Due to the very rich medieval history of the country, there is an impressive number of castles in Spain. In fact, Spain is one of the country with the most castles in Europe!

The first question you’re probably asking yourself is:

How many castles are in Spain?

There are currently over 2,500 castles in Spain, scattered all over the country.

Of course, this is wayyyy too much for a single person to visit them all!

Now the second question on your mind is probably:

What are the BEST castles in Spain?

Well, let’s find out!

 

the 36 best castles to visit in spain

 

In this travel guide about the best castles in Spain, you’ll find in the table of contents below everything that we’ll see, from what to expect & location to opening hours & costs.

Simply click on the table to expand it, then click on any part you’d like to jump to.

 

Map of Castles in Spain

Are you looking for a Spain castles map? Then you’ve just found it!

Or maybe you don’t have time to read the full guide? Don’t worry, I’ve created a free map of castles in Spain for you 🙂

Save it right now, and open the map again when you have time to keep planning your trip to one of the many castles of Spain.

 

How to use the map
Navigate: Click on the top left logo to open the side panel. You’ll see all of the spots in the itinerary; you can click on any to have more information
Download: To download the map, simply click on the “star” next to the title. It will automatically add the map to your Google Maps. In Google Maps, you will find it under Menu>Your Places>Maps

 

Wondering if there’s any castle in this guide that you still don’t know about? No need to scroll all the way to the bottom, here is the full list of the 36 best castles in Spain.

The BEST Spain Castles:

  1. Alcázar de Segovia
  2. Alcázar de Toledo
  3. Castillo de La Mota
  4. Castillo Templario de Ponferrada
  5. Coca Castle
  6. Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite
  7. Castillo de Peñafiel
  8. Castle of Alarcón
  9. Tossa de Mar Castle
  10. Castillo de Loarre
  11. Lorca Castle
  12. Castell de Bellver
  13. Episcopal Palace of Astorga
  14. New Castle of Manzanares el Real
  15. Alcazaba de Almería
  16. Alhambra de Granada
  17. Alcazaba de Málaga
  18. Castillo Monumento Colomares
  19. Castillo de Peñíscola
  20. Burgalimar Castle
  21. Castillo de Belmonte
  22. Atalaya Castle
  23. Castell de Miravet
  24. Castillo de Vélez-Blanco
  25. Castle of Almodóvar del Río
  26. Castillo de La Calahorra
  27. Castle of Trujillo
  28. Castillo de Butrón
  29. Peralada Castle
  30. Montjuïc Castle
  31. Alcázar de Los Reyes Cristianos
  32. Alcázar de Sevilla
  33. Castillo de la Yedra
  34. Castle of Almansa
  35. Guadamur Castle
  36. Castillo de La Iruela

 

Now if you want more information about each of these castles, keep reading below!

 

The 36 BEST Castles of Spain – Full Guide

For each of the castles, you’ll find below how it looks like, where it is, how much the entry costs, and the opening hours; all the information you need to start planning your next trip!

 

Before we get started, you’ll find below a quick glossary of the words used in this guide:

Alcazaba: comes from the Arabic al-qasbah meaning walled-fortification in a city

Alcázar: comes from the Arabic al-qasr, meaning fort, castle or palace

Castell: Catalan word for castle

Castillo: Spanish word for castle

Mudejar: comes from the Arabic mudajjan meaning domesticated; refers to the Muslims who remained in Iberia after the Christian conquest in the Middle Ages

Palacio: Spanish word for palace

 

1- Alcázar de Segovia – Castle in Segovia, Spain

The first item on this list of best castles in Spain is the Alcázar de Segovia. Built in 1430, the castle was turned into a prison for 200 years; it’s way nicer to be inside now, trust me you can visit without any worry.

Legend even has it that the Alcázar de Segovia was used by the Disney team as inspiration for the Cinderella Castle.

 

alcazar de segovia a segovia spain castle

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 5.50€
⏱ Opening hours: 10am to 6pm
More info: Alcázar de Segovia

 

Where is the Alcázar de Segovia?

The Segovia Spain Castle is located north west of Madrid in the city of Segovia, 1h from Madrid. It’s a short walk from the sumptuous Catedral de Segovia, of which you have an incredible view from up the tower.

