Top 15 Stunning Castles to Visit in Spain

Spain has experienced considerable conflict throughout its history, prompting various cultures, from the Phoenicians to the Visigoths, to establish robust defensive structures atop hills.

Nonetheless, it can be argued that the Moors refined the craft of castle construction after their arrival via the Strait of Gibraltar in the 8th century, leading to a 500-year presence in much of Spain.

Consequently, numerous centuries of strife have resulted in Spain housing countless fortifications, ranging from awe-inspiring and oppressive to extravagant and palatial.

Here, we embark on a brief exploration of the most stunning castles in Spain:

1. Alhambra, Granada

The initial structure constructed within this renowned palace and garden complex was the fortress in the 1000s, allowing the Alhambra to claim its position at the pinnacle of Spain’s most beautiful castles.

A significant amount of time can be spent examining the walls, barbican, and the citadel’s towers located on the western slope of the Sabika hill, prior to progressing to the palaces with their numerous patios and, importantly, the Generalife.

The Moors constructed the Alhambra, which later served as a summer retreat for Sultan Yusuf I. Following Granada’s reconquest, the Catholic Monarchs convened here.

Today, there may be no other place in Spain as captivating.

2. Castle of Loarre, Huesca

This immense Romanesque castle is proudly situated on a promontory amid the rural landscape of Aragon in northeastern Spain.

Constructed in the 11th century by Sancho III of Pamplona, it was intended to halt the Moors’ progression and to safeguard the fertile plains of the Hoya de Huesca.

Its formidable foundation, composed of limestone bedrock, rendered it impenetrable.

Many of the surviving castles from this period in Spain have Islamic heritage; thus, Loarre stands out for its Christian origins.

A tour of the site is essential for inspecting all aspects of this edifice, including the 22-meter-high Tower of the Queen situated behind the drawbridge.

3. Coca Castle, Segovia

Following the Christian reclamation of Spain from the Moors, the architectural trends remained influenced by Arabic designs, leading to the adoption of the “mudéjar” style for new constructions.

Coca Castle in Segovia, built for the Crown of Castile in the 15th century, exemplifies this style with remarkable clarity.

The walls and towers showcase Moorish-style pointed merlons, with interiors rich in references to the Islamic era.

Notably, Coca is not elevated on a hilltop like most of Spain’s castles; rather, it is situated on a low escarpment, making it easily accessible.

This structure was primarily designed for display rather than military defense and only saw significant action during the early 1800s when it was occupied by the French during the Peninsular War.

4. Lorca Castle, Murcia

Stretching over half a kilometer in length, this extensive fortress rising above the city of Lorca is among the largest in Spain.

Its size was such that it once encompassed Lorca’s entire Jewish quarter, a ghetto separated from the surrounding city by its walls.

Archaeological excavations of this area are ongoing, revealing twelve homes and a synagogue thus far.

The castle itself has Moorish origins, established around the 800s, and later served as a Christian stronghold for assaults against the Muslim fortress of Granada.

5. Castle of La Mota, Valladolid

Located in the town of Medina del Campo within Castile and León, this 14th-century castle is primarily constructed from local red brick.

Your attention will be drawn immediately to the Torre del Homenaje, the castle’s 40-meter high keep, which boasts turreted defenses on all sides.

Upon closer examination, you can observe the pockmarks left by cannonballs from the sieges endured during the 1400s in the main tower’s walls.

For a time, this castle served as the center of a larger citadel; however, little remains today to indicate this walled settlement.

Nonetheless, the remnants are magnificent and open for exploration!

6. Peñafiel Castle, Valladolid

Also situated in Castile and León, this white hilltop castle features an unusual footprint.

Peñafiel Castle conforms to the slender contours of the high ridge it occupies, providing it with an elongated, ship-like silhouette.

Measuring over 200 meters in length, it narrows to no more than 35 meters in width.

Constructed in the 9th century, it was seized by Almanzor, the Moorish leader, in 983, but was permanently reclaimed by Christians in 1013. The current design, characterized by round towers and a rectangular keep, emerged in the 15th century when it was renovated according to the Valladolid School, akin to the Castle of Mota.

7. Palacio Real de Olite, Navarre

In the medieval era, this fairy-tale palace, serving as the residence of the Kings of Navarre, epitomized European luxury.

A German traveler in the 1100s remarked, “Surely there is no king with a more beautiful castle or palace and with so many gilded rooms.”

The irregular charm of the palace lies in its whimsical combination of differently sized and shaped towers and walls, enhancing its fairytale appeal.

As visitors stroll through the chambers, courtyards, and gardens, they glimpse the opulent lifestyle once enjoyed by kings.

The hanging gardens were suspended 20 meters above ground, and even housed a menagerie featuring lions.

