This is the second post we have dedicated to the best castles to visit in Andalusia, as the first one could not fit them all, although it did include some of the most famous (the Alhambra, the Alcazaba of Málaga, the Alcazaba of Almería, the Castle of Santa Catalina in Jaén, and the Castle of Niebla). So, if you are a lover of these medieval fortresses and have already visited the previous ones, take note of five other suggestions that you will love.
Antequera, Among the Main Castles to Visit in Andalusia
This is undoubtedly one of the main castles to visit in Andalusia. It is also called an ‘alcazaba’ due to its Muslim origins (11th century), although a fortress must have existed here since Roman times. Highlights include its White Tower (Torre Blanca), its Twisted Tower (Torre Torcida), and its Keep (Torre del Homenaje), which houses a small bell tower shrine with the Papabellotas Clock.
Baños de la Encina, in One of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages’
Baños de la Encina, a municipality in the province of Jaén within the Sierra Morena region, was recently selected as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in Spain,’ a select group of towns that has become a hallmark of beauty. Much of the credit for this distinction goes to its fortress, one of the best castles to visit in Andalusia. Also known as the Castle of Burgalimar, it was built in the 10th century and is considered one of the best-preserved from the era of the Caliphate of Córdoba.
Olvera, a Castle on the White Villages Route
In the postcard-perfect panorama that captivates visitors to Olvera, two structures stand out at the top: its neoclassical parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción and its 12th-century Moorish castle. Although relatively small, it was recently restored and offers spectacular views of the neighboring church and the entire Sierra de Grazalema. For this reason, it is also one of the great attractions of the White Villages route of Cádiz.
Almodóvar del Río, a Castle Worthy of Game of Thrones
Although the Umayyads built a fortress here in the 8th century, its main reconstruction took place in the 14th century during the reign of the Castilian King Alfonso XI. Another significant restoration was carried out at the beginning of the 20th century. Its appearance is so imposing and the complex is so well-preserved that scenes from the famous series Game of Thrones were filmed at this Cordovan fortress.
Salobreña, the Charm of a Castle Facing the Sea
The castle of Salobreña deserves to be on this list of castles to visit in Andalusia not only for the excellent preservation of the complex but also for its unparalleled location: overlooking the Costa Tropical. Perched atop a hill, this rocky fortress offers views not only of the Mediterranean Sea but also of the peaks of the Sierra Nevada. It was one of the main defensive structures of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada and currently combines Moorish elements (Keep, New Tower, Old Tower) with later Castilian additions.
