12 Beautiful Castles in Spain That Look Like They’re Straight Out of a Storybook

Spain is a land steeped in history, with numerous medieval fortresses, royal palaces, and majestic castles to explore. From the rugged cliffs of the Basque Country to the sunny plains of Andalusia, these architectural marvels showcase Spain’s diverse cultural heritage and offer breathtaking scenery worth exploring.

Looking for Spain’s most remarkable castles to explore? In this article, we take you through 12 of Spain’s most beautiful castles, each with its unique charm and historical significance. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a traveler seeking awe-inspiring sights, these castles promise to fascinate you; read on.

Table of Contents

Alhambra, Granada

Places To Retire in Spain Granada — © Pillerss / Adobe Stock

Featuring stunning architecture, history around every corner, and enchanting gardens, the Alhambra should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Spain. It’s a one-of-a-kind palace that gives you a glimpse into Spain’s rich Islamic history and culture.

The palace itself contains royal residential apartments, as well as administrative areas for running the kingdom. The architectural details throughout the palace are exquisite, including intricate tilework, carved wood ceilings, and colorful mosaics.

Moreover, the palace grounds have beautiful gardens, fountains, and walkways where you can take pictures. The Generalife Gardens, in particular, is a highlight with terraced lawns, fountains, and a long water channel lined with cypress trees. It’s a peaceful oasis on the palace grounds where you can wander and soak in the beauty.

Castle of Coca, Coca, Segovia

The Castle of Coca is one of the finest examples of Spanish Gothic architecture. Constructed in the 15th century, it features crenelated walls and sturdy towers. The castle’s intricate brickwork, ornamental details, and use of both defensive and aesthetic features make it an architectural marvel.

Today, the Castle of Coca serves as a cultural and educational site. Guided tours are available, which showcase the castle’s history, architecture, and the lives of its inhabitants. For panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, climb the narrow steps leading up to the top of the Torre del Homenaje.

A visit here transports you back in time and gives you a glimpse into the luxurious lives of Spanish nobility in the Middle Ages.

Peñafiel Castle, Valladolid

Castles in Spain Peñafiel Castle, Valladolid — © Tolo / Adobe Stock

This castle, originally built in the 10th century, sits atop a hill overlooking the town of Penafiel. Its location was of immense military significance, serving as a defensive stronghold against Arab invaders.

Built in the shape of a ship, the elongated structure spans approximately 657 feet (200 meters) in length and 115 feet (35 meters) in width. The walls are constructed from solid limestone, providing durability and an imposing appearance. Also, its stone towers rise dramatically against the backdrop of the picturesque Castilian countryside, creating a very Instagram-worthy scenery.

Besides exploring the local history, this castle is also a perfect spot for wine tasting. The castle’s wine museum showcases Spain’s rich wine-making tradition.

Belmonte Castle, Belmonte, Cuenca

Belmonte Castle dates back to the 15th century and is one of the best-preserved castles in Spain. Its position on the hill of San Cristóbal offers strategic views over the surrounding plains, which was crucial for defense purposes in medieval times, adding to its historical allure.

The castle is an excellent example of Gothic-Mudejar architecture, blending Gothic elements with Moorish influences. Its intricate designs, majestic towers, and fortified walls showcase the period’s craftsmanship and artistic prowess.

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From its elevated position, tourists can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Its beautifully maintained gardens provide a tranquil setting for tourists to explore and enjoy.

Royal Palace of Olite, Navarre

The Royal Palace of Olite, located in Navarre, Spain, is one of the most striking castles in the country. Built in the 13th century, it was the Kingdom of Navarre’s court seat. The palace’s French-Gothic architecture, with its towers, turrets, and ramparts, will amaze you.

Set aside three hours for wandering through the castle at your own pace, exploring its various rooms, towers, and courtyards. Informational plaques and brochures are available to provide context and historical details for exploration. That aside, stroll through the beautifully maintained gardens surrounding the palace. These gardens are filled with many plants and flowers, providing a peaceful yet scenic environment.

Castle La Mota, Medina del Campo

This magnificent castle was built between the 14th and 15th centuries. Castle La Mota has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the march of armies, and the coronation of kings. Its strategic location on a hill, known as ‘la mota,’ provided an excellent vantage point for overseeing the surrounding lands, hence the name.

