Castillo de San Juan, Blanes: Address, Castillo de San Juan Reviews: 4.5/5
Castillo de San Juan
Castillo de San Juan
4.5
Full view
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82 within 6 miles
Jardí Botànic Marimurtra
1,763
0.3 miGardens
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0.2 miBeaches
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0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
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0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks
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0.7 miBeaches
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0.4 miChurches & Cathedrals
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
529 reviews
Excellent
282
Very good
188
Average
52
Poor
6
Terrible
1
André Minei
Province of Barcelona, Spain22 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
It’s a small castle but with a really nice view from the top. I went there with 2 years old baby and a newborn (4 months).
There is a small parking for maybe around 10 cars really close to the castle. To get to the top is just a few stairs so if you go with a stroller you will need to park it before climbing the stairs so I would not recommend it. It’s not a big place so the earlier you go the better if you want to take good pictures avoiding the crowds.
There is a small parking for maybe around 10 cars really close to the castle. To get to the top is just a few stairs so if you go with a stroller you will need to park it before climbing the stairs so I would not recommend it. It’s not a big place so the earlier you go the better if you want to take good pictures avoiding the crowds.
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kelleygirl2
Sarasota, FL6,483 contributions
Nov 2019
We drove up to the castle ruins on the mountain of St Joan, where the 13th century Castillo de San Juan, was strategically perched. Once a strategic point for defending the city, it was not surprising with its commanding views of the Costa Brava below. Sergio told us that over the years its walls have seen hoards of pirates.
The castle is located in the Punta de Frenals, and dates from the eleventh century. It was listed as a Cultural Site in 1949. The foundations of the main tower, the eastern wall and some remains of the south side are the only remains of the castle today. The entire area provided excellent views over Blanes, its long sandy beaches and the bay.
Nearby the lovely Chapel of St John the Baptist sits perched high above the sea with views of the surrounding mountains and the city below.
The castle is located in the Punta de Frenals, and dates from the eleventh century. It was listed as a Cultural Site in 1949. The foundations of the main tower, the eastern wall and some remains of the south side are the only remains of the castle today. The entire area provided excellent views over Blanes, its long sandy beaches and the bay.
Nearby the lovely Chapel of St John the Baptist sits perched high above the sea with views of the surrounding mountains and the city below.
Written October 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Danny D
4 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
This is a tough climb (by foot) but worth it. Spectacular view of Blanes and its surroundings. There is a water point at the entrance to the castel
Written July 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Aquilicus
Maynooth, Ireland383 contributions
Sep 2019 • Couples
The minute you arrive in Blanes you just can't miss the sight of the castle perched on the hill in the distance
So, when when we decided to visit the Botanical Garden's and noticed the sign for the castle on our way back, we just could not resist it. Gladly the day had started a bit dull so we picked somewhat of a good day for walking - well I should say climbing. It's worth it though, there is a definite sense of accomplishment once arriving at the summit as there isnt much else - apart from the view that is - and what a view! We hadnt noticed the steps on our ascent (thankfully as I am sure they would have killed me) but we sure used them to our delight coming back down - cutting out quite a number of those meandering bends which tested our resolve to the limit when climbing. We were stopped by a gentleman as we descended, he was on his way up, he asked for confirmation of how far he had left to climb. When I rather carefully adjusted his estimate of 100 mrs by a factor of 4/5 hundred, he quickly sermoned us on how important it was to stop at stages along the ascent and to fortify ones mental strength for the climb by taking it in stages. Thinking back on his advice I think he is right in a way but do prepare yourself for the freewheeling down those steps coming down and do let loose with the biggest frothiest pint of your favourite tipple when you eventually stumble into the nearest inn when you get there.
