Medieval fortress and fairy tale castles are spread throughout Spain. They’re the remains of Spain’s Roman, Moorish and royal past. Each tells a chapter in the nation’s history from the rise of the Moors to their defeat at the hands the Catholic Monarch before their capture under the Spanish Crown.
It’s not just history and tales of victory and defeat, although that’s written in the stones, chambers and dungeons. The architectural elements of each castle is different from the last, each evoking a sense of might or a romantic aura.
As you explore the castle grounds and wander up the ancient towers, you’ll see there’s more to it. As the best castles in Spain are marked with beautiful views of the valley below.
Table of Contents
23. Alcazaba of Malaga
Flanking the Mediterranean Sea, the Alcazaba of Malaga (citadel) has incredible surroundings. But, what draws visitors in is the resplendent mix of Roman, Arabic and Renaissance architecture.
The site dates back thousands of years, a fact that’s highlighted by the 1st century Roman amphitheater. This sites on the base of Gibralfaro Hill, steps from the Arab’s 8th century fortifications.
Towering square turrets stand alongside battlements to mark the Renaissance period of the citadel’s defense. Beyond, you’ll find historic gates, the remains of old gardens, royal chambers and eerie dungeons.
22. Burgalimar Castle
One of the best preserved Moorish castles in Spain, Burgallmar Castle, dates back to 968AD. The fortifications tower over Banos de la Encina, the Baths of the Oak.
When it was first constructed, the castle was essentially an impenetrable fortress. With the most advanced military architecture of the period, the vast walls and towers helped to protect it from possible attacks.
Much of these remains, including 14 three-storied turrets, none grander than the Tower of Tribute. A grand path through a horseshoe arch marks the entrance where you can then explore the vast inner courtyard.
21. Alora Castle
The ever-changing rulers of the Alora Castle has infused the ancient landmark with a unique story. The castle was first constructed by the Phoenicians before the Romans made their mark in the 1st century BC. It then fell into the hands of Visigoths, Moors lastly the Monarchs.
It was the last three rulers that created a lasting mark on the castle’s architecture. Fast forward to the present and there remains an inner and outer enclosure. The former protected by fortress walls and the latter by towers around the hill’s perimeter atop the Guadalhorce Valley. Head inside to find the church tower, old cemetery and mosque.
20. Olvera Castle
Constructed at the end of the 12th century, the Olversa Castle was a prime defensive structure for Granada’s Nasrid Kingdom. In southern Spain, the castle features a unique triangulated look that rises with the enormous rock bed it stands on.
The entrance to Olvera Castle is marked by an enormous access door surrounded by a barbican. It’s topped with a centuries-old shield. From there you can wander the wall’s walkways and see the castle from a new perspective. Before exploring the Torre del Homenaje and the subterranean enclosure.
19. Alcazaba of Guadix
A Spanish Historic Monument, Alcazaba of Guadix, takes us back to the 11th century. The Moorish architecture is the best in the region and helps you trace changes in Spain through the Middle Ages.
The famous colors of Alcazaba of Guadix can be traced to the rammed earth from the castle’s base. This provides its eye-catching orange and red colors.
One of the highlights of the castle is its seminary. Built in 1595, it’s one of the oldest in Spain. It is surrounded by two beautiful, leafy courtyards that lead to the tower entrances that bring you up to far-reaching views.
18. Loarre Castle
In Huesca lies one of Spain’s oldest castles. Dating back to the 11th century, Loarre Castle lies in partial ruin. The crumbling towers stand as beautiful accents to the castle’s allure.
These crenelated towers guide you up the grassy hillside, ever closer to the fortified walls. Here, you’ll note the lack of Moorish style. For its age, it’s one of a few in Spain that don’t have Islamic influence.
After making your way through the narrow archway that pierces the walls, you can head toward the Romanesque monastery, the crypt, or royal residence. All the while admiring the Pyrenees mountains.
17. Alcazaba of Antequera
The restored Moorish castle of Alcazaba looms large over Antequera. It lies in its dominant hillside position as it has since the 1300s. But the history here goes even further, as it was built upon ancient Roman ruins.
Alcazaba’s sprawling walls that run like ridgelines were vital in holding off the 15th century Catholic invasion. In fact, because of it, Antequera was the last city to fall.
