I was born in Europe, lived here for eight years in my childhood, came back to visit many times while growing up in North America, and eventually moved back here in 2020, living first in Belgium and now in Austria.
All this to say, I've been lucky enough to have traveled Europe fairly extensively. It will never be enough and there is ALWAYS more to see in Europe, but I do like to think I've sampled quite a lot of what this continent has to offer.
Check out every country I have visited in Europe so far!
Europe is renowned for its history and what better way to experience this than with a visit to a castle or palace to learn about what made this continent what it is? And while I have not yet been to every castle and palace on my bucket list (which probably barely even scratches the surface of possible castles and palaces to visit in Europe), I have been to quite a few: 67 at the time of publishing! I look forward to adding many more castles, palaces and fortresses across Europe in the future, but for now, enjoy!
FESTUNG HOHENSALZBURG
Where: Salzburg, Austria
Details: You must visit the Festung Hohensalzburg, the iconic fortress towering above Salzburg. Not only do you get to learn lots about the history of the city and how it got so wealthy, but you'll also have phenomenal views of the whole city. Perhaps the most well known symbol of Salzburg, this incredible structure rises high above the city and can be seen from all around the city and futher. You can hike up to the top from the Kapitelplatz or you can take the much quicker and easier FestungsBahn!
Read more: Things to Do in Salzburg in Summer & Best Viewpoints in Salzburg
Tickets: buy here
Mirabell Palace
Where: Salzburg, Austria
Details: Mirabell, along with the Palace at the end of it, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Palace features the Marmorsaal where Mozart used to perform and where you can go watch live performances to reminisce on what it might have been like. The gardens were also famously used as the filming location for the scene in the Sound of Music where the Von Trapp family and Maria sing "Do-Re-Mi".
Read more: Things to Do in Salzburg in Spring
Tickets: buy here
Schloss Hellbrunn
Where: Salzburg, Austria
Details: You can reach Hellbrunn on foot, by bike, by car or by public transport. The park is free to visit. Right at the entrance to the park you'll spot the pavilion from Sound of Music where they filmed "16 going on 17". Then you can meander your way through the idyllic park, and walk up the hill in the centre with sweeping views of the park, the city and the mountains surrounding. At Christmastime, the Adventzauber Christmas Market is held here.
Read more: Schlosspark Hellbrunn in Winter & Schlosspark Hellbrunn in Spring & Things to Do in Winter in Salzburg
Tickets: buy here
SCHLOSS SCHÖNBRUNN
Where: Vienna, Austria
Details: One of the best-known icons of Vienna, Schloss Schönbrunn is surrounded by a massive park. In the heart of the Schlosspark Schönbrunn, you can take a brief hike up to the Gloriette which is probably the best view of all of Vienna laid out so beautifully and symetrically below, especially in a winter golden hour! At Christmastime, one of the most beautiful Christkindlmarkts in Vienna is held in the grounds here.
Tickets: buy here
HOFBURG PALACE
Where: Innsbruck, Austria
Details: Hofburg Palace is a former Habsburg Palace and is a beautiful piece of architecture. I did not go inside but it's considered one of the most important buildings in the country and well worth a visit.
Tickets: buy here
ROYAL PALACE
Where: Brussels, Belgium
Details: Open every summer to visitors, the Royal Palace in the heart of the city is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and cobblestoned streets.
Tickets: buy here
HET STEEN
Where: Antwerp, Belgium
Details: This beautiful medieval fortress sits on the riverfront of Antwerp, which was built after the Viking invasions in the Middle Ages. Het Steen is the oldest building in Antwerp and aided in the control of the River Scheldt. Prisoners were held here as well between 1303 and 1827. Today, it's a museum.