From Madrid: 1h20

From Valladolid: 1h30

 

Alcázar de Segovia spain mapClick on the map to open in Google Maps

 

 

2- Alcázar de Toledo – Castle in Toledo, Spain

As soon as you approach Toledo, you notice the Alcázar, on top of the hill, dominating the whole city. It’s a huge palace with 4 towers, going back to ancient Roman time. The castle that you can see today was built at a later date, during medieval times.

The castle itself is an epic monument, and looks good from any perspective (my favorite is from the Mirador del Valle). Inside you’ll find the Army Museum, which retraces the history of Toledo.

 

alcazar de toledo one of the many castles in toledo spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 5€
⏱ Opening hours: 10am to 5pm
More info: Alcázar de Toledo

 

Where is the Alcázar de Toledo?

The Alcázar de Toledo is located in Toledo, a UNESCO city 1h south of Madrid.

From Madrid: 1h

From Salamanca: 2h45

 

Alcázar de Toledo spain map

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Best Tour: Day Trip Madrid to Toledo
Recommended Hotel in Toledo: Hotel San Juan de los Reyes

 

3- Castillo de La Mota

The Castillo de La Mota draws its name from its location: it’s up on a mota, Spanish for hill.

It’s a massive medieval castle from the 14th century, recognized as a National Monument since 1904. It has a huge barbican (fortified walls around the castle), protecting the main yard and the main towers, and you can easily picture the epic battles that were fought there.

 

castillo de la mota

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 6€
⏱ Opening hours: 11am to 2pm & 4pm to 8pm
More info: Castillo de La Mota

 

Where is the Castillo de La Mota?

The Castillo de la Mota is located in the city of Medina del Campo, in the Valladolid province.

From Salamanca: 1h

From Madrid: 1h45

 

castillo de la mota spain map

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Recommended Hotel in Medina del Campo: Hotel Reina Isabel

 

4- Castillo Templario de Ponferrada

The Castle of Ponferrada, or Castillo Templario de Ponferrada (Templar Castle of Ponferrada), was one of the biggest castles in northern Spain during medieval times. It was the place of residence of the Grand Master of the Knights Templar from 1178 to 1311.

 

castillo templario de ponferrada one of the many medieval castles in spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 6€
⏱ Opening hours: 10am to 2pm & 4pm to 6pm
More info: Ponferrada Castle

 

Where is the Castillo Templario de Ponferrada?

The Castle of Ponferrada is located north west of Spain in the city of Ponferrada, part of the Castile and Léon region.

From Santiago de Compostela: 2h25

From Valladolid: 2h15

 

Castillo Templario de Ponferrada spain map

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Recommended Hotel in Ponferrada: Hotel Aroi Ponferrada

 

5- Coca Castle

The Coca Castle, or Castillo de Coca, was built in the 15th century, and is a fine mix of Gothic & Moorish architecture (Mudejar style).

It is now the property of the Ministry of Agriculture, and hosts the Escuela de Capacitación Forestal (Forestry School). It’s still open to the public, and you can visit plenty of rooms inside the castle: the chapel, the weapons room, and the central keep.

 

coca castle spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 2.70€
⏱ Opening hours: 10:30am to 1pm & 4:30pm to 6pm
More info: Coca Castle, Spain

 

Where is the Coca Castle?

The Castillo de Coca is located in Coca, a city north west of Madrid, in the province of Segovia. It’s thus a castle in Segovia, Spain, just like the Alcázar de Segovia.

From Segovia: 45mn

From Madrid: 1h40

 

Coca Castle spain map

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Recommended Hotel in Coca: Apartamentos La Rocanda

 

6- Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite

As you guessed it from its name, the Royal Palace of Olite was the primary residence of King Charles III of Navarre. It was at one point one of the most luxurious castles in Europe; now the rooms are empty, but the visit is still worth it!

You’ll get to explore the many rooms, the cloister, and you can even climb up several towers for nice views over the city.

 

castle of olite one of the best castles in spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 3.50€
⏱ Opening hours: 10am to 7pm
More info: Palace of Olite

 

Where is the Palace of the Kings of Navarre?

The Royal Palace of Olite is a castle in the north of Spain, in the region of Navarre. It’s a 4h drive from Madrid, and 1h30 from Zaragoza.

From Zaragoza: 1h30

From Bilbao: 2h

 

Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite spain map

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Recommended Hotel in Olite: Hotel La Joyosa Guarda

 

7- Castillo de Peñafiel

Sat up on a hill, the Peñafiel Castle is a very unique monument: both a castle, and a wine museum. By visiting the castle, you can combine 2 activities: medieval visit, and discovery of the Ribera del Duero area famous for its wine.

