Farners Castle crowns a hill of about 420 metres above Santa Coloma de Farners, at the gateway to Les Guilleries. It is an 11th-century Romanesque castle with a restored keep and rampart walk, free to visit, and it offers one of the best views over La Selva.
It is about 10 minutes by car from Can Micos, our farmhouse in Riudarenes, and the walk up fits into a morning. We are Carmen and Dani, and this is the guide we give our guests.
| Where | Santa Coloma de Farners (La Selva, Girona), on a hill of about 420 m west of the town |
| From Can Micos | About 10 minutes by car to Santa Coloma |
| On foot | From Parc de Sant Salvador, 30 minutes to an hour uphill |
| By car | A dirt track of about 5 km reaches the Farners sanctuary below the castle |
| Entry | Free. You can walk the ramparts and climb the tower |
| When | All year. In summer, go early |
Our tip: walk straight up, stroll down
Walk straight up to the castle from Parc de Sant Salvador, take your time on the rampart walk and climb the tower. On the way down, enjoy the park and its fountains before heading back to the house.
Ways to get up to Farners Castle
Direct walk
- From Parc de Sant Salvador
- 30 min – 1 h up
The most direct option and the one we recommend: woodland, a steady climb and the castle as the reward. Return the same way.
10 Hermitages route
- About 9 km, +300 m
- About 3 h, circular
A longer loop from Parc de Sant Salvador past the castle, the Farners sanctuary and the Alzines Balladores oaks, where sardanas were danced until the 1950s.
By car to the sanctuary
- Dirt track
- About 5 km
A dirt track climbs from Santa Coloma to the sanctuary below the castle. Useful if someone in the group cannot walk far; best in good weather.
History of Farners Castle
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| 11th century | First mention, under the viscounts of Cardona |
| 13th century | Passes to the Vilademany family |
| 1485 | Occupied by the remença peasants in their revolt |
| 18th century | Passes to the counts of Aranda and is abandoned |
| Today | Restored and free to visit |
The enclosure is small but complete: a trapezoid of about 211 m² whose lower walls are Romanesque. In the centre stands the round keep, about 12 metres tall with walls 2.3 metres thick. Its door sits about 7 metres above the ground, a classic defensive design; today an outside staircase leads up to it.
The Farners sanctuary
At the foot of the castle is the sanctuary of the Mare de Déu de Farners, consecrated in 1200 and largely rebuilt in the 18th century. It is usually closed and only opens for services, such as the gathering held on the Sunday after Ascension.
Tips for the visit
- Footwear: hiking or trainers; the path is stony.
- Water: bring it from the start, especially in summer.
- With children: keep an eye on them on the rampart walk and the tower stairs.
- Timing: early morning or late afternoon for better light and less heat.
More plans in our La Selva guide and outdoor activities.
Can Micos: a holiday home 10 minutes from Farners Castle
Can Micos is an 18th-century Catalan farmhouse in Riudarenes (Girona) rented in full to groups of 16 to 25 people, between the Montseny and the Costa Brava.
4.8 out of 5 on Google, with more than 220 reviews from groups who have stayed.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Farners Castle?
In Santa Coloma de Farners, in the La Selva area of Girona, on a hill of about 420 metres west of the town, where Les Guilleries begin.
Do you have to pay to visit Farners Castle?
No. Since its restoration the visit is free, and you can walk the ramparts and climb the tower.
How long does it take to walk up?
From Parc de Sant Salvador in Santa Coloma, 30 minutes to an hour. The circular 10 Hermitages route is about 9 km and 3 hours.
Can you drive up?
A dirt track of about 5 km reaches the Farners sanctuary below the castle. Best in good weather.
Is it a good outing with children?
Yes, the climb is manageable and children love the castle. Just watch them on the ramparts and the tower stairs.
Shall we send you a quote?
Tell us your dates and how many you are and we will reply in about 30 minutes with the exact price.
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