Tickets: buy here
CHÂTEAU FORT DE BOUILLON
Where: Bouillon, Belgium
Details: Sitting prominently near the border of France and the Ardennes, the Château fort de Bouillon is an impressive structure standing on an ideal geographic location, encircled on three sides by the River Semois and with stronghold hills all around. The Château fort de Bouillon was first mentioned in 988 but there has been a castle on the site for much longer. Most notably, in 1082, the castle was owned by Godefroy de Bouillon, one of the most famous crusaders. He sold the castle to finance his First Crusade. The castle was later updated to include artillery for Louis XIV. At its peak, there were once 200 soldiers living and working here.
Tickets: buy here
CHÂTEAU FORT DE CRÈVECŒUR
Where: Dinant, Belgium
Details: The ruins of this impressive castle have stumped historians as it seems the layout and purpose has changed many times over the years. Now, free to explore, the ruins offer a panoramic view over Dinant and the River Meuse.
Tickets: free!
CHÂTEAU DE VÊVES
Where: Dinant, Belgium
Details: The current castle was built in the 15th century after being burned down, but with history and foundations dating back to 670, the castle sits proudly on the popular route from Dinant to Rochefort.
Tickets: buy here
CHÂTEAU DE CORROY-LE-CHÂTEAU
Where: Gembloux, Belgium
Details: This was, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful castles we saw in all Wallonia. To get inside, you must pre-book a tour, but the views from the bridge are exceptional and invoke all sorts of fairytale-like images.
Tickets: buy here
CITADEL OF NAMUR
Where: Namur, Belgium
Details: The Citadel was built on the confluence of the two rivers thanks to the strategically strong defensive position. In its glory days, the Citadel of Namur was considered one of the best in all of Europe. Throughout its history (which started in prehistoric times but was first documented militarily speaking in the 3rd century AD), the Citadel has been a fort, a castle, counts' residences, a King's summer home, leisure and cultural centre, sports stadium and, in the Second World War, barracks and underground fortifications were added.
Tickets: buy here
Paphos Castle
Where: Paphos, Cyprus
Details: The old town of Paphos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks in part to its long and detailed history, such as the iconic Paphos Castle that juts out from the harbour into the Mediterranean. The castle was originally built as a fort to protect Paphos Harbour and was rebuilt after an earthquake destroyed it in 1222. Throughout its life, the structure has been a fortress, a prison, a salt warehouse and since 1935, has been listed as an important cultural and historical building.
Tickets: €2,50
Kyrenia Harbour Castle
Where: Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus
Details: Kyrenia Castle lies right on the harbour in Kyrenia in Northern Cyprus, a fascinating part of the Cypriot Island to visit beyond the UN Buffer Zone. The castle has housed Byzantinians, Lusignans, Venetians and Ottomans.
Tickets: 20 Turkish lira (about €0.60)
PRAGUE CASTLE / PRAŽSKÝ HRAD
Where: Prague, Czechia
Details: The impressive Prague Castle rises high above the city with sweeping views over the iconic red roofs of the city. It holds the Guinness World Record for the largest castle complex in the world. Built in the 9th century, it was once the seat of power for kings and emperors and today is the official office of the President of Czechia. You can purchase tickets to visit various parts of the interior of the castle but the best part of all is the view of the city below.
Tickets: buy here
Buckingham Palace
Where: London, England
Details: Walk under the Admiralty Arch to The Mall down from Trafalgar Square past St. James Park. At the end of this road sits the impressive and famous Buckingham Palace, the London home of the Royal Family.
Tickets: free to see from the outside, no public access to the inside
Corfe Castle
Where: Dorset, England
Details: It had long been a dream of mine to visit the castle that inspired one of my favourite series of all time. Enid Blyton's Famous Five Adventures are often based around an enchanting castle by the name of Kirrin Castle, on Kirrin Island. Corfe Castle is owned by the National Trust and is located in Wareham, Dorset.
Read more: Visiting Corfe Castle
Tickets: buy here
Nottingham Castle
Where: Nottingham, England
Details: Built on Castle Rock, a museum displays the magnificent history of the 17th century castle, once a royal fortress and royal household. And of course, right outside, you can't miss good old Robin Hood. He made this place famous with his 'robbing the rich to give to the poor' tales, inspiring the legendary Tales of Robin Hood.
