Hola! If you dream of exploring ancient walls, admiring striking views, and experiencing some magic, Andalusia is the place for you. Beyond the golden beaches, snow-capped peaks, lively cities, and picturesque white villages, this region is dotted with castles that whisper tales of Moors and monarchs, explorers and empires…
Whether it’s a grand Alcazaba, a hidden fortress hilltop village, or a fantasy-like creation, each castle offers a window into Andalusia’s rich past. Without further ado, let’s explore the top castles in Andalusia you won’t want to miss. Vamos!
Note. This is our subjective list of the beautiful castles in Andalusia. So far, we’ve lived in the region for 8 months and these are the ones that we liked the most.
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Castles in Andalusia you can’t miss
Gibralfaro Castle in Malaga
One of our favorite castles in Andalusia is Gibralfaro Castle, located in Malaga old town. It’s a hilltop fortress built in the 14th century to protect nearby Alcazaba. It features two lines of walls, eight towers, a courtyard, and a lower ground, which in the past was used to house troop barracks and stables.
The best part of the visit? Strolling around the castle walls and admiring panoramic views over the city, the coast, and the surroundings. It’s a truly wonderful experience!
The best way to reach Gibralfaro Castle is on foot, although we must warn you that the hike is quite steep and exhausting. But the views along and at the end are totally worth it. Alternatively, you can drive to the top or take bus number 35 from Avenida de Cervantes.
Entrance to Gibralfaro Castle costs €3.5 for a normal ticket and €1.5 for a reduced one (April 2025). You can also buy a combined ticket with the Alcazaba for €5.5/€2.5, which we recommend. If you want to save a buck, you can visit on Sunday after 2pm when the entrance is free. For current prices and opening hours, visit alcazabaygibralfaro.malaga.eu website.
Learn more: Things To Do In Malaga Old Town In One Day
Alcazaba of Antequera
The Alcazaba of Antequera is one of the most picturesque castles in Andalusia, dominating the hill above the city. It was built in the 14th century during Moorish times to defend Antequera from Christians attacks. Thanks to the strategic position and sturdy defensive towers, the Moors held off attacks until 1410.
Nowadays, inside the well-preserved Alcazaba walls, you can stroll in the gardens, walk around the castle ramparts, and climb the bell tower. All of that among the sounds of atmospheric Islamic music and with striking views over the surroundings. Tour of the Alcazaba ends near the 16th-century Royal Collegiate Church (which is apparently the first built in the Renaissance style in Andalusia) and the remains of Roman Baths.
Entrance to the Alcazaba of Antequera costs 5€ for adults and 3€ for children (April 2025) and includes an audio guide available in different languages. You can also buy a combined ticket with the Royal Collegiate Church for €8/€4. For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit spainheritagenetwork.com website.
If you want to take a good look at the Alcazaba from a distance, we recommend heading to the Iglesia de Santa María de Jesús, from where it looks the most spectacular, at least in our opinion.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Antequera, An Undiscovered Gem In Spain
Alcazaba of Almeria
In the heart of Almeria, another wonderful castle is watching over the city from the top of the hill – the Alcazaba of Almeria. It was built in the 10th century by the order of Caliph Abd al-Rahman III, and it was home to Muslim rulers for five centuries, until the reconquest of the city by Catholic monarchs in 1489. Today, it’s one of the most important landmarks in Almeria and is considered to be the largest Muslim fortress in Spain!
You can explore quite a large part of the Alcazaba complex, including gardens, courtyards, towers, ramparts, and cisterns. And from many viewpoints, admire stunning views over the coast, city, and its surroundings! Wonderful! No wonder that the Alcazaba of Almeria is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Andalusia and all of Spain!
Alcazaba is located a few minutes walk from the city center, and at times the walk is quite steep. But you can always take bus number 1 and get off right next to the castle.
Entrance to Alcazaba is free for European Union citizens and costs €1.5 for others (April 2025). For current prices and opening hours, please visit the museosdeandalucia.es website.
If you want to take a good look at the Alcazaba from a distance, the coastline, and the city, be sure to head to San Cristobal Hill, located about a 15-minute walk away, even more uphill.
Interesting fact. Alcazaba was featured in many popular movies and TV series. Think of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Wonder Woman 1984, Conan the Barbarian, or the 6th season of the TV series Game of Thrones.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Almeria City In Spain
Colomares Castle in Benalmadena
Now get ready for one of the most stunning pieces of architecture you’ll see in your life! Colomares Castle is the most unique attraction in Benalmadena Pueblo village. Even though it looks like a fairy-tale castle, in reality, it’s a monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus and his discovery of America!
