16 Castles in Spain You Must Visit | Complete Castle Travel Guide

Spain isn't just beaches, tapas and flamenco, it's a land built on stone, power and centuries of legend. From Moorish palaces glowing under the Andalusian sun, to mighty fortresses guarding the plains of Castile and Leon, to a perfectly round castle rising above the Mediterranean in the Balearic Islands, Spain is home to some of the most breathtaking castles in the world. In this video, we're taking an epic journey across the country, exploring 16 incredible castles across 10 unique regions of Spain, each one with its own story of conquest, royalty, rebellion and beauty. But this isn't just a countdown, it's a journey through Spain's regions, cultures and centuries of history. From hidden gems you've probably never heard of, to world-famous landmarks you'll want to add straight to your travel bucket list. So whether you're a history lover, a traveler at heart, or just someone who loves jaw-dropping views and epic architecture, stay with me until the very end, because the final castles might just be the most surprising of all. Let's begin our journey through the castles of Spain. We begin our journey in Castilla La Mancha, in the historic city of Toledo, once the former capital of Spain. Towering over the city at its highest point stands the Alcazar of Toledo. A fitting place to start, as this fortress was once home to Spanish monarchs who ruled an empire that made Spain one of the richest and most powerful nations in the world. Originally built during Roman times, the Alcazar has been rebuilt and transformed across centuries. It took its iconic square form with corner towers under Alfonso VI and Alfonso X, and was later redesigned during the reign of Emperor Charles V, featuring striking Renaissance facades by architect Alonso de Covarrubias, with later contributions from Juan de Herrera. The massive stone fortress measures 60 meters on each side, with four towering corner turrets rising just as high, each crowned with classic Spanish spires. Severely damaged during the Spanish Civil War, the Alcazar was meticulously rebuilt between 1939 and 1957. Today this historic stronghold serves as the Army Museum of Toledo, with the Regional Library of Castilla La Mancha housed on its upper floors, continuing its legacy as a place of power, knowledge and history. Just south of Castilla La Mancha, in the heart of Córdoba, rises the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs. A fortress built on layers of history, Roman, Visigoth, and Islamic remains all collide within these massive stone walls. After Córdoba was conquered in 1236, the ruined palace was rebuilt by Spain's kings and transformed into a seat of power. Over the centuries it served as a royal residence, the headquarters of the Inquisition, and even a prison. Four imposing towers guard its nearly rectangular walls, while inside, quiet courtyards, Gothic halls, and flowing fountains offer a sharp contrast to its brutal past. Roman mosaics line the walls, Arabic-style baths hide below, and the lush gardens stretch westward, turning this fortress into one of Andalusia's most striking strongholds. Next, we head deep into Andalusia, a region so rich in history it will feature five castles in this journey, and we start in the grandest way possible. Rising above Granada is the Alhambra, one of the most extraordinary palace-fortress complexes in the world. Built between the 13th and 14th centuries by the Nasrid dynasty, it stands as one of the finest surviving examples of Islamic art and architecture. Later enhanced with Renaissance additions by Spain's Christian Monarchs, from the mighty Alcazaba Fortress, to the breathtaking Nasrid Palaces filled with intricate stonework and Arabic calligraphy, to the serene Generolifa Gardens, the Alhambra feels less like a castle and more like a living masterpiece. Its name, meaning the Red Castle, comes from the warm glow of its walls at sunset. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alhambra is one of Spain's most visited landmarks, and for good reason. Exploring its halls, courtyards, and gardens can take hours, but every step is unforgettable. Before we move on, if you're new here, don't forget to hit that subscribe button and become part of our community. I release exciting new episodes regularly, taking you on journeys to incredible destinations across the globe. Your support makes it possible for me to share these travel stories and adventures with you. So thank you for being a part of this amazing journey! Our next stop takes us east of Granada to the rugged hills near Guadix, where the Castillo de la Calahora rises unexpectedly above the landscape. Built between 1509 and 1512, this fortress is one of the earliest Renaissance castles in Spain. From the outside, it looks harsh and impenetrable, thick stone walls standing guard over the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. But step inside, and the contrast is stunning. A two-story Italian Carrara marble courtyard, elegant and refined, hidden within a military shell. Perched high above the village of La Calahora and reached by a steep track, this privately owned castle feels remote and cinematic, literally. Its striking appearance has made it a filming location for The Wind and The Lion and House of the Dragon. Rarely open and full of surprises, La Calahora proves that some of Andalusia's most impressive castles are also its most unexpected. Towering above the city and the Mediterranean, the Alcazaba of Almería is one the largest Moorish fortresses in Spain. Founded in 955 AD under Caliph Abad al-Rahman III, it was both a royal residence and a powerful defensive stronghold of Al-Andalus. The vast complex unfolds