Ten Most Beautiful Castles in Spain

By: Genevieve Mc Carthy / Last updated: January 4, 2024

Spain’s rich and diverse history has contributed to more than 2,500 magnificent castles across the country. These architectural marvels encompass a wide range of styles, including Moorish castles from the period of Islamic rule, military fortresses constructed during the “Reconquista,” medieval castles, and castles perched on coastal cliffs. Each castle has its unique charm, some impeccably preserved while others exude a captivating allure as romantic ruins atop picturesque hilltops. Here, we present a selection of our personal ten favorites, many of which are situated in the enchanting wine country.

1. Segovia’s Alcazar

Segovia Alcazar

The ultimate Disney castle, the Alcazar of Segovia, is just gorgeous. And such a rich history. This is where Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand met for the first time and where King Philip (Felipe), the 2nd, married his wife (Anne of Austria). You can visit the castle’s interior and climb up over 150 stairs on a narrow, winding staircase to get to the Torre Juan II and enjoy views over Segovia and the countryside. Quite magical in winter, when you can also appreciate the local suckling pig and fab wines.

Alcazar de Segovia website: Read more


2. Jarandilla

Castillo de jarandilla

This preserved 15th-century castle has been converted into one of Spain’s national Parador hotels and is located in the beautiful Extremadura (Paprika mecca) region. King Charles V lived here, and the castle and grounds are atmospheric. The cuisine here is rustic fare and terrific. While in this region, don’t miss medieval Trujillo and Cáceres, gorgeous places.

Jarandilla website: Read more


3. La Mota

Castillo de la Mota

This delightful gothic castle near the Rueda and Ribera del Duero wine regions is where Juana la Loca (Jane the Mad) lived. Over the years, it has changed from being a royal residence to a prison to being used for special events and art exhibitions.

La Mota website: Read more


4. Ponferrada

Castillo de Ponferrada

Whimsical castle in one of our favorite wine regions, Bierzo. Impressive as it is one of Spain’s few Templar castles. From July 1-4, the local town council is organizing medieval Templar nights, which are very atmospheric.

Castillo de los Templarios website: Read more


5. Coca

Castillo de Coca

Castillo de Coca is very handsome, a 15th-century ornate, perfectly preserved military castle about half an hour from Segovia. You can visit the inside of the castle too (not all castles allow visits). So why not make it an afternoon excursion from Segovia? Bring a picnic and munch on Chorizo and queso while sitting in the shade of the trees and sipping on some chilled Rueda…

Castillo de Coca website: Read more


6. Olite

Castillo de Olite

This gorgeous castle in the Navarra Region is one of the loveliest in Spain and is set right in the middle of the historic village of Olite and overlooks vineyards. Stay the night in Olite (the Parador, also a landmark building, is the best spot in town) and enjoy the castle lit up and the excellent local restaurants. While in the area, visit the Super Ochoa winery.

Olite Castle website: Read more


7. Peñafiel

Castillo de Peñafiel

Situated in the heart of the Ribera del Duero wine country, the Castillo de Peñafiel houses a regional wine museum and overlooks a charming medieval village of the same name. Shaped like a battleship and set right on top of a steep hill, a stop here is a must touring the wine country. You can stay nearby at the pretty Convento Las Claras.

Castillo de Peñafiel website: Read more


8. Castillo de Alarcón

Castillo de Alarcon

This Arabic fortress (dating back to the 8th century!) in Cuenca province in the La Mancha wine region has been transformed into an itty bitty Parador (only a few rooms, including the Infante Don Juan Manuel room at the top of the castle’s keep ). This is the land of Don Quixote, dusty and dreamy. Visit Cuenca with its hanging houses and the swish Pago Vicario wine estate.

Castillo de Alarcón website: Read more


9.  Tossa de Mar

Castillo Torre del Mar

Overlooking the sparkling sea, this castle (fortified tower) wins for location location location. Tossa de Mar is a touristy Costa Brava town close to the Emporda wine region. In the ’50s, when Ava Gardner filmed “Pandora and the Flying Dutchman,” when it was a sleepy fishing village. These days it’s a popular beach haunt. Delightful to visit in June or September when the crowds are gone and the weather is balmy.


 

10. Loarre

Castillo Loarre

Very close to the Somontano wine region (featured in our Pyrenees Food and Wine tour ) in Huesca, you’ll find the mystical castle of Loarre. This castle complex dates to the 11th century and is Unesco protected.