The most fascinating facts about Colomares Castle are that it was designed by a doctor (a “bit” obsessed with the life of Christopher Columbus) and then built only by 3 people – dr. Esteban Martin himself and his two friends. Mind blowing!
Today, while wandering around Castillo de Colomares, you’ll find elements like the three ships Columbus traveled in, gargoyles, or stone maps. It covers an area of 1500 m2, which makes it the largest monument in the world dedicated to the explorer! We think it’s a marvellous piece of architecture, and it quickly became one of our most remembered castles in Andalusia.
Entrance to Colomares Castle costs 3€ for adults and 2€ for children (April 2025). For current prices and opening hours, visit the castillomonumentocolomares.com website.
Travel tip. While in Benalmadena Pueblo, you can also head to its coastal area, where Bil Bil Castle is waiting by the beach. It’s a red, Islamic-inspired building built only in the 1930s as a summer house for a rich local family. So yes, it’s rather a decorative modern creation than a ‘castle’ in the historical sense, but still nice to see!
Learn more: Remarkable Colomares Castle In Benalmadena, Spain
Iznajar Castle
Iznajar Castle is a medieval Moorish castle located at the very top of the beautiful Iznajar village. It was built in the 8th century and was once known as Castillo Hisn-Ashar. Inside, you’ll learn a bit of its past but what’s most important – you’ll admire magnificent views over the Iznajar lake, village, and its surroundings from the highest point possible.
Entrance to Iznajar Castle costs €2 for a normal ticket, €1 for a reduced one, and is free for children under 5 years old (April 2025). To learn more about current prices and opening hours, visit castillodeiznajar.com website.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Iznajar, Spain – Hidden Gem in Andalucia
Alcazaba of Granada
Alcazaba of Granada is part of the legendary Alhambra complex, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a military fortress built in the 13th century by the Moorish Nasrid Dynasty. It stands on a high hill, offering great panoramic views over the surroundings.
Nowadays, you can wander around the ramparts, explore towers, take a look at the foundations of ancient buildings, and admire fantastic views over Granada and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best castles in Andalusia to explore!
You can’t only visit the Alcazaba. In the Alhambra complex you’ll also find Nasrid Palaces – a royal palace complex and a real masterpiece of Islamic architecture, and Generalife – lush and well-maintained gardens with a palace.
General ticket to Alhambra costs €19.09 for adults, and €12.73 for kids aged 12-15; younger children can enter for free (April 2025). Remember to book your tickets in advance online, best a few weeks earlier. For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit the tickets.alhambra-patronato.es website.
If you want to take a good look at the Alcazaba and the whole Alhambra from a distance, with the Sierra Nevada mountains in the backdrop, head to the Mirador de San Nicolas viewpoint. Striking views guaranteed!
Interested in exploring the Alcazaba of Granada with a guide? We recommend this very popular and well-rated Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces Tour with Tickets or this Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces Private Tour if you prefer a more exclusive experience.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Granada, Spain In One Day
Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs in Cordoba
The Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs in Cordoba is a 14th-century Mudéjar-style palace-fortress set among magnificent gardens. Over the years, it served a few roles: the royal residence of the Christian monarchs, headquarters of the Holy Offices during the Spanish Inquisition, civil prison, and military prison.
The highlight of your visit will be strolling around the magnificent Gardens of the Alcazar. Paths lined with trees and flowers, fountains, ponds… All create an unforgettable view. You can also visit the palace – inside, you’ll find interesting places like the hall of mosaics or the Roman sarcophagus, and towers with some great views over Cordoba.
We also recommend checking out the lovely square at the back of the castle, filled with many orange trees and benches – it’s the perfect place for a short, peaceful break.
Interesting fact. Alcazar is part of the Cordoba historic center area, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site!
Entrance to the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs costs €6.71 for a normal ticket, €3.56 for a reduced one, and is free for children under 17 years (April 2025). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit the alcazardelosreyescristianos.sacatuentrada.es website. To avoid long queues, book your tickets online in advance.
If you want to learn more about Alcazar and hear many interesting stories, then you should consider taking part in a guided tour, like this Alcazar of Cordoba Entry Ticket with Guided Tour with an experienced, certified guide.
