Discover the Most Fascinating Castles in Europe, the Most Visited Castles in Europe but also the Most Breathtaking Castles in Europe.

Visiting these castles is like diving into our history. Discover the history of kings, of alliances and vendettas, the history of European territories, of wars, regions and nations, the history of those families who have made and unmade Europe. Discover the most beautiful castles in Europe. 

Book your hotel at the best price guaranteed as well as your best activities and discover the best castles of Europe.

Need more inspiration? Discover the Most Amazing Castles in Germany, The Best Breathtaking Castles in Austria, The Best Castles in Scotland as well as some of the Best Fairytale Castles in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

1. The Alcazar Castle

Segovia - Spain

The Alcázar of Segovia (literally, Segovia Castle) is the Most Beautiful Castles in Europe. It is a stone fortification, located in the old city of Segovia, Spain.

Rising out on a rocky crag above the confluence of the rivers Eresma and Clamores near the Guadarrama mountains, it is one of the most distinctive castle-palaces in Spain by virtue of its shape – like the bow of a ship.

The Alcázar was originally built as a fortress but has served as a royal palace, a state prison, a Royal Artillery College and a military academy since then. The castle is one of the inspirations for Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle.

Book your flights to Madrid as well as your accommodation and tours & activities in Segovia. From Madrid you can take a Toledo & Segovia Tour with Alcázar Ticket.

During your stay do not miss to visit the Most Beautiful Castles in Spain! 

2. The Palace of Pena

Sintra - Portugal

Located in the Sintra hills, the Park and Palace of Pena are the fruit of King Ferdinand II’s creative genius and the greatest expression of 19th-century romanticism in Portugal, denoting clear influences from the Manueline and Moorish styles of architecture.

The palace of Pena, one of the Most Beautiful Castles in Europe, was built in such a way as to be visible from any point in the park, which consists of a forest and luxuriant gardens with over five hundred different species of trees originating from the four corners of the earth. 

Book your flights to Lisbon as well as your accommodation in Lisbon or Sintra and your tours & activities in the area. 

During your stay make sure to visit the Most Breathtaking Castles in Portugal! 

3. The Castle in Love with the Wind

Ravadinovo- Bulgaria

In Love with the Wind – the castle with the magnificent structures made of marble and metamorphosed limestone from the fairy tales of a talented architect and dreamer, Georgi Tumpalov, is not only one of the Best Castles in Europe, it is the only newly built castle in Europe. 

The Castle In Love with the Wind – a fairy tale near the sea. The place where the Castle is built is a unique natural phenomenon. Here, the wind loves the sun and always when the sun shines, there is a wind.

On this bare field near the village, Georgi Tumpalov, an architect and developer, decided to make it child’s dream come true – to build a castle that exists only in fairy tales. But a dream never comes alone. Tumpalov attracted to the modest village of Ravadinovo, standing 6 km from Sozopol, enormous crowds of visitors from all over the world. The castle was awarded the prize for the most attractive tourist site of the year by the Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association. In 2013, Walt Disney used its natural décor to make its movie the Sleeping Beauty. In 2016 the castle won the first prize of the international competition "A’ Design Awards 2016” in the category: "A Hospitality, Recreation, Travel and Tourism Design“.

During your stay make sure to discover the Best Castles in Bulgaria! 

4. The Neuschwanstein Castle

Bavaria - Germany

Seven weeks after the death of King Ludwig II in 1886, Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the Most Visited Castles in Europe, was opened to the public.

The shy king had built the castle in order to withdraw from public life – now vast numbers of people came to view his private refuge.

Today Neuschwanstein is one of the most popular of all the palaces and castles in Europe. Every year 1.4 million people visit "the castle of the fairy-tale king". In the summer around 6,000 visitors a day stream through rooms that were intended for a single inhabitant.

Book your flights to Munich as well as your accommodation, tours & activities in Bavaria. 

During your stay make sure to visit the Most Amazing Castles in Germany! 

5. The Palace of Versailles

Versailles

During your stay in Paris you simply must not miss a visit the most famous castles in Europe, the Palace of Versailles.

Book your ticket with audio-guide and transfer from your hotel or a guided tour of Versailles by bike and discover this exceptional palace, its famous park, its Hall of Mirrors and take a walk in the footsteps of the greatest kings of France, Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI.

Book your flights to Paris and your accommodation at the best price  as well as your best activities in Paris, such as a full day Versailles & Paris sightseeing tour with lunch. 