Castillo de Loarre website: Read more


More Information:

Other incredible castles, big and small (some abandoned), include the Alcazaba of Guadix, Butrón in Vizcaya, the castle of Vejer in Andalucía, Málaga’s Alcazaba, Coyanza, Burgalimar, Peralada (home to a wine estate to and featured on our Catalonia wine tours), Castillo de Bellver (just above Palma de Mallorca)  and Castillo de Almansa.

More on Spanish castles and architecture here.

Author

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Genevieve Mc Carthy

21 thoughts on “Ten Most Beautiful Castles in Spain

Justinesays:

May 14, 2018 at 7:26 am

Some of these castles look so well-preserved, especially the one in Mota. I've never even heard of it I once went to Segovia 20 years ago..but, sadly I don't remember much. I feel a new motivation to go back :) I have been to Tossa de Mar, and it really is a great sight when you're lying on the beach!

Haileysays:

September 25, 2013 at 2:11 am

Omg that would be the first thing to do in Spain!!!

Isabellasays:

May 8, 2013 at 5:51 pm

What about "The Alhambra and the Generalife" in Granada? One of the best of the world

Rachelsays:

March 28, 2013 at 6:37 pm

I´ve seen a lot of castles in Spain but none on your list, several are on my - ´to-visit-list´. What a collection! I think you´ll like this one http://bit.ly/13dUZoj

elizasays:

February 25, 2013 at 5:06 pm

i thik that the castles in sevilla is the prettiest. The best, in my opinion was the castle of king ferdanand and queen isabella

Jennifer Leesays:

January 17, 2013 at 2:13 pm

We're in Barcelona now!! Which castles should we go tour??? We would prefer one with a city close! I want to see where a king and queen slept!!! Let us know. Thank you Jennifer lee

Wine Tasting along the Saint James Pilgrimage | sumosommeliersays:

April 2, 2012 at 5:55 pm

[...] Leon´s outstanding cathedral, Astorga, Ponferrada with its fairy tale castle (featured in our most beautiful castles in Spain post), unique landscapes in Las Médulas, the abandoned castle of Corullón, the [...]

HJDmansays:

March 28, 2012 at 6:41 pm

i love castles

HJDmansays:

March 28, 2012 at 6:39 pm

i like # 1 2 5 6 and 9.....8 is ok. the color is very pretty in the 8. i am very big disney fan so 1 and 6 are my favorite! 3 has a good sky in it.

Era Hambeltonsays:

March 17, 2012 at 8:18 pm

good post cheers.

loulousays:

March 13, 2012 at 7:16 am

love the pictures good website and spain is awesome.

Nevillesays:

January 5, 2012 at 1:41 pm

Beautiful. I love castles and there are some great ones here and fantastic photography. I also am hoping to holiday in Spain in the near future and see some of these beauties.

tylersays:

October 26, 2011 at 9:14 pm

great pictures

Lorenzo Armendarizsays:

October 23, 2011 at 1:57 am

Back in 1966, when in the US Air Force, I went to Spain, up around Seville. I was going down a road and out there in the middle of farm land, on a nicely plowed field, there was an abandoned castle standing there in all her beauty with no way to reach her other than trespassing.

King size comforterssays:

May 28, 2011 at 6:06 pm

Hi, just wanted to comment and tell you cool post!

Wines of the Camino de Santiago- Wine Tasting along the Way of Saint James | Cellar Tours Blogsays:

October 11, 2010 at 6:24 pm

[...] Leon´s outstanding cathedral, Astorga, Ponferrada with its fairy tale castle (featured in our most beautiful castles in Spain post), unique landscapes in Las Médulas, the abandoned castle of Corullón, the Cistercian [...]

Maryluzsays:

October 7, 2010 at 7:56 pm

My dream is to visit Spain with my children and husband. I don't get tired of looking at the castles day after day. I believe every Hispanic should visit Spain since most of our ancestors are from Spain! Beautiful Spain!

Duquessays:

May 14, 2010 at 1:26 pm

I would recommend that you add "Manzanares el Real Castle" to your list. http://www.castles.org/castles/Europe/Western_Europe/Spain/Manzanares/

Mhe-Lhanee Benitosays:

May 13, 2010 at 7:57 pm

Ive seen temples but not castles. really beautiful and jaw dropping view and architecturals. wish i could go there and see at least one of them.

Tanantha @ I Just Love My Apronsays:

May 13, 2010 at 7:17 pm

Your photos are amazing! I have to admit that I was so excited when I first saw this post because I'm planing the trip to Spain in October! I will have to check one of these castles out!

bunkycookssays:

May 13, 2010 at 4:02 pm

Beautiful castles! Now I want to go back to Spain to see these. I went to Spain for the first time last year and fell in love with Barcelona.

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