Learn more: 15+ Things To Do In Cordoba, Spain
Explore local attractions
Casares Castle
Casares Castle (es. Castillo de Casares) is another interesting position on our ranking of the best castles in Andalusia. It’s located at the highest point of the Casares hilltop village, located not far from Estepona. It was built in the 13th century and was once an important Moorish stronghold and defensive watchpoint.
To be honest, nowadays, not much is left of the castle. It’s mostly in ruins, and what remains are the outer walls and some parts of the walls and towers. So why on earth are we recommending it?!
You see, the main reason why Casares Castle is worth visiting is the magnificent panoramic views from various viewpoints. Views over the village, valleys, hills, mountains, coastal plains, and even Gibraltar or the African coast on a clear day.
From the Casares Castle grounds, you can also admire… birds of prey circling over the village! For the best views, head to a viewpoint called Mirador del Tajo de la Plana – it’s an excellent place for birdwatching. Sometimes the birds come surprisingly close, and even without binoculars, you can get a close look!
To get to Casares Castle, you’ll need to hike steep village streets. But it’s totally worth it as it’s the most picturesque part of the village. Entrance to Castillo de Casares is free, and the area is open 24 hours.
Learn more: 10 Things To Do In Casares, Spain
Alcazaba of Malaga
Our list of the best castles in Andalusia wouldn’t be complete without the Alcazaba of Malaga, one of the most important landmarks of the region. It’s a hilltop Moorish medieval palace-fortress built in the 11th century by King Badis of Granada.
Inside, you can admire defensive elements like watchtowers, crenels, and walls, as well as beautiful, lush gardens, courtyards, ponds, and horseshoe arches. And we can’t forget about the magnificent views over the sea, coast, and surroundings from the Alcazaba grounds!
Entrance to the Alcazaba of Malaga costs €3.5 for a normal ticket and €1.5 for a reduced one (April 2025). You can also buy a combined ticket with Gibralfaro Castle for €5.5/€2.5, which we recommend. If you want to save a buck, you can visit on Sunday after 2pm when the entrance is free. For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit alcazabaygibralfaro.malaga.eu website.
For a great view from a distance over Alcazaba, head to the Malaga seaside promenade located at the foot of Gibralfaro Castle.
If you want to learn more about the history and hear some intriguing legends of the Alcazaba of Malaga, we recommend taking part in this interesting guided tour with a certified guide.
Learn more: Things To Do In Malaga Old Town In One Day
Alcazaba of Guadix
Alcazaba de Guadix is located in one of Spain’s most unique cities, where hundreds of people live in cave houses! The Moors built it on top of the hill in the 11th century, and together with the impressive Cathedral, it dominates the city skyline. Alcazaba has been declared a National Monument.
Currently (April 2025) Alcazaba of Guadix is in the process of restoration, and according to the official website, it can only be visited on Fridays from 11 AM with a guide, and the visit has to be booked in advance at the Guadix Tourist Office. For more information and news, visit the guadix.es website. But there is nothing to stop you from going to the Alcazaba gate and taking a peek inside.
But don’t worry! You can enjoy wonderful views over Alcazaba, the whole of Guadix, and its surroundings from many viewpoints across the city. Our favorites include the following viewpoints: Mirador Padre Poveda, Mirador del Cerro de la Bala, and Mirador de la Magdalena. Magnificent views guaranteed!
Learn more: Guadix, Spain – Caves And Troglodytes’ Houses In Andalucia
Calahorra Castle in La Calahorra
Calahorra Castle is located in La Calahorra village, on the foot of Sierra Nevada mountains at 1250m a.s.l, only a few kilometres from Guadix. This impressive castle was built between 1509 and 1512 and is the first Italian Renaissance castle that was built outside Italy. It was declared a National Monument.
It’s an extremely picture-worthy spot! Calahorra Castle looks very impressive both from afar (with Sierra Nevada mountains as a backdrop) and from up close. Also, the views from the castle hill alone are breathtaking.
For us, Calahorra Castle looked like it was pulled out straight from the Age of Empires II game. No wonder it was used in some movies and tv series, like Assassin’s Creed, Stardust, or House of the Dragon! We think it’s one of the most picturesque castles in Andalusia!
Currently, Calahorra Castle is in private hands and is open only once a week, on Wednesdays between 10AM-4PM. For €3.50 you can go on a guided tour, unfortunately available only in Spanish (April 2025). To get to the top of the castle you can leave your car in the village and go on a short walk uphill (recommended option) or try to get there via an unpaved road uphill.
