Top 10 Castles to Visit in Spain: 2026 Ultimate Guide
There is a particular kind of silence that only exists in the high places of Spain. It is not an empty silence; it is a heavy, resonant thing, filled with the ghosts of court intrigue, the clatter of hooves on cobblestone, and the slow, patient breathing of stone as it settles into the earth. If you are planning a trip to Spain in 2026, I want to offer you a piece of advice that goes beyond the typical tourist trail. Skip the crowded midday tours of the most obvious spots and go hunting for the fortresses that watch over the landscape like sleeping giants.
I have spent the better part of a decade wandering the Iberian Peninsula, chasing the golden hour light that hits a battlement just right, or finding a family-run tavern tucked into the shadow of a citadel. The castles of Spain are not just museums; they are the geography of the country’s soul. From the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees to the sun-baked hills of Andalusia, these structures tell the story of a land fought over for centuries by Romans, Moors, Christians, and kings.
For 2026, tourism in Spain is shifting. Travelers are looking for authenticity, for experiences that feel earned rather than bought. This guide is designed to be your companion for that journey. It is a deep dive into the stone, the mortar, and the legends. So, pack your sturdiest shoes and bring a refillable water bottle—we are going to the top 10 castles you absolutely must see in Spain next year.
1. The Alhambra (Granada, Andalusia)
Let’s start with the undisputed queen. You cannot write a guide to Spanish castles without bowing to the Alhambra, but I want you to visit it differently in 2026. The mistake most people make is treating the Alhambra as a single building. It is a city. It is a red fortress rising out of the red earth, a sprawling complex of palaces, gardens, and an entire citadel (the Alcazaba) that feels like a labyrinth designed to confuse invaders and historians alike.
I remember my first visit. I was young, impatient, and I rushed through the Nasrid Palaces—the beating heart of the complex—because the guide was talking about water physics and geometry, and I wanted to go take a photo of the view. I regret that. If you go this year, slow down. The Nasrid Palaces are a symphony of stucco and light. Look at the "Muqarnas" (honeycomb vaulting) in the Hall of the Ambassadors; it looks like a stalactite formation made of milk and sugar. It is designed to make you feel small, to draw your eyes upward toward the heavens.
The Alcazaba is the military part, and it smells of ancient dust and wild thyme. Walking its ramparts gives you a view of Granada that hasn't changed much since the 15th century. But the real magic, the thing that keeps me coming back, is the Generalife. It was the summer palace, and the gardens are a lesson in sensory overload. The sound of water is everywhere—it is the soundtrack of the place. There is a specific walkway, the Patio de la Acequia, where the water channels run right beside your feet. It is cool, damp, and utterly transportive.
Practical Tip
You must book tickets months in advance. I am not exaggerating. For 2026, the demand will be higher than ever. Use the official patronato website. If you miss the ticket release, look for guided tours that include transfer—they often have access when the general sale is sold out.
2. Castillo de Loarre (Huesca, Aragon)
If the Alhambra is a palace of dreams, Castillo de Loarre is a fortress of stone and light. Located in the dry, windswept plains of Aragon, this is arguably the best-preserved Romanesque fortress in Europe. It feels like a set from a fantasy epic, because it essentially is—it served as the backdrop for the film The Last Legion. But history beats Hollywood here.
The drive to Loarre is part of the experience. You leave the highway and wind through olive groves and vineyards until the castle simply appears, rising from a limestone ridge. It was built in the 11th century to defend against the Moors, and it has a raw, unpolished power. The stone is pale and creamy, and in the late afternoon sun, it glows with an internal fire.
The keep (the "Tribune") is a masterpiece of defensive engineering, but the underground cistern is where you should start. It is a massive, vaulted chamber that collected water, essential for survival during a siege. It is dark, cool, and echoes with your footsteps. It smells of damp earth and history. When you emerge, head to the Chapel of Saint Mary. It is a small jewel box that feels older than the rest, filled with a solemn quiet that makes you want to whisper.
