17 most iconic palaces and castles in Andalusia, Spain

Andalusia has seen many kings and kingdoms so there are a lot of beautiful castles and palaces in Andalusia. Whether they served as residences for monarchs or played a defensive role, it is definitely worth exploring some of them!

We spent more than two months driving around the South of Spain and exploring all the best places it had to offer. From the big cities and royal buildings to little villages far off the beaten path, I believe we discovered the essence of Andalusia!

In this blog post, you will find all the most beautiful castles and palaces in Andalusia with descriptions, photos, and locations where they can be found on Google Maps. We did see a lot of them and tried to find the best ones to visit! Happy exploring!

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1. Comares Palace in Alhambra, Granada

Alhambra is arguably the most famous tourist attraction in Granada, Andalusia, and possibly in Spain. It is a massive fortress on a hill in Granada.

Inside the citadel, there are multiple palaces and residences built for kings, expansive gardens, and other infrastructure made for Alhambra to be a self-contained city.

The Nasrid palaces – multiple royal palaces built by different Arab kings from the Nasrid dynasty – are the crown jewel of Alhambra. If you don’t visit the Nasrid palaces, then you haven’t seen Alhambra!

One of the most beautiful of the Nasrid palaces is the Comares Palace – one of the first palaces you will see during your visit. There is the famous Patio de los Arrayanes – an inner courtyard with a long rectangular reflective pool typical of Moorish architecture.

Back then the courtyard typically was a central space around which other rooms were organized. Somehow we got a beautiful peaceful moment inside the courtyard as we arrived 30 minutes before the opening and were the first in line to enter.

The beautiful Comares Palace in Alhambra was built for a king and it does live up to the expectations. From the beautiful arches, detailed carvings above the archways, and the peaceful fountain next to the pool – all of this makes this place so serene and magical!

Location: Comares Palace in Alhambra

2. Palace of the Lions in Alhambra, Granada

As you walk to the next palace in the Nasrid palace complex you will find yourself inside the Palace of the Lions – one of the most famous palaces in Islamic architecture in the world.

Again the central element here is the courtyard – Patio de los Leones or the Courtyard of the Lions. There is a wide rectangular courtyard surrounded by a stunning forest of columns that have these ornately carved decorations and Arabic inscriptions.

In the middle of the courtyard, there is a magnificent marble fountain that is being held by twelve sculpted lions – thus the name of the palace. This whole setting is just breathtaking!

This was without a doubt my favorite place in Alhambra. The architecture and design are somewhat out of this world, especially the stalactite-like carvings in the ceiling of the vaults (known as muqarnas).

Definitely don’t forget to look up and pay attention to the ceilings when you are visiting the Palace of the Lions! I cannot even comprehend the work that has been put into creating this marvel!

However, my favorite spots were those column forests at each end of the Courtyard of the Lions. The ornate carvings are incredible and definitely make this one of the most beautiful palaces in Andalusia!

No wonder Alhambra was amongst the finalists at the New 7 Wonders of the World voting contest! If you ever go to Andalusia then this is definitely one of the top bucket list places to visit in Andalusia and in Spain!

Location: Patio de los Leones

3. Royal Alcázar of Seville

Royal Alcázar of Seville – a royal palace in Seville has to be the crown jewel of the city. And quite literally, because it was built as a house for kings and still is the house of kings – the upper floors of Alcázar still host the royal family when they visit Seville!

Royal Alcázar of Seville is a complex that consists of palaces, patios, courtyards, staterooms, unique bathing rooms, and massive gardens with pathways, ponds, fountains, trees and flowers, benches, pavilions, and even a maze.

Royal Alcázar of Seville is a must-visit place for any visitor to Seville and is definitely one of the most beautiful palaces in Andalusia! It is a prime example of the Mudéjar architectural style in Spain!

Especially such places as Patio de Doncellas, which is the main courtyard in the Alcázar, and Salón de Embajadores feature outstanding ornaments and decors in Mudéjar style.

Besides the main courtyard and the Ambassador’s Hall, definitely take a look at Baños de Doña María de Padilla bathing house with a pool in an arch-shaped room in the basement. Looks pretty cool!

And don’t forget to enjoy the gardens with palm trees and decorative trees along the pathways. I recommend coming to Royal Alcázar of Seville for the earliest time in the morning and buying tickets online before!

