Hola! If you love medieval charm, breathtaking views, and a touch of mystery, Valencia Region is a perfect destination for you. We’ve spent months exploring this enchanting part of Spain dotted with castles and it transported us back to times of monarchs, knights, and epic battles. It’ll do the same to you! From dramatic mountain fortresses to coastal strongholds, each castle tells a fascinating story of conquest, defense, and cultural crossroads. Are you ready for a journey through time? Vamos, let us show you the best castles in Valencia Region you can’t miss!
Note. This is our subjective list of the castles in Valencia Region, from its three provinces: Castellon, Valencia, and Alicante. So far, we’ve lived in the area for around 10 months and these are the ones that we liked the most.
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Castles in Valencia Region you’ll love
Xativa Castle
One of our favorite castles in Valencia Region is the magnificent hilltop Xativa Castle (es. Castell de Xàtiva) – the most iconic landmark in the city of the same name. Over the centuries, this massive fortress was gradually expanded and fortified by the following cultures that inhabited the area. Nowadays, the castle is declared a Cultural Heritage Site.
What makes Xativa Castle unique is the fact that it’s actually made up of two parts: Castell Menor – the older part built atop Iberian and Roman remains, and Castell Major – the larger and better-preserved part built in medieval times with Islamic, and later Christian influences. They’re separated by Plaza de Armas, the castle’s central courtyard.
During your visit, you’ll pass places like ancient gates, watchtowers, defensive walls, cannons, prison cells, water tanks, fountains, courtyards, and chapels. But the real highlight of Xativa Castle are the views! From every corner of the castle, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the city, surrounding valleys, and distant mountains.
Entrance to Xàtiva Castle costs €6 for a normal ticket, €4 for a reduced one, and is free for children under 7 years (August 2026). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit the xativaturismo.com website. The castle is closed on Mondays.
Denia Castle
Denia Castle (es. Castell de Dénia) is one of the most picturesque castles in Valencia Region. It sits at the top of the small hill overlooking the town and its surroundings. It was built by Moors during the 11th and 12th centuries and for hundreds of years it served as a defensive fortress to protect the city against various threats.
Nowadays, most of the castle no longer exists but its remains and the surrounding walls look quite impressive – especially from afar, from the port area. While strolling around the castle grounds you’ll find many informative panels (unfortunately only in Spanish), a small Archeological Museum with historical artifacts on display, cafe, and some picnic areas perfect to sit and rest for a moment.
But the main reason to visit Denia Castle is definitely the views. From various viewpoints magnificent vistas await. You can admire the town, port, Mediterranean Sea coast, beaches, Montgo mountain, and more. You can easily feel like the watchmen from centuries ago watching out for the enemies!
Entrance to Denia Castle costs €3 for adults and €1 for children 8-16 (August 2026). To check out current opening hours visit denia.es website.
Cullera Castle
Cullera Castle (es. Castell de Cullera) is the Moorish fortress that sits atop the mountain, at the altitude of about 230m a.s.l, carefully watching over the coastline, town, and the surroundings of Cullera.
The castle was built in the 10th century by Moors. Later it was rebuilt in the 13th century after the Christian reconquest and in the 16th century to help with the fight against Barbary pirates. It once featured defensive walls, but these were destroyed over the centuries, and only some of the towers remained.
Inside the Cullera Castle, you can wander around its grounds, visit a small Museum of History and Archaeology and castle chambers, see a short video about the history of Cullera, and climb some of the walls and tower. But what’s most important – enjoy incredible views of Cullera and its surroundings from various viewpoints. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best castles in Valencia Region to explore.
Entrance to the Castle of Cullera costs €3.6 for a normal ticket, and €1.2 for a reduced one (August 2026). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit spainheritagenetwork.com website.
Peniscola Castle
Peniscola Castle (es. Castillo de Peñíscola), also known as Castle of Papa Luna, is another interesting position on our ranking of the amazing castles in Valencia Region. This impressive 14th-century fortress was originally built by the Knights Templar on the remains of an old Arab citadel. Later it was converted into a papal palace and was home to Pope Benedict XIII (or rather antipope, also known as Papa Luna).
Peniscola Castle stands on a rocky hill 64 meters above the sea, right in the heart of the old town. Be sure to climb to the highest point to enjoy spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the town below. Also, just outside the entrance, you can spot a life-size statue of Papa Luna, a reminder of the castle’s fascinating papal history. For amazing views over the Peniscola Castle from afar, head to the South Beach.
Entrance to Papa Luna Castle costs €5 for a normal ticket and €3.5 for a reduced one (August 2026). For current prices and opening hours, visit castillodepeniscola.dipcas.es website.
Sagunto Castle
Sagunto Castle (es. Castillo de Sagunto) is an impressive 11th-century fortress that sits proudly on a hilltop overlooking the town. It stretches for almost one kilometer which makes it one of the largest castle complexes in Spain!