So, when when we decided to visit the Botanical Garden's and noticed the sign for the castle on our way back, we just could not resist it. Gladly the day had started a bit dull so we picked somewhat of a good day for walking - well I should say climbing. It's worth it though, there is a definite sense of accomplishment once arriving at the summit as there isnt much else - apart from the view that is - and what a view! We hadnt noticed the steps on our ascent (thankfully as I am sure they would have killed me) but we sure used them to our delight coming back down - cutting out quite a number of those meandering bends which tested our resolve to the limit when climbing. We were stopped by a gentleman as we descended, he was on his way up, he asked for confirmation of how far he had left to climb. When I rather carefully adjusted his estimate of 100 mrs by a factor of 4/5 hundred, he quickly sermoned us on how important it was to stop at stages along the ascent and to fortify ones mental strength for the climb by taking it in stages. Thinking back on his advice I think he is right in a way but do prepare yourself for the freewheeling down those steps coming down and do let loose with the biggest frothiest pint of your favourite tipple when you eventually stumble into the nearest inn when you get there.
Written September 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
keefnjojo
Plymouth, UK1,311 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
We carried on up the hill to the castle after visiting the Botanical Gardens, its a long uphill road but the castle itself and the views are amazing. (We did find some steps on the way down which made it a bit easier)
Written July 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Marshall B
Ferney-Voltaire, France3,499 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
Even though there is a pedestrian path from downtown Blanes to the Castell de San Joan (indicated on the Blanes tourist map that you can pick up at the local tourist office), it is a rather steep walk, and we noticed that there is not always lots of space between the pedestrians and the cars, and we were glad to have gone up by vehicle, particularly on a hot day. No amenities that we saw up there, so bring water in any case. Beautiful view of coast north and south, as well as back towards the west. Easy parking.
Written June 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
A W
Preston, UK159 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
San Juan dominates the skyline north of Blanes, so we had to walk to it one day to enjoy the coastal views that were spectacular. There are a series of step that take you up to the viewpoint or the meandering road passing the more opulent homes in the area. Worth the walk, buy take plenty of refreshment.
Written July 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alex570
Tallinn, Estonia60 contributions
Jun 2018
A small but beautiful place with the remains of a medieval fortress. The tower is closed. There are wonderful views to Blanes and seashore. Next to tower is a small functioning church. On the site somewhere 30-45 minutes. Take taxi to get there. Free entrance.
Written July 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Charleso3
Exeter, UK204 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
Walked up to the castle and enjoyed the views . The chapel was locked shut so did not see what it is like. The walk goes passed some nice houses and is fairly steep .
Written July 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
John L
Grand Bend, Canada1,987 contributions
Mar 2017 • Solo
The Castillo de San Juan was built in the mid 13th century on an existing fortification, and the watchtower was added in the 16h century to watch for attacks by Mediterranean pirates. The ruins of the watch tower and some of the walls remain, perched on the top of San Juan Hill. Yes, it is a climb (apparently it is possible to drive there) but worth it to romp among the ruins and gaze out on the spectacular views of the Mediterranean, the beach and the town of Blanes. Start climbing!
Written March 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Es gratis la entrada al castillo?
Carlos N
5 contributions
Si, es gratis. No hay control de entrada ni personal asignado.
pompilio cesar A
La Coruna, Spain28 contributions
Hay transporte público hasta la cima?
Joan C
Granollers, Spain291 contributions
Hola Pompilio, No, no hay transporte publico hasta la cima, a no ser por el verano, cojas el tipico trenecillo turistico. Pero te recomiendo la subida, es espectacular!!
michmich34110
Aiguebelette-le-Lac, France18 contributions
Bonjour , il y a t il un parking sécurisé pour mettre des motos ? Merci pour votre réponse .
Joanes U
Bilbao, Spain142 contributions
Hay aparcamiento pequeño para coches y motos, pero no está vigilado. Es gratuito.
maellecerceau
Vendee, France
la visite est-elle payante?
DiegoH41
Burgos, Spain55 contributions
Es gratis
Frequently Asked Questions about Castillo de San Juan
- Hotels near Castillo de San Juan:
- (0.27 mi) Hostal Regina
- (0.22 mi) Apartments AR Nautic
- (0.23 mi) Botanic Hotel
- (0.30 mi) Hostal Doll
- (0.53 mi) Hotel Costa Brava
- Restaurants near Castillo de San Juan:
- (0.19 mi) Sesala
- (0.32 mi) Sa Lola
- (0.30 mi) Restaurante Celler Sant Antoni
- (0.21 mi) La Tagliatella
- (0.21 mi) l'hivernacle Restaurant i Copes