Learn more: Guadix, Spain – Caves And Troglodytes’ Houses In Andalucia
San Sebastian Castle in Cadiz
San Sebastian Castle is a former fortress located on an islet, at the end of Paseo Fernando Quiñones which connects the castle with Cadiz. It was built in 1706 in order to strengthen the defenses of the city. Over the years, San Sebastian Castle was also used as a prison. Nowadays various exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events take place there.
Entrance to San Sebastian Castle is free during opening hours, apparently daily from 9am to sunset. For current information, visit the turismo.cadiz.es website. Best part of the visit? Taking a walk along the promenade leading to the castle and admiring a great view of the ocean and Cádiz seafront! Compared to other mostly uphill castles in Andalusia, it’s quite a unique proposition to visit!
Travel tip. While there, you can also head to the nearby 16th-century Santa Catalina Castle located on La Caleta Beach. It’s a star-shaped fortress with several defensive bastions. We think it’s a great viewpoint with amazing views from the ramparts, which can also be visited for free.
Learn more: 15+ Things To Do In Cadiz, Spain In One Day
Santa Ana Castle in Roquetas de Mar
Santa Ana Castle was built during the 16th and 17th centuries in order to defend the town and salt industry from pirates. It began as one tower, and over the years was transformed into the shape we can see today. In 1804, the earthquake destroyed most of the structure; only one of the towers remained.
In 1997, Roquetas de Mar Town Hall ordered a major reconstruction of the castle to reinstate its position as a historical monument. This restoration was completed in 2003, and the Santa Ana Castle we see today is mostly a replica of the original. But how well done! It’s a great place to visit while exploring Almeria Province.
Nowadays, Santa Ana Castle serves as a small museum and art gallery with rotating exhibitions. Around the castle, you’ll find a small garden and a lighthouse built in the mid-19th century, which remained in operation until 1945 and now houses various exhibits. Best part of the visit? Admiring views over the beaches and the Mediterranean Sea from the castle towers! But we can’t deny that the exhibitions were interesting too!
Entrance to Santa Ana Castle is free (April 2025). For current prices and opening hours, please visit the almeriadecosta.com website.
Learn more: Things To Do In Roquetas de Mar Near Almeria, Spain
Castle of Guzman the Good in Tarifa
The Castle of Guzman the Good is one of Tarifa’s main attractions. It’s a well-preserved castle built in 960, and its main purpose was to protect the town from attacks from the sea. The castle is located in a strategic position, on a small hill, thanks to which guards could see far out to sea and had plenty of time to prepare for whatever was coming.
The original construction used to have 15 defense towers and the wall that surrounded the old town of Tarifa, which started from the castle. Later, the tower and a church of St. Mary were added. The building was rebuilt in the 18th century and served as a garrison for Spanish-British troops who were defending Tarifa from Napoleon’s army in 1811-1812 during the War of Independence.
Entrance to the Castle of Guzman the Good costs: €4 for adults, and €2.5 for children (April 2025). For current prices and opening hours, visit the castilloguzmanelbueno.com website.
Learn more: 15+ Things To Do In Tarifa, Spain – Complete Travel Guide
Royal Alcázar of Seville
Royal Alcázar is one of the most breathtaking castles in Andalusia that we have yet to discover. It’s a majestic palace complex located in the heart of Seville that was built in the 10th century as a Moorish fortress. Later, it was transformed into a royal residence that is still in use by the Spanish monarchy.
The Alcázar impresses with intricate Mudejar architecture, lush gardens, tranquil courtyards, and ornate halls. The highlight of the visit? Wandering through the magical gardens and admiring the exquisite tilework and ceilings inside the palace rooms.
Entrance to the Royal Alcázar of Seville costs €15.5 for a normal ticket and €8 for a reduced one (April 2025). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit the alcazarsevilla.org website. Remember to book your tickets online in advance, best a few weeks earlier – Alcazar is a very popular place!
If you want to learn more about the interesting history of the Royal Alcazar, we recommend taking part in this Seville Royal Alcázar, Cathedral, and Giralda Guided Tour.
Castles in Andalusia – Summing up
As you can see now, there is no shortage of amazing castles in Andalusia. From impressive ancient masterpieces to fairytale-like creations, each castle tells a story of the region’s rich and diverse past. Whether you visit just one or plan a full castle-hopping adventure, we hope this guide will help you choose the castles that will make your trip to Andalusia unforgettable.
We loved exploring those castles, and we hope you’ll too! After wandering through ancient ramparts, fairytale towers, and sun-drenched courtyards, one thing is certain – Andalusia knows how to do castles right! So… Which one will you explore first?
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