across three massive enclosures, from peaceful gardens and ancient water cisterns, to palatial ruins, and finally a Christian castle added after the Reconquista. Thick crenellated walls stretch toward the sea, once linking the fortress to Almería's medieval defenses. Today, the Alcazaba offers sweeping views of the city and coastline, and with free entry, it remains one of Andalusia's most impressive and underrated fortresses, a place where history and landscape collide. Next, we arrive in Malaga, to one of Spain's most unusual castles, Colomara's Castle in Benalmadena. Built between 1987 and 1994, this monument is a tribute to Christopher Columbus and the discovery of the Americas, created almost entirely by one man, Dr. Esteban Martín, with the help of just two builders. This isn't a traditional medieval castle, it's a stone storybook. Every tower, arch, and engraving tells part of Columbus's journey, from carvings of his three ships to symbolic tributes to San Salvador Island. The architecture blends Neo-Gothic, Neo-Roman, Neo-Byzantine, and Neo-Mudejar styles, reflecting the Christian, Jewish, and Islamic cultures that coexisted in 15th-century Spain. Inside lies another surprise, the smallest chapel in the world, measuring just 1.96 square meters. Part history, part fantasy, and completely unique, Colomara's Castle proves that not all castles come from the Middle Ages, some are built from pure obsession and imagination. We end our journey through Andalusia in spectacular fashion at the Royal Alcazar of Seville, one of the oldest royal palaces still in use in Europe and a true masterpiece of Spanish history. Originally built as a Moorish fortress in the 10th century, the Alcazar has evolved over more than a thousand years into a breathtaking blend of Islamic, Mudejar, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. At its heart lies the Mudejar Palace of King Pedro, where intricate carvings and the famous Courtyard of the Maidens steal the show. Beyond the palace walls, lush gardens unfold with fountains, orange trees and hidden pavilions, an oasis in the center of Seville. Fans of Game of Thrones may recognize these grounds as the Water Gardens of Dorne, still used today by the Spanish royal family. The Alcazar is not just a monument, it's a living palace, and a perfect finale to Andalusia's extraordinary castles. Next, we head to the Balearic Islands, where Castell de Belver rises above Palma from a pine-covered hilltop. Its name means lovely view in Catalan, and with sweeping 360-degree panoramas of the Bay of Palma and the Tramuntana Mountains, it more than lives up to it. Built in the 14th century, Belver is Spain's only circular castle, and a stunning example of Catalan Gothic architecture. But behind its perfect symmetry lies a darker past. Though once a royal residence, it spent nearly six centuries as a prison, housing figures such as King Jaume IV, and was reused during World War II and the Franco era. Perfectly preserved, the castle features a moat, drawbridge, three defensive towers, and a freestanding central keep. At its heart is a two-level circular courtyard, once separating royalty from soldiers, and today, transformed into a magical venue for open-air concerts under the stars. Now home to a museum exploring Palma's Roman, Arab and Spanish history, Belver Castle is more than a fortress, it's one of the most unique and unforgettable castles in Spain. Perched high above Barcelona, Montjuic Castle is a 17th-century military fortress commanding 360-degree views of the city, the harbor, and the Mediterranean. Built for defense, it later became a prison and execution site, giving the castle a darker place in Catalonia's history. Today, its thick ramparts and stone walls feel calm and open, transformed into a public museum and cultural space. Visitors can walk the battlements, explore exhibitions, and take in some of the best panoramic views in Barcelona, whether arriving by cable car, bus, or on foot through the gardens below. Once a symbol of control, Montjuic Castle now stands as a powerful reminder of Barcelona's past, and one of its most scenic viewpoints. Now moving to the Valencia region, rising directly above the sea, Santa Barbara Castle dominates Mount Benacontil, offering sweeping views over the entire Bay of Alicante. Its strategic hilltop position made it one of the most important fortresses on Spain's eastern coast, and from the beach below, the mountain's silhouette famously resembles the face of the Moor, an enduring symbol of the city. The castle's origins date back to Islamic rule, with foundations from the 11th to 13th centuries, later expanded by Christian kings. The fortress unfolds across three distinct levels, the upper citadel, known as La Torreta, the central military and administrative quarters, and the lower defenses added in the 18th century. Today, Santa Barbara Castle houses the Museum of the City of Alicante, where visitors can explore the site's layered history, while walking along massive ramparts and bastions. Part fortress, part viewpoint, and part museum, it remains one of the most dramatic coastal castles in Spain. Perched atop a dramatic rocky peninsula, Peníscola Castle is the heart and soul of the town, and is one of the most iconic landmark in the Valencia region. Surrounded by lively streets, medieval-style markets, and sea-facing terraces, the castle comes alive, especially as the sun sets over the Mediterranean. Officially known as the Templar Pontifical Castle, it's best remembered as the home of Pope Luna, one of the most controversial popes in history. Built in the 13th century by the Knights Templar on the ruins of an earlier Islamic fortress, the castle's Romanesque design