I once saw a couple get engaged on the ramparts at sunset. The light turned the plains below into a sea of gold and purple. It was quiet enough that you could hear the wind whistling through the arrow slits. That is the vibe of Loarre: ancient, solitary, and incredibly romantic.
Practical Tip
There are no cafes inside the castle grounds, only a small vending machine area. Bring water and snacks. I recommend driving ten minutes down the road to the village of Loarre for a proper lunch at a local bar afterward.
3. Peñíscola Castle (Castellón, Valencia)
Peñíscola is the castle that defies the sea. It sits on a rocky promontory in the Mediterranean, connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land, surrounded by whitewashed houses that cling to the cliffside like barnacles. It is a fortress of the Order of Montesa, but it was also the home of Pope Benedict XIII (the "Papa Luna") in the 15th century.
Walking into Peñíscola is like walking into a postcard of the Mediterranean. The light here is different—it is sharp, blue, and bounces off the whitewashed buildings, blinding you in the best way possible. The castle itself is a climb. You wind up narrow streets, past souvenir shops selling "Papa Luna" jamón and ceramics, until you reach the massive gatehouse.
Once inside, the citadel feels like a small town. There are courtyards, a museum, and the Pope's chambers, which are surprisingly modest for a man who defied the Church. But the real draw is the battery, the highest point of the castle. From the cannon platforms, you look out over the Mediterranean, and the horizon is a seamless line of blue. It is windy up there. The wind whips your hair and clothes, and it smells of salt and brine.
I have a fond memory of eating a "bocadillo de calamares" (squid sandwich) on the sea wall just outside the castle gates. The bread was crusty, the squid tender, and the view was worth a million euros. Peñíscola is a reminder that castles weren't just for fighting; they were for living, for trading, and for looking out at the infinite.
Practical Tip
Visit in the shoulder seasons (May or September) if you hate crowds. The summer heat in Peñíscola is intense, and the narrow streets become a slow-moving river of tourists.
4. Castillo de Bellver (Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands)
"Beautiful view" is what Bellver means, and it delivers. This castle is an architectural anomaly in Spain. It is one of the few circular castles in Europe, a Gothic-style fortress with a central courtyard that is open to the sky, surrounded by a double arcaded gallery. It looks like a Roman amphitheater that decided to become a fortress.
Located on a hill just west of Palma, it was originally the residence of the Kings of Mallorca. Later, it served as a military prison (where you can still see graffiti carved by French prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars). But today, it houses the Museum of Mallorca, which is interesting, but I usually skip straight to the terrace.
The view from the ramparts is the headline act. You can see the entire Bay of Palma, the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains, and the city spread out below. It is a panoramic view that helps you understand the geography of the island. The air is fresh and pine-scented.
I love about Bellver is the geometry. It is incredibly photogenic. The interplay of light and shadow in the circular courtyard changes throughout the day. It is a castle that invites you to sit down. I have spent hours just sitting on the steps of the gallery, watching the light fade over the bay. It is a peaceful place, despite its history as a prison.
Practical Tip
You can drive up to the castle, but I recommend taking the vintage yellow train (Tren de Sóller) from Palma to the nearby stop and walking up. It’s a fun, touristy experience that offers great views on the ascent.
5. The Alcazar of Segovia (Segovia, Castile and León)
If you were to draw a fairytale castle as a child, you would draw the Alcazar of Segovia. It sits on a rocky crag shaped like the bow of a ship, dominating the landscape. It is famous for two things: being the possible inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella Castle, and having a distinct "prow" section that juts out over the cliff.
The approach to Segovia is dramatic. You see the castle from miles away, perched at the end of the town. The town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, full of Romanesque churches and medieval streets. But the Alcazar is the crown.
Inside, it is a museum of royal life. The Hall of Kings is stunning, with statues of all the Asturian kings lining the walls. But the highlight for many is the "Sala de las Pinzas" (Hall of the Kings), which features a wooden ceiling that looks like an upside-down ship's hull. It is a dark, moody room that smells of old wood and beeswax.