During your stay make sure to discover the Best Places to Visit in France! 

6. Eilean Donan Castle

Dornie  - Western Highlands

Eilean Donan is one of Europe's Most Famous Castles. You can book flights to Edinburgh and stay for a few days in the Scottish capital or fly directly to Inverness, a two-hour drive from Eilean Donan Castle, one of the Most Stunning Castles in Europe.

This place is particularly romantic and has been awarded as being one of the best places for a marriage proposal. Eilean Donan Castle is also considered to be the most romantic castle in Europe and the Most Photographed Castle in Europe.

Book your flights and accommodation at the best price as well as your tours and activities in Scotland, such as an "Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Tour from Inverness".

Opening hours: The castle is open every day from 10.00 to 16.00 (last admission at 15.00 - the castle is closed in January).

Book your flights to Inverness (2h drive from Eilean Donan Castle). 

During your stay make sure to Visit the Best Hidden Gems in Scotland! 

7. Alhambra Castle

Granada - Spain

This is probably one of the most beautiful traces of the Muslim presence in Andalusia. Surrounded by lush vegetation, this majestic palace is the symbol of the city of Granada. Behind this monumental palace is the snow-capped mountains of Sierra Nevada.

Book your flights to Malaga, the nearest airport (1 h 30  drive), your accommodation at the best price and your tours and activities in Andalusia as an "Alhambra, Gardens and Alcazaba guided tour".

The castle of Alhambra is open every day of the week from 9h to 18h (closed on Mondays).

8. Dunluce Castle

Portrush, County Antrim - Northern Ireland

This early 16th century castle is not only one of the Best Castles in Europe, it is one of Northern Ireland's iconic ruined castles.

Built on a cliff, facing the sea, this castle has known dramatic moments. One was that terrible stormy night in 1639 when the castle's kitchen collapsed into the sea. During your stay, be sure to visit “Portrush Whiterocks beach”. Located a few minutes from the castle it is ranked among the best beaches in Ireland.

The Castle is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Book your flights to Belfast and drive to Portrush (50 min)

During your stay make sure to visit the Most Beautiful Castles in Ireland! 

9. Hochosterwitz Castle 

Hochosterwitz - Carinthia

Hochosterwitz Castle is regarded by world travellers as one of the Best Castles, Palaces and Fortresses in Europe.

This fortress built on top of a 150-metre hill dominates the entire region. No need to stay at the foot of the castle to see it, it is visible more than 30 kilometres around.

The Castle is Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Book your flights to Graz (1h30 by car).

During your stay make sure to visit the Most Fascinating Castles in Austria! 

10. Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle

Centre Val de Loire Region

Located just 40 minutes from the airport "Tours-Val de Loire", Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle is one of the Most Beautiful Castles in Europe.

Founded in the 10th century by Odo I, Count of Blois, it has had a turbulent history.

King Louis XI burned the castle after a quarrel with the owners of the time, the Amboise family.

A few years later, the king's anger having abated, the family was able to rebuild the castle. It now belongs to the French State and is open to the public every day of the week from 10h to 18h.

Discover one of the Most Incredible European Castles by reserving your flights and your accommodation at the best price as well as your tours and activities in Loire Region, such as a "Fabulous day in the Loire Valley visiting its gorgeous castles".

11. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh

It is one of the most visited European castles, although it has only been open to the public for a short time.

For centuries this ancient Scottisch fortress which dominates the entire city of Edinburgh has been the stronghold of the military. Before that, the castle was the property of the most illustrious kings like Malcolm III or King Davier the first.

In the 13th century, on the death of the King of Scotland, King Edward I of England invaded Scotland. Later, it will be up to the new King of England, Edward III, to fight to reconquer Scotland, which had become independent again.

Visit Edinburgh Castle, one of the Most Dramatic European Castles, and immerse yourself in centuries of history that have marked the United Kingdom.

Book your flights and accommodation at the best price as well as your tours and activities in Edinburgh and your Edinburgh Castle ticket.

For a magical stay discover Edinburgh's Christmas Market! 

12. Kilcoe Castle

Kilcoe - County Cork - Ireland

This Irish castle, one of the Best Castles in Europe, in County Cork has known illustrious owners. The latest owners may not be unknown to you, they are actor Jeremy Irons and his wife Sinéad Cusack.

