20 Best Castles to Visit in Spain: Fairytale Sites!
September 6, 2023
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Germany, Austria, and the United Kingdom are the only European countries with breathtaking castles.
Spain has you covered if you are a fan of medieval fortresses, luxurious palaces, and impressive castles.
In this article, I will list the 20 best castles in Spain (there are even more!), so you can add these landmarks to your itinerary for the next trip.
So, pay close attention, open a map, and be ready to pin your favorite castle in Spain for your next journey.
Table of Contents ▼ ▶
1.Alhambra - Granada
The Alhambra, also known as “Castillo Rojo” (red castle), is a complex of ancient palaces, gardens, and fortresses. This Spanish castle is located in Granada in the autonomous region of Andalucia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historians say that before the 10th century, a fortress lay where Alhambra now is; from XIII onwards, the Muslim Royal Dystanyies made the strategic area their residence and began to build.
Muhammed Al-Ahmar turned the fortress into a place before the 13th century, and his dynasty continued the work. The Alhambra consists of various palaces, and the Generalife Gardens are a stunning example of Moorish garden design featuring terraces, water channels, and lush greenery, providing a tranquil escape.
The ticket for the general visit of the Alhambra costs €19, but other experiences range from €7 to €30.
How to get there:
If you rent a car, the Alhambra has private parking where you can leave your vehicle while visiting the palace. On the other hand, if you want to use public transport, you can hop on the bus C32 or C35, and be in the castle in less than 30 minutes.
Opening hours:
The palace is open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm.
Website:
2.Segovia Alcázar - Segovia
There is a debate on whether Disney castles were inspired by the Alcázar of Segovia or the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany; the truth is that both were part of the inspiration.
The Alcazar of Segovia, another UNESCO World Heritage, inspired the castle in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and if you see it in real life, you will feel like part of the movie.
The construction of this Spanish castle began in 1122, and more than 22 kings and queens made Alcázar of Segovia their home.
The location of this castle is part of its name; it is situated in the city of Segovia in the autonomous region of Castille-Leon. Its architecture is a merge between Mudejar, Romanesque, and Gothic styles.
The general tickets cost €9, but many discounts exist for students, the elderly, the unemployed, big families, and handicapped people.
How to get there:
The best way to get to this Spanish castle is by walking; it’s just 20 minutes away from the Aqueduct, and you get to see the old town and Jewish Quarter of Segovia.
If you can’t get to the castle walking, you can hop on the lines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 of the bus; it takes around 20 minutes as well.
There is no parking at the castle, so it is better to leave your car behind.
Opening hours:
The Alcázar of Segovia opens from Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm in winter and from 10 am to 8 pm.
Website:
3. Alcázar of Toledo - Toledo
The Alcázar of Toledo is located in the autonomous region of Castille-La Mancha, south of Madrid.
The structure of the Alcázar of Toledo existed from the 3rd century when the Romans occupied the area. It wasn’t until the 11th century when King Alfonso VI reconquered the city and constructed a small fortress.
The palace’s facade was done by the parquet Venture Rodriguez in the 18th century. Since then, the castle has been destroyed and reconstructed a few times due to war attacks.
“The last bloody event occurred during the Spanish Civil War when it was besieged by Republican troops, who left the building reduced to rubble.
It was again restored and has been fitted out as a museum, exhibiting part of the memorabilia of the Spanish Infantry that was kept in the Army Museum in Madrid, apart from reproducing scenes of the last siege. Thus, it is a building more valued for its history than its architecture, which is logical if you consider all the reconstructions it has undergone throughout its long history” (De los Reyes Gómez & Cúellar Lázara, 2003).
This palace is home to the Museum of the Army, and the tickets cost €8.
How to get there:
If you are in Madrid, you can travel to Toledo by train or bus; the tickets are less than €15. Once in the medieval city, walking is the best way to get to the Spanish castle.
Opening hours:
The Museum of the Army is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m
Website:
4.Palacio Real - Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the most visited landmarks in the capital. Daily, hundreds of visitors line up to get a tour of the castle, and other thousands line up on its lookout to get a stunning panoramic view of Madrid and the sunset.
The Royal Palace of Madrid is located in the area known as Madrid de los Austrias, and it was constructed over an ancient Muslim castle. Phillip V ordered the construction of his new palace to Juan Bautista Sachetti and Ventura Rodriguez in 1735, which was finished in 1764.
The palace is bigger than the Bucking Palace and the Palace of Versailles; it is home to more than 3418 rooms and luxurious ornaments. The Royal Palace of Madrid has two stunning gardens, the Sabatini and the Campo de Moro; the latter has its entrance at the Paseo Virgen del Puerto.
