Several of the world’s most recognizable castles and fortifications may be found in Spain, including the palace that served as the model for Cinderella’s Castle in Disney’s animated film. Palaces in Spain are often both royal houses and fortresses; thus, they combine the best of both worlds.
Palaces with the extravagant flourishes of Moorish design are among the most beautiful buildings anywhere; the Alhambra in Granada is a particularly exquisite example of this.
Several of these fortifications have a unique blend of architectural forms, owing to the alterations and additions made by invading kings (such as the construction of Christian churches in what were once Islamic strongholds).
Top 10 Spain castles
Here are some of the greatest castles in all of Spain.
- Alcázar de Segovia
- The Alhambra
- Castillo de Coca
- Castillo de Loarre
- Royal Palace of Olite
- Castillo de Colomares
- Peñafiel Castle
- Castell de Bellver
- Castle of La Mota
- Alcazaba of Almería
Alcázar de Segovia
The Alcázar was constructed as a castle and royal dwelling on the rocky slopes of a hill overlooking Segovia. Most people will recognize it as the model for Cinderella’s Castle in Disney World. Many conical roofs and turreted turrets give this castle the look of a classic fairy tale castle, and its amazing features make this castle one of Spain’s best castles.
King Alfonso III of Castile had the first fortress erected for him to live in during the 12th century. Other monarchs, such as 1474’s coronation of Isabela I, made additions and modifications to the structure.
Everything in the castle is open to visitors, and there is even an audio tour available. The rooms and hallways are decorated with genuine and imitation tapestries, as well as armor and weapons from the king’s army, all in the finest medieval style.
- Address: Pl. Reina Victoria Eugenia, s/n, 40003 Segovia, Spain.
- Timings: every day from 10 AM to 6 PM.
The Alhambra
Granada’s main glory is the huge Alhambra complex, which sits vigil over the city, and it is one of Spain’s top castles. The current Alhambra was begun in earnest by Moorish Nasrid Sultans in the thirteenth century, but it was built on the foundation of a Roman castle and another fortification from the ninth century.
Although the palace ultimately fell to Ferdinand and Isabella in the late 15th century, it is still widely regarded as one of the outstanding examples of Moorish architecture and design due to its preservation of many of its original, rich ornamental features.
The Alcazaba, a smaller building at the further end of the citadel complex, is well worth a visit for those interested in the citadel’s military quarters. It is located beyond the huge Puerta del Vino gates, which served as the city’s original primary entry.
- Address: C. Real de la Alhambra, s/n, 18009 Granada, Spain.
- Timings: every day from 8:30 AM to 8 PM.
Castillo de Coca
Since it was constructed into a hillside to protect against attacks from the rear, Coca Castle is one of a kind among Spanish fortresses. The fact that Christians in the middle of the 15th century constructed Coca Castle with Moorish design elements makes it one-of-a-kind and one of the best castles in all of Spain.
The inside of the castle was mostly damaged over the previous century, although Moorish features such as the turrets remain. Day trips to Coca Castle from Segovia are possible, and the castle is available to the public (through guided tours only).
- Address: Av. Constitución, 40480 Coca, Segovia, Spain.
- Timings: every day from 11 AM to 1 PM and 4:30 PM to 6 PM.
Castillo de Loarre
Castillo de Loarre, or Loarre Castle, is one of the best castles in Spain. It has crenelated parapets and a square merlon. A cluster of cylindrical towers, surrounded by verdant woodlands, sits on a hill with a view of the Pyrenees Mountains. Its ambiance and design are perfect for a medieval or ancient-themed film. The film Kingdom of Heaven (2005) even used it in its plot.
Loarre Castle has been seen by countless people since it was first constructed in the 11th century and has undergone several restorations. The greatest views from the hill may be had from its two remaining original towers.
Following a trip to Huesca’s Somontano wine area, you’ll find this to be an excellent next stop. It was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in recognition of its exceptional aesthetic value and historical significance.
- Address: A-1206, 22809 Loarre, Huesca, Spain.
- Timings:
- Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 5:30 PM.
- Closed on Monday to Friday.
Royal Palace of Olite
Located in the ancient settlement of Olite, this castle is a visual and architectural feast and one of the best castles in Spain. Seeing it lit up at night is like something out of a fairy tale; therefore, we suggest staying the night if at all possible.