To enter the castle you need to join a group visit (no solo visits), but it’s worth it as you’ll get to the top of the castle, with amazing views over the surroundings.

The view of the castle itself is stunning, and a good idea to come enjoy the sunset after some wine tastings in the region.

 

castillo de penafiel valladolid spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 3.30€
⏱ Opening hours: 10:30am to 2pm & 4pm to 6pm
More info: Penafiel Castle

 

Where is the Castillo de Peñafiel?

The Peñafiel Castle is located in Peñafiel, a city north of Madrid in the Valladolid province.

From Madrid: 1h20

From Burgos: 1h20

 

Castillo de Peñafiel spain map

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Recommended Hotel in Peñafiel: Hotel Spa Convento Las Claras

 

8- Castle of Alarcón

The Castle of Alarcón is a bit special, because it’s now a Parador: a hotel owned and administered by the government.

While you can really visit the castle, you can do better: sleep in it!

 

castle of alarcon spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: no visits
⏱ Opening hours: /
More info: Parador de Alarcon

 

Where is the Castle of Alarcón?

The Castle of Alarcón is in the town of Alarcón in the Cuenca region, east of Madrid.

From Valencia: 1h45

From Madrid: 2h

 

Castle of Alarcón spain map

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Recommended Hotel in Alarcón: Parador de Alarcon

 

9- Tossa de Mar Castle

Tossa de Mar is a lovely coastal city, called Blue Paradise by the famous French artist Marc Chagall. It’s not hard to understand why he named it that way when looking at the image below.

The Castillo de Tossa de Mar is my favorite place in town for 2 reasons: first, it looks epic with the fortified walls above the water and second, the view from up there is simply mental!

 

tossa de mar castle spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: free
⏱ Opening hours: always open
More info: Castillo de Tossa de Mar

 

Where is the Tossa de Mar Castle?

The Tossa de Mar Castle is located in the city of Tossa de Mar, in the Girona province. It’s right above Barcelona, next to the French border. You can plan your trip to Barcelona with this in-depth Barcelona travel guide.

From Barcelona: 1h30

From Andorra: 3h

 

Tossa de Mar Castle spain map

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Best Tour: Costa Brafa Half-Day Tour from Barcelona
Recommended Hotel in Tossa de Mar: Hotel Sant March

 

10- Castillo de Loarre

Our 10th Best Castle in Spain is the Castillo de Loarre. Labelled as the best-conserved Romanesque castle in Europe, it sure is an impressive sight to behold.

Sat over 1,000 meters high (3,500 feet), it offers a stunning view over the plains and mountains all around.

Oh, and you might have seen it in Kingdom of Heaven 😉

 

castillo de loarre one of the many castles of spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 2.50€
⏱ Opening hours: 10am to 2pm & 4pm to 7pm
More info: Loarre Castle

 

Where is the Castillo de Loarre?

The Loarre castle is located in the city of Loarre, part of the Huesca province, next to the French border.

From Zaragoza: 1h15

From Bilbao: 3h30

 

Castillo de Loarre spain map

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Recommended Hotel in Loarre: El Callejon de Andrese

 

11- Lorca Castle – Medieval Castle in Spain

The Lorca Castle, or Fortaleza del Sol as the locals call it (Fortress of the Sun), is one of the biggest medieval castles in Spain. Built above the city, the castle has a perfect defense position, and has never been taken by force during all this time.

You can visit the castle with an audioguide to learn more about its history, and visit the main tower on a guided tour. And of course, the view from up the castle is simply amazing!

 

the lorca castle at night a famous castle in spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 6€
⏱ Opening hours: 10:30am to 5:30pm
More info: Lorca Castle

 

Where is the Lorca Castle?

The Lorca Castle is one of the castles in Southern Spain, located in the city of Lorca, in the Murcia province.

From Murcia: 55mn

From Granada: 2h15

 

Lorca Castle spain map

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Recommended Hotel in Lorca: Spa Jardines de Lorca

 

12- Castell de Bellver – A Very Unique Spain Castle

The Castell de Bellver is indeed a very unique Spain Castle, as it’s the only one that is entirely round.