Home of the MacCarthy, this defensive tower is now the sanctuary of these two famous actors. The castle is not open to visitors but you can still admire it as you walk along the bay. During your stay in Kilcoe do not miss to discover "Barleycove beach" located in Schull, only 20 minutes from Kilcoe Castle, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland.

The castle is the private property of actor Jérémy Irons. If you know him, you can certainly drop by for tea, otherwise the doors will remain closed.

Book your flights to Cork and drive to Kilcoe (1.5 hours by car). 

During your stay discover the Best Secret Destinations in Ireland! 

13. Conwy Castle

Conwy - Wales

Conwy Castle is a medieval fortification in Conwy, on the north coast of Wales. It was built by Edward I, during his conquest of Wales, between 1283 and 1289. 

UNESCO considers Conwy to be one of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe", and it is classed as a World Heritage site.

The rectangular castle, ranked among the Most Beautiful Castles in Europe, is built from local and imported stone and occupies a coastal ridge, originally overlooking an important crossing point over the River Conwy. 

Need more inspiration? Discover the nearby Best Castles in England! 

14. Eltz Castle

Moselle Valley - Germany

Like Cochem Castle, also ranked among Germany's Best Castles, Eltz Castle is located in the beautiful Moselle Valley and is one of the Most Beautiful Castles in Europe.

This stay is the perfect opportunity to mix history and gastronomy since the Moselle is renowned for the quality of its white wines and the beauty of its castles.

Eltz Castle is a one of the real Fairytale Castles in Europe. Much like the Segovia Castle in Spain, legend has it that it inspired Walt Disney to design Cinderella's fairytale castle.

This medieval castle was built over 900 years ago and it has never been destroyed. On the contrary, through the ages, it has undergone developments and extensions which give it this heterogeneous character and which make its charm.

Book your flight to Frankfurt Airport as well as your accommodation near Eltz Castle and your tours and activities in Moselle such as a day trip to Eltz Castle from Frankfurt.

The Castle is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Book your flights to Frankfurt (1.5 hours from Eltz by car).

15. Dover Castle

Dover - Kent

Many travellers over the age of 30 know Dover well as they used to travel to and fro by ferry from Ostend or Calais to the port of Dover. You can still travel by ferry or get to Dover by car or train (2 hours from London).

Dover Castl, one of the Most Famous Castles in Europe to Explore, overlooks the hill and faces Europe. An ideal observation post to locate potential invaders. The first foundations of this castle, including the Roman lighthouse, date from 43 AD.

Book your flights and accommodation as well as your tours and activities in England as a full day tour of Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Dover or Greenwich. 

During your stay do not miss to visit the Best Hidden Gems in England! 

16. Chambord Castle

Chambord - Centre Val de Loire

Chambord Castle is one of the Most Visited European Castles. Hundreds of thousands of travellers come to discover the architectural secrets and the history of one of the most beautiful castles in Europe.

It is a traditional castle yet modern as it still hosts major events and celebrities such as DJ Carl Cox for special evenings.

Located 20 minutes from the beautiful city of Blois and 2 hours from Paris, Chambord Castle can be visited during your stay in Paris. Many tour operators offer guided tours with transport from Paris.

Book your accommodation at the best price in Paris or close to the Château de Chambord and your tours and activities in France, such as a "Small-group Loire Valley Castles full-day tour from Paris". 

Opening hours: The Château de Chambord is open every day of the week from 9am to 5pm. 

During your stay discover the Best Thing to Do in France! 

17. Warwick Castle

Warwick - Warwickshire - England

Come and blow the birthday candles as this magnificent castle, one of Europe's Finest Historic Castles, will soon celebrate its first millennium!

It's a safe bet that the new owner, Groupe Tussauds (of Tussauds Museum) will have a big party in… 2068 ! In addition to the castle, the Tussauds group also bought the ghosts that have been haunting the place for centuries.

Book your flights to Birmingham Airport and your accommodation at the best price and discover Warwick Castle, one of the Most Beautiful Castles in Europe.

Book your tours and activities in England such as a "Harry Potter film locations tour". 

Book your flights to Birmingham. Warwick Castle is located 30 minutes by car and 45 minutes by train.

During your stay make sure to discover the Best Places to Visit in England! 

18. Windsor Castle

Windsor - England

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen.

Windsor Castle is just a 20 minutes’ drive from London Heathrow Airport. Book your flights and accommodation at the best price and discover this castle ranked among the Best castles in Europe.