Tickets: buy here
Royal Pavilion
Where: Brighton, England
Details: The Pavilion is a gorgeous royal seaside palace full of wonderful artifacts and artworks, all overlooking a vibrantly coloured and well-kept garden.
Tickets: buy here
Château de Versailles
Where: Versailles, France
Details: The Chateau de Versailles was grandiose and extravagant; as we moved from room to room, each was more over-decorated than the last. Versailles Palace is the epitome of Louis XIV’s vision of the absolute monarchy. The grounds cover over 800 hectares of land, meaning it takes more than an hour to walk from the Palace to the end of the Grand Canal near the edge of the estate border!
Tickets: buy here
CHÂTEAU DE NICE
Where: Nice, France
Details: Just above the best sunset spot in the city, a gruelling set of stairs awaits those willing to fight the sweat and heat. The notes of an accordion greeted us at the top and proceeded to serenade us as we stared down over a beautiful Nice in front of us.
Read more: Nice, the Nicest Place in France
Tickets: free!
Neuschwanstein Castle
Where: Schwangau, Germany
Details: One of the most visited tourist sites in Europe, one of the most famous castles in the world, and arguably one of the most spectacular, Neuschwanstein Castle, nestled deep in the Bavaria countryside of southern Germany, is quite the wonder. The castle was never meant to see strangers; King Ludwig II had it built from 1869 as a retreat from the public eye and a spot to maintain his life-long preference of isolation. Inspired by the Wartburg Castle in Eisenach, Germany, and the Chateau de Pierrefonds in France, Neuschwanstein sits magestically on a peak above a forest, with panoramic views to the lakes and sprawling farmland of the vicinity.
Tickets: buy here
Residenz München Castle
Where: Munich, Germany
Details: The gardens of the 17th century Residenz München Castle are well worth a wander for a slice of greenery and peace in the bustling city.
Tickets: buy here
Heidelberg Palace
Where: Heidelberg, Germany
Details: Heidelberg is famous for its acclaimed palace on the hill well-known for it's stunning views and deep history. The Renaissance-style Heidelberg Palace is mostly in ruins thanks to sieges in the 17th and 18th centuries, most of the insides are just renovated function spaces for dinners and shows.
Tickets: I didn't think the tour was worth it, but the outside is beautiful!
Brühl Palaces
Where: Cologne, Germany
Details: The Brühl Palaces are made up of two palaces: Augustusburg Palace, the main building, which was built as a summer residence for Clemens August, the Prince-Elector of Cologne between 1729-37, and then the Falkenlust Palace nearby which was mainly used as a hunting lodge. There are beautiful gardens on the land as well to wander.
Read more: Visiting the Brühl Palaces
Tickets: buy here
Burg zu Burghausen
Where: Burghausen, Germany
Details: Burghausen is on the border between Austria and Germany, nestled against the quiet banks of the Salzach, the burg dominating the skyline and the sun shining down on the pretty pastel coloured Aldstadt. Burghausen Castle is the longest castle complex in all of Europe!
Read more: Burghausen Photo Diary
Tickets: free!
The Moorish Castle
Where: Gibraltar
Details: While inside is not exceptional, you can climb up the winding staircase to the top of the tower and take in the view back towards Spain and particularly get a great view of the world's 4th shortest runway - one that is so short and difficult to land on you need a special license to do so!
Tickets: buy here
Buda Castle
Where: Budapest, Hungary
Details: My favourite part of Buda Castle was the Fisherman's Bastion, essentially a massive viewing platform high up over the city offering the best views of Budapest. Built between 1895 and 1902 in celebration of the 1000th birthday of the Hungarian State, you can idly spend an afternoon with an ice cream or coffee here, perched in one of the many arches overlooking the Danube.
