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Castles in Spain

The Alhambra Castle is one of the most popular castles in Spain and is located in Granada. 

Alhambra translates to the ‘red castle’ in Arabic since it is made of red bricks and was used as a royal residence during the 13th century.

The castle is surrounded by thick green forests and boasts a beautiful backdrop of mountains.

It has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.

Its gorgeous and breathtaking interiors are truly awe-inspiring and heavily reflect Islamic architectural influence.

Admire picturesque courtyards, terrace gardens, fountains, and more upon your visit to the castle.

Location: C. Real de la Alhambra, s/n, 18009 Granada, Spain

Timings: 8:30 AM to 8 PM (Daily)

Alcazaba de Malaga was originally built during the 10th century by Muslims and was later modified by Catholics after the Christians took over. 

The palace gets its name ‘Alcazaba’ from the Arabic word ‘Al-Qasbah’ which means walled fortification. 

It is considered one of the most beautiful Alcazaba castles in Spain and is a major tourist attraction. 

Perched upon Gibralfaro hill, the palace was strategically built for defense purposes. 

The fortress has also been featured in many known movies such as Indian Jones, Conan the Barbarian, and the Last Crusade. 

Marvel at the historic edifice with a guided tour around the fortress.

Location: C/ Alcazabilla, 2, 29012 Málaga, Spain

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM (November-March), 9 AM to 8 PM (April-October)

The history of the magnificent Alcazar de Segovia dates back to the 12th century. 

The fairytale resemblance of the castle is also rumored to have been the inspiration behind Disney’s Cinderella’s castle.

Originally built as a fortress, the castle has since served as a royal residence, a state prison, Royal Artillery College, and a military academy. 

Today, it is among the many Spain castles turned into museums displaying historic military archives.

It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site displaying lots of royal and military paintings, weaponry, sculptures, etc. for the public to marvel at.

Location: Pl. Reina Victoria Eugenia, s/n, 40003 Segovia, Spain

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM (November-March), 10 AM to 8 PM (April-October)

Ponferrada Castle sits on 8,000 square meters of land with its striking architecture that continues to draw audiences from all over the world. 

Take a stroll around the expansive lawns of the castle where once the Spanish Kings paced. 

Officially known as Templars Castle de Ponferrada, the castle was named after the famous Knights of Templar who protected the town in the 12th century.

The castle owned by the King of Spain is now open for public visits where visitors can explore extensive collections of royal art and literature.

Don’t miss picturesque views of the Sil river from the top of the castle.

Location: C. Gil y Carrasco, 1, 24401 Ponferrada, León, Spain

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)

The castle of Tossa de Mar, situated in the city of Costa Brava is commonly known as ‘Vila Vela’ which means old town.

It is a complex of medieval buildings that were built during the 12th century for military purposes. 

The main purpose of the castle complex was to provide protection to the town from enemy attacks.

You can catch breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea from the top of the lighthouse. 

The defensive walls of the towers and castles add an old-world charm to the town. 

Admire the medieval and Gothic architecture of the gorgeous edifices with a guided tour to learn all about its history.

Location: Passeig de Vila Vella, 1, 17320 Tossa de Mar, Girona, Spain

Timings: 24 hours

Explore the beautiful 11th-century Loarre castle located in the province of Huesca. 

It is considered to be one of the oldest castles in Spain and archaeological studies have shown that artifacts found around the castle date back to the Iberian and Roman times. 

The castle was built by the Aragon King Sancho el Mayor for defense purposes and heavily displayed a Romanesque style of architecture.

While some parts of the castle are damaged, the Church of San Pedro is well-preserved.

One of the very interesting things about the castle is that it has hardly gone under any changes since it was built and is still intact.

Location: A-1206, 22809 Loarre, Huesca, Spain

Timings: 11 AM to 5:30 PM (Tuesday-Sunday)

Located in the Coca municipality of Segovia, Coca Castle is a historic landmark that was built in the 15th century. 

Even though the castle was built by the Christians, its design was heavily influenced by the Moorish Muslim architectural style. 

It is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Spanish Gothic-Mudejar art. 

Coca Castle was also built for defense purposes, however, it is one of the few Spain castles which is not built on a hill. 

Its main source of protection relied on the 40-feet deep moat which can be admired on your visit. 

Location: Ronda del Castillo, s/n, 40480 Coca, Segovia, Spain

Timings: 11 AM to 1 PM, 4:30 PM to 6 PM (Daily)

Situated in the Basque village of Gatika, the Castle of Butron stands amidst the Butron river which acts as a natural moat. 

The castle was originally built during the 14th century but was reconstructed in the 19th century as a restoration project after being abandoned. 

The neo-Gothic architectural style of the castle is striking and very attractive. 

However, the castle is not open for public visits as it stands abandoned. 

