Major city · Spain
Castelló d'Empúries
Give it half a day on foot, not a base: the Gothic basilica and old town take 2–3 hours; sleep in Empuriabrava or Figueres if you want the beach or trains.
Castelló d'Empúries is a small Alt Empordà town 9 km east of Figueres, once the capital of the Empúries county. Its old town is compact and walkable around the Gothic church of Santa Maria, and the neighbouring Empuriabrava urbanisation supplies the beach, the marina and most of the beds. Come for the basilica, the flour-mill museum and the Aiguamolls wetlands next door, then move on.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (crowds and heat), Nov–Mar (many places shut)
- Airports
- GRO · PGF
- Nights
- 0–1
Rules in force · 9Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Iberia ↗Plan meals on the Iberian clock: Spanish kitchens serve lunch from about 13:30–14:00 and dinner from 20:30–21:00; Portugal eats an hour or so earlier. Early evenings are for tapas or petiscos, not full meals.
- Iberia ↗Inland Spain and Portugal (Seville, Córdoba, Madrid, the Alentejo) pass 40 °C in heatwaves from late June to August: sightsee before 11:00 and after 18:00, and keep July–August for the coasts and the green north.
- Iberia ↗Andorra and Gibraltar have their own border and customs rules and are reached only through Spain (or France for Andorra); read their pages before adding them, especially if you hold a limited Schengen visa.
- Spain ↗Spain is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Spain ↗High-speed trains have airport-style baggage screening at the station and boarding gates that close a few minutes before departure: arrive early.
- Spain ↗Carry your passport or ID: police may ask for it, and hotels must register every guest's document.
- Spain ↗The Alhambra in Granada and the Sagrada Família in Barcelona sell timed tickets that sell out weeks ahead in season; book on the official sites before you fix your dates.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Castelló d'Empúries112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Castelló d'Empúries, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Spain-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckEU and EEA plans roam at home prices; UK and other plans may charge — check before you land.Spain-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe across the mainland; it tastes of chlorine in some coastal areas.Spain-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Round up or 5–10% for good service; service is not usually added.Spain-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Spain-wide
- SafetyA quiet, low-crime small town; the real risks are the Tramuntana wind on the water…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars and cafés (buy a coffee).Spain-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All emergencies · 091 National police · 062 Guardia Civil (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysSmall shops close about 14:00–17:00 and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Small shops close about 2:00 PM–5:00 PM and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Spain-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportGRO Girona-Costa Brava (About 50 km (31 mi) south; bus or car to Figueres, then the C-260 bus or a taxi.).GRO Girona-Costa Brava (About 31 mi (50 km) south; bus or car to Figueres, then the C-260 bus or a taxi.).
- Getting aroundThe old town is compact and walkable; park on the edge (Carrer del Call, Carrer de la Caserna, Pont Vell) and walk in…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€1.30–2.50 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beerdraught / supermarket can€2.50–4 (≈ US$3–5)€0.80–1.50 (≈ US$1–2)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxicheck€10–15 (≈ US$12–18)
- Metro or bus rideC-260 bus ridecheck€2–3 (≈ US$3–4)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (flour mill, Butterfly Park)check€5–12 (≈ US$6–14)
- Budget bedEmpuriabrava holiday flat (up to 4), a night, per room€90 (≈ US$110)
- Mid-range bedHostal or guesthouse double, a night, per room€85 (≈ US$100)
- High-end bedHostal or guesthouse double, a night, per room€140 (≈ US$170)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €95 (≈ US$120) · High €170 (≈ US$200)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- GRO Girona-Costa Brava (About 50 km (31 mi) south; bus or car to Figueres, then the C-260 bus or a taxi.) · PGF Perpignan–Rivesaltes (France) (About 60 km (37 mi) north across the border; useful if you arrive from France.)GRO Girona-Costa Brava (About 31 mi (50 km) south; bus or car to Figueres, then the C-260 bus or a taxi.) · PGF Perpignan–Rivesaltes (France) (About 37 mi (60 km) north across the border; useful if you arrive from France.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Feb
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Mar
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Apr
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Dec
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Apr (7 rain days), driest Jul (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Castelló d'Empúries: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
5 rd
Feb
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
5 rd
Mar
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
6 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
7 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
3 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
4 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7 rd
Nov
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
6 rd
Dec
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The old town is compact and walkable; park on the edge (Carrer del Call, Carrer de la Caserna, Pont Vell) and walk in — parking status and walk times check. A regular bus runs the C-260 axis between Figueres and Roses via Castelló and Empuriabrava. A car is the practical way to reach the Aiguamolls and the beaches.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Empuriabrava
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min on foot
Walk or drive 2–3 km (1.2–1.9 mi) east, or the C-260 busWalk or drive 1.2–1.9 mi (2–3 km) east, or the C-260 bus
Canals, marina and the nearest beach; the town's own holiday district.
Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park
goDoor to door: About 15 min by car
Car or bike to the El Cortalet visitor centre, about 5 km (3.1 mi)Car or bike to the El Cortalet visitor centre, about 3.1 mi (5 km)
Flat hides and paths; best early morning for birds.
Figueres
goDoor to door: About 20 min
C-260 bus or car, 9 km (5.6 mi)C-260 bus or car, 5.6 mi (9 km)
Dalí Theatre-Museum and the high-speed station for Barcelona and France.
Roses
goDoor to door: About 20 min
C-260 bus or car, 10 km (6.2 mi)C-260 bus or car, 6.2 mi (10 km)
Beach, port and the road on to Cap de Creus.
Cadaqués
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Car over the Cap de Creus road, or bus via Roses
Long, winding road; a full day with Roses.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Castelló old town
Small hotels and hostals around Plaça del Joc de la Pilota and Carrer de la Moneda; quiet at night, few rooms.
Empuriabrava
2–3 km (1.2–1.9 mi) east: canals, beach and the bulk of the holiday flats; walk or drive into the old town.1.2–1.9 mi (2–3 km) east: canals, beach and the bulk of the holiday flats; walk or drive into the old town.
Figueres
9 km (5.6 mi) west on the C-260; high-speed rail, more beds and the Dalí museum as a bonus.5.6 mi (9 km) west on the C-260; high-speed rail, more beds and the Dalí museum as a bonus.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €45–70 (≈ US$55–85) excl. bed
- Mid
- €70–120 (≈ US$85–140) excl. bed
- High
- €120 (≈ US$140)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hostal or guesthouse double1 × 1 night × €85 | €85 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €95 | €190 |
| C-260 bus, Figueres ↔ Castelló, one way2 × €3 · 2026 estimate; check | €5 |
| Butterfly Park adult entry2 × €12 · 2026 estimate; check | €24 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €10 · 2026 estimate | €20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €32 |
| Trip total≈ €178 per person per day, bed included | €356≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate
2026 estimate in euro; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €1.30–2.50 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Menu del dia at lunchWeekdays; wine often included. | €14–22 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Beer: draught / supermarket can | €2.50–4 (≈ US$3–5) / €0.80–1.50 (≈ US$1–2) |
| 5 km taxicheck | €10–15 (≈ US$12–18) |
| C-260 bus ridecheck | €2–3 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Museum entry (flour mill, Butterfly Park)check | €5–12 (≈ US$6–14) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The basilica is an active parish church: check opening times before you plan the day around it.
- Many restaurants close one or two days a week and shut between lunch and dinner; book or arrive early.
- Mosquitoes around the Aiguamolls wetlands at dusk in summer: repellent.
- The Tramuntana wind can make the beach and the Empuriabrava canals unpleasant even in sun.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies
- 112
- National police
- 091
- Guardia Civil
- 062
Pocket card
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Castelló d'EmpúriesCastelló d'Empúries
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A aquesta adreça, si us plauTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies112
- National police091
- Guardia Civil062
Embassy
No embassies here; the US has a consulate-general in Barcelona, the UK a consulate in Barcelona, and most other countries are represented in Madrid or Barcelona.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Figueres → Castelló d'Empúries: about €2.50 (≈ US$3), 20 min (check)
- Taxi Figueres station → Castelló: €20–30 (≈ US$25–35) (check)
- Train Figueres Vilafant → Barcelona Sants: high-speed, about 55 min (check)
Say or show
- Hola — Hello (OH-lah)
- Gràcies / Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syehs / GRAH-syahs)
- El compte, si us plau — The bill, please (el KOM-tuh see oos PLOW)
- On és la basílica? — Where is the basilica? (on ehs lah bah-ZEE-lee-kah)
- Puc pagar amb targeta? — Can I pay by card? (pook pah-GAR am tar-GEH-tah)
- On és el lavabo? — Where is the toilet? (on ehs el lah-VAH-boo)
Catalan is the everyday language; Spanish works everywhere.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Castelló d'Empúries. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (crowds and heat), Nov–Mar (many places shut) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for GRO and PGF: last bus and train times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking cluster map for the old town: basilica, Llotja, flour mill, Plaça dels Homes, with opening-hour cutoffs.
- Empuriabrava and beach rung: which canal streets flood with cars in August, where to park free.
- Aiguamolls access fixture: visitor-centre hours, hide locations, mosquito and wind notes.