The castle got its name from the Catalan Bellver, meaning lovely view;  indeed, the castle offers one of the best view of the area from the top of the walkway.

 

castell de belver a stunning castle in spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 4€
⏱ Opening hours: 10am to 6pm
More info: Castell de Bellver

 

Where is the Castell de Bellver?

The Castell de Bellver is located in Palma, capital of the island of Mallorca.

From Palma de Mallorca: 10mn

 

Castell de Bellver spain map

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Best Tour: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Entry to the Castle
Recommended Hotel in Palma de Mallorca: Abelux

 

13- Episcopal Palace of Astorga

Are you a fan of architecture? Then this one is definitely for you: the Palacio Episcopal was built by Gaudí, and it’s a true masterpiece of Modernisme style. There are only 3 buildings of Gaudí outside of Catalonia, and this is one of them.

It’s a sumptuous palace from the outside, and you will discover the true genius of Gaudí as you step inside the palace.

 

the astorga palace among the most famous castles in spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 3€
⏱ Opening hours: 10am to 2pm & 4pm to 8pm
More info: Palacio Episcopal

 

Where is the Episcopal Palace of Astorga?

The Palacio Episcopal is located in Astorga, a city in the León province.

From Valladolid: 1h40

From Madrid: 3h

 

Episcopal Palace of Astorga spain map

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Recommended Hotel in Astorga: Hotel Spa Ciudad de Astorga

 

14- New Castle of Manzanares el Real

The castle of Manzanares el Real was built in 1475, and it’s one of the best-preserved castles around Madrid. There was originally a first castle, the Old Castle of Manzanares el Real, who was replaced by the one you can see today.

If you visit during the weekend, you can even have guides all dressed up in Renaissance costumes for the visit!

 

manzanares el real castle spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 5€
⏱ Opening hours: 10am to 5:30pm
More info: Castle of Manzanares el Real

 

Where is the New Castle of Manzanares el Real?

The Manzanares el Real castle is located in the city of Manzanares el Real, in the Community of Madrid.

From Madrid: 46mn

From Segovia: 55mn

 

New Castle of Manzanares el Real spain map

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Recommended Hotel in Manzanares el Real: Hotel La Pedriza

 

15- Alcazaba de Almería – Largest Moorish Fortress in Spain

The Alcazaba Fortress, or Alcazaba de Almería, is the second largest fortress built by the Muslims in Spain (right after the Alhambra de Granada), with over 1,400 meters of wall perimeter (4,600 feet).

With over 1,000 years of history, this moorish castle in Spain is a must-visit! There are 3 walled enclosures in the fortress, with a Christian castle in the 3rd one.

You might have seen it in many movies, including Conan the Barbarian, Wonder Woman, Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade, or even in Games of Thrones (Season 6 Episode 10)!

 

alcazaba de almeria a spain castle

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: free
⏱ Opening hours: 9am to 6pm
More info: Alcazaba de Almería

 

Where is the Alcazaba de Almería?

The Almería Fortress is located in the city of Almería in the Almería province, in southeastern Spain.

From Granada: 1h10

From Malaga: 1h30

 

Alcazaba de Almería map

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Recommended Hotel in Almería: Nuevo y Moderno Apartamento

 

16- Alhambra de Granada – The Largest Moorish Castle in Spain

The Alhambra de Granada is indeed the largest moorish castle in Spain, and even the largest in Europe! There are several structures inside the Alhambra: a fortress, a watchtower, a palace, a Triumphal Arch, and more.

It’s one of the most visited places in Spain and one of a must-do near Seville, so make sure to book your tickets in advance if you plan to visit.

 

the alhambra castle in granada spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 14€
⏱ Opening hours: 8:30am to 8pm
More info: Alhambra de Granada

 

Where is the Alhambra Castle in Spain?

The Alhambra is located in the city of Granada, capital of the Granada province in the Andalusia region.

From Malaga: 1h45

From Seville: 2h45

 

Alhambra de Granada map

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17- Alcazaba de Málaga

Built nearly 1,000 years ago, the Alcazaba de Málaga was restored several times, and is still a wonderful monument to visit today. I highly recommend going all the way up to the castle, where you’ll have a grand view of Málaga.

You can also visit the nearby Gibralfaro Castle to double up on your castle time!

 

the alcazaba of malaga castle spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 3.50€
⏱ Opening hours: 9am to 6pm
More info: Alcazaba de Malaga

 

Where is the Alcazaba de Málaga?

