🏰 At The Sun Places we know that luxury is also found in places that hold centuries of history and tradition.
That's why we invite you to discover Castillo de Perelada, a monumental complex that combines a medieval castle, a winery with over six centuries of winemaking tradition and an internationally renowned music festival.
Stay at our Luxury Accommodation in Costa Brava and let yourself be enveloped by the magic of this unique corner of Alt Empordà.
Castillo de Perelada is one of the most emblematic monumental complexes in Empordà. Mentioned as early as the 9th century under the name Tolón Castle, it was the centre of the county of Perelada and a witness to countless historical episodes that have shaped the territory.
During the Middle Ages, the dynasty of the viscounts of Perelada began with Berenguer, son of Count Ponce I of Ampurias. In 1285, during the French invasion of Ampurdán, the castle was destroyed.
Later, in 1472, during the Remences war, King John II again occupied the castle. In 1599, Viscount Francesc Jofre de Rocabertí was invested as Count of Perelada by Philip III of Spain.
At the end of the 19th century, the castle was expanded under the direction of the French architect Grant, and it is surrounded by a large garden that today is one of its main attractions.
But the most fascinating chapter of its modern history began in 1923, when the businessman Miquel Mateu Pla acquired the monumental complex. Mateu gathered a notable art collection and revitalised the area's winemaking tradition.
The castle was also the last residence of Manuel Azaña before crossing the border in 1939. Today, Castillo de Perelada is known as the home of a prestigious winery and the famous Peralada International Music Festival.
🍷 What does Castillo de Perelada represent for the region and for The Sun Places?
Castillo de Perelada represents the perfect fusion of historical heritage, winemaking tradition and cultural excellence.
For Empordà, it is one of the most visited and beloved monumental complexes, a symbol of the region's identity.
For Catalonia, it is a leading cultural and wine tourism reference, with a winery that produces internationally recognised wines and a festival that attracts thousands of visitors every summer.
And for The Sun Places, Castillo de Perelada embodies the luxury of living history: the luxury of strolling through centuries-old gardens, tasting wines made from grapes from vineyards overlooking the sea, attending a concert under the stars in a medieval setting.
Our Luxury Accommodation in Costa Brava are located a short distance from the castle, and we can arrange private visits to the winery, exclusive tastings and VIP tickets for the festival.
We are committed to cultural, relaxed and exclusive tourism.
🏛️ A walk through Castillo de Perelada: museum, gardens and architecture
Castillo de Perelada is much more than a fortress. Its monumental complex includes the castle itself, the park and the Carmen Convent, which now houses the Castle Museum and Library.
The museum has an impressive art collection including painting, sculpture, glass and ceramics, gathered by the Mateu family over decades. The library, for its part, preserves documents and manuscripts of great historical value.
The gardens surrounding the castle are a haven of peace, ideal for strolling and enjoying the views. In summer, they become the natural setting for the Perelada Festival, with open-air concerts that take advantage of the unique acoustics of the surroundings.
Visits to the park and museum are only possible through guided tours of almost one hour for each space. It is advisable to book in advance.
🎵 Perelada Festival 2026: 40 years of music and excellence
The Perelada Festival is one of the most important cultural events of the summer in Catalonia. In 2026 it celebrates its XL edition, from 17 July to 9 August, with a programme combining opera, dance, chamber music and contemporary creation.
The programme is distributed across different spaces in the castle grounds: the Carmen church, the viewpoint, the Celler Perelada and the Palau de la Música Catalana.
The festival also includes contemporary dance proposals, such as Le Terroir by Lorena Nogal and 4 Danced Seasons, and absolute premieres such as Diario de una madre by Alberto García Demestres.
As a new feature, the organ is included for the first time in the programme, with a concert in the Carmen church that will bring together organist Montserrat Torrent and organists Paolo Oreni and Joan Seguí.
For lovers of music and the performing arts, the Perelada Festival is an unmissable event that combines creation, heritage and contemporaneity in a unique setting.
🍷 Perelada Winery: six centuries of winemaking tradition
The winemaking tradition of Castillo de Perelada dates back to the Middle Ages, as evidenced by various documents and parchments from the period kept in its library.
In 1923, Miquel Mateu Pla revitalised the area's winemaking tradition. Today, Perelada is the best-selling winery in Empordà, known for wines such as Blanc Pescador and Cresta Rosa.
Its wines are produced with the aim of achieving the maximum expression of the Empordà soil. With a winemaking tradition of over six centuries, Perelada produces wines with character, presence and international recognition.
To learn more about the wine wealth of the area, we invite you to read our guide on the DO Empordà Wine Route.
🏌️♂️ Luxury can also be active: golf and nature near Castillo de Perelada
The surroundings of Castillo de Perelada offer other luxury activities to complete your experience:
A short distance away are the golf courses of Empordà, such as Empordà Golf Club, one of the best on the Costa Brava.
You can also combine your visit with a tour of the medieval villages of Empordà, such as Peratallada, Monells and Cruïlles, or with a route through the Montgrí Natural Park and the Pals Rice Fields.
For sea lovers, the Medes Islands offer diving and snorkelling experiences in a marine environment of great beauty.
🗓️ Perfect plan with The Sun Places to discover Castillo de Perelada
Fancy immersing yourself in the history, art and wine of Castillo de Perelada?
We propose a 2-day itinerary:
Day 1 (Arrival and castle):
- Afternoon: Guided tour of the Castle, museum and gardens.
- Wine tasting at Perelada winery.
- Dinner at a local restaurant recommended by our concierge.
Day 2 (Festival or wine tourism and farewell):
- Morning: If it coincides with the Perelada Festival dates (17 July – 9 August), attend a concert or recital in the Carmen church. If not, enjoy a deeper wine tourism visit with premium wine tasting.
- Lunch at the castle restaurant or in a nearby town.
- Afternoon: Walk through the castle gardens or visit the nearby town of Figueres to discover the Dalí Museum.
- Luggage collection and transfer to the airport.
📌 Practical tips for visiting Castillo de Perelada in style
- Book your accommodation with The Sun Places at least 2 months in advance, especially if you want to attend the Perelada Festival.
- Tickets for the festival and guided tours of the castle require prior booking. We manage them for you.
- The best time to visit the castle is spring and summer (when the gardens are in full splendour and the festival offers its complete programme).
- If you attend the festival, wear elegant evening attire. The concerts in the Carmen church and at the viewpoint have a very special atmosphere.
- Make the most of The Sun Places concierge services to organise private visits, restaurant reservations and bespoke experiences.
📞 Contact The Sun Places and let us organise your luxury getaway to Castillo de Perelada.
We advise you on the best accommodation, cultural and wine tourism experiences so you can experience the most authentic Empordà.
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