5 of Spain’s most magical castles

Spain’s landscape is dotted with sand-dusted spires, medieval fortresses and celebrated citadels. For those with a penchant for the past, castles encompass a lesson in history, architecture and adventure. According to global travellers, these are the best and most magical castles in the Land of Cervantes.

Belmonte Castle in Belmonte

Located in the province of Cuenca, Belmonte Castle is one of Spain’s best preserved medieval castles. Built by Castilian noble Don Juan Pacheco in the late 15th century, it began as a way for Pacheco to strengthen his grip on the surrounding territory. Over the years, it has served as a monastery and a prison, but now it’s a popular stop for tourists.

An imposing keep, worn stone towers make up the corners of the castle, where you can take in the views over the sun-baked Spanish landscape. Inside, you’ll find period-themed fun like medieval combat duels and historical recreation tours. Spend the day here before heading back to Insula Barataria for poolside views of the castle.

The Castle of Cardona in Cardona

The Castle of Cardona looms over the eponymously named town, though it wasn’t until the 11th century that it developed into the behemoth we know today. The dukes of Cardona, the ‘kings without crowns’ or ‘Lords of the Salt’ due to their mining of the nearby Muntanya de Sal (Mountain of Salt), moved in and built the Lombard Romanesque Church of Sant Vicenç along with the cloisters and palace buildings. Their investments ensured the castle was of Spain’s most impregnable fortresses, and even today it’s a sight to behold. Clamber up its highest tower – the Torre de la Minyona – for views of the Muntanya de Sal and the surrounding countryside.

Better yet, you can sleep in the castle too. Imagine yourself as an 11th century noble, safe behind the ramparts and battlements of this Catalonia outpost, while you indulge in the medieval dining room of Parador de Cardona.

Peñafiel Castle in Peñafiel

Peñafiel Castle is a hilltop fortress overlooking the small town of Peñafiel. Known as El Buque (the ship), the castle is notable for its lengthy, wing-like shape, spanning the entire ridge of the hill. While it began as a frontier outpost between medieval Castilla and the Moorish south, the castle was built in the 11th century and later fortified by famed nobleman Don Juan Manuel.

Take in the views of the river Duero from the castle’s soaring rectangular keep, followed by a trip to the Museo Provincial del Vino – the provincial wine museum of Valladolid, which wine-lovers everywhere pilgrimage to each year. When you’ve wined and dined to your heart’s content, check into the rustic, industrial apartments at Finca Valdobar.

Xàtiva Castle in Xàtiva

Hugging the Sierra del Castel hill, Xàtiva Castle is an ancient twin fortress in the clouds, that is the product of a variety of influences, from gothic to Islamic. Located on the ancient Roman road Via Augusta, the fortress had both Moorish and Christian owners and commanded an important strategic position. Over the years, its served as a base for campaigns, as well as a prison for the unlucky few.

Visiting the castle means getting your best walking shoes on (it’s quite a climb) but you’ll be gifted with sensational views, and the choice between two castles – the older, Iberian Castell Menor or Castell Major, with its Arabic fountains and Gothic chapel. While you’re there, grab yourself a locally-brewed beer at restaurant Mirador del Castell before heading back to Mont-Sant Hotel, set in an old farmhouse.

Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite in Olite

The Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite is, perhaps unsurprisingly, a lesson in luxury and extravagance. Once the seat of the Court of Navarre, it served as a jewel in the crown of the now ancient Kingdom of Navarre.

Sky blue tiled turrets look over pale stone towers and walls, while the palace’s 20 metre high hanging garden clings onto the wall formerly only the Queen had access to. Spin yourself a fairy tale as you stroll around the castle and the walled old quarter of Olite before getting a night of blissful rest in the castle’s Parador de Olite.