The Alcazaba de Málaga is located in Málaga, capital city of the province with the same name, in the Andalusia region.

From Granada: 1h30

From Seville: 2h15

 

Alcazaba de Málaga map

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18- Castillo Monumento Colomares

The Colomares Castle is a bit special, because it’s not really a castle, but more a monument; a monument that looks like a castle.

Let me explain: it was built by Dr Esteban Martin as a tribute to Christopher Columbus and the discovery of America. All of the monument is basically a huuuge history textbook, where you’ll learn about the history of the explorer and his travels.

 

castillo monumento colomares among the most beautiful spain castles

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 2.50€
⏱ Opening hours: 10am to 1:30pm & 4pm to 6pm
More info: Colomares Castle

 

Where is the Castillo Monumento Colomares?

The Colomares Castle is located in the city of Benalmádena, in the province of Málaga.

From Malaga: 35mn

From Seville: 2h16

 

Castillo Monumento Colomares map

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Recommended Hotel in Benalmádena: Costa Quebrada Residencial

 

19- Castillo de Peñíscola

If I should say one thing to explain why you should visit the Peniscola castle it would be this: look at that view!

The view you get from the top of the castle over the Peniscola bay is simply amazing, and well worth a visit in itself. Add on top of that a very history-rich castle, built in the 14th century by the Knights Templars and that became the residence of the pope Benedict XIII, and you have yourself a must-visit.

 

peniscola castle in valencia spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 5€
⏱ Opening hours: 10:30am to 5:30pm
More info: Peniscola Castle

 

Where is the Castillo de Peñíscola?

The Castillo de Peñíscola is located in the east of Spain, in the city of Peñíscola. It’s in the Valencia community, and right next to the sea, so make sure to pack your swimsuit!

From Valencia: 1h34

From Barcelona: 2h30

 

Castillo de Peñíscola map

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Recommended Hotel in Peniscola: Hotel Muva Beach

 

20- Burgalimar Castle

The Burgalimar Castle, also known as Castillo de Baños de la Encina, or Castillo de Bury Al-Hammam (baños or baths in arabic), is a Moorish castle famous for its 15 towers, all tower ten meters high (33 feet).

It’s also in a very good state of conservation, making it one of the best well-preserved moor castles in Spain.

 

castillo de burgalimar one of the medieval castles spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 3€
⏱ Opening hours: 10:30am to 12:45pm & 5pm to 6:30pm
More info: Castillo de Baños de la Encina

 

Where is the Burgalimar Castle?

The Burgalimar Castle is located in the south of Spain in Andalusia, in the town of Baños de la Encina.

From Toledo: 2h15

From Seville: 2h30

 

Burgalimar Castle map

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Recommended Hotel in Baños de la Encina: Hotel Palacio Guzmanes

 

21- Castillo de Belmonte

The Castillo de Belmonte is one of the castle we are lucky to be able to visit in Spain; abandoned in the 17th century, it was in a state of ruin in the 19th century. Thankfully it was restored in 1857 by Empress Eugenia de Montijo (wife of Napoleon III), and restored again recently in 2010.

Following that last renovation, the Castillo de Belmonte was opened to the public, and you can now visit it. In addition to the castle itself, you can see epic medieval combats around the castle (it hosted the first world championship of medieval combat in 2014) and historical recreations (recreation of life in the Middle Ages).

 

castillo de belmonte spain one of the medieval castles of spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 9€
⏱ Opening hours: 10am to 2pm & 3:30pm to 6:30pm
More info: Castillo de Belmonte

 

Where is the Castillo de Belmonte?

The Belmonte Castle is located south east of Madrid, in the city of Belmonte, part of the Cuenca province.

From Madrid: 1h45

From Valencia: 2h25

 

Castillo de Belmonte map

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22- Atalaya Castle, an Important Moorish Castle, Spain

The Atalaya Castle, built in the 12th century, was an important castle in the moorish defense system of the Emirate of Cordoba. Even though the castle is ancient, it’s today in very good state thanks to restoration work in the second half of the 20th century.

You can now visit the castle, and even take part in theatrical visit that will take you back to medieval times.

 

castillo de atalaya moor castle spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 3€
⏱ Opening hours: guided tours at 11:00, 12:00, 1pm, 4pm and 5pm
More info: Atalaya Castle

 

Where is the Atalaya Castle?