Tickets: buy here
Dunguaire Castle
Where: Galway, Ireland
Details: On our five-day roadtrip around Ireland, we stopped at the ruins of Dunguaire Castle on our drive from Galway down the west coast towards the Cliffs of Moher.
Read more: 5 Day Roadtrip Around Ireland
Tickets: buy here
Ross Castle
Where: Killarney, Ireland
Details: On our five-day roadtrip around Ireland, we stopped at the incredible ruins of Ross Castle and Muckross Abbey after our time on Ring of Kerry.
Read more: 5 Day Roadtrip Around Ireland
Tickets: €5
Kilkenny Castle
Where: Kilkenny, Ireland
Details: On our five-day roadtrip around Ireland, on our last day, we stopped for lunch in Kilkenny after our morning at the Rock of Cashel and spotted the beautiful Kilkenny Castle overlooking the town and river.
Read more: 5 Day Roadtrip Around Ireland
Tickets: buy here
Schloss Vaduz
Where: Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Details: Vaduz dates back to 1150, and the region was originally a province under the Romans. In 1719, Emperor Charles VI united Vaduz with other parts of the country, which altogether became the Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein, with its capital at Vaduz. The castle above the city has been the seat of the Prince of Liechtenstein since 1939.
Read more: How to Spend a Day in Vaduz
Tickets: free to see from the outside, no public access to the inside
Larochette Castle
Where: Larochette, Luxembourg
Details: While historians estimate there has been a structure of sorts on this site since the 12th century, the ruins of the the grand Larochette Castle are neo-classical (18th century). Sitting majestically above the little town, the castle ruins are open to explore.
Read more: 4 Things to See in Larochette & Castles to Visit in Luxembourg
Tickets: free!
Bourscheid Castle
Where: Bourscheid, Luxembourg
Details: Bourscheid itself is a quiet place, but the castle here jutting out on a promontory is epic. You can spot it from the road as your bus makes its way into town and it's truly a masterpiece on the skyline. You'll need to walk a bit from the bus stop, but the path is pleasant and partly through a forest.
Read more: Castles to Visit in Luxembourg
Tickets: €7
Castle Vianden
Where: Vianden, Luxembourg
Details: Castle Vianden is known as one of the most beautiful in all Europe. Sitting poignantly above the town of Vianden, Castle Vianden is the largest castle in all of Luxembourg. There's a fantastic viewpoint if you follow the steps up from Neipiertchen, across the street from the Auberge Du Chateau which is well worth the walk.
Read more: Vianden, Luxembourg's Cutest Town & Castles to Visit in Luxembourg
Tickets: buy here
New Castle of Ansembourg
Where: Ansembourg, Luxembourg
Details: The New Castle of Ansembourg was built in the 17th century by a wealthy industrialist family. Today, the castle is privately owned and is rented out for events, so while you cannot go inside, you can marvel at the stunning grounds and gardens around the exterior which you may visit for free and enjoy.
Tickets: free to see from the outside, no public access to the inside
Palais Grand-Ducal
Where: Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Details: The palace of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, this is one of the most famous buildings in Luxembourg. It's majestic, grand and right in the heart of the city.
Read more: 3 Best Views in Luxembourg City
Tickets: open to the public for part of the year only - check dates and buy here
Prince's Palace of Monaco
Where: Monaco
Details: The Place du Palais, the square right outside the Prince’s Palace has some sweet cafes dotted around with views of the palace. It was like stepping into the scene of Princess Diaries, and I half expected Queen Clarisse Rinaldi to come waltzing out! It is in fact Albert II Grimaldi who currently reigns over Monaco, the son of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly.
Read more: How to Spend a Day in Monaco
Tickets: open to the public for part of the year only - check dates and buy here
Noordeinde Palace
Where: The Hague, Netherlands
Details: The Dutch royal family has three official palaces across the country, with this being one of them. It is known as the working palace.
