1. Manzanares el Real, a movie star of a castle

Discovering the castle of Cid Campeador is a "magical" experience. And this is something you can do in Manzanares el Real. Much of the mega film production starring Charlton Heston and Sofía Loren was filmed in this castle. 

And it is not only Hollywood that has admired the ancient home of the Mendoza family, one of the most important families in Spain. Don't miss the additional routes.  

And discover all its secrets!

2. Castillo de la Mota, in Medina del Campo, the home of Isabella the Catholic

The Castillo de la Mota in Medina del Campo  (Valladolid), is impressive for its proportions. A number of foreign tourist guides consider it to be the best in Spain. Its history is marked by its close relationship with Spain's most famous queen, Isabel la Católica (Isabella the Catholic).

Isabella of Castile (better known as Isabella the Catholic) was born in 1451 in Madrigal de las Altas Torres, a small town in the province of Ávila, just 27 kilometres from Medina del Campo. 

Her turbulent family and political life led her at a young age to settle in Medina, the largest town in the area. In 1468, her half brother, Enrique IV, recognised her as princess of Asturias. From that moment she became the Señora de Medina (Lady of Medina).

Don't miss its history!

3. Almodóvar del Río, the "guardian" of the Guadalquivir

The castle of Almodóvar del Río, in the province of Cordoba, is the best conserved in Andalusia. From this castle, located on top of the Cerro de La Floresta hill, you get one of the best views to be found in the Vega del Guadalquivir. And like any self-respecting castles, it has its own legend... the legend of Princess Zaida

According to the chronicles, almost a thousand years ago, the Muslim princess Zaida took refuge in the castle of Almodóvar. She was fleeing from the Almoravids, who had laid siege to Cordoba. In Almodóvar she waited in vain for her love, prince Al Mamum, to escape from the siege. On 28 March 1091, the Cordoban fortress fell and the prince was assassinated.

Click here to discover its mysteries!

4. Guzmán el Bueno Castle in Tarifa, the windy city

Since becoming one of the world's windsurfing capitals, Tarifa  has been synonymous with freedom. Its streets serve as a bridge between the beaches and its historic centre. However, few people know that it has one of the best castles in Spain, although it is also known for its rather tragic history.

The castle of Tarifa was built on the orders of Caliph Abderramán III in the year 960 to defend the most strategic point on the Strait of Gibraltar. Since then, it has been coveted by numerous enemies (Almohads, Christians and subsequently, the Berberisque pirates) and has continued to serve as a fort.

Want to know more? We can tell you all about it!

5. Castle of Santa Catalina, a bird's eye view of Jaén

The views over Jaén are perhaps the main attraction of this castle, which still bears the stamp of its origin as a crossroads for kings and queens back in the 13th century. Today, it is one of the main attractions of a capital with huge historical and cultural importance.

The Carthaginian leader Aníbal was the first to build a fortress on the Santa Catalina hill. The fortress was maintained with Rome, a fortress that Almoravids and Almohads turned into a model for frontier military architecture. In the end, the Moorish fortress was demolished and its remains are to be found next to the restored building which is currently a National Parador  and from where you can enjoy the most stunning panoramic views.

Find out more here!

6. Sigüenza Castle, the city of Doncel

Sigüenza  is one of the most historical towns in Spain. There is no doubt that this town is defined by its castle, currently a National Parador as well as the medieval legend of the Doncel de Sigüenza and its unique craftwork. Its natural surroundings are among the best in Spain, particularly the Natural Park of Río Dulce and Hoces del Río Salado.

Sigüenza Castle was built in the 12th century on the site of a Moorish citadel that dominated the city, bathed by the Henares river. The first lord of Sigüenza was the archbishop of Toledo, Bernardo de Agen. It was he who took the city back from the Muslims in 1123. Fifteen years later, Alfonso VII conferred ownership of the town upon the bishops of Sigüenza and their people, and since then it has been known as “la de los cien obispos de armas tomar” (town of the hundred bishops of arms).

Are you ready to discover more about this mythical castle?

7. Palacio Real de Olite, the hanging gardens of Navarre

The old capital of the realm, Olite  is found in the Zona Media region, between the mountainous Navarre and the Ebro Valley. As you approach the town you notice the royal palace, its most emblematic building and tourist attraction.

The Royal Palace of Olite has French roots and is world famous. Its founder, Charles III, the Noble, was king of Navarre between 1361 and 1425, but was born and raised on French soil. Between 1402 and 1424 the Palacio Nuevo, or New Palace was built which, together with the chapel of San Jorge, currently in ruins, makes up the part of the site open to visitors. Its predecessor, the Palacio Viejo, or Old Palace, attached to its walls, is a National Parador.

Its history will astound you!

8. Castillo de Peralada, designed for leisure

In 1923, the entrepreneur Miguel Mateu, son of the co-founder of the legendary automobile brand Hispano-Suiza, bought the Castillo de Peralada with the intention of converting it into a home for his private art collections. Some 75 years later, the municipality of Peralada  and its castle are a landmark on the world map of culture and leisure thanks to facilities that include a casino, golf course, hotel, wine cellars and a prestigious music festival.

Although Peralada was a fortified town from the start of the Middle Ages, the fire that ravaged the old castle in 1285 and the removal of the border changed its future. The lord and lady of the castle, the Rocaberti family, decided to build a new fortress in a Renaissance style.

We'll give you the keys to discover its best bits!

9. Santueri, a lookout over the island of Mallorca

The castle of Santueri is a relic from the past, when fortresses were built on impregnable rocks. It also offers one of the best lookout points in the Mallorcan Serra de Llevant and over the east coast of the island, dotted with coves.

Santueri is situated in an isolated rocky location just over 400 metres above sea level. The appearance of artillery meant that the castle, built in 1316, became relegated to history. It is currently privately owned. The current walled building was built using the ruins of the old Moorish fortification. It has a triangular shaped floor - somewhat unusual in that era - and has a number of towers. The main tower is circular in shape.

Visit the area surrounding this great fortress!

10. Castillo de Coca, a jewel of Mudejar art

This is a castle built to surprise the visitor. Some of the best creators of Mudejar and Renaissance art left their mark within its walls and interior rooms. The castle is still imposing to this day, located on a bend in the Voltoya river.

In 1453, Alonso de Fonseca, archbishop of Seville, managed to get authorisation from Juan II to build a fortress in the old Roman Cauca. Rather than being built based on military parameters, the architects, most notably the Mudejar Alarifs, were given total freedom . Coca castle has huge areas, adornments and details that highlight the importance of brick as a construction material. A diversity and complexity far removed from the Castilian austerity of that era. 

But that is just one of its many features. Discover them all here!