Note: The Royal Palace of Madrid is the biggest of Western Europe.
How to get there:
Depending on where you staying in Madrid, all the roads will take you to the Royal Palace.
So, if you want to take the bus, lines 133, 146, 147, 148, 3, 65, and 74, will take you to the Royal Palace and the Cathedral of Almudena.
If you have a metro station close to your accommodation, be aware that lines 2, 5, and 10 will take you the closest to the Royal Palace. Put special attention to line 2 (color red); you can get down at the Opera station; the palace will be 5 minutes away.
Of course, you can always arrive by taxi or foot!
Opening hours:
Madrid Royal Palace is open from 10 am to 7 pm, Monday to Sunday.
Website:
5. Palacio de Gaudi - Astorga
The Gaui Palace in Astorga is an episcopal palace located in Astorga, part of the autonomous Castile-Leon region.
This palace was ordered by the Bishop Grau of Astorga after his previous residence burned down. So, in 1888, he contacted Gaudi, and the Catalan architect accepted the project. A year later, construction began, and the project was meant to last five years.
Palace Gaudí was almost ready until the bishop’s sudden death, and the architect left the palace. A few years later, the Diocese gave the project to D. Ricardo García, who finished it in 1913.
The general ticket for the palace is 6 €, and 10 € if you want to go with a guide.
How to get there:
First, you must travel to Astorga in León, once you can easily walk to the castle.
From Madrid, it a 3-hour drive, and 5 hours by public transport. The journey requires both a train and a bus.
The exact address of the palace is Plaza Eduardo de Castro, 15.
Opening hours:
From May to October from Monday to Sunday. From 10:00 to 14:00 hours and from 16:00 to 20:00 hours.
From November to April from Monday to Sunday. From 10:30 to 14:00 hours and from 16:00 to 18:30 hours.
Website:
6. Palacio de los Reyes Cristianos - Córdoba
The Palace of the Christian Kings is located in Córdoba, next to the Guadalquivir River in the city’s old town.
The construction of the palace began with the orders of Alfonso XI in 1326, and it was right there where the Christian kings, Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, received Christopher Columbus before his journey.
The palace has a Mudejar architectural style, which can be reflected in its beautiful gardens.
Anyone who visits Cordoba should stop by this castle; the ticket is only 4.91€.
How to get there:
Getting to the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos is pretty simple, is just a 7-minute walk from the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday: Open to the public from 8:15 to 20:00. Last access is 19:30. Saturday: Open to the public from 9:30 to 18:00. Last session 17:15. Last admission 17:30. Sunday and holidays: Open to the public from 8:15 to 14.45.
Website:
Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
7. Castle of Belmonte - Cuenca
The Castle of Belmonte, located in Cuenca, Spain, was constructed in the 15th century during the reign of Queen Isabella I of Castile. It was Don Juan Pachecho, the Marquis of Villanueva, who ordered its construction.
This castle-palace is an imposing fortress that served as a strategic defensive stronghold in medieval times.
An intriguing fact about the castle is its unique pentagonal shape, a design feature that sets it apart from other Spanish castles of the era.
Admission tickets to the Castle of Belmonte are priced at €10 for adults, and for the adventurous out, there are medieval combat shows you can experience in the town.
How to get there:
The best way to get to the Castle of Belmonte is by car, if you happen to vist Cuenca and take a detour to Belmonte, it is an hour away by car.
Opening hours:
From Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 2 pm, and 4:30–8:30 pm.
Website:
8. Alcázar of Jerez de la Frontera - Cádiz
It is believed that the Alcázar of Jerez de la Frontera existed before the 13th century, as there is a record that the Christians took over the fortress in the conquest of 1261.
This Moorish palace in the province of Cádiz combines the Almohad style with baroque architecture. The most impressive features of this palace are the minaret and the Arab bathhouse.
The general admission ticket is 5 €, and there is a reduction of 1 € for big groups.
How to get there:
If you happen to visit Jerez de la Frontera, include this palace in your list! It is located in the city’s old-town and its very easy to get on foot.
Opening hours:
This palace opens from Monday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Website:
Alcázar de Jerez de la Frontera
9. Alcázar of Seville - Seville
The Real Alcazar of Seville is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited palaces in Spain.
Initially constructed in the 10th century, the real name of this palace goes in the plural, “Reales Alcázares de Sevilla,” because it consists of a complex of palaces that began under Moorish occupation and extended after the Christian reconquest.
One of its most captivating features is the fusion of Mudejar, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles, creating a stunning visual tapestry. An intriguing fact is that the upper level of the Alcazar remains a residence for the Spanish royal family.