Your time at the castle starts at the Visitors Office where you can pick up an audio guide. Then, wander through the 16th century, 7-metre Arch of the Giants before climbing up the walls for memorable castle and city views.
16. Simancas Castle
In 1480, after 23 years of construction, the Simancas Castle was complete. Built by the Enriquez family, they held the castle for all of ten years until the Catholic Monarchs arrived.
The castle was transformed into a maximum-security compound. It held some of the Monarchs’ most precious possessions, from vital documents to weapons and money.
This began the castle’s evolution into the General Archive of Simancas. At its height, its 35 million documents were held in one of Europe’s most important archives. Today, it’s open to travelers and researchers who can balance time between the archives and discover the castle’s battlements, bridges and gates.
15. Castle of Xavier
Travelers making their way to the small town of Xavier will often first notice the sprawling shadows of the town’s castle. Standing proudly above it all, the Castle of Xavier and its crenelated towers are unmissable.
It was here, the patron saint of Navarre, Francis Xavier was born. Thus, every March thousands of people descend upon the town and castle. They cross the drawbridge in unison, completing their pilgrimage.
But whether you enter then, or some other time, you’ll find yourself in a medieval world. Uncover ancient dungeons, old signal towers and arrow slits in a castle that has stood since the 10th century.
14. Castle of San Servando
In the 7th century, the Castle of San Servando began life as a Visigothic monastery. Upon falling into the hands of the Knights Templar, the monastery was now more.
As it stood alongside the Alcantara Bridge, the grounds were needed for town defense. So began the transformation of this monastery to a castle featuring some of Spain’s best Mudejar military architecture.
Today, the Castle of San Servando differs from the rest in Spain. It’s now a hostel and open to explore for visitors only. So, book a bed so you can explore the turreted towers and horseshoe arches.
13. Castle of Almansa
The best-preserved castle in Albacete, the Castle of Almansa, dominates the skyline. Atop the rocky cliffs, the fortified castle peers over the whitewashed homes of Almansa. A vista that will impress from any of the castle’s towering viewpoints.
The story of the Castle of Almansa begins in the 1300s, with several improvements coming a century later. The architecture remains much the same, creating an impressive look into the works of Middle Age architecture.
Visitors can head up the cliffside and beyond the crenelated walls to find the central keep. You can also climb the spiral staircase carved directly into the rocky hill to the top of two enclosures.
12. Castle of Belmonte, Cuenca
Built in the 15th century as a private home for Juan Pacheco, the Marqus de Villena never lived to see the final creation. Despite being passed down to his son, the castle would be abandoned during the 17th and 18th centuries.
By the beginning of the 1800s, the Castle of Belmonte was in ruins. An enormous restoration effort ensued, bringing this gorgeous castle back to glory. It was the home of the French Dominican monastery before becoming a cultural monument in 1931.
Today, the castle doors are open to explore. The wider grounds, towers and chambers showcase the roller coaster life of the castle from its beginnings until now.
11. Aljaferia
An ornament to Spain’s Islamic era, Aljaferia in Zaragoza is one of the country’s best examples of Moorish architecture. The premier fortified palace soon passed into the hands of the Catholic Monarchs. Out of this came Aljaferia’s most prominent feature, both an Islamic mosque and Catholic cathedral.
Soon after entering the palace grounds, you’ll come across the Patio de Santa Isabel. Here, you’ll admire the interwoven arches and geometric touches. Afterwards, explore the throne room, before the Palacia Cristiano Medieval chambers.
Today, the palace is home to the Aragonese Parliament and has limited visiting hours.
10. Lorca Castle
Located in Murcia Province, Lorca Castle was designed to be a defensive fortress. This concept worked well as it was never forcibly taken by invaders since its construction in medieval times. Ironically, one of the castle’s exhibits today deals with storming a castle.
The castle sits on a site of a former Muslim citadel, and is a heritage center, known as Fortress of the Sun, that offers various cultural events. The castle and its exhibits are spread over a large area, which could create some obstacles for visitors with mobility problems.
9. Coca Castle
Coca Castle is unique among Spanish castles: It has only three sides since it is built into a hillside that provides a defense from invaders who attack from the rear. Coca Castle also is unique because its architecture was influenced by the Moors though it was built by Christians in the mid-15th century.
