12 Amazing Castles in Barcelona Spain You Must Visit

Barcelona might be best known for its Gaudí architecture and beautiful beaches, but there are also some incredible castles in Barcelona and the surrounding area.

From medieval fortresses overlooking the Mediterranean to historic castles hidden in the countryside, there are some pretty impressive places to explore.

Here are 12 incredible castles in and around Barcelona that offer a completely different side of Catalonia.

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• ⏱️ Distance from Barcelona: 1 hour 15 minutes

Castell de Cardona is an 11th-century fortress and probably one of the most impressive castles near Barcelona.

It’s located about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Barcelona by car, which is the easiest way to get there since the bus takes about twice as long.

Some of the highlights include the Romanesque Church of Sant Vicenç, the castle’s well-preserved walls, and the Torre de la Minyona (Maiden’s Tower), where legend has it that a lord imprisoned his daughter to keep her from seeing her lover.

The castle also played an important role in Catalonia’s history, especially during the War of the Spanish Succession.

Today, part of the castle operates as a Parador, which is a government-run hotel in a historic building. So if you’ve ever wanted to spend the night in a castle, this is your chance!

And if you’d rather just visit for the day, self-guided tours are available Tuesday through Sunday.

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• ⏱️ Distance from Barcelona: 1 hour 20 minutes

Located in the coastal town of Tossa de Mar, Castell de Tossa de Mar is my personal favorite castle near Barcelona!

Dating back to the 12th century, the castle has well-preserved medieval walls that you can walk along, with incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea.

What makes this castle so special is that the Old Town is actually built within the castle walls, with narrow cobblestone streets, cute restaurants, and little shops to explore.

And on the other side of the castle, you’ll find some beautiful hidden beaches and coves that are perfect for swimming in the summer.

It’s about a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Barcelona and definitely one of my favorite day trips from Barcelona.

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• ⏱️ Distance from Barcelona: 1 hour 30 minutes

Castell de Sant Ferran is located in the town of Figueres and is one of the largest military fortresses in Europe.

Built in the 18th century, it was designed with a massive moat and defensive structures to protect the area from French invasions.

Today, you can explore the fortress on your own, including its huge courtyards, old barracks, and underground areas. There are also some great viewpoints overlooking Figueres and the surrounding countryside.

I was honestly surprised by how big it is, and since it’s not that well-known, it feels pretty quiet compared to other attractions.

It’s also easy to visit on a day trip from Barcelona. You can take the high-speed train to Figueres and then walk to the castle from the train station.

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• ⏱️ Distance from Barcelona: 1 hour 45 minutes

Located in the Costa Brava, Castell de Peralada is a medieval castle best known for its wine, casino, and fine dining.

It’s a great spot for foodies because the castle’s Castell Peralada Restaurant has earned a Michelin star.

It’s about a 1 hour and 45 minute drive from Barcelona and is a fun day trip if you want to explore a beautiful castle and enjoy some wine and cava tasting.

And if you want to stay overnight, there’s also the nearby Hotel Peralada, which is a great option for extending your visit.

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• ⏱️ Distance from Barcelona: 2 hours

Situated on a hill overlooking the Ebro River, Castell de Miravet is a medieval fortress that was rebuilt by the Knights Templar in the 12th century.

You can either walk uphill from the village of Miravet or drive to the top, where parking is available.

Much of the castle is now in ruins, but it’s still an interesting place to explore, especially if you love history. Plus, the views of the river and surrounding countryside are incredible!

It’s just over a 2-hour drive from Barcelona, so it’s a great option for a day trip. Afterwards, I’d recommend stopping in the small riverside village of Miravet for a coffee or a stroll.

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• ⏱️ Distance from Barcelona: 1 hour 15 minutes

Castell de Montsoriu is a lesser-known medieval castle located in Montseny Natural Park, just over an hour’s drive from Barcelona.

It’s been carefully restored over the years and is considered one of the best-preserved Gothic castles in Catalonia.