Admission tickets to this architectural masterpiece are priced at €13.50, and you can access the main floor, chambers, and gardens. Keep in mind that on Monday the entrance is free!
How to get there:
The Real Alcázar of Seville is located in the heart of the city, and you can find it right next to the Cathedral.
Opening hours:
Open from Monday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Website:
10. Castle of Colomares - Benalmádena
The Castle of Colomares in Benalmádena, Spain, is a relatively modern marvel constructed in 1987 by Dr. Esteban Martín Martín as a tribute to Christopher Columbus and the discovery of America.
This castle is located 1 hour away by train and 40 minutes by car from Malaga’s city.
This castle uniquely blends architectural styles, incorporating Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, and Mudejar. One fact about the Colomares Castle is that it also houses a small chapel and a museum, making it a multifaceted attraction.
The Colomares Castle is more of a monument than a real medieval castle; no one has really lived in it, so in this case, it must be admired by the architecture’s attention to detail and craft rather than the events and people in it.
Admission tickets to the Castle of Colomares are €3 for adults and €2 for children.
How to get there:
If traveling to Malaga, you can add the Colomares Castle to your bucket list! If you decide not to rent a car, the. You can get to the castle by the train C1, or the bus lines M-110 M-121.
Opening hours:
- Summer: From Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
- Spring: From 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
- Winter: From 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
- Autumn: From 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Website:
11. Peñafiel Castle - Valladolid
The Peñafiel Castle is located in Valladolid, Spain, and it dates back to the 10th century, although the current structure was predominantly built in the 15th century.
This castle/fortress was ordered by King John II of Castile. The construction is 200 meters (660 ft) long. It encloses an area about 35 m (115 ft) wide. Its size also has an unusual boat-shaped appearance, earning it the nickname “The Ship of Castile.”
Visitors can explore its interior, which now houses the Provincial Wine Museum, showcasing the region’s rich viticulture heritage.
The tickets for the Peñafiel Castle are €6 for adults. The entrance includes visiting the castle and a guided tour of its tower.
How to get there:
Valladolid is almost 2 hours away from Madrid, and you can get there by train. However, if you are traveling through Valladolid, the best way to get to the castle is by car, but if you have the budget, a taxi costs between €60 - €75.
Opening hours:
The castle opens from Monday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 2 pm and 4–8 pm.
Website:
12.Castle of Manzanares el Real - Madrid
The Castle of Manzanares is the best-conserved castle in Madrid, and its history is closely linked to the noble family Mendoza, who started working for the Kingdom of Castile in the 14th century.
The Castle of Manzanares El Real lies next to the Manzanares River, located north of Madrid. This castle belonged to the Mendoza family, and its construction was ordered by Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, the Kingdom of Castille admiral.
The ticket for the castle is €5.
How to get there:
Anyone traveling to Madrid can visit the Castle of Manzanares el Real; the best way to get there is by taking line 10 (blue) to Plaza de Castilla and then changing to bus line 724 to Manzanares El Real.
Opening hours:
The castle is open from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5:30 pm and from Saturday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
Website:
13. Olite Castle - Navarre
The common title of this architecture in Navarre is “Olite’s Castle,” However, the right way to reference this former royal residence is “palace,” and it was meant to be a residence more than a fortress for war.
The palace castle of Olite was primarily constructed in the 13th and 14th centuries during the reign of Charles III of Navarre. This palace served as the royal residence of the Navarrese monarchs.
The architectural style of Olite’s Castle is a blend of French Gothic and Mudéjar architecture, with stunning backyards and outdoor halls.
The ticket for Olite Castle is €4.40 for adults and €7.50 for guided tours.
How to get there:
If you are visiting Pamplona, the best way to get to Olite is by the Regional Train (departs from the Renfe station) or an ALSA bus, which takes less than an hour.
Opening hours:
The castle opens Sunday to Thursday from 10 am to 7 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm.
Website:
14. Aljaferia Palace - Zaragoza
The Palace of the Aljaferia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Zaragoza. It is one of the best examples of Spanish-Muslim architecture alongside the Alhambra and the Mosque-Catedral.
Even though the palace already existed before the 11th century, Abu-Jafar al Moctadir, the second king of the Banu-hud dynasty, ordered the expansion and construction of the most important elements of Aljaferia Palace.
How to get there:
It is located in the old town of Zaragoza, closer to the Ebro River; it takes around 7 minutes to get from the city’s center.
Opening hours:
The palace opens from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 2 pm and from 4:30 to 8 pm.
