Alhambra de Grenade

Top 20 most beautiful castles and palaces in Spain2026 ranking

Discover below the ranking of the most beautiful castles and palaces in Spain, based on travellers' reviews.

Our members' favourite castles and palaces, approved by the editors

#1 Alhambra (Granada) +48 recs 4.9/5

The Alhambra, a fortress and palace for the Nasrid sultans set on the Sabika hill, is the pinnacle of Hispano-Moorish architecture. The Nasrid Palaces impress with intricate stucco and legendary courtyards like the Patio de los Leones (Court of the Lions). The military Alcazaba and Generalife gardens round out this UNESCO site, which welcomes three million visitors annually.

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#2 Alcázar of Seville (Seville) +38 recs 4.7/5

The Alcázar of Seville, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a fortified royal palace located in the historic center of the Andalusian city. Built primarily during the Muslim era, the palace evolved over centuries, blending Moorish, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. It is famous for lush gardens, patios, fountains, and ornate chambers.

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#3 Toledo Alcázar (Toledo) +23 recs 4.3/5

In Toledo, the Toledo Alcázar stands as a permanent sentry. This imposing 16th-century structure with four square towers has watched over the hilltop since Roman times. Once a royal palace and military fortress, it now houses the Museo del Ejército (Army Museum) and the Biblioteca de Castilla-La Mancha (Library of Castile-La Mancha).

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#4 Ibiza Castle (Ibiza) +10 recs 4.5/5

Ibiza is famous for nightlife, but its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. High above the city, the Dalt Vila district is enclosed by Renaissance walls. The highlight is Ibiza Castle, a Moorish fortress featuring a parade ground, four towers, the Almudaina (former governor house and barracks), and a keep. It is a must-see site.

#5 Gibralfaro Castle (Malaga) +7 recs 3/5

Gibralfaro Castle, built in the 14th century, towers over Malaga with sweeping views of the city, the sea, and the nearby mountains. Originally a defensive outpost for the Alcazaba, its massive walls reflect its military role in the Kingdom of Granada. Walk the ramparts, photograph the skyline, and visit the small military museum.

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#6 Montjuïc Castle (Barcelona) +1 rec 3/5

Perched on a hill overlooking Barcelona, Montjuïc Castle is a 17th-century military fortress with sweeping views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. This site served as a strategic defense point for centuries and now houses a museum dedicated to military history. Walk the ramparts for clear vantages of the Sagrada Família, the beaches, and beyond.

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#7 Castell de Sant Joan (Blanes) +1 rec 4/5

The Castell de Sant Joan, an 11th-century fortress, towers over Blanes from its hilltop perch. Its restored watchtower delivers a 360-degree vantage point of the harbor, local beaches, town, and the start of the Costa Brava. It is a historic site perfect for viewing the landscape at sunrise or sunset. The hike up is a destination itself.

#8 Bellver Castle (Palma) +1 rec 4/5

Located just three kilometers from the historic center of Palma, Bellver Castle towers over the city and bay from its 112-meter hilltop perch. This circular fortress is one of only four of its kind globally. Built in 1310 under James II, it functioned as both a royal residence and military prison.

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Latest reviews

A gorgeous spot in the heart of the city

The visit is truly fabulous. Whether it is the palace or the gardens, everything is absolutely magnificent. You can easily spend a good two hours there without any problem. If you are passing through…

233 0

A must-see in Andalusia

The Alcázar of Seville is a real gem, one of the most beautiful palaces I have ever visited. Right from the entrance, you are struck by the richness of the details, especially the azulejos and the car…

119 0

A masterpiece of Islamic art

A magical place! You can't miss it if you are in Granada. The Alhambra is a site of great architectural and artistic richness. I felt like I was in a One Thousand and One Nights fairytale. I didn't kn…

92 0

A magnificent palace

For me, this is the must-see spot in Toledo. The architecture of the monument is sublime. I really loved the courtyard, which is sumptuous, and the patio. For just a few euros, it is possible to see t…

81 0

Just for the view

Visiting this historic symbol of Barcelona was a bit of a letdown for me. There is not much to see inside, and if you have to pay, I suggest you save your money. Take advantage of the free entry times…

79 0

Islamic art in Spain

The Alhambra is probably the most beautiful monument in Spain, or at least it is one of my favorites. From the moment you enter, you can admire the superb arabesques and calligraphy on the walls and c…

25 0

An oasis of calm and beauty

Rub your eyes hard before you go because there is so much beauty per square foot! Patios, gardens, symmetrical patterns, decorations as delicate as lace... everything there is elegance and refinement.…

22 0

A dream come true!

I went there last December with my family and I was totally blown away! The Alhambra is typically the kind of tourist spot where you manage to feel all alone in the crowd because the beauty just capti…

18 0

A must-see palace

This former royal palace includes a collection of buildings, plazas, and gardens. I was surprised by the typical Mudejar architecture. Special mention for the rooms in the Palacio del Rey Don Pedro, w…

16 0

A must-do in Granada

If there is one site you have to see in Granada, it is this one. You have to admit that it is truly magnificent. It is a complex of palaces and gardens that are all very well preserved. There is a hug…

16 0

Rankings by travellers, for travellers

Our rankings are powered by thousands of reviews from travelers like you, not the arbitrary pick of a single editor. Every positive review you publish raises the destination’s score.

1 positive review = +1 reco

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