However, the view from the Tower of Juan II is what earns this castle a spot on the list. It is a steep climb—300+ steps up a narrow spiral staircase. It will test your calves. But when you get to the top, you are rewarded with a 360-degree view of the Castilian plains. The Duero River snakes through the landscape, and the fields stretch out to the horizon. It is windy and precarious, and you feel like you are on top of the world.
Practical Tip
Segovia is a day trip from Madrid (only 30 minutes by high-speed train). Go early in the morning to see the Alcazar without the tour buses. Afterward, treat yourself to Segovia’s famous roast suckling pig (cochinillo) at a restaurant like José María or Cándido.
6. Castillo de la Mota (Medina del Campo, Valladolid)
This is a castle for those who love the raw texture of restoration. The Castillo de la Mota is a massive, imposing fortress that dominates the town of Medina del Campo, once the commercial heart of Castile. It is a textbook example of a late medieval fortress, with huge towers and a moat (though the water is gone now).
The castle has a heavy history. It was a state prison, and famous prisoners included the Duke of Gandía and even Christopher Columbus (briefly!). It fell into ruin and was meticulously restored in the 20th century. Because of this, it feels clean and strong, but the restoration is done in a way that respects the original materials.
What makes this place special is the Museum of Medina del Campo inside. It details the town's history as a massive fairground where merchants from all over Europe met to trade. You can feel the hustle and bustle of that history in the vast courtyards.
I visited on a rainy Tuesday in November. The slate roofs gleamed, and the red brick of the towers turned a deep, dark crimson. The castle was empty. I had the run of the place. I climbed the "Homenaje" tower (the keep) and stood on the roof, watching the rain sweep across the plains of Castile. It was a moody, atmospheric experience that I highly recommend if you want to escape the tourist crowds entirely.
Practical Tip
Medina del Campo is famous for its "Feria de San Antolín" in September. If you visit during the fair, the town is packed with energy, food stalls, and livestock, but the castle will be busy. For a quiet experience, go in the winter.
7. Castillo de Javier (Javier, Navarra)
Perched on a hill in the rolling hills of Navarra, Castillo de Javier looks like a tooth of stone against the sky. It is known as the "Castle of the Three Cultures" because it represents the coexistence of Christians, Muslims, and Jews in medieval Spain. It is also the birthplace of St. Francis Xavier, the famous missionary.
The castle is visually striking. It has a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance elements, added over centuries. The "Torre del Homenaje" (Keep) is the oldest part, and it is stark and severe. Inside, there is a museum that covers the history of the saint and the region.
But the setting is what makes Javier special. It is located in a natural park area. The air is crisp and smells of pine and wild sage. From the battlements, you look out over a landscape of deep green valleys and rugged hills. It is a place of silence and spirituality.
I once attended the "Javieradas" in March, a pilgrimage where thousands of people walk from Sangüesa to Javier. It is a massive event, but when you get up to the castle itself, there is a hushed reverence. The contrast between the bustling pilgrimage below and the quiet fortress above is striking.
Practical Tip
Javier is a bit off the beaten path, best accessed by car from Pamplona (about 45 minutes). Combine it with a visit to the Irati Forest, one of the largest beech-fir forests in Europe, for a full day of nature and history.
8. Castillo de Coca (Coca, Segovia)
Coca is a hidden gem. It is one of the best examples of Mudéjar architecture (Islamic style built by Christian rulers) in Spain. The castle looks like it was built out of chocolate and icing sugar. The walls are decorated with intricate geometric patterns made of brick and glazed ceramic that sparkle in the sun.
Located in the province of Segovia, Coca is often overlooked by visitors rushing to the Alcazar. That is a mistake. The Castle of Coca is a masterpiece of 15th-century military architecture that doesn't skimp on beauty.