The Atalaya Castle is located in the town of Villena, in the Alicante province.

From Murcia: 1h05

From Valencia: 1h20

 

Atalaya Castle map

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Recommended Hotel in Villena: Hotel Restaurante Salvadora

 

23- Castell de Miravet

The Miravet Castle is the perfect history-book example of the Templar Order: it’s an old moorish castle, conquered by the Knights Templar in 1153. After they took it over, the templars rebuilt the castle and fortified the whole city, creating one of the largest fortified complex in Spain & Europe.

More than just the castle, make sure to visit the walled citadel of Miravet, and enjoy the sweeping views over the Ebro river.

 

castell de miravet one of the castles in northern spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 5€
⏱ Opening hours: 10am to 5:30pm
More info: Miravet Castle

 

Where is the Castell de Miravet?

The Miravet Castle is in the town of Miravet, in the same region as Barcelona, Catalonia.

From Barcelona: 2h10

From Zaragoza: 2h25

 

Castell de Miravet map

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Recommended Hotel in Miravet: Casa Del Castell

 

24- Castillo de Vélez-Blanco

Do you want to combine architecture & nature? Then the Castillo de Vélez-Blanco is perfect for you! Built in the Sierra María-Los Vélez Natural Park, the castle is right in the middle of nature. From its high-vantage point (on a rock 1000 meters tall – 3280 feet), the castle offers the most epic view of the area.

After your visit to the castle, you can start one of the many hikes in the Natural Park.

 

castillo de velez blanco best castles spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: free
⏱ Opening hours: 10am to 2pm & 5pm to 8pm
More info: Vélez Blanco

 

Where is the Castillo de Vélez-Blanco?

The castle is located in the town of Vélez-Blanco, in the region of Andalusia in south east Spain.

From Murcia: 1h15

From Malaga: 3h

 

Castillo de Vélez-Blanco map

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Recommended Hotel in Vélez-Blanco: Hotel Velad

 

25- Castle of Almodóvar del Río

The Almodovar Castle was built on a hill above the city, and it’s the first thing you see when you approach Almodovar. Due to its position, you will get sweeping views over the surrounding countryside from the top of the 2 high towers that you can climb.

Oh, and you might have seen it in Game of Thrones Season 7, where it was the filming location for Highgarden.

 

castle of almodovar del rio a moorish castle in spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 9€
⏱ Opening hours: 11am to 2:30pm & 4pm to 7pm
More info: Castillo de Almodovar

 

Where is the Castle of Almodóvar del Río?

The Almodovar Castle overlooks the town of Almodovar, next to Seville in the province of Cordoba.

From Seville: 1h20

From Malaga: 1h55

 

Castle of Almodóvar del Río map

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Recommended Hotel in Almodóvar del Río: Al-Mudawar

 

26- Castillo de La Calahorra

The Castillo de La Calahorra was the first Renaissance building to be constructed in Spain, starting the transition from the Gothic style.

The castle is right at the foot of the massive Sierra Nevada mountain range, and it makes for spectacular views with the castle in front and the epic backdrop.

Privately owned, it’s possible to visit the castle but you need to contact the manager to arrange the visit; a bit of a hassle. Still, it’s a must-see in the region before starting your hikes in the Sierra Nevada.

 

castillo de la calahorra granada spain castle

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: /
⏱ Opening hours: /
More info: La Calahorra Castle

 

Where is the Castillo de La Calahorra?

La Calahorra Castle is in the town of La Calahorra, in the Granada province.

From Granada: 55mn

From Malaga: 2h05

 

Castillo de La Calahorra map

Click on the map to open in Google Maps

 

Recommended Hotel in La Calahorra: Hostal Rosabel

 

27- Castle of Trujillo

After visiting the town of Trujillo, make your way from the Plaza Mayor to the heights of the city to see the stunning Trujillo Castle. In this massive castle, you can enter and walk on the allure all around the fortified walls.

From up the allure, you’ll have a 360 view over the Extremadura countryside.

 

castillo de trujillo alcazar castle in spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 1.50€
⏱ Opening hours: 10am to 2pm & 4pm to 7pm
More info: Trujillo Castle

 

Where is the Castle of Trujillo?

The Trujillo castle is in the town of Trujillo, in the Cáceres province of the Extremadura region.

