. Although little remains of the original fortification, restoration work took place in 1970 and today it is home to the town’s Cultural Centre.

Torre Seguera

This 16th century medieval tower, which belongs to a fortified farmhouse, called Cal Rei or Mas Xai.

Can Bas

On the road to Fanals, you can see this 16th century cylindrical tower.

Can Daussa

On the exit from Castell d’Aro, you can see a square 15th century tower.

The Dolls Museum – Museo de la Muñeca

Plaza Lluis Companys 1, Castell Platja d’Aro

The Dolls Museum is one of a group of buildings which have been declared to be an Asset of National Cultural Interest. Here you can find a fascinating collection of dolls from many different periods and places around the world. The collection holds over 800 dolls.

Estanys Park – El Parque dels Estanys

A large natural space in the heart of the city, the park opened its doors back in October 2012 on World Bird Day. Around 250 species of birds can be found within the boundaries of the park, and their viewpoints and it’s possible to to educational tours.

There are plenty of places that you could visit from Castell Platja d’Aro, but here are a few of our suggestions.

Sant Feliu de Guixols – 7 km

A town with medieval origins by the sea, Sant Feliu de Guixols is also somewhere that you can feel the town’s connection to its seafaring past. It even has its own Maritime Museum. Learn more in the Sant Feliu de Guixols Spain Travel Guide.

Girona – 43 km

I know most people want to go to Barcelona, but Girona is a lovely city to visit and only 43 km away. Check out this wonderful city of contrasts in our Girona Spain Travel Guide

Cadaques – 92 km

Whether or not you’re a Dalí fan, Cadaques is a wonderful place to visit. It will take a bit of time to get there, as the road in and out of it, makes slower driving a necessity. But it is special and definitely picturesque. Check it out in the Cadaques Spain Travel Guide.

Platja d’Aro Weekly Market

Carrer Ginesta, Castell-Platja d’Aro

The weekly market in Platja d’Aro takes place every Friday morning from around 9am til 2pm.

Medieval Market August

The medieval market has been running for over 15 years now, and is held normally on the 3rd weekend of August. For 2015 this should be the 22nd and 23rd, but please confirm this with the tourist office, as right now the 2015 dates aren’t available.

Platja d’Aro Golf Club

http://www.golfdaro.com/en/

Pitch & Putt Platja d’Aro

http://www.pitchdaro.com/page18.html

You have plenty of supermarkets to choose from in Castell Platja d’Aro. Here are some of the main ones.

Mercadona

Carrer Tramuntana
Mercadona is a good Spanish supermarket, that balances price well with quality. They often have good fish there as well. Don’t expect to see or taste, the type of steaks we are used to back in Ireland and the UK.

Carrefour Express

Ctra. Santa Cristina, s/n (Eurocenter)

Bonpreu

Av. de Castell d’Aro

Supermercado Mestral

Avenida Del Cavall Bernat, 121

Lidl

Carrer Santiago Russinyol

Valvi

Avinguda del Doctor Fleming

Aldi Platja d’Aro

Carrer Tramuntana.

Biomarket

Carrer Víctor Català

Supermercados Valvi

Av. Platja d’Aro

Día

Av. del Cavall Bernat

Esclat

Ctra. de Girona

Tourist Information

Verdaguer 4, Platja d’Aro 17250 – Phone: 972 817 179

http://www.platjadaro.com/en/

Social Media:

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/platjaroturisme

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/platjaroturisme

Yacht Club

www.clubnauticportdaro.cat