Location: Royal Alcázar of Seville

4. Castillo de Colomares – the most unique castle in Andalusia!

Although it sounds like it is a castle, Castillo de Colomares is actually a monument in the form of a castle dedicated to the life of the explorer Christopher Columbus. It is one of the most unique, but, at the same time, beautiful places in Malaga province.

What makes it very unusual is that it does look like a centuries-old castle, but it was actually finished in 1994 after a 7-year-long construction. You can visit this beautiful hidden gem in Andalusia for an entrance fee of 3 EUR.

This monument was a work of a private artist so you won’t find it in most travel itineraries about the best things to do in Malaga so, unfortunately, many tourists never find out about it.

Besides the beautiful architecture, this monument also houses the smallest church in the world measuring less than 2 square meters! Can you imagine a church that small? I hope you get to visit this place – one of my favorite castles in Andalusia for sure!

Location: Castillo de Colomares

5. Palacio de las Dueñas in Seville

Palacio de las Dueñas in Seville is a 15th-century palace featuring a very rich collection of art pieces from around the world. This massive complex consists of multiple palace buildings, patios, and stunning gardens with blooming trees and water systems.

In my humble opinion, this is one of the most beautiful palaces in Andalusia. The architecture, the gardens, the archways around the patios, fountains, sculptures, and endless rooms full of art pieces make this place a must-visit spot in Seville.

Every corner in the Palacio de las Dueñas complex is so beautiful and well-maintained. Makes it hard to choose my favorite place! But I guess the main patio with yellow arches could be THE ONE.

In the 20th century, this palace became a meeting place for the members of many European royal families and international celebrities like Jacqueline Kennedy, Wallis Simpson, and Grace Kelly.

Although it is a bit pricey (we paid 12 EUR each) this is one of those places that I felt was absolutely worth the price! We bought tickets on-site right before entering.

The entrance fee includes audioguides so you can find out more about this beautiful place. Make sure to check their website before coming because quite often they close the whole palace for private events.

Location: Palacio de las Dueñas

6. Casa de Pilatos in Seville

Casa de Pilatos is a 16th-century palace located in the historic part of Seville. The jewel of this place is the main courtyard. It blends together Gothic, Mudejar, Renaissance, and Romantic elements through statues, archways, marble, and colorful tiles.

Casa de Pilatos is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Seville. As you walk around the patio you will be amazed by the details, the statues, the windows with columns and arches, the colorful tiles creating delicate mosaics, and so on.

There are two gardens in the palace complex. The gardens in private residences were a sign of wealth. And these ones in Casa de Pilatos are truly the oasis of peace.

They are decorated with lush plants, blooming flowers, colorful benches, fountains, flower pots, and trees. Truly beautiful! One of the best places to visit in Seville for sure!

Location: Casa de Pilatos

7. Castillo Almodóvar del Río

If you love medieval castles, Castillo de Almodóvar del Río has to be on your bucket list when visiting Andalusia. This majestic fortress sits on a hill above the small town of Almodóvar del Río, just a short 30-minute drive west of Córdoba, and you can spot it from miles away!

I am a huge fan of these kinds of castles – the ones with massive defensive towers and amazing views over the countryside. So when I found out we could visit one near Córdoba, I was so excited!

The castle has Roman, Islamic, and Christian roots, with most of the current structure dating back to the 8th century. So we are talking about over a thousand years of history. It has been a Roman fortress, a Moorish stronghold, and a Christian royal palace – all in one place.

The castle was actually one of the most important strategic points in Andalusia during the Moorish period, because of its location overlooking the Guadalquivir River. Whoever controlled this hill basically controlled the river trade and the access route to Córdoba.

Now, here is the fun part for all the Game of Thrones fans out there. This castle was used as a filming location for the series!

It appeared as Highgarden, the home of House Tyrell, in seasons 7 and 8. Yes, this is THE castle you saw on TV. And once you see it in person, you will totally see why they picked it. 🤩

Walking through the castle is honestly a whole experience. You can explore the towers, courtyards, stone corridors, dungeons, and chapels. There are some areas with reconstructed scenes showing how life used to be inside the castle. Pretty cool for the kids visiting, too!