From Salamanca: 2h25

From Madrid: 2h30

 

Castle of Trujillo map

Click on the map to open in Google Maps

 

Recommended Hotel in Trujillo: Plaza Sandra

 

28- Castillo de Butrón

The Castillo de Butrón was the house of Spanish nobility for more than 700 years; it was then converted into a wedding venue by its owners, and Kate Middleton dreamt of getting married there.

The castle is now up for sale; that’s if you have around 3.5 million dollars to spare!

Since it’s privately owned, the castle cannot be visited, but the fairy tale castle is a nice sight to behold on a day trip from Bilbao.

 

castillo de butron a castle in spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: no entry
⏱ Opening hours: /
More info: Butron Castle

 

Where is the Castillo de Butrón?

The Butron castle is located in the town of Gatika, right above Bilbao.

From Bilbao: 25mn

From Zaragoza: 3h10

 

Castillo de Butron map

Click on the map to open in Google Maps

 

Recommended Hotel in Bilbao: Ibis Bilbao Centro

 

29- Peralada Castle

The Peralada Castle dates back from the 14th century, and is now converted into an event venue; you can eat at the gastronomical restaurant, play at the casino inside the castle, or simply visit the castle.

The visit will take you to the impressive library with over 70,000 volumes, and to the wine cellar where you’ll enjoy a glass of wine included in the entry ticket.

 

peralada castle spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 4€ or 6.20€ for castle + museum
⏱ Opening hours: 10am to 7pm
More info: Peralada Castle

 

Where is the Peralada Castle?

The Peralada Castle is at the far east of Spain, in the Girona province.

From Barcelona: 1h40

From Andorra: 3h10

 

Peralada Castle map

Click on the map to open in Google Maps

 

Recommended Hotel in Peralada: Hotel de La Font Peralada

 

30- Montjuïc Castle

The Montjuic Castle is one of the castles in Barcelona, Spain. Built on the heights of the city, you can access the castle via a funicular that will take you all the way to the top of the hill.

From the castle, you will have one of the best views over Barcelona, which makes it a must-visit in Spain!

 

view from the montjuic castle in barcelona spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 5€
⏱ Opening hours: 10am to 8pm
More info: Montjuic Castle

 

Where is the Montjuïc Castle?

The Montjuic Castle is a castle in Barcelona Spain. It’s located north of the Barcelona airport, and it’s about 1h by train from the airport; see how to get to Barcelona city center from the airport here.

From Barcelona: 20mn

From Zaragoza: 3h

 

Montjuïc Castle map

Click on the map to open in Google Maps

 

Best Tour: Cable Car Round Trip Ticket
Recommended Hotel in Barcelona: Hotel Cortes

 

31- Alcázar de Los Reyes Cristianos

El Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, or Castle of the Christian Monarchs, was the place of residence of the Christian Monarchs for 8 years; it’s the birthplace of the queen of Portugal, Infanta Maria, and the place were Christopher Columbus prepared his trip to America.

The beauty of the palace lies mainly in its gardens; there are huge, colorful, with water fountains, and it’s a real pleasure to stroll in the gardens in the afternoon.

 

alcazar de los reyes cristianos one of the castles in southern spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 4.50€
⏱ Opening hours: 8:30am to 3pm
More info: Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos

 

Where is the Alcázar de Los Reyes Cristianos?

The Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos is an alcazar castle in Spain, located in the city of Cordoba, in Andalusia.

From Seville: 1h30

From Malaga: 1h45

 

Alcázar de Los Reyes Cristianos map

Click on the map to open in Google Maps

 

 

32- Alcázar de Sevilla, a Very Famous Castle in Spain

The Alcazar de Sevilla is one of the oldest Royal Palace still in use in Europe, and definitely a must-see in Spain. It dates back from more than 1,000 years, and you’ll find history from various civilizations.

The fortified complex is huge, and you can easily spend 3 to 4 hours exploring it all: the gardens, the justice room, the hall of ambassadors and more.

As one of the most famous castles in Spain, there is always a line to enter the Alcazar de Sevilla; make sure to book your ticket in advance!

 

 

alcazar de sevilla a sevilla spain castle

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 9.50€
⏱ Opening hours: 9:30am to 5pm
More info: Alcázar de Sevilla

 

Where is the Alcázar de Sevilla?

The Alcazar de Sevilla is located in the town & province of Seville, in the Andalusia region.