You’ll need to hike about 30-40 minutes uphill from the parking area to reach the castle, but the views of the surrounding forested hills are definitely worth it!

Just be sure to check the opening hours before visiting, as they change throughout the year. Guided tours are also available, but only in Spanish and Catalan.

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• ⏱️ Distance from Barcelona: 45 minutes

Located in Canet de Mar, just under an hour from Barcelona, Castell de Santa Florentina is an 11th-century privately owned castle that’s also a filming location for Game of Thrones!

If you’re a fan of the show, you’ll love seeing the filming locations on a guided tour of the castle.

And what’s unique about this castle is that you can actually imagine people living here, unlike some of the older castles that are mostly ruins.

There are also beautiful gardens and courtyards to explore, and you’re not far from the beach if you want to spend the rest of the day in Canet de Mar.

Tours are popular, so I’d recommend booking your tickets in advance to secure your spot.

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• ⏱️ Distance from Barcelona: 15 minutes

Located at the top of Montjuïc Hill, Castell de Montjuïc (Montjuïc Castle) is a 17th-century military fortress with some incredible views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea.

It has a dark past as it was formerly a military prison, and played an important role during the Spanish Civil War.

Today, you can explore the castle and learn about its history. One of the best ways to get there is by taking the Montjuïc cable car to the top of the hill.

There’s honestly not a ton to see inside the castle, but it’s still worth visiting if you enjoy history or want to see some amazing views of Barcelona.

While you’re in the area, you can also check out some of the nearby Barcelona art museums.

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• ⏱️ Distance from Barcelona: 45 minutes

Castell de Burriac is an 11th-century castle sitting atop a mountain near Cabrera de Mar, with incredible views of the coastline and even Barcelona in the distance.

The castle has a long history and played a role in several conflicts, including the Reapers’ War.

Today, it’s mostly ruins, but it’s still a cool place to explore.

It’s about a 45-minute drive from Barcelona, followed by a 45-minute uphill hike to reach the castle.

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• ⏱️ Distance from Barcelona: 20 minutes

Designed by Antoni Gaudí, Torre Bellesguard is one of the most unique castles in Barcelona, with a mix of medieval and modernist architecture.

It was built in the early 1900s on the site of a former medieval castle, and it looks completely different from Gaudí’s more famous buildings like Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Família.

It’s also much less crowded than his other attractions, so it’s a great place to visit if you want to see a different side of Gaudí’s work.

You can explore the beautiful interior, gardens, and tower viewpoints on a guided tour or with an audio guide.

And since it’s located just outside Barcelona’s city center, you don’t have to travel too far to visit!

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• ⏱️ Distance from Barcelona: 1 hour

Located about an hour from Barcelona, Castell de Lloret is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Lloret de Mar, sitting right on the edge of the coastline.

Even though it looks like a medieval castle, it was actually built in the 20th century as a private residence.

You can’t go inside, but it’s still worth walking up to see it from the outside. The views are incredible, with rocky cliffs and bright turquoise water along the coast.

It’s also one of the best photo spots in Lloret de Mar, especially later in the day when the lighting is better!

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• ⏱️ Distance from Barcelona: 1 hour

Located in the coastal town of Calafell, just an hour’s drive from Barcelona, Castell de la Santa Creu de Calafell is an 11th-century fortress with a long history.

It’s a relatively small castle, but you’ll get some beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding countryside from the top.

Guided tours are available if you want to learn more about the castle’s history and see its historic bell tower.

Afterwards, you can spend some time exploring Calafell or head down to the beach for the rest of the day.

There are some pretty incredible castles in Spain, and Barcelona and the surrounding Catalonia region have some great ones worth exploring.

If you have some extra time in your Barcelona itinerary, I’d definitely recommend visiting at least one of these castles, especially if you want to get outside the city and see something different.

Many are just a short drive from Barcelona and offer amazing views, interesting history, and a chance to explore places that most tourists never visit.

Plus, some are close to beautiful beaches and seaside towns, so you can turn your castle visit into a fun day trip!

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• Day Trip to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona: Complete Guide + Tips