Website:
15. Castle of Almansa - Albacete
The Castle of Almansa, a historic gem in Albacete, Spain, boasts a rich history dating back to the 11th century. It wasn’t until the 13 century that Alfonso X, “the Wise,” recorded the lands of Castile-La Mancha and took the castle as part of his kingdom’s territorial limits.
The entrance ticket for the castle is 4€, and 3€ for children.
How to get there: Situated in Almansa, the castle is easily accessible, approximately 2 kilometers from the city center, so around an hour’s drive by car.
You can get to the castle by regional train or an ALSA bus.
Opening hours:
The castle is open from Monday to Sunday, welcoming visitors from 11 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm.
Website:
16. Coca Castle - Segovia
Coca Castle, a majestic fortress north of Segovia, Spain, is a masterpiece of Mudéjar brickwork. The bishop of Seville, Alonso Fonseca, ordered its construction in the 15th century for his residence.
This castle combines Gothic and Mudéjar architectural styles, creating a captivating visual spectacle.
The entrance ticket for the Coca Castle is €3.
You must book your visit to this castle 48 hours in advance!
How to get there:
Situated in the town of Coca, the castle is easily accessible by car as it is a 50-minute drive from the city of Segovia.
Opening hours:
The opening hours of the Coca Castle are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Website:
17. Castle of La Mota - Valladolid
The Castle of La Mota is located in Medina del Campo in Valladolid, northeast of Madrid.
The Castle of La Mota was inhabited by several monarchs, and many relevant historical events happened in it, such as being an archive of the crown, the confinement of Juan de Castilla or “Juan La Loca” (the crazy), its strategic role in the Revolt of the Comuneros, and more.
Additionally, as with any other fortress, the castle was built and finished with the construction of Several monarchs.
For example, there are records of a fortress in Medina del Campo since the 11th century. Still, historians argue that the structure comes from the 15 century under the reign of Juan II.
The Castle of La Mota has a free entrance, but if you want a guided tour, the price is €4.
How to get there:
Getting to this castle is pretty accessible by train. For example, it just takes an hour from Madrid to Medina del Campo if you take the ALVIA train from the Chamartin station.
Opening hours:
La Mota Castle opens from Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sundays only during the morning shift.
Website:
18. Bellver Castle - Mallorca
The Bellver Castle is located on the island of Mallorca, just a few minutes away from the capital.
The castle was commissioned by Jaume II, King of Majorca, in 1300, and the fortress was finished in 1339. The architectural style of the building is Gothic, and its circular shape makes it unique in Europe. The castle has a central courtyard on two levels, the ground floor with semicircular arches and flat roofs and the upper one with Gothic arches and the ribbed vault so typical of Gothic architecture.
Additionally, the castle has panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and sea.
The entrance to the Castle Bellver is 4€.
How to get there:
Getting to Bellver Castle is very easy; the castle is accessible from the old town of Palma de Mallorca. If you are up to a hike, it is a 50-minute walk.
Otherwise, it takes 10 minutes by car or 30 minutes by bus with lines 4 or 20.
Opening hours:
The castle is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm.
Website:
19. Alcazaba of Almeria - Almeria
Almería is a coastal city in the autonomous region of Andalusia, and one of its most essential gems is the Alcazaba, which means fortress in Arabic.
The construction of the fortress was ordered by Abderramán III around the 10th century; it served as a military stronghold and showcased exceptional Islamic architecture.
Entrance is free to European citizens and for the rest of the nationalities 1.5€
How to get there:
Almeria has a small tourist train that goes around all the essential landmarks in the city. It is called Surbus, and you can take from the Plaza Emilio Pérez. The Alcazaba is the tour’s second stop and the most fun way to get to the fortress.
You can also take bus line number 1 to get to the fortress.
Opening hours:
The Alcazaba opens from Tuesday to Sunday, welcoming visitors from 9 am to 3 pm and 8 pm to 10 pm.
Website:
21. Castle of Loarre - Huesca
Located in Huesca, in the autonomous region of Aragon, the Castle of Loarre is a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture.
The castle stands on a hilltop, and back when its construction was ordered between the 11th and 13th centuries, the location was strategic to defend the lands from the Muslims.
The cost of the general entrance ticket is €6, and €8 for a guided tour.
How to get there:
From Madrid to the Castle of Loarre is a 4-hour drive. But if you travel to Huesca, you can take bus line 405, which takes 30 minutes to get to the fortress.
Opening hours:
The castle opens from Monday to Sunday, from 10 am to 7 pm.
Website:
And there you have it! A list of the 20 most amazing Spanish castles. If you have visited any of this, comment on your experience.
If you have any doubts about these landmarks, let us know! We are always happy to read and answer any doubt.