What makes this fortress even more special is that you’ll be literally walking through 2000+ years of history. You’ll find remains from Iberians, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs, and Christian civilizations, which all inhabited the area and wanted to control this strategic position. The views over the surroundings are vast and indeed incredible! We think it’s one of the most picturesque castles in Valencia Region!
Sagunto Castle is divided into seven areas, each revealing a different chapter of its turbulent past. The most important section is La Plaza de Armas, which contains remains of the Roman forum, ancient columns, and a cistern carved directly into the rock. Within castle walls, you’ll also find the Epigraphy Museum with exhibits of Latin, Iberian, and Hebrew stone epigraphy.
Entrance to Sagunto Castle is free during opening hours (August 2026). For current prices and opening hours, visit comunitatvalenciana.com website.
Morella Castle
Morella Castle (es. Castell de Morella) is one of the most impressive castles in Valencia Region, dramatically rising on a rocky hilltop above the walled town of Morella at an altitude of over 1000 meters. Thanks to its strategic position it became a key fortress in the region, fought over the centuries by numerous civilizations.
The castle was originally built by the Moors around the 10th century, but you can still find traces of its earlier past. As you explore, you’ll pass through gates, defensive walls, and towers, as well as see remains of the Governor’s Palace, cisterns, storerooms, and former military quarters. But the real highlight is climbing to the upper levels to enjoy breathtaking views over the medieval town, surrounding valleys, and distant mountains.
Travel tip. For an amazing panoramic view of Morella Castle from a distance, head to the nearby Mirador Morella viewpoint.
Entrance to Morella Castle costs €5 for a normal ticket and €4 for a reduced one (August 2026). To check current prices and opening hours visit morella.net website.
Alicante Castle
Our list of the best castles in Valencia Region wouldn’t be complete without Santa Barbara Castle (es. Castell de Santa Barbara) in Alicante. It’s located on top of Mount Benacantil, the highest point of the city, dominating the skyline. Thanks to its strategic coastal location, the fortress played an important role throughout history, from Moorish times to the Christian reconquest.
Most of the current structure dates back to the 9th century under Moorish rule, and was later expanded after the 13th century Reconquest. Inside, you can wander through different areas such as the ancient keep, dungeons, guardhouses, and courtyards. The highlights of visiting Santa Barbara Castle are without doubt the views – from the top, you can admire the city of Alicante, the Mediterranean coastline, and even inland mountains.
Entrance to Santa Barbara Castle is free during opening hours (August 2026). To check out current opening hours, visit the alicanteturismo.com website.
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Guadalest Castle
Guadalest Castle (es. Castell de Guadalest), officially known as San José Castle, sits dramatically on a rocky peak at 595m a.s.l. Thanks to its strategic location, it played an important defensive role throughout the Middle and Modern Ages. And today, its stunning setting in the Guadalest Valley, surrounded by mountains and turquoise reservoirs, makes it one of the most picturesque castles in Valencia Region.
The castle was originally built in the 11th century by the Moors and later rebuilt after the Christian reconquest. Over the centuries, parts of the fortress were badly damaged by wars, such as War of Succession, and earthquakes, leaving behind ruins that still carry plenty of charm. Unfortunately Guadalest Castle doesn’t have a lot to offer today, but the views from the top over the valley, surrounding peaks, and bell tower are well worth the trip.
Travel Tip. For a spectacular view of the Guadalest from a distance head to the Mirador del Castillo de Guadalest.
Entrance to Guadalest Castle costs €4 for a normal ticket and €2 for a reduced one (August 2026). To check current prices and opening hours visit destinoguadalest.com website.
Onda Castle
Onda Castle (es. Castell d’Onda) is one of the most breathtaking castles in Valencia Region that we discovered. It’s also known as the Castle of 300 Towers and is one of the most historically significant castles in the region. It stands on a hill above the town of Onda, offering amazing views over the surrounding countryside. Its nickname comes from medieval times, when the fortress was said to have more towers than there were days in a year.
The castle was originally built during Moorish rule around the 10th century, later reinforced after the Christian reconquest. It became one of the main defensive strongholds of the Kingdom of Valencia, taking part in important battles and military operations. Today, you can explore the remains of its defensive walls, towers, cisterns, and restored areas, as well as the on-site museum that showcases the history of Onda.
Entrance to Onda Castle is free during opening hours (August 2026). To check out current opening hours, visit the ondaturismo.es website.
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Best castles in Valencia Region – Summing up
And there you have it, the best castles in Valencia Region. From coastal fortresses to mountain-top strongholds, each one has its own fascinating story to tell. Whether you visit just one or go on a castle-hopping adventure, they will for sure add magic and history to your trip. We really enjoyed exploring those castles and hope you will too! So… Which one will you explore first?
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