How does it feel like a respected royal living in a beautiful castle overlooking the beautiful Spanish countryside? That’s something that tourists can answer when they try staying in one of the many castle hotels in Spain to stay. That may seem like a far-fetched reality. But with dedication and hard work, any prying tourist can make it up to one of these.
Many of the castle hotels in Spain date back centuries ago when kingdoms waged wars against one another. Most are now abandoned, and thankfully, some have been leased for tourists to experience and enjoy. Ont one of these, they can have a semblance of what it’s like living like a king or queen.
Sip a bottle of wine. Soak on the views of the mountains and grasslands. Stroll on the historic routes. These are just among the fascinating experiences to try.
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Top 10 BEST Castle Hotels in Spain
Posada Real Castillo del Buen Amor
- Rating: 9.1 Superb
- Customer review: “Great location in the countryside. Historic building.”
- To check prices and how to book, click here.
King Ferdinand II of Aragon, a renowned Catholic monarch, commissioned this sandstone castle in the 15th century. History has it that the king spent his famous night here before proceeding to the Battle of Toro, where he defeated the Portuguese.
The castle towers over the rolling farmlands of Leon and Castile near Salamanca. Until today, many of the castles‘ grand features have been preserved. Among these are its colorful coffered ceilings, medieval décor, sumptuous gardens, and arcaded dungeon.
It also hosts an ancient restaurant serving authentic Spanish meals and drinks. Don’t miss out on trying their nutty Jamon Iberico. It’s a splurge tourist will never forget. Here is a comprehensive list of the best castle hotels in Spain you should try.
Compare prices here: Booking.com
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Castillo de Grisel
- Rating: 9.2 Superb
- Customer review: “Great stay from start to finish, everything was just perfect, spotlessly clean and amazingly friendly host”
- To check prices and how to book, click here.
Castillo de Grisel is one of the most well-preserved castles in the region, dating back to the 12th century. It has only eight available rooms for accommodation. Tourists can marvel at its ashlar walls that stood despite centuries of wars and calamities.
It also contains two sun-drenched patios strewn with plants, stately halls, and an ancient cistern. Grisel offers a good vantage point for viewing the scenic cliffs and sandy canyons of the Bardenas Reales, dubbed as Navarra’s badlands. For budget-conscious travelers, this place is a must-visit with its array of historical and natural attractions.
Compare prices here: Booking.com
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Are you planning your travels? Here’re my top travel resources!
I’m a serial planner both in life and in travel – I have bucket lists, things to do, see, and everything. So, I always love when my life is sorted easily using tools and resources that would make my general planning a little smoother and easier. Therefore, in my many years of traveling the world, I’ve seen myself returning to these travel resources repeatedly. And here I am, sharing my tips to make your life easy and breezy so you can stress less, travel heaps, and focus on the fun part of travel!
- Booking.com – I book all my hotels through this website and don’t honestly use anything else. They always have the best prices, in my opinion.
- Airbnb – If I’m traveling long-term to one destination, I book my flats through Airbnb.
- Skyscanner – The best place to find cheap flights on flexible dates. I use this a lot to score cheap flights within Europe!
- SafetyWing – Always travel insured! Never leave your home country without one. It is worth the extra money, I promise you!
- GetYourGuide – Hands-down, the best place to find cool and unique tours if you don’t feel like winging it, and go straight to a local expert. I use this a lot in new destinations to get acquainted with the area!
- My Pretty Wild World Travel Diary (coming soon) – A book you can write down your travel plans, create itineraries, track down your budget, and dot down memories along the way! A handy book you can keep and read later to revisit memory lane.
- Pretty Wild World Travel Planning Printables (coming soon) – Are you a nut like me when it comes to planning? Yes? Good. My travel planning resource in one zip file is an easy-to-use printable planner that comes with tips that helps you plan your travels during the planning stage, a pre-flight checklist, an itinerary planner, and so on.
Parador De Hondarribia
- Rating: 8.5 Very Good
- Customer review: “Our whole experience was excellent but a specific mention must go to all the staff who were so attentive, which made our stay even more enjoyable.”
- To check prices and how to book, click here.
Parador De Hondarribia dates back to the 10th century, which served as the residence of the founding emperor of Spain, namely, Carlos V. It is also called Parador del Emperador.
Tourists can explore the outfitted rooms with cushy beds and dark wood floors or go lounging in the stone-walled lobby. After exploring the castle, they can tour Hondarribia, one of the most charming towns in the province.
It features colorful houses of mostly fishers and stunning promenades with lush trees. Tourists can also stroll around the harbor and ride a boat to enjoy neighboring beaches. Hondarribia is the last town before France.