Read more: How to Spend a Day in The Hague
Tickets: open to the public for part of the year only - check dates and buy here
Peace Palace
Where: The Hague, Netherlands
Details: One of the most iconic sights symbolizing international peace is the Peace Palace is where the United Nations' International Court of Justice, the Hague Academy of International Law and the Peace Palace Library can be found. The Palace has been operating since 1913.
Read more: How to Spend a Day in The Hague
Tickets: buy here
Royal Palace
Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Details: In the heart of Amsterdam, bordering one side of Dam Square, you can find the beautiful Royal Palace. This building is the King's official reception palace.
Read more: How to Spend a Day in Amsterdam
Tickets: buy here
Akershus Fortress
Where: Oslo, Norway
Details: Opened in 1300, this iconic medieval castle sits proudly on Olsohavn overlooking Oslofjord and has been the home of royalty and political seats throughout history.
Read more: A Weekend in Oslo
Tickets: buy here
Wawel Royal Castle
Where: Kraków, Poland
Details: The Wawel Royal Castle & Cathedral, widely considered the most important buildings in all of Poland. Wawel was one of twelve places on the first ever published list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1978. The Wawel Complex is situated in the south of the city, perched high on Wawel Hill.
Read more: Visiting Wawel Royal Castle & Cathedral & A Guide to Kraków
Tickets: buy here
Imperial Palace
Where: Poznań, Poland
Details: Built from 1905 to 1910 for the German Emperor Wilhelm II, the Imperial Castle in Poznań is the most recently built monarchical residence in all of Europe - a difference from how most places here are known for how old they are! He only lived there a few years once Poland gained their independence after the First World War. In the interwar years, it housed a university, whose math graduates went on to crack the Enigma code in the Second World War. Another connection to WWII: Hitler had an office here and it was also the residence of the Poznań Nazi governor of the time. It is now a cultural centre and museum.
Tickets: buy here
Palace of Culture & Science
Where: Warsaw, Poland
Details: In the centre of the city, right outside the central station, the symbol of communism in Warsaw dominates the skyline. It was commissioned by Stalin as a gift from the Soviet people, but ironically was inspired by the Empire State Building, a symbol of capitalism. The building incorporates architectural elements from all across Poland and was, as the party's headquarters, designed to emulate communism as 'the people's castle,' even inviting the best workers in the city to the annual New Year's Eve Balls.
Read more: A Guide to Warsaw
Tickets: buy here
Royal Castle
Where: Warsaw, Poland
Details: Outside the Royal Castle, which still shows remnants of destruction from the Second World War, is the Sigismund's Column. One of the tallest monuments at the time it was built, this was a controversial column as it depicted a king instead of the typical religious persons. It was destroyed during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944; the destroyed column remnants are on display in front of the Royal Castle and a reconstruction now stands in Castle Square.
Read more: A Guide to Warsaw
Tickets: buy here
King Jan III's Palace
Where: Warsaw, Poland
Details: One of the few surviving examples of pre-war Warsaw, King Jan III's opulent yellow palace is just south of the city. Much of Warsaw's reputation is that of WWII and the post-war communist era, but to visit this palace is to understand what a rich culture there was before. Once the centre of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (the largest territory in 16th century Europe), this beautiful palace was first built in 1676 by King Jan III Sobieski as a country retreat outside of the city of Warsaw. It was expanded at various points throughout history by its different owners including many notable Polish families.
Read more: A Guide to Warsaw & Visiting King Jan III's Palace
Tickets: free on Thursdays - for other days, buy here
Castelo de Sào Jorge
Where: Lisbon, Portugal
Details: I didn't go inside, but the view from outside the massive castle, built in the 11th century, that stands tall in the heart of the city high on a hill, is one of the best in all of Lisbon.
Read more: 9 Best Viewpoints in Lisbon & 13 Things to See in Lisbon
Tickets: buy here
PALÁCIO NACIONAL DA AJUDA
Where: Lisbon, Portugal
Details: Up until the 19th century, the Portuguese royal family called this opulently decorated palace home. Ornate rooms take up the space where you are free to wander, spotting artwork, architecture and furniture from around the world lavishly filling the rooms.