8. Alcázar of Segovia

This castle, reminiscent of a Disney fairytale with its tall circular towers topped by conical roofs, is more commonly associated with luxury than military defense.

The Kings of Castile frequently relaxed here, and it remains easy to see why.

Similar to Peñafiel, this castle adapted to its rocky surroundings, presenting a narrow, ship-like profile.

The keep (Torre de Juan) is particularly notable, adorned with twelve ornamental turrets on its summit.

Aspirants can ascend the spiral staircase with 156 steps for panoramic views of Segovia’s historic city center.

Within the palace, abundant attractions await, including the lavish Sala de los Reyes, embellished with a gilded frieze representing the 52 Kings of Castile, León, and Asturias.

9. Castillo de Belmonte, Cuenca

Perched on a hill with sweeping views of Belmonte and its arid ochre landscape is this 15th-century Mudéjar-Gothic fortress.

Constructed by Don Juan Pacheco, the First Marquis of Villena, it was erected in preparation for potential conflict during a period of discord within the Kingdom of Castile.

Given the era of its construction coincided with the introduction of artillery, despite its elevated location, the castle is only one story high and features cylindrical towers designed for deflection.

An audio guide is available at the entrance, providing informative insights throughout your visit.

Ensure you dedicate time to the Armoury to explore medieval weaponry and armor, along with the Bedroom of the Empress, which features intricately designed geometric coffered ceilings.

10. Bellver Castle, Majorca

This circular Gothic castle is easily recognizable from Palma’s harbor, rising prominently over the city’s western expanse.

Constructed in the 14th century of honey-colored limestone for King James of Majorca, it served as the seat of authority for successive rulers of Majorca and witnessed considerable bloodshed throughout its history, surviving two sieges before ultimately succumbing during the 16th-century Revolt of the Brotherhood.

From the late Middle Ages onward, the castle operated as a prison during conflicts, including the War of Spanish Succession in the 1700s and the Peninsular War in the 1800s.

Today, you can freely explore the site, including a history museum or attending a summer concert held in the round, arched courtyard.

11. Miravet Castle, Tarragona

While Miravet Castle may not retain as many structures as others on this list, its remarkable location—towering on a rocky outcrop above the Ebro River—is indisputable.

This austere fortress features substantial square walls and has Moorish roots; nonetheless, it was captured by Christians in the mid-12th century and subsequently transformed into a fortified monastery by the Knights Templar.

Visitors can explore the well-preserved Romanesque chapel and ascend the precarious staircase leading to the keep’s rooftop.

From this vantage point, behold the expansive green ribbon of the Ebro meandering down from the mountains.

12. Castillo de Burgalimar, Jaen

Although several castles in this collection possess Islamic designs, few maintain the original Moorish architecture as well as this fortress.

Perched above the town of Baños de la Encina in northern Andalusia, this oval 10th-century stronghold exemplifies the resilience of Moorish military architecture.

It proved notably challenging to wrest control of this stronghold from its Islamic occupants, a feat finally achieved in 1225. Subsequently, a Christian Tower of Homage was constructed around one of its original 15 bastions.

For entry, take the southern gate, adorned with two Arab horseshoe arches.

13. Alcazaba of Málaga

Another remarkable example of Muslim heritage is this fortified palace from the 11th century, positioned behind the harbor in Málaga.

Originally, the Alcazaba was constructed to protect the eastern section of an entire walled area of the city, equipped with a sophisticated sewer system that was notably advanced for its time.

Although little of this infrastructure remains, it does not diminish the exquisite tranquility present within the upper enclosure, which is protected by two sturdy crenellated walls.

Visitors can enter the courtyards of the Nasrid Palace, where one should remain observant to capture every intricate detail, including the centuries-old Kufic inscriptions adorning the columns.

14. Peñíscola Castle, Valencia

Another castle securing its position on this list due to its remarkable setting is located in the port of Peñíscola, within Castellón Province. The region is often cited among Spain’s most beautiful villages due to its historic quarter built upon a large rock at the end of a narrow isthmus bordered by sandy beaches.

The castle, as seen today, was constructed by the Knights Templar in the 1100s and, in the 15th century, became the residence of Antipope Benedict XIII during the final years of his life.

With the sea surrounding it, the views from the main tower’s parapet are astounding, particularly in the early morning hours.

15. Castillo de Vélez-Blanco, Almería

Your empathy for medieval invaders will grow upon witnessing the formidable towers of this fortress, which is nestled amidst rocky crags overlooking the town.

Initially a Muslim citadel, it was granted to the 15th-century nobleman Pedro Fajardo by the Catholic Monarchs.

He orchestrated a lavish Renaissance redesign of the castle’s interior, a portion of which can now be found in the Met in New York, following the sale of the bailey’s furnishings in 1904. The castle’s exterior still captivates, providing picturesque views across the valley when peering between the merlons.