The views from the top are incredible. From the defensive walls and the highest towers, you can see the Guadalquivir River, the village below, and the countryside stretching out as far as the eye can see. It is one of those views that makes you stop and just look for a few minutes.

We climbed up the Torre del Homenaje, the main tower, and the photo from the balcony was honestly one of my favorites from the whole trip. This exact view appeared in Game of Thrones, so I obviously had to take a photo there.😉

The castle is open year-round and the entrance fee is 11 EUR per adult. It is a bit pricey compared to some other castles, but the place is huge, super well-preserved, and feels worth it. Plus, the entrance fee goes toward maintenance, and keeping a thousand-year-old castle in this condition is no joke!

Honestly, Castillo de Almodóvar del Río was one of the highlights of our time in Andalusia, and I would 100% recommend adding it to your itinerary. If you are spending time in Córdoba anyway, this is the perfect half-day trip!

Location: Castillo Almodóvar del Rio

8. Palacio de Viana

If you want to see one of the most stunning palaces in Andalusia, Palacio de Viana in Córdoba should be on your list. This Renaissance palace is famous for one very specific reason – it has a ton of incredible patios, each one with its own style, plants, and personality.

Honestly, I lost count of how many there are. A lot. 🤩

The palace dates back to the 14th century and was the home of aristocratic families for centuries. Today, the palace works as a museum and you can explore both the inside of the house and the patios.

The inside of the palace is filled with original furniture, tapestries, art collections, libraries, and even a weapons collection. Every room shows what life looked like for a wealthy Cordoban family back in the day. Pretty fascinating to see!

But honestly, the real reason to visit Palacio de Viana is the patios. And I am not exaggerating when I say each one feels unique. Some are filled with orange trees, others with flowers and fountains. Some feel like Moorish gardens, others like English-style courtyards.

Walking from one to the next feels like a maze!

My favorite was the patio with a long pool stretching down the middle, surrounded by greenery, flower bushes, plants, and Andalusian architecture. So pretty!

The patios are a great alternative if you visit Córdoba outside the famous Fiesta de los Patios festival in May, when the city opens its private patios to the public. Palacio de Viana lets you see beautiful, well-maintained patios all year round, without the crazy crowds.

The palace is located a bit further from the main tourist area in Córdoba. We arrived not long before closing and did not have as much time as I would have liked. If I could do it again, I would come earlier in the day to wander slowly and really enjoy every patio.

The entrance fee is 8.50 EUR per adult for the ground floor (which is what we visited). It is a bit pricey, but considering they have to maintain all those plants and flowers (in the Córdoba heat!), I did not mind paying.

Make sure to check their website before going, because they are not open every day, and the opening hours change depending on the season.

Honestly, Palacio de Viana was one of the most beautiful places we visited in Córdoba, and I would 100% recommend including it in your itinerary. If you love patios, gardens, and Andalusian architecture, this place is a dream. 😍

Location: Palacio de Viana

9. Castillo de Gibralfaro and Malaga from above!

There is one place everyone will notice in Malaga and it is the Gibralfaro mountain that stands next to the city. On top of the mountain, you will see a big castle – Castillo de Gibralfaro. There is no better place to see Malaga from above than from there.

You can see prices and visiting hours for the castle here. There is an entrance fee to the castle, but you can visit it on Sunday afternoons for free. You can reach the castle by car, by bus or by taxi. However, I really recommend hiking up there on foot.

There is a well-maintained and paved path from the city up to the top of the mountain. You can get some fantastic views along the way and there are also benches to sit on. The mountain is probably the best place to watch the sunrise in Malaga as well!

Location: Castillo de Gibralfaro · Mirador de Gibralfaro · Gibralfaro lookout

10. Palace of Charles V in Alhambra, Granada

Not many people know that there are places in the famous Alhambra fortress in Granada that you can actually visit for free! Yes, even if you don’t have a ticket for Alhambra you can still see some buildings and places around the fortress.

One such building that you can visit for free in the famous Alhambra is this beautiful Renaissance palace – the Palace of Charles V. Construction of this palace inside the Alhambra complex was ordered by King Charles V at the beginning of the 16th century.

It was a project to commemorate his grandparents – the Catholic Monarchs – who conquered Granada. Building a palace of a Christian king inside Muslim kings’ citadel – Alhambra – was a symbolic gesture of their victory over the Muslim kings.