Tickets: buy here
Castelo de Óbidos
Where: Óbidos, Portugal
Details: Óbidos is a wonderful half-day trip from Lisbon where visitors can walk the entire perimeter of the town from high above on the castle walls, wander the idyllic streets and enjoy a slower pace for a while.
Read more: Photo Diary of Óbidos
Tickets: free to walk the entire walls around the town - the interior is now a hotel
PALÁCIO NACIONAL DE SINTRA / SINTRA NATIONAL PALACE
Where: Sintra, Portugal
Details: Built in the 11th century, this palace sits right in the heart of the city and is likely one of the first main buildings you'll come across. With sweeping views across the region from the plaza, you can visit the palace gardens for free or do a paid visit of the opulent interiors.
Read more: How to Spend a Day in Sintra
Tickets: buy here
Castelo dos Mouros
Where: Sintra, Portugal
Details: The ruins of this 10th century castle tucked up in the hills can be reached with a hike up from town. The trail goes past the house Hans Christian Andersen once stayed in while living in Sintra, before winding through beautiful forest and out to 360 degree views of Sintra and the far reaches beyond.
Read more: How to Spend a Day in Sintra
Tickets: buy here
PARQUE E PALÁCIO NACIONAL DA PENA / PARK AND NATIONAL PALACE OF PENA
Where: Sintra, Portugal
Details: Perhaps the most famous spot in all of Sintra, this colourful palace is the most iconic image you can conjure in your mind when you think of this region. It's extremely popular and very busy, but the brightly decorated facades and royal ornate interiors - featuring some of Portugal's first bathrooms! - are well worth the wander.
Read more: How to Spend a Day in Sintra
Tickets: buy here
PAÇO DOS DUQUES
Where: Guimarães, Portugal
Details: In the medieval times, the Dukes used to live and work here - grandiose rooms and ornate architecture make up this building, furnished with period pieces including impressive tapestries, carvings and china.
Read more: 7 Things to Do in Guimarães
Tickets: buy here
CASTELO DE GUIMARÃES
Where: Guimarães, Portugal
Details: The crowning jewel of the city is this massive castle ruin perched on the hill. On a clear day, you can get panoramic views of all of Guimarães - on a rainy day, you still get some pretty neat views of the Duke's Palace below!
Read more: 7 Things to Do in Guimarães
Tickets: buy here
PALÁCIO DA BOLSA
Where: Porto, Portugal
Details: One of Porto's most stunning buildings can be found just north of the Ribeira, Porto's waterfront, in the Infante D. Henrique Square. The Palácio da Bolsa or Bolsa Palace was never actually a palace for royals - it's the old stock exchange building of Porto where, to this day, economic business activity is conducted. The building is simply exquisite. Each room was more ornate, intricate and over the top than the one before.
Read more: 17 Things to See in Porto & Visiting Bolsa Palace
Tickets: buy here
Bratislava Castle
Where: Bratislava, Slovakia
Details: Bratislava's most famous icon is the white castle up on the hill. Built originally in 907 AD, the castle only received its white coat of paint in 2012 and has changed looks many times throughout its history thanks to damage and usage in various situations, such as a fortress, royal residence and army barracks. The castle houses a small museum today and pretty baroque-style gardens. From the plaza in front of the castle, looking down over the Danube River below, you can actually spot three countries at once - Hungary to the left, Slovakia in front, and Austria to the right!
Read more: A Weekend in Bratislava
Tickets: buy here
Primatial Palace
Where: Bratislava, Slovakia
Details: Built in the 1700s for the Archbishop József Cardinal Batthyány, this palace was the signing of the fourth Peace of Pressburg in its most famous room, the Hall of Mirrors, the signing of which ultimately led to the dissolving of the Holy Roman Empire. The Hall of Mirrors is still used to this day for welcoming guests and important meetings, and the palace itself is now the seat of the Mayor of Bratislava.