Windsor castle is world famous because it is one of the official residences of the royal family.

Book your flights and accommodation as well as your tours and activities in England such as a "Windsor Castle admission ticket".

Need more inspiration? Discover the Most Beautiful Castles in England! 

19. Corvin Castle

Hunedoara - Romania

Corvin Castle is one of the Most Amazing Castles in Europe. This Romanian Castle was laid out in 1446, when construction began at the orders of John Hunyadi who wanted to transform the former keep built by Charles I of Hungary.

The castle was originally given to John Hunyadi's father, Voyk (Vajk), by Sigismund, king of Hungary, as severance in 1409. It was also in 1446 when John Hunyadi was elected as the regent-governor of the Kingdom of Hungary by the Diet. (©CC)

20. Chenonceau Castle

Chenonceaux - France

The Château de Chenonceau is located in the Centre Val-de-Loire region which houses the Most Famous Castles in Europe. 

Only a 40 minutes’ drive from Tours - Loire Valley airport, this castle is visited every year by hundreds of thousands of travellers from all over the world.

It is part of the famous "Castles of the Loire" but its particuliarity is that it was built, decorated and renovated by women.

From Katherine Briçonnet in the sixteenth century to Madame Pelouze after the French Revolution, the castle has gone through different styles.

The famous Catherine de Medicis also gave her personal touch to this castle. Discover all the secrets of one of the Most Incredible European Castles by booking your flights and your accommodation at the best price. 

Opening hours: It is open every day of the week from 9h to 18h30.  

Book your flights to Tours Airport (40 min by car). 

During your stay make sure to discover the Most Breathtaking Castles in France! 

21. Hohenwerfen Castle

Werfen - Austria

A few years ago, this castle, ranked among the 15 Incredible Castles in Austria That You Shoud See,  turned into a real adventure park for young and old. There is even a tavern!

We recommend that you stay in Salzburg and take a day or two tour of the region. During your stay, be sure to visit the "World's largest ice caves" in Werfen, ranked among the best hidden gems in Austria.

The castle is open every weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Book your flights to Salzburg (50 min by car, 1 hour by train - stop at Werfen guard).

22. Bran Castle

Bran - Romania

The Castle of Dracula is of course ranked among the Most Amazing Castles to Visit in Europe. 

Discover the incredible legend of this Transylvanian castle and immerse yourself in centuries of history, myths and blood-curdling legends.

23. Schwerin Castle

Schwerin-  Mecklenburg-Vorpommern - Germany

Schwerin Palace is located in the North East of Germany, just 1.5 hours by car or train from the city of Hamburg.

This castle, classified among the most beautiful castles in Europe, has had, like many castles in Europe, a turbulent history with various owners.

It even hosted a childcare school for about thirty years and now houses the regional parliament. However, it remains open to visitors who can discover the treasures of one of the Best Castles in Germany.

The castle is open to the public most days of the week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Mondays).

Book your flights to Hamburg (1 hour 30 minutes by car).

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Natural Wonders in Germany! 

24. Castle of Val 

Lanobre - Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region

This is not the most famous castle in France, nor is it the most visited and yet it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful castles in Europe.

Built on a rock in the thirteenth century and surrounded by a gigantic park today covered by an artificial lake, the Castle of Val Auvergne is reminiscent of Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland.

Opening hours: The castle is open to the public every day of the week, from 10am to 6pm.

Book your flights to Clermont Ferrand Auvergne airport (1h20 min by car) as well as your accommodation at the best price and your tours and activities in Auvergne and visit one of the Most Beautiful European Castles.

During your stay make sure to discover the Best Places to Visit in France! 

25. Lichtenstein Castle - Lichstenstein

Baden-Württemberg - Germany

Lichtenstein Castle is another Fairytale Castle in Europe. It is therefore not surprising to find it both in this ranking of the most beautiful castles in Germany but also iamong the most beautiful castles in Europe.

Lichstenstein Castle is located in the city of Lichstenstein, not to be confused with the state of Liechtenstein, which is two and a half hours by car from the city of Lichstenstein. Are you lost? No problem, the easiest way is to book your flight to Stuttgart and your accommodation at the best price and drive 40 minutes to this dream castle.

The castle is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Book your flights to Stuttgart and drive 40 minutes to the castle gates.

For a magical stay discover the Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Germany!