Guide to the Best Castles to Visit in Spain

Would you like to know which castles to visit in Spain for a truly unforgettable experience?

If you’re passionate about historic fortresses and the stories they hold but feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options and the lack of concise information, this article is for you.

In our guide, we help you identify the castles that not only stand out for their beauty but also for their historical significance and ability to transport you to other times.

Get ready for a tour that will show you the must-see landmarks and help you plan your next big historical adventure.

9 Castles in Spain You Can’t Miss

We know you’re looking for more than just walls; you want to immerse yourself in their essence, understand their importance, and marvel at their unique beauty.

That’s why we’ve put together a selection of fortresses, palaces, and monumental complexes that any history lover would want to visit.

Alcázar of Segovia

When compiling a list of Spain’s most notable castles, the Alcázar of Segovia is an absolute must.

Its distinctive profile, which seems to emerge directly from the rock like the bow of a ship, makes it instantly recognizable and a must-visit for architecture and history enthusiasts.

Walking through its halls, admiring its intricate coffered ceilings, and enjoying panoramic views of the city and the Sierra de Guadarrama from its windows offers an experience that transcends the usual tourist visit.

It’s a place where history is felt, breathed, and experienced, offering a unique perspective on Spanish heritage that is definitely worth discovering.

The Alhambra

This monumental complex, which dominates the city from the Sabika hill, is more than just a fortress.

It is a unique representation of the Nasrid civilization, a group of palaces, gardens, and citadels that embodies the pinnacle of Islamic art and architecture in the Iberian Peninsula.

Its detailed decoration, the masterful use of water, and the harmony of its spaces place it as one of the world’s architectural wonders, attracting millions of visitors annually and becoming the most visited monument in Spain.

From the military functionality of the Alcazaba, with its panoramic views, to the richness and delicacy of the Nasrid Palaces, like the Patio de los Leones or the Salón de Embajadores, every space tells stories of intrigue and courtly life.

The exquisite Generalife Gardens, a serene and beautiful space, complement the palace’s grandeur.

Loarre Castle

If you’re a true castle enthusiast and want an experience that takes you straight to the medieval era, Loarre Castle in Huesca should definitely be on your list.

It’s not just any visit; this is the best-preserved Romanesque fortress in Europe, which already makes it unique.

Not to mention its imposing architecture and strategic location, dominating the Aragonese landscape, which will leave you breathless.

But Loarre offers much more than just great views.

It has also served as a setting for films like “Kingdom of Heaven,” adding a cinematic touch to its fascinating history.

Coca Castle

If you’re looking for a castle that will surprise you with its originality and beauty, Coca Castle in Segovia is a must-see.

What makes it unique? Unlike most Spanish fortresses, it isn’t built on a hill but on flat land, protected by a deep moat.

Its Gothic-Mudejar style, with the masterful use of brick and ceramics, makes it an architectural gem that will leave you speechless.

This castle, which was the residence of the powerful Fonseca family, offers a fascinating visit through its rooms, from its impressive towers to its richly decorated interiors.

You’ll be able to admire coffered ceilings and decorations that transport you straight to the 15th century.

Toledo Alcázar

This imposing building, which crowns the highest point of the imperial city, is an exceptional witness to Spain’s rich and complex history.

Its origins date back to Roman times, and over the centuries, it has served as a palace, fortress, prison, and even a military academy.

Today, it houses the Army Museum, a space that allows you to explore the history of the Spanish military in a chronological order through an impressive collection of artifacts.

On its upper floor, you’ll also find the Regional Library of Castilla-La Mancha, offering a unique combination of history, culture, and knowledge in one place.

Peñafiel Castle

If you’re looking for something that challenges the conventional, then Peñafiel Castle in Valladolid is a visit you can’t miss.

Its location on a narrow, elongated hill gives it a unique shape, resembling a large stone ship anchored in the Castilian plateau, earning it the nickname “Ship of Castile.”

This architectural uniqueness, which adapts perfectly to the terrain, sets it apart from other fortresses and makes it an easily recognizable icon.

But beyond its impressive silhouette, Peñafiel Castle offers an immersion into history and culture.

Built primarily in the 15th century by Don Pedro Girón, Master of the Order of Calatrava, this fortress has witnessed important events.

Today, its interior houses the Provincial Wine Museum of Valladolid, a space that merges medieval history with the rich wine tradition of the Ribera del Duero.

A guided tour will take you through its different rooms, including the imposing Keep Tower, and you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views, making it a must-see for any castle lover and wine enthusiast.

Belmonte Castle

This fortress in Cuenca, built in the mid-15th century, is a magnificent example of Gothic-Mudejar architecture, with its imposing triangular structure, unique in Spain.

Its design is not only visually striking but also reveals the military sophistication of the time, built to withstand the hardest sieges.

The castle has witnessed crucial moments, from the era of the Castilian nobility to its restoration in the 19th century by Empress Eugenia de Montijo, who restored much of its former glory.

Today, it’s completely restored and offers an interactive experience where you can explore its towers, its courtyard, and its luxurious rooms, recreating life from that period.

If you’re lucky, you may even witness one of the historical reenactment events often held here, including medieval jousting.

Olite Castle

If you’re looking for a castle that seems straight out of a fairytale but with a fascinating real history, the Royal Palace of Olite in Navarra is an exceptional choice.

Often referred to as a “castle,” it was actually conceived as a lavish palace for the Kings of Navarra, especially by Charles III “the Noble” in the 15th century.

Its apparent architectural disorder, with multiple towers of different shapes and heights, patios, and hanging gardens, gives it a magical and unique silhouette, distinguishing it from other royal residences of its time.

What makes Olite so special is precisely its residential and recreational character.

Here, not only did they live, but grand feasts, knightly tournaments, and all sorts of spectacles were held.

Walking through its rooms, like the Hall of Arches, or gazing at the remains of its exotic gardens, you can imagine the courtly life of yesteryear.

Although it suffered a devastating fire in the 19th century, the restoration process has returned much of its original splendor, allowing visitors today to explore its corners and immerse themselves in the opulence and ingenuity of the Navarrese court.

La Mota Castle

If you’re drawn to castles with a dense history and architecture that impresses with its solidity, La Mota Castle in Medina del Campo, Valladolid, is a must-visit.

This fortress, primarily built in the 15th century, sits on an artificial mound, which gives it its name, “mota.”

Its imposing Keep Tower, visible from miles around, and its deep moat are clear signs of its defensive function and strategic importance in medieval Castile.

La Mota Castle has been the stage for political intrigues and imprisonments of notable figures, such as Cesare Borgia.

Today, although not all of its rooms are open to visitors, you can explore its courtyard, towers, and part of its galleries.

The castle also features a modern interpretation center that immerses you in its past and helps you understand its historical significance.

A Unique Culinary Experience Awaits You

We hope this tour of some of Spain’s most impressive castles has sparked your appetite for history and the beauty of our heritage.

But what if, after such a rich cultural immersion, you topped off your trip with an authentic culinary experience?

At Sazón The Folk Cook, we invite you to experience local gastronomy in a unique way.

Imagine, after a day exploring legendary fortresses, finishing the day with a homemade meal prepared with passion by a local cook in their own home.

It’s the perfect way to connect with the culture through its most authentic flavors.

Are you ready to book your experience and put the finishing touch on your adventure?