Construction of this Roman-inspired palace with a stunning circular courtyard lined with columns started in the 16th century and lasted for 90 years. The palace never got finished as it was meant to be, but it still looks pretty impressive today.

Now it hosts multiple museums, exhibitions, and occasional events. Often overlooked by the famous Nasrid palaces right next to it, this hidden gem in Granada is a unique spot you should definitely visit in Alhambra!

Location: Palace of Charles V

11. Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija in Seville

Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija or Palace of the Countess of Lebrija is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Seville and amongs the most beautiful palaces in Andalusia!

It is a 16th-century palatial home decorated with Arabic-style arches around the patio, and colorful tiles as well as one of the most stunning Roman mosaic collections you will ever see.

The glamorous house is a private home that belongs to an aristocratic family. You can not only visit the ground floor, the patio, and the gardens but also join guided tours around the upper floor that take place on round hours.

The upper floor displays a very rich collection of artifacts from around the world including from China, Japan, and many other countries.

We visited this exquisite home for a fee of 12 EUR, however, there is a certain time when you can visit the palatial home for free. Make sure to check their website.

Location: Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija

12. Castillo de Santa Catalina in Jaén

Castillo de Santa Catalina or Saint Catherine’s Castle sits atop a hill overlooking the city of Jaén. The castle was started in the 8th century as a Moorish fortress, but it was transformed into a castle centuries later – after the Spanish Reconquista.

You can actually drive up to the top of the hill. This is the best place to watch the sunset in Jaén so if you can, try to come here for the sunset! Plus there are nice viewpoints on top of the hill to enjoy panoramic views over the city.

The most unique thing about this castle is that you can spend the night inside it. There is a 4-star hotel – Parador de Jaén – built in one part of the castle. Such a unique experience!

Location: Castillo de Santa Catalina

13. Generalife palace in Alhambra, Granada

Generalife is the name of a palace complex that was a summer residence for the Nasrid dynasty kings. It has expansive gardens with fountains and lots of greenery.

The most beautiful part of the Generalife palace complex in Alhambra, Granada is the Patio de la Acequia courtyard that you will find right next to the palace.

The Patio de la Acequia courtyard is a rectangular area with a long pool and multiple fountains and plants. There is a beautiful pathway along one side of the courtyard that has arch-shaped windows looking out to Granada city.

The palace is very well looked after and has many beautiful hidden corners including another courtyard, viewpoints, and halls all decorated with Moorish-style elements. Generalife is the oasis of Alhambra and I do hope you get to visit this palace!

Location: Generalife

14. Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos in Córdoba

The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (Castle of the Christian Monarchs) is one of the most important historic sites in Córdoba and an absolute must-visit if you love castles and palaces. The name is a mouthful, but the place is honestly worth the trip!

This 14th-century palace complex has towers, defensive walls, courtyards, and seriously beautiful gardens. It is basically a mix of castle and palace, with both fortress vibes and royal elegance in one place.

One thing I did not know before visiting is that the Alcázar has a fascinating Christopher Columbus connection.

While he was trying to get support for his voyage across the Atlantic, he spent time in Córdoba and actually met with the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand, right here at the Alcázar. Pretty cool to think about that part of history.

Columbus also met a local woman in Córdoba during his stay, and she later became the mother of his son, Hernando Colón. So yes, this place has some pretty big stories attached to it beyond just the towers and gardens.

The palace itself is interesting but to be honest, it was not the most exciting part for us. The rooms are mostly empty with just a few exhibits.

But the real highlight here is the gardens. Oh my, the gardens! They are massive, super well-maintained, and absolutely stunning.

We are talking about long pools with fountains, decorative trees cut into different shapes, perfectly trimmed hedges, flowers everywhere, and statues of the Christian monarchs lined up alongside the walkways.

Honestly, the gardens of the Alcázar are among the most beautiful ones we saw in all of Andalusia! And considering how hot Córdoba gets, I kept thinking about how much effort it must take to keep them looking this good. 🥵

You can also climb up the defensive walls and towers for some great views over Córdoba. The Torre de los Leones, Torre del Homenaje, and Torre de la Inquisición are the main ones you can climb.

The views from the top show you the gardens, the Mezquita-Catedral, the river, and the rooftops of the historic center.