Despite being abandoned, the castle of Butron still manages to draw huge crowds owing to its gorgeous design and intriguing history. 

Visitors can stroll around the castle grounds and the surrounding beauty, and admire the beautiful ancient edifice.

Location: Butroi Auzoa, 12, 48110 Gatika, Bizkaia, Spain

Timings: 24 hours

Built during the 13th century, the Palace of the King of Navarre is also commonly known as the Royal Palace of Olite. 

The castle was damaged in a fire during the 1800s by the Napoleon French invasion and was later restored during the 20th century. 

The exterior of the castle exudes French Gothic influence while the interiors clearly reflect the more popular Mudejar art influence. 

In 1925 the castle was recognized as a national monument by the Spanish government. 

It is considered among the most beautiful Spain castles and the restoration efforts successfully managed to sustain the original design and layout.

Location: Pl. Carlos III El Noble, 4, 31390 Olite, Navarra, Spain

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM (Daily)

Castle, locally known as Castell de Bellver, is a Catalan name that translates to ‘lovely view’.Bellver 

Situated on top of a hill, the castle offers stunning views of Palma city. 

Its unique circular Gothic architecture makes it the perfect spot for catching a 360-degree uninterrupted view of the city and the island of Mallorca. 

You can also explore the city museum called the Museu d'Història de la Ciutat and learn about the castle’s and city’s history. 

The castle is known to have been built during the 14th century by King James and is also the only round castle in Spain.

Location: Carrer Camilo José Cela, s/n, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain

Timings: 10 AM to 7 PM (Tuesday-Sunday)

The Penafiel Castle is a prime example of German Gothic-style architecture. 

It is among the oldest castles in Spain whose construction began in the 10th century but the design and structure visible today are from the reconstruction during the 15th century. 

The long hilltop castle resembles a ship, especially when the ground lights come to life during the night. 

The castle was declared a national monument in 1917 and today houses a Provincial Museum-Foundation of the Wines of Valladolid.

The wine museum is open for the public to visit and explore while also getting a glimpse of the castle.

Location: C. Subida al Castillo, s/n, 47300, Valladolid, Spain

Timings: 10:30 AM to 2 PM, 4 PM to 6 PM (Daily)

Visit the magnificent 11th-century Castle of La Mota in Valladolid, Spain which has also served as a prison. 

While the early foundations of the castle were laid down in the 11th century, it was completed in the 15th century. 

Due to abandonment and deterioration, the castle was restored and renovated several times before finally being preserved as a National Monument in 1904. 

The castle gets its name from being situated atop a hill, a mota. 

Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the medieval castle and learn all about its past.

Location: Av. Castillo, s/n, 47400 Medina del Campo, Valladolid, Spain

Timings: 11 AM to 2 PM, 4 PM to 6 PM (Monday-Saturday), 11 AM to 2 PM (Sunday)

Surrounded by gorgeous blue water, the Peniscola Castle is situated at the highest point in the city at a height of 64 meters above the sea. 

The castle is a fortress that was built by the Knights of Templar during the 12th century. 

Over the years, the castle has undergone very few changes owing to its barrel-vaulted rooms and stone-carved walls. 

You can witness breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea from the vantage point of the castle. 

A major portion of the castle has been turned into a botanical garden that features a range of native trees and flowers.

Location: C. Castillo, s/n, 12598 Peniscola, Castellón, Spain

Timings: 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Daily)

The New Castle of Manzanares el Real is also known as Castillo de Los Mendoza (Mendoza Castle) which served as a residence for the royal family of Mendoza. 

The castle is considered among the best-preserved castles in Spain with its history dating back to the 15th century. 

Its picturesque exterior is known to draw large tourist crowds and photographers. 

The ornamental Gothic stonework is exemplary and is fully constructed with granite stone. 

Inside the castle, there’s a museum dedicated to the beautiful history of all Spain castles with stunning art collections.

Location: C. Canada, s/n, 28410 Manzanares el Real, Madrid, Spain

Timings: 10 AM to 5:30 PM (Monday-Friday), 10 AM to 6 PM (Saturday-Sunday)

More commonly known as Castillo Baños de la Encina, the Castillo de Burgalimar is a 10th-century castle built by Muslims.

The exteriors of the castle showcase its massive fourteen towers along with a fifteenth Christian tower known as the Tower of Homage.

Its strong-built walls have stood the test of time and are considered to be the best-preserved fortress in Spain.

Location: Cerro del Cueto Plaza de Santa María, 1, Calle Sta. María, 1, 23711 Baños de la Encina, Jaén, Spain

Timings: 11:15 AM to 1:30 PM (Monday, Tuesday), 11:15 AM to 6 PM (Wednesday), 11:15 AM to 6:15 PM (Thursday, Friday), 10:30 AM to 6:15 PM (Saturday, Sunday)