15 Incredible Castles in Spain You Must Visit

Planning a trip to Spain and want to see some of the country’s most incredible castles? You’re in the right place!

Spain is filled with historic castles that look straight out of a storybook, from hilltop fortresses with panoramic views to royal palaces that once housed kings and queens.

In this post, I’ll share 15 of the best castles in Spain that you should definitely add to your itinerary.

Each one has its own unique story, and visiting them is an unforgettable way to experience Spain’s history up close.

📍 Location: Google Maps

The Alcázar of Segovia looks like something straight out of a fairytale, and it’s easy to see why many believe it inspired Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World.

Sitting high on a rocky hill, it was originally built in the 12th century and served as the home of several Spanish kings over the years.

Throughout its history, it’s been used as a royal residence, a prison, and even a military academy.

Today, visitors can explore its beautifully preserved rooms, like the Throne Room and the Armory, and take in stunning views of Segovia from the tower.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Bellver Castle sits just outside Palma de Mallorca and is one of the island’s most unique landmarks.

While the outside might look a bit plain, the inside will definitely surprise you.

Its circular courtyard is surrounded by elegant arches and statues, giving it a distinctive look unlike any other castle in Spain.

You can also check out pottery, statues, and historical busts inside the museum, but the best part is the panoramic view of Mallorca from the top.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Loarre Castle in Huesca Province is one of the most famous monuments in Spain and a must-see for history lovers.

Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, it’s one of the best-preserved examples of Romanesque architecture in the country.

This tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site is often described as a “unique creation” since much of it has remained unchanged for nearly a thousand years.

Sitting high on a rocky hill, it’s easy to imagine why it was chosen as a filming location for “The Kingdom of Heaven” starring Orlando Bloom.

If you’re exploring northern Spain, this incredible fortress is definitely worth a visit.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Manzanares el Real Castle, also known as the Castle of Los Mendoza, is a beautiful 15th-century Gothic-style fortress located about 45 minutes from Madrid.

It sits between the Manzanares River and the Sierra de Madrid mountains, creating a dramatic backdrop for this historic site.

Once owned by the powerful Mendoza family, the castle was a symbol of their wealth and influence.

Inside, you’ll find grand halls, elegant ballrooms, and balconies that showcase the castle’s royal past.

Even after multiple restorations, it remains one of the best-preserved castles near Madrid, filled with tapestries, paintings, and displays of armor and medieval weapons.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Built in the 14th century, the Royal Palace of Olite, also known as the Palace of the Kings of Navarre, once served as the royal court of the Kingdom of Navarre.

It was one of the most impressive castles of its time and a symbol of the region’s power and wealth.

Unfortunately, much of the palace was destroyed by fire in 1813, leaving only parts of its original structure intact.

Although it was later restored in the 1930s, many of the grand details and gardens were lost.

Today, the palace still stands as an important landmark in Olite, with its towers and courtyards offering a glimpse into what was once a royal masterpiece.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Peñafiel Castle is a German Gothic-style fortress that towers over the valleys of Duratón and Botijas.

It was originally built in the 9th century as a defensive outpost and later expanded into a royal residence by the 15th century.

What makes this castle stand out is its unusual shape. It’s long and narrow, resembling a ship sailing across the hilltop.

Climbing to the top takes some effort, but the panoramic views are well worth it.

Inside, you can visit the Provincial Wine Museum to learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and sample some local wines.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Santa Catalina Castle overlooks the city of Jaén and was originally built as a Moorish fortress in the 8th century before being transformed into a Christian stronghold.

Its thick stone walls and defensive towers are classic examples of Renaissance military design.

Today, it’s one of Jaén’s top attractions and has been carefully restored to preserve its history.

Inside the castle grounds, you’ll also find the Parador de Jaén, a government-run hotel that lets you experience what it’s like to spend the night in a real castle.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Belmonte Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Spain.

While the exterior might not look as whimsical as the Alcázar of Segovia or Colomares Castle, the interior is absolutely stunning.