For the best experience, I really recommend giving yourself at least 1-2 hours here. There is a lot to see between the palace, the gardens, and the towers.

You need a ticket to enter the Alcázar, and the entrance fee is ~5 EUR per person. You can buy tickets online or at the ticket office in the nearby park.

If you are visiting during high season, I really recommend booking ahead or going early to avoid the lines. Or – my honest and a bit crazy tip – go in the middle of the day during the heat (like we did!).

People usually stay away from open spaces in the afternoon, so the gardens were almost empty when we showed up at 2 PM during a heat wave.

The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos is one of those bucket list spots in Córdoba that combines history, architecture, and incredible gardens all in one place. Definitely add it to your Andalusia itinerary – you will not regret it!

Location: Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

15. Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno in Tarifa

Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno is the main historical landmark in Tarifa, the southernmost town of mainland Europe. If you only have time for one castle visit on the south coast of Andalusia, this is the one to pick.

The castle dates back to the 10th century and was originally built during the Moorish period to defend the town.

With its impressive defensive walls and watchtowers, it is honestly the kind of place that makes you stop and think about how much history this little town has seen. Plenty is the answer!

The castle is named after Alonso Pérez de Guzmán, also known as Guzmán el Bueno (Guzmán the Good), one of the most famous figures in Spanish medieval history.

The legend goes that during a siege in the 13th century, the enemy captured his son and threatened to kill him unless Guzmán surrendered the castle.

Instead of giving up, he reportedly threw down his own dagger from the wall, saying he would rather lose his son than betray his town. I don’t know what to think of that. 😬

Inside the castle grounds, you can wander around the towers, see thousand-year-old artifacts, and read about the town’s history.

The route is self-guided and pre-planned, so you just follow the directions and explore at your own pace. We spent about an hour here.

But honestly, the best part for us was the views from the top. You get a full panorama of Tarifa, the port, and on a clear day, even the mountains of Africa across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Pretty special view, if you ask me!

Location: Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno

16. Castillo de La Calahorra at the foothill of the Sierra Nevada mountains!

La Calahorra is a tiny village in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains not far from Granada. The iconic village has a hill next to it with a pretty unique castle on top – Castillo de La Calahorra.

Built in the 16th century Castillo de La Calahorra was one of the first Italian Renaissance castles outside Italy. You can visit the outside of the castle any day, however, visits to the inside are only available on Wednesdays.

If you are a TV watcher you might find it interesting that this castle was featured in the 2022 television series House of the Dragon – a prequel of Game of Thrones. It played the role of a manse in the city of Pentos.

Location: Castillo de La Calahorra

17. Castillo de Olvera and the most picturesque views!

Featuring some jaw-dropping views, Olvera is one of the most beautiful towns in Andalusia with some unmatched picturesque views! It sits on a hilltop with a church and castle standing high above the rest of the town.

Must-do things in Olvera whitewashed town include exploring the Historic Center of the town and climbing up Calle Calzada street to the scenic Iglesia Mayor Parroquial hilltop church.

The best place to visit – Olvera Castle! The castle was built in the 12th century as part of the defensive system for the Nasrid Kingdom. It sits on a rock at 623 meters above sea level and offers some of the most picturesque views in Andalusia!

Location: Castillo de Olvera

More Andalusia travel inspiration!

• 27 hidden gems and secret places you should see in Andalusia
• 21 most beautiful white villages and unique towns in Andalusia
• Malaga bucket list: 11 best things to do in Malaga
• Córdoba bucket list: 18 best things to do in Córdoba, Spain
• 25 most famous Instagram spots in Seville
• Granada bucket list: 17 best things to do in Granada

Happy exploring!

Andalusia, the Southern region of Spain, is a one-of-a-kind place. It offers the perfect mix of history, architecture, vibrant cities, quiet hidden villages, unique nature, scenic hikes as well as sandy beaches and the perfectly blue water of the Mediterranean Sea.

We spent almost 3 months discovering everything Andalusia had to offer starting from world-famous places like Alhambra, we went underground inside Nerja cave, hung in the air at the Caminito del Rey hike, and picked up our jaws when we saw the Ronda bridge.

I hope you enjoy your time in Andalusia as much as we did! And I hope you will get some inspiration from my blog to make your trip even more adventurous, fun, exciting, and unforgettable! Andalusia is definitely worth it!

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