Read more: A Weekend in Bratislava
Tickets: buy here
ROYAL ALCÁZAR OF SEVILLA
Where: Sevilla, Spain
Details: There are many incredible things to do in Sevilla, but the crowning glory of them all is of course a visit to the Royal Alcázar, the massive palace complex in the heart of the city. Historically known as al-Qasr al-Muriq, the royal palace here was built for the Christian King Peter of Castile on the site of an Abbadid Muslim alcazar (fortress). The history here is exceptional, having played host to royal weddings, births and other key events and is still to this day the official residence of the Spanish royal family in Sevilla.
Read more: A Guide to Sevilla & Visting the Royal Alcázar of Sevilla
Tickets: buy here
The Alhambra
Where: Granada, Spain
Details: Perhaps the most well-known monuments of Islamic architecture and considered one of the best-preserved in the world, the Alhambra is an expansive palace and fortress on the hillside of Granda, overlooking the city below.
Tickets: free, except the Palacios Nazaríes
Alcazaba of Málaga
Where: Málaga, Portugal
Details: The vivacious and lively city of Málaga, just under three hours away by train, makes a great day trip. More touristy than Sevilla, the biggest tourist attraction in the city is the beautiful Alcazaba, nestled on the hillside of the city. An Alcazaba is a traditional Moorish fortress found across Spain and Portugal; the one in Málaga was built in the 11th century and is considered to be the best preserved Alcazaba in all of Spain.
Read more: Visiting the Alcazaba of Málaga
Tickets: free on Sunday afternoons - for other days, buy here
CASTILLO DE SANTA CATALINA
Where: Cádiz, Spain
Details: This 17th century fortress sits on the northern tip of the Cádiz coast with postcard-like views back towards the city.
Tickets: free!
Castillo de Peñíscola
Where: Peñíscola, Spain
Details: Peñíscola Castle sits atop the mound of Peñíscola and has historically played host to the Order of the Knights Templar and even though it was never considered completed, apparently withstood sieges and battles aplenty. The ticket to the castle also includes access to the little El parc d'artilleria garden below the castle from which you can get pretty views out over the ocean.
Read more: Visiting Peñíscola Castle
Tickets: buy here
Castell de Xàtiva
Where: Xàtiva, Spain
Details: The Castell de Xàtiva was built in medieval times and with a long history of being captured and defended, it was destroyed in the southern Spain earthquake of 1748 and rendered useless after that, left to crumble on the hill before being restored and opened to visitors to explore.
Read more: Visiting the Castell de Xàtiva
Tickets: buy here
Ibiza Castle / Castell d'Eivissa
Where: Ibiza, Spain
Details: This 13th century medieval castle at the top of the Dalt Vila has bastions, cannons and incredible views of the Balearic Sea to offer.
Read more: 6 Things to Do on Ibiza
Tickets: free!
CASTELL DE LA SANTA BÀRBARA
Where: Alicante, Spain
Details: Perhaps the most famous spot in Alicante - and for good reason, it dominates the skyline! - is the impressive Santa Bàrbara Castle, perched high on the Mount Benacantil and built in the ninth century. It's been dominated at various points in history by many different religions and cultures, and today its a stunning place to explore with the best 360-degree views of the entire city.
Read more: Best Things to See in Alicante
Tickets: free!
Cardiff Castle
Where: Cardiff, Wales
Details: The highlight of our day in Cardiff was our visit to the grand and magnificent Cardiff Castle. The architecture is beautiful, the decoration is detailed and there's a brilliant lookout point where you can see almost all of Cardiff surrounding the castle grounds. Although you can do a self-guided tour and visit at your own pace, I highly recommend the guided tour of Cardiff Castle. The tour guides are very knowledgeable, and will lead you in around the castle so you don't miss any of the crucial parts that are the most fascinating.
Read more: Visiting Cardiff Castle
Tickets: buy here