Even if the quality of the wine weren’t a draw, the fact that this castle is perched on a hill overlooking a valley full of vines would be reason enough to remain. While in Olite, eat at the cafés, drink the wine, and experience life to the fullest!
- Address: Pl. Carlos III El Noble, 4, 31390 Olite, Navarra, Spain.
- Timings: every day from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Castillo de Colomares
Colomares Castle was reportedly constructed by a former surgeon and two masons, which is hard to imagine. The magnificent castle in Benalmádena, Malaga province, commemorates Christopher Columbus and the discovery of America.
It is said that the castle took the surgeon almost 15 years and his whole fortune to complete. The edifice is stunning and one-of-a-kind, incorporating elements of Gothic, Byzantine, and Moorish design. It is set against a hill and surrounded by verdant woods.
The greatest views of the Mediterranean Sea can be had from Colomares Castle, and it only costs €2 to tour the castle and see the towers, gardens, chambers, and magnificent fountains. Castle de Colomares is a top contender for the title of “best castle in Spain” thanks to its stunning design, beautiful decorations, and prime location.
- Address: Finca la Carraca, Ctra. Costa del Sol, s/n, 29639 Benalmádena, Málaga, Spain.
- Timings:
- Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM.
- Closed on Mondays.
Peñafiel Castle
Peafiel Castle is another one of Spain’s top castles. Peñafiel Castle is located on a hill near the town of Peafiel in the province of Valladolid and is rather lengthy at around 150 meters (490 feet). The towering keep is about 30 meters (100 feet) in height, leading some to compare it to the prow of a ship.
When illuminated at night, this stronghold, which was built somewhere between the ninth and fifteenth centuries, presents as a formidable sight. The Peafiel Castle wine museum is located in the castle’s original wing; the other wing may be visited only during guided tours.
- Address: C. Subida al Castillo, s/n, 47300, Valladolid, Spain.
- Timings:
- Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 AM to 2 PM and 4 PM to 6 PM.
- Closed on Mondays.
Castell de Bellver
The Castle de Bellver conceals a secret that belies its humble exterior. The castle, built in the 14th century, is located on a hill overlooking Mallorca’s western harbor. The large courtyard and arcaded patios functioned as both a military stronghold and a royal home.
The building’s distinctive circular design evokes memories of the Colosseum in Rome. The brick-decorated interior is just as spacious as the façade. The name of this castle, derived from an old Catalan phrase, means “beautiful outlook,” and it does indeed provide breathtaking panoramas over Mallorca. It sure is one of the best castles in Spain.
- Address: Carrer Camilo José Cela, s/n, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain.
- Timings:
- Tuesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM.
- Sundays from 10 AM to 3 PM.
- Closed on Mondays.
Castle of La Mota
The original construction of the Castle of La Mota began in the 11th century, and it has been one of Spain’s best castles ever since. Conflicting rulers from Castile and Aragon battled over it for centuries, but it has been firmly in Spanish hands since the 15th century.
The hilltop location of the castle in Medina del Campo, Valladolid Province, gives it a commanding view of the landscape below. In the past, visitors would cross a drawbridge to reach the castle. This castle from the Middle Ages has been rebuilt. Its inmates included Peruvian conqueror Hernando Pizarro and Italian political assassin Cesare Borgia.
- Address: Av. Castillo, s/n, 47400 Medina del Campo, Valladolid, Spain.
- Timings:
- Monday to Saturday from 11 AM to 2 PM and 4 PM to 6 PM.
- Sundays from 11 AM to 2 PM.
Alcazaba of Almería
The Alcazaba of Almeria is a castle in southern Spain that stands atop a hill above the city of Almeria, and it is one of Spain’s best castles. The Alcazaba of Almeria is a walled castle named after the Arabic word from whence the phrase was derived. The complex had residences and retail space.
The Muslims constructed the structure in the 10th century, and the Catholics afterward added to it. If moviegoers have seen Conan the Barbarian or Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, they may recognize the Alcazaba from those films.
- Address: C. Almanzor, s/n, 04002 Almería, Spain.
- Timings:
- Tuesday to Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM.
- Sundays from 9 AM to 3 PM.
- Closed on Mondays.