Most of the rooms are decorated in elegant 19th-century style, with detailed ceilings covered in intricate designs.

There’s an elevator available for visitors, but walking up the stairs offers a great way to appreciate the castle’s impressive architecture and enjoy views of the grounds and surrounding landscape.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Atalaya Castle, also known as Castillo de la Atalaya or Castillo de Villena, is a medieval fortress built by the Almohad Empire in the late 12th century.

It has a long and dramatic history, changing hands many times between noble families from the 13th to the 18th century.

The castle has been restored several times and is now open to visitors. From the top of its towers, you can take in amazing views of the surrounding landscape.

Inside, there’s a well-lit museum that displays ancient artifacts, paintings, and historical documents.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Ponferrada Castle is one of the largest medieval fortresses in northwestern León, covering more than 8,000 square meters.

In 1211, King Alfonso IX granted the surrounding lands to the Knights Templar, who strengthened the castle’s defenses and used it as a military base.

Today, the fortress is home to the Templars’ Library and the Ponferrada Investigation and Study Centre.

It’s located about an hour from central León and offers an incredible look into Spain’s Templar history.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Coca Castle in northwest Segovia is one of the best-preserved castles in Spain and a great example of Mudejar architecture that mixes Moorish and Gothic styles.

Built in the 15th century, it once belonged to the noble House of Alba de Tormes before being donated to the Ministry of Agriculture in 1954.

Today, it’s recognized as a Spanish National Monument, and several rooms are open to visitors, including a chapel that holds important historic artworks.

Many of the interiors still keep their original details, and the views from the castle are beautiful.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Colomares Castle in Málaga is one of the newer castles on this list, even though it looks centuries old.

Built between 1987 and 1994 near Benalmádena, it was created as a tribute to the life and voyages of Christopher Columbus and is the world’s largest monument dedicated to him.

The castle combines several architectural styles, with each section representing a chapter of Columbus’s story through intricate carvings and symbolic designs.

While much of the interior is closed to visitors, you can step inside the tiny chapel, which is said to be the smallest church in the world.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Cardona Castle, or Castell de Cardona, is one of the best castles near Barcelona and makes an easy day trip from the city.

Just over an hour away, it sits on a hill overlooking the town of Cardona and the Cardener River valley.

Built in 886 and expanded over time, the castle showcases a mix of architectural styles and played a key role in the War of Spanish Succession as the last fortress to surrender.

Visitors can explore the Romanesque Church of Sant Vicenç, the Torre de la Minyona watchtower, and the castle’s defensive walls.

Part of the fortress now operates as a Parador hotel, where you can even stay the night.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Peníscola Castle sits high on a rocky cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and was built by the Knights Templar as a key defensive stronghold.

Inside, you can admire Gothic-style stonework, vaulted ceilings, and exhibits showcasing artifacts, weapons, and documents from the castle’s long history.

Located about an hour from Castellón, it’s an easy and scenic day trip, especially if you want to combine history with some seaside views.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Located about 1.5 hours north of Barcelona, Tossa de Mar Castle is a 12th-century fortress built to defend the coastal town of Tossa de Mar from pirate attacks.

It’s one of the best day trips from Barcelona, combining history, sea views, and the relaxed vibe of a Mediterranean village.

The old town is still surrounded by its original stone walls, featuring four square towers and three round ones.

Don’t miss the tower of Joanàs overlooking the bay, the tower of Codolar with views of the sea, and the Tower of Hours, known for its historic clock.

After exploring the castle, take time to wander the cobblestone streets and enjoy a meal at one of the town’s seaside restaurants.

Spain is home to some of the most impressive castles in Europe, each with its own story to tell.

Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or just want to see something different, visiting one of these castles is a great way to experience Spain.

Along with the beautiful views and detailed interiors, you’ll get a deeper sense of Spain’s history and regional charm.

And many are close to scenic towns or coastlines, making them perfect for a relaxed day trip.

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