Top Things to do in Andalucia
Things to do in Andalucia, Spain: The Best Castles
Discover the best top things to do in Andalucia, Spain including Fortaleza de la Mota, Nasrid Palaces, The Alhambra, Castillo de Gibralfaro, Castillo de Colomares, Alcazar de la Puerta de Sevilla, Castillo de Santa Catalina, Castillo de Iznajar (Iznajar Castle), Arab Castle, Palace of Medina Sidonia.
Restaurants in Andalucia
1. Fortaleza de la Mota
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 503 reviews
Declared Heritage of Cultural Interest of Andalusia. The monumental group of the Fortress of La Mota is strategically perched on the peak of a rugged hill, 1033 m. above sea level. These features, its structure and location, enabled it to have a panoramic view, like a natural watchtower, over the surrounding area. Its most significant historic moment took place during the Islamic invasion: the Castle of La Mota was ordered to be built by the second Lord of the Kingdom of Granada "Aben-abus Ben-Zeiri", around the year 1000. The old walled city included several religious, administrative and government buildings, as well as commercial centres, and was the home of civil and ecclesiastical authorities. One of the most remarkable buildings is the citadel, built on the highest point of the enclosure, at 1033 metres above sea level. It is comprised of three towers joined by the walls that surround the bailey. The Homage tower, 20 m high, that of the Candle or the Bell, in charge of surveillance of the area in conjunction with the network of watchtowers all over the surrounding land. And lastly, the tower of La Mocha, an excellent lookout point over the city. Within the monumental group of the Fortress of La Mota, there are several themed areas explaining the concept of frontier, the way of life of its inhabitants, the role of the various areas and the relationship of the Fortress with the surrounding areas. Timetable: Autumn/Winter (15 Oct to 31 Mar): 10:00h 17:30h. Saturdays we close at 18:00h Spring/Summer (01 Abr to 14 Oct): 10:30h to 19:30h Open: Monday to Sunday Closed: 25Dic, 01Jan, 06Jan Special opening times: 24Dec, 31Dec, 05Jan: 10ºº to 14ºº hrs.
Reviewed By Jo_Rose_Gum - Queensland, Australia
Travelling between Granada and Córdoba, our travel agent had arranged for us to visit the ruins and reconstruction of Fortaleza de la Mota a 13th/14th century outpost between the Christian and Morrish kingdoms. Very interesting to see the work on the reconstruction. Make sure you see the film in the cathedral. Recommend that this is worth a visit, not only for the history but the panoramic views.
2. Nasrid Palaces
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 567 reviews
Reviewed By stinkwink - Sydney, Australia
In 2017 we already visited Alhambra but weren't able to get a ticket for the Nasrid Palaces. Now, two years later on, we tried again, and it was nearly the second failure. When long months ago the planned holiday in Granada I wanted to buy the ticket to this desired place, the only availability was Nasrid Palaces Private Guided Tour with Tickets Operator: Granada Tours a Pie. 110 euro per person. You can imagine my feelings. Since I'm writing this review, obviously I paid the 220 euros. We had a guide only for the two of us, and this ticket included the Alcazaba and the Generalife as well. Our guide was fantastic, very knowledgeable, and told us interesting stories as well. It was a delightful 3 hours, but still, I would prefer something less fancy but for 20% of this money. The Nasrid Palaces were as extraordinary as I expected. Every minute more and more miracles were greeting us. The hall of the two sisters with its stunning ceiling, the Tower of the ladies with its reflecting pool, the Hall of the Kings (Sala de los Reyes) with its painted ceiling, there are so many uniquely beautiful places, and then I didn't even mention the Court of the Lions. Also when a water channel ran with small splashing water rays, in the middle of the yard and two colored flower beds on both sides. The Nasrid Palaces are offering so many pleasures to the eye, that at the end you feel, that you can't consume anymore.
3. The Alhambra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42,039 reviews
The second most visited site in Europe: this breathtaking palace-city is a sophisticated blend of medieval Islamic, Renaissance Christian and modern architectural styles..
Reviewed By 381lianem
A wonderful experience, palaces, wonderful gardens, etc etc. take time to explore, best on your own ... book online the general day pass on the official Alhambra site (well in advance/months before you plan to go, as they are sold out fast) and take the time to enjoy the vast „Alhambra sight in the different day lights. Take Buslinie C32 and C 31 to get to the main entrance of the Alhambra ( Tickets 1,40€/person, available on the bus), it is quite a steep walk from the city center...
4. Castillo de Gibralfaro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,887 reviews
Reviewed By simono440 - Scarborough, United Kingdom
We got up here using the hop on hop off red bus tour, you can walk up but that didn’t look like much fun. It cost a couple of euros each to get in. All the signs / info is in Spanish so I can’t tell you much about it’s history, there is a small museum in the middle with a variety of exhibits & some fantastic model soldiers to see. We went for the views & were not disappointed. Worth the entrance price for that. Had a beer whilst looking out over the harbour, all very nice. Watch your feet though, some of steps are at really odd heights & some of the cobbles could be “trippers”. Spent a very pleasant hour up here.
5. Castillo de Colomares
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,188 reviews
All year open from Wednesday to Sunday. Visit our webpage for further info.
Reviewed By Twotoneskaman
We were staying in Benalmadena Pueblo and this was just a short 15-20 minute walk down hill (but a steep walk back up) from where we were staying.The entrance fee was just €2.00 which was great value and in our opinion was well worth a visit.
6. Alcazar de la Puerta de Sevilla
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 386 reviews
The Moorish fortress or Alcazar rises above the Puerta de Sevilla, forming an almost impregnable defensive complex - It underwent major alterations in the 14th and 15th centuries. - Restoration work carried out between 1973 and 1975 included the refurbishing of several sections as venues for staging cultural events. - Keep: the tower is solid up to the level of the courtyard and its bossed ashlars remain intact. - Tower of Gold: this tower provides a beautiful view over Carmona. - Prisoners' Hall: this is all that remains of the palace that stood inside the Alcazar. - Patio of Cisterns: in the middle of this courtyard there is an underground cistern excavated in the rock and featuring six skylights.
Reviewed By BJDorani - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
The castle is a treasure house Moorish architecture, delicate plasterwork, arches, pillars and very beautiful ceramic tiles. Each room leads to another even more wonderful roos and all overlook the stunning courtyards or gardens. The gardens are equally beautiful too, with summer houses and water features and flowers everywhere. Highly recommended. But online tickets to avoid queues, interestingly the counter would only accept a UK credit cards if payment processed in GBP and not Euros!
7. Castillo de Santa Catalina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 764 reviews
Reviewed By Blevo - York, United Kingdom
Well worth a visit great views from every angle, entrance fee €3.50 or €2.50, next door to the Parador hotel with easy parking, Written boards of English located around the site and great English speaking host Nureo (I think that was her name) thank you for a lovely experience and information on the history of Jaen !
8. Castillo de Iznajar (Iznajar Castle)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
9. Arab Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By Sallysj70
Wow, views to die for but one hell of a precarious climb to get there, not for the faint hearted!! €2 entrance fee very reasonable. Well worth the effort. Buy tickets in tourist information office.