Compare prices here: Booking.com
Castillo del Bosque La Zoreda
- Rating: 9.2 Superb
- Customer review: “Amazing hotel, beautiful location and ground. The castle is beautiful and the upkeep is excellent. Dinner was amazing and soisthe staff. Highly recommend.”
- To check prices and how to book, click here.
Castillo del Bosque La Zoreda is tucked among the oak trees and chestnut in Austrias’ backwoods. That is three miles away from Oviedo, the provincial center.
However, it’s not as ancient as the other castles since it was only commissioned in 1926 by a local businessman. But it remains an imposing sight. The architecture of Castillo is in itself an attraction.
It features rows of beautiful chimneys and arches, pink-stone exterior, and ersatz battlements. The inner of the castle offers modern amenities such as a sleek indoor pool and room service.
Compare prices here: Booking.com
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Hotel Castillo de Arteaga
- Rating: 9.2 Superb
- Customer review: “Location was perfect, staff were friendly and helpful, facilities exceptional. An authentic castle in lovely grounds. A truly romantic setting. The roof terrace was a plus.”
- To check prices and how to book, click here.
Castillo de Arteaga is one of Spain‘s most famous castles, which features a French neo-Gothic architecture. The great king Napoleon III erected the castle as a way of thanking Biscay, who named his son Eugenio as an honorary citizen.
Today, it’s an approved Chateau and Relais rural retreat. Tourists can climb to the lofty towers to catch sight of the surrounding Urdaibai reserve, which is home to vast oak groves. To level up their adventure, they can follow the trails in the reserve to explore burbling streams, wildlife, and meadowlands.
Compare prices here: Booking.com
Parador de Cardona
- Rating: 8.6 Fabulous
- Customer review: “Our bedroom was super big, the bed was literally made for royalty. Beautifully designed to make you feel like you’re leaving a thousand years ago but with all the modern commodities included.”
- To check prices and how to book, click here.
Parador de Cardona lies in Cardona’s peaceful village, which takes an hour and a half of the ride to reach from the capital of Catalan. It offers a quiet respite away from the bustling and touristy setting of Barcelona city.
It is considered one of Catalonia’s most famous medieval fortresses, built in the 9th century. The funnily named William the Hairy, a local count, commissioned the castle, which boasts of Gothic-Romanesque architecture.
It features pointed arches, enthralling barrel vaults, antique wall art, beamed ceilings, and four-poster beds. Tourists can also dine at a Catalan restaurant with home-style servings.
Compare prices here: Booking.com
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Hold up! Have you thought about the importance of travel insurance?
Remember this: anything can happen. Travel is fun, but your health is more important; thus, I always, always, always recommend getting insured during the duration of your trip. I have benefitted from having one multiple times, and it has been covered for thousands of euros!
The latest one is not necessarily “health” related – it was during the peak of the unspeakable terrible C that consumed the world. I was living in Vietnam when I received an email from SafetyWing (my travel insurance) that if I want they’ll fly be back home to Finland as the world goes through a global emergency alert. I flew back fully covered, and dealing with SafetyWing was a breeze despite the roar of people in contact with them trying to get back home.
I can’t highly recommend them enough. Otherwise, I rarely get sick; hence I don’t always need to head to a hospital, but knowing that I have travel insurance makes me feel safe at the very least.
Read my post about why you should get travel insurance for more information. Otherwise, you can get a free quote from SafetyWing – they’re the best, in my opinion.
Castell d’Emporda
Castell d’Emporda dates back to the 14th century and is considered the best castle to stay in Spain. It lies in the pristine valley between the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees mountains. Although it lies in a hidden location, the castle’s imposing beauty has been alluring travelers for centuries.
Even the famous artist Salvador Dali offered to exchange some of his paintings to buy the castle. However, the owners declined and sold the castle instead to a Dutch couple who then turned it into a 38-room hotel.
It features a wrap-around sundeck, two swimming pools, and claw-foot tubs. The castle also offers an entrancing view of the surrounding farms and mountains.
Hotel Castillo El Collado
Tourists seeking to visit the famous wine areas of Marques de Murrieta, Ysios, and Baigorri can spend a night or two on this turreted castle. Standing on Alava province, the castle was built in 1900 by the CEO of the Chimbo Soap, Victor Tapia.
The stones used were taken from a barracks dating back to the 12th century. It boasts of a grand reception area, old fashioned rooms with antique furniture, and delightfully old-fashioned rooms.
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TUGASA Hotel Castillo de Castellar
- Rating: 8.7 Fabulous
- Customer review: “A beautiful hotel in an idyllic location, loved everything about it. Stay here if you can!”
