Above Capdepera stands a former walled settlement, with walkable defensive walls, the Miquel Nunis tower and a medieval chapel. Its residents gradually moved down the hillside into the town below.
Castell de Capdepera
Castell de Capdepera in 30 seconds
The essentials at a glance
- Worth visiting for
- A short visit
- Best for
- Castle walls, history and wide views
- Best months
- January–June, September–December
- Time to allow
- Around an hour inside, or an hour and a half including the climb from town
- Without a car
- Hire car recommended
- Parking
- Small parking area below the gate, with other parking around Capdepera's outskirts
- Highlight
- Walking the defensive walls
- Keep in mind
- A step-free visit
- Access
- Pushchairs: Not practical for the full visit · Wheelchairs: The site has substantial access barriers
Get a feel for Mallorca. Find your kind of place.
The towers and defensive walls dominate the hilltop enclosure.
Follow the permitted wall walk for views across the coast, with little shade along the way.
The enclosure above the modern town once contained the settlement itself.
Drive from the airport
75 minutes
78 km
Bus connections
Take a current TIB service to Capdepera
Region
Llevant
Nearest beach
Cala Ratjada
2 km
Elevation
120 m
above sea level
A glimpse of Castell de Capdepera
Season guide for Castell de Capdepera
November Worth a visit
Very quiet Open
Worth visiting in January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December.
Location
Location of Castell de Capdepera
- Region
- Llevant
- Municipality
- Capdepera
- Elevation
- 120 m above sea level
- Airport
- 78 km , around 75 minutes
- Hire car
- recommended
- Worth visiting for
- a brief stop
- Coordinates
- 39.7042,3.4344
What is Castell de Capdepera?
The castle is more than a single fortified residence: it encloses the remains of a walled settlement. People lived within these defences for protection against pirate raids, before gradually moving outside them from the 17th century onwards.
An Islamic watchtower already stood on the hill, overlooking the channel towards Menorca. Jaume II founded the Christian settlement in 1300. The chapel of Nostra Senyora de l’Esperança and the surrounding defences developed during the medieval period, with further changes over time.
As the threat of raids declined, the town spread downhill. The upper enclosure took on a military role, with a garrison that remained until 1854.
What to look for
Allow time for three main features.
The walls. Follow the stretches open to visitors for views over the town, inland hills and sea. On clear days, you can see Menorca.
The Miquel Nunis tower, an important part of the site’s earlier history.
The chapel, at the upper end of the enclosure, with its medieval origins.
Between them are traces of the old houses. Looking for these helps you picture the place as a settlement where people lived, rather than simply a viewpoint.
Planning your visit
There is normally an admission charge. Check current prices, opening times and any exceptions before visiting.
The ground is uneven and the wall walk can be narrow. Wear shoes with a good grip and keep a close eye on young children.
There is little shade along the walls. In July and August, come early or later in the afternoon.
In May, the Mercat Medieval brings stalls and activity into the castle and streets below. Check the year’s programme for exact dates and expect a much busier visit.
Photographs
Castell de Capdepera in Mallorca
Practical details
- Parking
- Small parking area below the gate, with other parking around Capdepera's outskirts
- Time to allow
- Around an hour inside, or an hour and a half including the climb from town
- Good to know
- Admission is normally charged. The ground is uneven, so wear shoes with a good grip.
- Bus
- Take a current TIB service to Capdepera, then walk uphill through the streets
- Access
- Uneven rock, steps and old paving, with narrow sections along the walls · Pushchairs: Not practical for the full visit · Wheelchairs: The site has substantial access barriers · Dogs: Check current admission rules and keep dogs on a lead
- What you will not find
- Shade along the walls · A fully step-free route · A restaurant inside the site
- Coordinates
- 39.7042,3.4344 Google Maps Apple Maps
Within reach
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Where to swim nearby
Beaches and swimming nearby
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Your questions answered
Your questions about Castell de Capdepera
What can I see at Castell de Capdepera?
The defensive walls, Miquel Nunis tower and chapel of Nostra Senyora de l'Esperança at the upper end of the enclosure. Between them are the remains of houses from the settlement that once stood inside the walls.
Can I walk along the castle walls?
Yes, accessible stretches of wall are open to visitors and are a highlight of the visit. Surfaces are uneven and some parts are narrow, so wear suitable shoes and supervise children closely.
How old is Castell de Capdepera?
An Islamic watchtower stood on the hill before Jaume II founded the Christian settlement in 1300. The chapel and defences developed during the medieval period, with later alterations. A military garrison remained here until 1854.
How do I reach the castle?
Walk steeply uphill through Capdepera's streets, allowing around ten minutes from the centre. A narrow road also leads to a small parking area below the gate, but spaces are limited.
Is the castle worth visiting in rain?
Much of the visit is outdoors. Rain makes the rock slippery and can hide the views, so the nearby Coves d'Artà may be a better option in poor weather.
Practical questions
When is the best time to visit Castell de Capdepera?
Recommended months: January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November, December. Clear days bring broad views, sometimes as far as Menorca.
Is Castell de Capdepera worth visiting in July and August?
July: worth considering with some reservations. Usually busy. The walls have little shade. Come early or later in the afternoon. August: worth considering with some reservations. Usually busy.
How far is Castell de Capdepera from Palma airport?
About 78 km from Palma airport. Allow roughly 75 minutes by car. A narrow road reaches a small parking area below the gate. It fills quickly; from lower down in town, allow around ten minutes for the steep walk.
Do I need a hire car for Castell de Capdepera?
A car is useful Take a current TIB service to Capdepera, then walk uphill through the streets
Where can I park in Castell de Capdepera?
Small parking area below the gate, with other parking around Capdepera's outskirts
Can I visit Castell de Capdepera with a pushchair or wheelchair?
Uneven rock, steps and old paving, with narrow sections along the walls Pushchairs: Not practical for the full visit Wheelchairs: The site has substantial access barriers
Are dogs allowed at Castell de Capdepera?
Check current admission rules and keep dogs on a lead
Castell de Capdepera features in our Mallorca highlights
Words and photographs: Friedhelm Fischer. Exploring Mallorca since 2013 — by bike, on foot and with a camera.