Hotel Castell d'Emporda
Medieval castle meets Dutch design sensibility. History-heavy but never stuffy. Eclectic global furnishings, dramatic shared spaces, and genuinely theatrical architecture that mixes centuries without apology.
The cellar bar carved into the castle's ancient foundations is one of the most atmospheric drinking spots in the region — fine wines, cocktails, and cigars
Why It Matters
One of the most fully realized castle hotel conversions in Spain — complete with Europe's largest scale model of the Battle of Waterloo on display inside, rooms in the actual medieval tower, and a Salvador Dalí connection (he tried to buy it for Gala in 1970 but was turned away). The Michelin Guide selected it. Condé Nast Traveler Gold List. Named one of the best wedding venues in Europe by The Sunday Times.
A 14th-century castle above the olive groves of the Baix Empordà, painstakingly restored by Dutch owner Albert Diks after he found it abandoned in 1999. The medieval bones — thick stone walls, tower rooms, a vaulted cellar bar — sit alongside a confident modern wing designed with Dutch architectural precision. Rooms are decked out with Indian silks, Moroccan furniture, Chinese antiques, and the occasional Victorian bathtub. After 25 years welcoming individual guests, the property now operates exclusively for group bookings of 20 or more.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Castle Rooms
Located in the heart of the original medieval castle building. Refurbished using traditional materials alongside modern decorative touches. Stone walls are still visible, the views over the Empordà landscape are the real draw. Rooms sleep 2-3 people.
28 sqm
Da.Lí Rooms
Newly designed rooms themed around the works of Dalí and his Costa Brava contemporaries during the 1970s. The designer leaned into black-and-white contrasts and eclectic chic, referencing the surrealist energy of the era. Located in the modern wing with lift access. Family configuration available for up to 4 guests.
26 sqm
Garden Rooms
Located in the newly built modern wing alongside the castle. The design blends contemporary and classic touches. Private balcony faces west, which means genuinely good sunsets. Lift access makes these the most practical rooms for those who don't want to negotiate stairs.
30 sqmGarden Suites
Designed by acclaimed Spanish interior designer Cristina Gabàs using the typical color palette of the Ampurdàn landscape. The large bathroom takes its cues from an oriental hammam: lots of marble, a tub-for-two with panoramic countryside views. The 9m² balcony faces the fields. Nespresso machine included.
58 sqm
Junior Suites
Positioned close to the Tres Margarit pool, these suites have their own lounge area with a couch. Panoramic views and a private balcony. The separate living zone makes them ideal if you want a bit more space after a long day.
Pere Margarit Suite
Named after Pere Margarit, a sea captain who sailed with Christopher Columbus and once owned this castle. Designer Bart van Bekhoven created a majestic environment around original Margarit family objects. The standout piece: a Victorian bathtub. Stained glass windows and a French window complete the theatrical setting. This is the flagship room of the castle.
80 sqmTower Rooms
Set inside the actual castle tower — about as close as you can get to sleeping in the medieval structure itself. The 360° panoramic views over the Empordà are exceptional. But note: no lift access, lots of stairs, and not suitable for those with mobility concerns. No children accommodated.
The Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Inside the castle itself: Europe's largest scale model of the Battle of Waterloo. Owner Albert Diks spent nearly 20 years building the 18m² diorama with 2,000 hand-painted toy soldiers and around 500 horses. His great-great-grandfather was a veteran of Napoleon's Grande Armée. A genuinely unusual thing to find inside a castle hotel.
Bicycle rental available through the hotel. The rolling Empordà terrain is well-suited to cycling — not too demanding, with routes that pass through medieval villages and olive groves. The coast is 15-20 minutes by bike.
Three Dalí sites within an hour's drive: the Gala Dalí Castle at Púbol (10 minutes away), the Portlligat Museum House near Cadaqués (1 hour), and the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres. The hotel offers the Dalí Experience package which includes tickets to Gala Dalí Castle.
The hotel has arrangements with a curated selection of nearby golf courses in the region: Empordà, Serres de Pals, Platja de Pals, Girona, Mas Nou d'Aro, Costa Brava, PGA Catalunya, and Torremirona. The varied terrain and coastal climate make this a serious golf destination.
Walking routes directly from the hotel through the Empordà landscape. Popular with guests. The terrain is rolling rather than rugged, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
Two outdoor pools. The Tres Margarit pool sits next to the restaurant and has panoramic valley views. The Da.Li pool is located in the Da.Li wing. Towel service, parasols, and sun loungers provided. Open approximately April 15 to October 15, 10:00–20:00 (lifeguard on duty 10:00–18:00).
The Costa Brava beaches (Llafranc, Calella, Aiguablava, Begur) are 20 minutes by car and offer snorkeling, canoeing, and paddleboarding. The hotel can assist with arrangements.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Lift available in the modern Garden and Da.Li wings. Tower Rooms in the original castle have no lift access.
12 hectares of grounds including an olive grove garden. Wedding ceremonies held here. Also a historic chapel (Capella Maria del Remei) adjacent to the castle, still celebrated by local people each October.
The Da.Li Sunset Terrace offers what the hotel describes as the best sunset view in Baix Empordà. Available for private group events.
One pool adjacent to the Tres Margarit restaurant with views over the Baix Empordà valley; a second in the Da.Li wing. Both include sun loungers, parasols, and towel service.
All rooms supplied with Miller Harris toiletries.
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