reflects the austere power of Templar architecture. Rising 64 meters above the sea, its stone walls offer breathtaking coastal views and a glimpse into centuries of shifting rule, from Muslim stronghold, to Templar fortress, to Papal residence. Historic, atmospheric, and endlessly photogenic, Peníscola Castle is not just a monument, it's one of Spain's most unforgettable coastal fortresses. And now, for the castles in the region of Castile and León. Rising dramatically from a rocky outcrop between the Eresma and Clamores rivers, the Alcazar of Segovia is one of Spain's most legendary fortresses. First documented in the 12th century, its strategic position made it a powerful military stronghold before becoming a Once home to King Alfonso VIII, the castle later evolved into an elegant Gothic palace under John II and Henry IV. Its final major transformation came in 1587, when architects Francisco de Mora and Wanda Herrera reshaped its courtyard and ceremonial spaces. In 1764, Charles III founded the Royal College of Artillery here, adding yet another chapter to its long history. Hidden within its walls are secret passageways leading to the rivers below, reminders of its defensive past. Perched like a stone ship above the city, the Alcazar of Segovia remains one of Spain's most unforgettable castles, and a true fairy tale icon. Up next is the Templar Castle of Ponferrada, one of the largest and most powerful fortresses in northwestern Spain. Covering more than 8,000 square meters, its massive polygonal walls, multiple battlements, towers, and wide outer courtyard speak to its formidable military design. Originally a hillfort and later a Roman stronghold, the castle was transformed in the early 13th century when King Alfonso IX granted Ponferrada to the Knights Templar. By 1226, the Templars had fortified it into a complex stronghold, guarding pilgrims traveling the Camino de Santiago. Built and expanded over centuries, the castle features a dramatic drawbridge entrance, towering crenelated walls, and an intricate layout once said to align its 12 towers with the constellations. Today, it houses the Templars' library and research center, adding an air of mystery to an already legendary site. Powerful, symbolic, and steeped in legend, Ponferrada is one of Spain's great medieval fortresses. Our next stop brings us to Olita, a small town with an outsized legacy. Rising above its medieval streets is the Royal Palace of Olita, once the grand residence of the kings and queens of Nabarra, until the kingdom was absorbed into Castile in the 16th century. Expanded and transformed between the 13th and 15th centuries, the palace reached its peak under King Charles III the Noble, becoming one of the most extravagant Gothic courts in Europe. Today part of the complex is the Old Palace, now a historic Parador hotel, while the rest unfolds in soaring towers, courtyards and fairytale architecture. Declared a national monument in 1925, it remains one of Spain's most enchanting castles. Surrounded by vineyards and known as the wine capital of Nabarra, Olita blends royal history with lively streets, festivals and world-class wine, making it a destination that feels like stepping straight into the Middle Ages. Now we head to the jewel of Extra-Madura region, crowning the highest point of Trujillo. This formidable castle was built in the 13th century atop the remains of an earlier Islamic fortress dating back to the 9th or 10th century. Its square towers, typical of Moorish military architecture, still dominate the skyline today. Constructed from masonry and mortar, the fortress is divided into two main areas, the main courtyard and the Albuquerque, reflecting its role as both a defensive stronghold and a refuge for the surrounding population. Over time, Trujillo grew beyond its walls, fueled by wealth from the Age of Exploration, before enduring hardship during later conflicts. Standing high above the town, the castle remains a powerful symbol of Trujillo's layered past and its strategic importance in Western Spain. Dominating the heart of Spain's capital, the Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish monarchy and the largest royal palace in Western Europe. Though no king has lived here since Alfonso VIII, it remains the stage for state ceremonies and royal events. The palace rises on a site first fortified in the 9th century, later home to the Alcazar of Madrid, until a devastating fire in 1734 led King Philip V to commission a new palace worthy of the Bourbon dynasty. Built entirely of stone in the 18th century, it stands today as a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, blending French and Italian influence across more than 3,400 lavish rooms. Inside, grand staircases, royal chapels and priceless collections, including the Royal Armory, reflect centuries of power, art and ceremony. Surrounded by elegant gardens and historic plazas, the palace remains a living symbol of Spain's royal legacy. And with that, we close this episode. From medieval fortresses to royal palaces, there could be no more fitting ending than Spain's greatest seat of power. A perfect final chapter in our journey through Spain's castles. Thank you so much for staying with me until the very end. I hope you enjoyed exploring these incredible castles and palaces across Spain, as much as I loved sharing them with you. If you did, don't forget to give this video a like. Leave a comment telling me which castle stole your heart, or which one you're planning to visit next. And subscribe for more travel stories and inspiration. This is Cristina, reminding you to embrace the journey, explore new horizons, and collect memories that last a lifetime. Until next time, happy travels, and vamos!