Without a doubt, and far beyond its natural beauty, the beach of Es Castell, in Palamós, has an undeniable importance in the future of the Costa Brava. Speaking of Es Castell means a real concern against property speculation. Today we visit what is considered the most pristine beach on the Costa Brava, and a symbol of the struggle against the preservation of local natural environment and for its values.

Es Castell beach, virgin scenary in Palamós, Costa Brava, Spain

On June 12, 1994 Palamós population was consulted in a referendum about the construction of a golf course next to the natural and virgin beach known as Es Castell. Over 70% of voters opposed the project and for that reason, the beach is still now a place of unique beauty.

Near to Es Castell, beach, after the archeological iberian settlement you can see Sa Foradada, a nice hole in the middle of the cliff

Es Castell has several features that make this beach a unique haven. It’s a considerable extension located on a continuum of fields and woods, without any development in the margins. But Es Castell has also a number of valuable historical points of interest. Thus we find the open-air Iberian settlement at one side of the creek, raised on s. VI BC. We know that this civilization inhabited this privileged place actively until s. I D.C.

Open-air Es Castell iberian settlement

Other important attractions of the beach are some ancient Catalan farmhouses, the “painting studio” of Salvador Dali or the home of the internationally known painter Josep Maria Sert, who lived in this place in the 20′s of the 20th century.

Therefore, and also by its easy accessibility by car, Es Castell beach deserves a place of honor in the whole Empordà landscapes, and any visitor in the area should see with his own eyes how was this part of our coast before the arrival of tourism and real estate speculation.