Much of the castle’s interior was destroyed in the last century, but the exterior still retains Moorish touches, such as the turrets. Coca Castle is doable as a day trip from Segovia; the castle is open to the public though only by guided tours.
8. Castle of La Mota
Castle of La Mota is a reconstructed fortress with roots dating back to the 11th century. Over the centuries, the kings of Castile and Aragon fought over it, but it has been a Castilian holding since the 15th century. The castle dominates the surrounding area as it sits on a hill at Medina del Campo in Valladolid Province.
In olden times, people entered the castle over a drawbridge. This medieval fortress has been reconstructed. At one time it was a well-known prison, housing such people as Hernando Pizarro, a conqueror of Peru, and Cesare Borgia.
7. Bellver Castle
Travelers who want to visit Bellver Castle must first get themselves to Majorca, an island off the coast of Spain. The castle is unique among not only those in Spain but in the rest of Europe because it is circular in shape. Not only in the wall around the castle circular, but so are the towers and the castle itself. King James II of Majorca built the castle in the 14th century.
It later was used as a military prison for political prisoners and today houses an historical museum. Surrounded by forests, the castle today hosts various cultural events such as concerts and is the symbol of the city of Palma.
6. New Castle of Manzanares el Real
The New Castle of Manzanares el Real presents an imposing picture as this 15th century fortress is one of the best preserved castles in the Madrid area. Its other claim to fame is that it featured in a scene in the epic movie, El Cid.
The castle is also known as the Castle de los Mendoza because it was a presidential palace for this family. Built entirely of granite, The six-floor castle is a good example of Spanish military architecture. Today it houses a museum on Spanish castles.
5. Alcazaba of Almeria
Located in southern Spain, the Alcazaba of Almeria is a fortress that sits on a hill overlooking the city of Almeria. The word “alcazaba” derives from an Arabic word that means “walled fortification, and this is what the Alcazaba of Almeria is.
Houses and shops could be found inside the structure. Initially built by Muslims in the 10th century, it was added on to by the Catholics in later years. Moviegoers may find portions of the alcazaba look familiar, especially if they’ve seen Conan the Barbarian or Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
4. Penafiel Castle
As castles go, Peñafiel Castle is long, about 150 meters (490 feet), as it sits on a hill in the town of Peñafiel in Valladolid Province. Some say its long lines resemble a ship, with a keep that is nearly 30 meters (100 feet) high.
This fortress, constructed between the ninth and 15th centuries, evokes an imposing presence when lit up at night. Today, one wing of Peñafiel Castle houses a wine museum; the other wing can only be viewed on guided tours.
3. Olite Castle
A trip to Olite Castle is to experience a different royalty culture in Spain, that of the kingdom of Navarre in the northern part of the country. Also known as the Palacio Real de Olite, the castle was built on first century Roman ruins, though the castle’s construction did not take place until several centuries later.
Various monarchs added to it over the years, using a variety of architectural styles, with towers, courtyards and gardens. The castle fell into disrepair, though the Spanish government has been restoring it since 1937.
2. Alcazar of Segovia
The eye-catching towers, turrets and fortified barbicans of Alcazar of Segovia are immortalized. The 12th-century castle inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella and has come to represent the ideal fairy tale castle.
Once the domain of King Alonso the II and Isabela I, Alcazar is open for you to explore. The stunning behemoth sights atop a rocky, treeline slope guarding Segovia from above. It’s many windows set across the castle and ornamental towers sing the tales of yesteryear. All the while providing you with exceptional views.
None are better than from the top of the 156 steps that lead to the tip of the Tower of John II.
1. Alhambra
When visiting Granada, one destination stands above the rest. Alhambra is arguably the most iconic castle in Spain and is the jewel that sits atop Granada’s crown.
Once a Roman fortress, the castle was developed in the 13th century with beautiful hints of Moorish architecture. This, despite almost being destroyed around 200 years later.
The lavish complex features the Nasrid Palaces and the Palacio de Carlos V. This is where you’ll find the Fine Arts and the Alhambra museums. While outside lies a collection of manicured gardens alongside the Generalife, a recreational area for the castle’s former sultans.