The interior is just as impressive as the exterior. The courtyard is a serene space with a well in the center. The "Sala de los Linajes" (Hall of Lineages) features coats of arms carved into the wooden ceiling. It feels like stepping into a medieval hall where a banquet is about to be served.
I recall buying a small ceramic tile in the gift shop here—a replica of the castle's decoration—and carrying it around in the rest of my trip. It was a tangible piece of that unique aesthetic blend. The town of Coca itself is charming, with a nice plaza and good local wine.
Practical Tip
The castle is often used for cultural events and medieval markets, especially in summer. Check the schedule; attending a concert or a market here is a magical experience.
9. Castillo de Olite (Olite, Navarra)
If you want to know what it felt like to be a wealthy king in the 15th century, go to Olite. This castle was the royal palace of the Kings of Navarre, and it is not so much a fortress as a fairy-tale residence. It is whimsical, ornate, and utterly enchanting.
The architecture is a blend of Gothic and Mudéjar. The towers are topped with blue conical roofs, and the walls are covered in decorative brickwork. There are gardens, fountains, and a hanging bridge. It is easy to see why Charles III of Navarre chose this as his home.
Inside, the rooms are laid out around a central courtyard. The "Palace of Charles III" features a stunning Gothic coffered ceiling. The "Torre del Homenaje" is the oldest part, a massive square tower that anchors the complex.
Walking through the gardens, which have been reconstructed based on medieval designs, you can almost hear the rustle of silk dresses and the strumming of lutes. It is a place of leisure. I remember sitting in the courtyard, watching swallows dive through the air, and thinking that this was a castle designed for life, not for war.
Practical Tip
Olite is very close to Pamplona (about 40 minutes). It is perfect for a half-day trip. After visiting the castle, walk through the medieval streets of the town and try the local "chistorra" (a fast-cured sausage) at a tapas bar.
10. Castillo de Montearagón (Huesca, Aragon)
We end our list with a castle that is more ruin than palace, but possesses a soul-shaking majesty. Montearagón sits on a hill overlooking the city of Huesca. It is a Romanesque monastery-fortress, and it is a place of ghosts and silence.
To get there, you drive up a winding road. The castle is a cluster of semi-ruined buildings centered on a church with a beautiful apse. The main tower is climbable, and that is where you should go.
When you stand in the open tower roof, the wind is a physical force. It roars around the stone walls. The view is perhaps the most expansive on this list. You can see the Pyrenees to the north, stretching out in a jagged line of white and grey. To the south, the plains of Aragon roll away.
This castle feels ancient and holy. It was the site of a miracle involving King Sancho Ramírez in the 11th century. The history here is primal. There are no gift shops, no cafes, no crowds. Just you, the stones, and the wind.
I once hiked up from Huesca rather than driving. It was a hot summer day, and the ascent was grueling. But reaching the top and feeling the cool wind in the ruined nave of the church was one of the most rewarding moments of my travels in Spain. It felt like I had earned the view.
Practical Tip
This is a spot for contemplation. Bring a flask of water and a camera. It is best visited at sunrise or sunset when the light turns the stone towers into silhouettes against the colored sky.
Conclusion: The 2026 Perspective
As we look toward 2026, travel is becoming less about ticking boxes and more about connection. These ten castles offer that connection. They connect you to the earth (Loarre, Montearagón), to the sea (Peñíscola), to royalty (Olite, Alhambra), and to the sheer audacity of human construction (Segovia, Coca).
My advice for the upcoming year is to mix the famous with the obscure. Go to the Alhambra, yes, but also go to the Castillo de la Mota on a rainy day. Go to the Alcazar of Segovia, but also drive the backroads to Javier.
Spain is a country that honors its history. These castles are not static monuments; they are living parts of the landscape. They host festivals, house museums, and watch over the vineyards and olive groves. When you visit them, you are walking in the footsteps of shepherds, kings, and soldiers. You are touching the walls that held back the centuries.
So, in 2026, look up. Look for the silhouette of a tower against the horizon. That is where the adventure begins.