- To check prices and how to book, click here.
Tourists visiting the so-called publos blancos (white villages) in Southern Spain can stop for a photoshoot at Tugasa Hotel Castillo de Castellar. It’s one of the most iconic Moorish fortresses built in the 13th-century.
After marveling at the architectural beauty of the castle hotel, tourists can proceed to the nearby Los Alcornocales Natural Park. It boasts of vast groves of cork oak, bird sanctuaries, and cave paintings.
Take note. Staying at the hotel can cost you a significant sum of money. In short, it’s not for the budget-conscious traveler but those chasing luxury.
Compare prices here: Booking.com
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Soho Boutique Castillo de Santa Catalina
- Rating: 9.3 Superb
- Customer review: “The hotel is beautiful. It’s a boutique hotel so small but perfectly formed. The courtyard where meals are served is beautiful and typically andalusian in style.”
- To check prices and how to book, click here.
Castillo de Santa Catalina was built in 1932 and is another landmark featuring Moorish architecture. It lies two miles east from the old town of Malagas. Today, it is a popular venue for various occasions, such as weddings and parties. It boasts of beautiful floral patterns, cozy rooms, and carved wooden furniture.
The castle also offers a stunning view of the sea and the surrounding cliffs and mountains. It’s one of the best castles in Spain to stay in.
So those are just some of the must-try castles in Spain. Not only will tourists appreciate the architectural beauty of these castles but also delve deeper into Spain’s rich history and culture.
Compare prices here: Booking.com
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What are my favorite travel must-haves?
As a frequent traveler, I’ve learned a lot throughout my years of travel, and there are five items that I always carry with me regardless of where I go and how long the trip is. Here are my five travel must-haves!
- Warm packable jacket – I always carry a light jacket, even when heading to warm countries. There hasn’t been a time I never used it, especially in airports and planes.
- Transparent toiletry bag – I often bring a carry-on if I’m only traveling within Europe for a few days. Life is so much easier to go through security checks with a transparent toiletry bag.
- Kindle Paperwhite – I love a good read and always take my Kindle everywhere. It keeps me entertained during long flights and waiting times.
- Powerbank – I don’t know how I could travel without one! Having a power bank saved me a ton since I carry a lot of electronic devices with me.
- Travel Adapter – I never leave my luggage without a travel adapter! I carry one with me all the time. It is just one of that travel-must haves that doesn’t hurt to have in your bag at all times.
Planning a trip to Spain? Check out these posts!
- Itinerary examples: 10-days in Spain
- How to plan a trip to Spain? Here’s my guide on how to do it!
- When is the best places to visit Spain? Here’s my month-by-month guide!
- How much do you need to travel to Spain? Here’s my Spain budget guide.
- Here are two posts to help you save money: free things and budget-friendly things to do in Spain.
- Spain Points of Interests: Surfing Spots, Islands to visit, Beaches to chill at, National Parks to visit, UNESCO Sites, Camping spots, Hiking spots, Diving spots, Romantic destinations, Cities to visit, Places to visit, Tourist places bucket list, Attractions to check out, Unique things to do, Outdoorsy activities, Vacation spots, Castle hotels to stay at, Must not miss things to do, Off the beaten path, Unusual things to do, Spain at night, Adventurous things to do, Northern Spain, Castles to visit, Towns to visit, Educational things to do, Adventure sports, Southern Spain, and Beautiful hotels
- Spain by Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn
- Spain by Months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December
- Spain Travel Tips: Cheapest city to fly into, What to avoid in Spain, Things you must NOT do in Spain, Packing list for Spain, Transportation guide, Things to know before visiting Spain, Basic Spanish Phrases, Souvenirs to take home, What to do when it rains, and Travel tips before visiting
- Unique Experiences: Christmas in Spain, Christmas markets, Festivals in Spain, Road trips to take, Beach resorts, Solo traveler guide, Must-not-miss Points of Interest, Must-do experiences, Fun activities to do, Honeymoon in Spain, New years in Spain, Easter celebrations, Semana Santa, Holy Week, Easter procession, Bucket list, Architecture to visit, Parades in Spain, and Party destinations
- Spain Culture Overview: Tipping guide, Famous Food to try, Supermarkets to get your groceries, Wines to try, What is Spain famous for, Facts about Spain, Culture guide, Short history of Spain, Traditions to know, Foods to try, What is Semana Santa, Dishes to try, Renowned artists, and Spanish celebrations
- Barcelona Travel Guides: Things to do, Day trips, and Gothic quarter
- Mallorca Travel Guides: Things to do and Day trips
- Seville Travel Guides: Seville Easter
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