Ten Most Beautiful Castles in Spain

Spain’s rich and diverse history has contributed to more than 2,500 magnificent castles across the country. These architectural marvels encompass a wide range of styles, including Moorish castles from the period of Islamic rule, military fortresses constructed during the “Reconquista,” medieval castles, and castles perched on coastal cliffs. Each castle has its unique charm, some impeccably preserved while others exude a captivating allure as romantic ruins atop picturesque hilltops. Here, we present a selection of our personal ten favorites, many of which are situated in the enchanting wine country.

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1. Segovia’s Alcazar

The ultimate Disney castle, the Alcazar of Segovia, is just gorgeous. And such a rich history. This is where Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand met for the first time and where King Philip (Felipe), the 2nd, married his wife (Anne of Austria). You can visit the castle’s interior and climb up over 150 stairs on a narrow, winding staircase to get to the Torre Juan II and enjoy views over Segovia and the countryside. Quite magical in winter, when you can also appreciate the local suckling pig and fab wines.

Alcazar de Segovia website: Read more

2. Jarandilla

This preserved 15th-century castle has been converted into one of Spain’s national Parador hotels and is located in the beautiful Extremadura (Paprika mecca) region. King Charles V lived here, and the castle and grounds are atmospheric. The cuisine here is rustic fare and terrific. While in this region, don’t miss medieval Trujillo and Cáceres, gorgeous places.

Jarandilla website: Read more

3. La Mota

This delightful gothic castle near the Rueda and Ribera del Duero wine regions is where Juana la Loca (Jane the Mad) lived. Over the years, it has changed from being a royal residence to a prison to being used for special events and art exhibitions.

La Mota website: Read more

4. Ponferrada

Whimsical castle in one of our favorite wine regions, Bierzo. Impressive as it is one of Spain’s few Templar castles. From July 1-4, the local town council is organizing medieval Templar nights, which are very atmospheric.

Castillo de los Templarios website: Read more

5. Coca

Castillo de Coca is very handsome, a 15th-century ornate, perfectly preserved military castle about half an hour from Segovia. You can visit the inside of the castle too (not all castles allow visits). So why not make it an afternoon excursion from Segovia? Bring a picnic and munch on Chorizo and queso while sitting in the shade of the trees and sipping on some chilled Rueda…

Castillo de Coca website: Read more

6. Olite

This gorgeous castle in the Navarra Region is one of the loveliest in Spain and is set right in the middle of the historic village of Olite and overlooks vineyards. Stay the night in Olite (the Parador, also a landmark building, is the best spot in town) and enjoy the castle lit up and the excellent local restaurants. While in the area, visit the Super Ochoa winery.

Olite Castle website: Read more

7. Peñafiel

Situated in the heart of the Ribera del Duero wine country, the Castillo de Peñafiel houses a regional wine museum and overlooks a charming medieval village of the same name. Shaped like a battleship and set right on top of a steep hill, a stop here is a must touring the wine country. You can stay nearby at the pretty Convento Las Claras.

Castillo de Peñafiel website: Read more

8. Castillo de Alarcón

This Arabic fortress (dating back to the 8th century!) in Cuenca province in the La Mancha wine region has been transformed into an itty bitty Parador (only a few rooms, including the Infante Don Juan Manuel room at the top of the castle’s keep ). This is the land of Don Quixote, dusty and dreamy. Visit Cuenca with its hanging houses and the swish Pago Vicario wine estate.

Castillo de Alarcón website: Read more

9.  Tossa de Mar

Overlooking the sparkling sea, this castle (fortified tower) wins for location location location. Tossa de Mar is a touristy Costa Brava town close to the Emporda wine region. In the ’50s, when Ava Gardner filmed “Pandora and the Flying Dutchman,” when it was a sleepy fishing village. These days it’s a popular beach haunt. Delightful to visit in June or September when the crowds are gone and the weather is balmy.

10. Loarre

Very close to the Somontano wine region (featured in our Pyrenees Food and Wine tour ) in Huesca, you’ll find the mystical castle of Loarre. This castle complex dates to the 11th century and is Unesco protected.

Castillo de Loarre website: Read more

More Information:

Other incredible castles, big and small (some abandoned), include the Alcazaba of Guadix, Butrón in Vizcaya, the castle of Vejer in Andalucía, Málaga’s Alcazaba, Coyanza, Burgalimar, Peralada (home to a wine estate to and featured on our Catalonia wine tours), Castillo de Bellver (just above Palma de Mallorca)  and Castillo de Almansa.

More on Spanish castles and architecture here.