This castle is known for its Mudejar-Gothic architecture, a unique blend of Christian and Islamic styles. The use of brick as the primary material gives the castle a distinctive reddish hue, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

Guided tours here cover various sections of the castle, including the towers, walls, and interior chambers, allowing visitors to fully appreciate its grandeur.

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Colomares Castle, Benalmádena, Málaga

Castles in Spain Colomares Castle, Benalmádena, Málaga — © Milosk50 / Adobe Stock

Nestled in the Province of Málaga, Colomares Castle is a picturesque palace inspired by Gothic and Islamic architecture. Construction of the castle began in 1987 and was completed in 1994, built to honor Christopher Columbus.

When you enter the castle grounds, you’ll be struck by the intricate stonework and wood carvings. The castle has a small inner courtyard, benches, and gardens where you can sit and enjoy the surroundings. Climb the castle tower for panoramic views of the coastline and Malaga mountains.

The castle interior is filled with period furniture, art, and artifacts that take you back in time. There is also an exciting gallery displaying replicas of Columbus’s ships; do not miss it.

Loarre Castle, Huesca

Tucked in the foothills of the Pyrenees in northern Spain, Loarre Castle is one of the best-preserved Romanesque castles in the country. Its history dates back to the 11th century when it was constructed by order of King Sancho III of Navarre.

As a military stronghold, this castle was strategically positioned to control the surrounding territory and protect the Christian territory from Muslim advances. Its defensive structures, including its thick walls, battlements, and towers, are perfect for exploring the advanced military engineering of the time.

Moreover, this castle has been used as a location for major films like Kingdom of Heaven and El Cid due to its dramatic setting and architecture. It’s easy to imagine knights and armies preparing for battle within these ancient walls.

Santa Bárbara Castle, Alicante

Castles in Spain Santa Bárbara Castle, Alicante — © Kurbanov_vener / Adobe Stock

Nestled on a hilltop in the historic city of Alicante, Santa Barbara Castle offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean coastline. Originally built by the Moors in the 9th century, the castle has been occupied by many groups over the centuries and expanded into the impressive citadel you see today.

The castle’s architecture combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Walking through the ramparts and towers, you’ll see examples of each era. The castle walls also feature arrow slits, battlements, and underground tunnels used in battles long ago.

Further, the climb to the top of the castle is worth the effort for excellent views of the city and beach.

Castillo Almodovar del Rio – Córdoba

Castles in Spain Castillo Almodovar del Rio - Córdoba — © OlegMit / Adobe Stock

Perched atop a hill in Cordoba, this castle has stood for over a millennium. Today, visitors can explore its winding stone corridors and battlements, which offer panoramic views of the countryside.

The Castillo Almodovar del Rio was built in 760 AD and has been occupied by Romans, Arabs, Christians, and Jews over its long history. Walking through the castle, you’ll see remnants of its varied past, from a Roman temple to Arab baths.

The castle’s location atop a steep hill provides panoramic views in every direction. The views are especially stunning at sunrise and sunset when the golden light bathes the countryside.

Alcázar of Segovia, Segovia

Castles in Spain Alcázar of Segovia, Segovia — © Jon_chica / Adobe Stock

One of Spain’s most stunning castles is the Alcazar of Segovia, rising dramatically on a rocky cliff above the city. The castle’s shape is instantly recognizable, boasting dramatic towers and ramparts. Walk around the perimeter, and you’ll get panoramic views of Segovia and the countryside beyond. The 12th-century Tower of Juan II is the highest, with over 150 steps leading to the top.

Once inside, you’ll see the royal staterooms, still covered in original furnishings, tapestries, and art. The Hall of the Monarchs honors the 52 rulers of Castile and Leon. The armory houses weapons, armor, and tools of war. For a glimpse of royal life circa the 1400s, visit the private quarters of Isabella the Catholic, where she gave birth to her children.

Atalaya Castle, Villena

A trip to Atalaya Castle offers a glimpse into Spain’s past and a chance to experience the beauty of its countryside. This castle, constructed in the 12th century, is an excellent example of military architecture from the Middle Ages. Its thick stone walls, battlements, and towers were built to withstand attack. While the castle was conquered and hands were changed several times over the centuries, much of the original fortification remains intact.

Once inside the castle walls, you’ll find an open-air courtyard and several towers to explore. Climb the steps of the tallest tower for sweeping vistas of orange groves and mountains in the distance. The courtyard and ramparts also offer opportunities to soak in the scenery and snap photos.