From Madrid: 1h20

From Malaga: 2h16

 

Alcázar de Sevilla map

Click on the map to open in Google Maps

 

Best Tour: Complete Tour of Seville with a Local Guide
Recommended Hotel in Seville: Hotel Goya

 

33- Castillo de la Yedra

Built in the 14th century over an old moorish fortress, the Castillo de la Yedra looks over the town of Cazorla.

The view of the town with the castle in itself is worth a visit to this picturesque old town. You can also enter the castle for free, and the local guide will take you inside the castle and tell you more about its history.

 

castillo de la yedra spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: free
⏱ Opening hours: 10am to 1:30pm
More info: Yedra Castle

 

Where is the Castillo de la Yedra?

The Yedra Castle is located in the town of Cazorla, in the province of Jaen in Andalusia.

From Granada: 2h

From Toledo: 3h10

 

Castillo de la Yedra map

Click on the map to open in Google Maps

 

Recommended Hotel in Cazorla: Sercotel Ciudad de Cazorla

 

34- Castle of Almansa

The Almansa Castle is one of the many epic medieval castles of Spain, and is exactly how you’d picture a Middle Ages castle in the war.

Be warned, there are a lot of steps to climb, and the view is definitely not for you if you have a fear of heights; but if you do climb to the top, you’ll be rewarded with amazing view over the town and the countryside.

The castle is currently closed for renovation, so if you plan your visit there it should be more for the external look of the castle than the inside which you can’t access.

 

castle of almansa spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 3€
⏱ Opening hours: 10am to 2pm & 4pm to 6pm
More info: Almansa Castle

 

Where is the Castle of Almansa?

The Almansa Castle is located in the town of Almansa, in the province of Albacete.

From Valencia: 1h20

From Murcia: 1h30

 

Castle of Almansa map

Click on the map to open in Google Maps

 

Recommended Hotel in Almansa: Encasa Hotel

 

35- Guadamur Castle

The Guadamur Castle is another privately owned castle, but you can still visit it! It’s one of the few castles in Toledo, Spain, and even though it’s not as grand as the Alcazar de Toledo, it’s definitely worth a visit.

When visiting the castle, you’ll have a guide take you around for around 1h30, and explaining in depth the great history of the castle and the wars in Spain.

 

guadamur castle in toledo spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 6€
⏱ Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am to 2pm
More info: Guadamur Castle

 

Where is the Guadamur Castle?

The Guadamur Castle is located in the town of Guadamur in the province of Toledo, north of Madrid.

From Toledo: 20mn

From Madrid: 1h16

 

Castillo de Guadamur map

Click on the map to open in Google Maps

 

Recommended Hotel in Toledo: Hotel San Juan de los Reyes

 

36- Castillo de La Iruela

We’ll end this list of best castles, Spain, with the Castillo de La Iruela, one of the most underrated castles in Spain.

If you want to have a castle for yourself, this is definitely the place to go to. The visit will cost you a mere 2€ (yep, 2 bucks), and will give you access to this epic castle & epic views all over the cliffs and city below.

 

castillo de la iruela spain

 

:hike: Plan Your Trip

:$: Entry cost: 2€
⏱ Opening hours: 10am to 2pm & 4pm to 8pm
More info: La Iruela Castle

 

Where is the Castillo de La Iruela?

The Castillo de La Iruela is located in the town of La Iruela, in the Andalusia region of Spain.

From Granada: 2h

From Murcia: 3h22

 

Castillo de La Iruela map

Click on the map to open in Google Maps

 

Recommended Hotel in La Iruela: Hotel & Spa Sierra de Cazorla

 

So there you have it, your list of the 36 best castles in Spain! Whether you’re looking for a famous castle in Spain, medieval castles, moorish castles, or richly furnished castles, you’ll be sure to find something for you in this list.

Is there a castle in Spain you love that I forgot in this list? Let me know in the comments!

 

Visit Spain

Planning a trip to Spain? You can find below several other articles about this wonderful part of the world to help you plan your trip:

 

Check all my Spain travel guides here

 

Spain Guides:

Best Sunrise Spot in Mallorca

Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Day Trips from Madrid

Best Things to do in Toledo

 

I hope you enjoy your trip to Spain!

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.

Photo credits: 7 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 27 | 37 | 41 | 43 | 45 | 49 | 51 | 53 | 55 | 57 | 59 | 67 | 69 | 73