The 10 best Castles in Europe,

April 18, 2023 Matilde Konrad

From the mighty fjords in the north to the ancient Greek ruins in the south, all the way to the volcanic Azores in the west and the monumental architecture in the east, Europe's unique blend of history, landscapes, and cultures must be seen to be believed.

1. Chateau de la Ballue

Chateau de la Ballue, 35560 Bazouges-La-Perouse France
Excellent
93%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 367 reviews

Chateau de la Ballue

Sublime

Reviewed By 937jonesl

Mme Marie Françoise was a most welcoming chatelaine when my daughters and I arrived at 10 pm. She efficiently showed us to our room and explained about breakfast and the surroundings. Her love and commitment to her chateau was evident in her description of the accommodations. The chateau has a rich history and it has been beautifully restored. The gardens are modern and quite exquisite. The heritage of the chateau is truly woven through the fabric of French cultural history and it is portrayed in works by Balzac and Victor Hugo. In the modern era, the gardens were laid out by some of the giants of contemporary French architecture, so la Ballou isn't simply a historical relic, but a vibrant part of the ongoing culture of France. By chance, we were the only guests during our two night stay and we felt quite at home. Delicious petite dejuener was served by Beatrice the next morning in the lovely dining room. I highly recommend the Chateau de la Ballue.

2. Palazzo Mellacqua

Palazzo Mellacqua Via Pisanelli 4, 73032 Castiglione d'Otranto, Andrano Italy
Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 162 reviews

Palazzo Mellacqua

Palazzo Mellacqua offers beautiful,decorated rooms in a restored 17th-century building.inside you will find a tv and reading room. All rooms have plasma-screen tv, free wi-fi, and air conditioning. all feature antique furnishings. Palazzo Mellacqua to the Adriatic coast, Lecce and more. Tours can be booked at reception. Palazzo Mellacqua serves a sweet and savoury buffet breakfast, which includes homemade products. Offers a shuttle to Casale airport, available at extra costs.

Agrre with all other positive reviews

Reviewed By pauljU5680WM

Little else to add as all the previous positive reiews say it all. Such a friendly warm welcome. Lovely clean rooms. Sonia and Emanuel work hard and constantly to make you feel at home, produce lovely food and provide quality accommodation. Take an opportunity to check out the renovations below ground and explore the impending addition of the new restaurant for next year. Superb quality and effort has gone into this. " Grand Designs"

3. Chateau La Thuiliere

38 Route St Martin, 24400 Saint-Front-de-Pradoux France
Excellent
91%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 346 reviews

Chateau La Thuiliere

Château La Thuilière is a 19th-century Tudor style manor house located in the Aquitaine countryside. Strategically positioned between: Bordeaux, Saint Emilion, Perrigueux, Bergerac & Sarlat. It offers spacious rooms with King size bed, a park and restaurant available upon prior reservation. Free private parking is available. Each room has a private bathroom with luxury toiletries. Some feature an original 19th-century fireplace and overlook the chateau’s park. La Thuilière’s restaurant serves regional cuisine with a modern twist. Local organic ingredients are used when possible. Breakfast is served in the old chateau’s kitchen, at an antique monastery table. Guests are invited to explore Thuilière’s garden and surrounding woods or relax with a book in the lounge. There is also a pool room with a fireplace and honesty bar.

Wonderful in every way!

Reviewed By beckyfulcher

I don't know how they do it, but Stephane and Layla make every guest feel like family in the best sense of the word. The chateau and grounds are gorgeous, the rooms spacious and inviting, and the food absolutely superb. But what makes this guest house truly stand out are the warm welcome and friendliness of the hosts. Stephane and Layla spent time getting to know us, inviting us into their lives, and making sure our experience in their lovely part of France was truly spectacular. Thank you both so much for sharing your home and for taking such good care of us!

4. Castello di Rosciano

Loc. Signoria, 06089 Torgiano Italy
Excellent
96%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 368 reviews

Castello di Rosciano

Among the hills between Torgiano and Bettona, sheathed in the silence of a forest of holm-oaks, one finds the Castle of Rosciano, a powerful structure in sandstone. It dominates the valley of the Tiber river. The castle is set in a highly panoramic position, offering superb views of Perugia, Assisi and of the Umbrian countryside. This unique property, rich with scenic beauty, silence, amenities, offers the ideal location for events: weddings, seminars and conferences.

a true fairytale castle

Reviewed By alisacorrado

Castello di Rosciano is a modern day fairy tale. A castle surrounded by pure beauty. My husband and I, our families, and guests were blown away by the beauty of the castle and surrounding views. The photos can never even do the castle justice, as the feeling you get the second you step on the grounds is pure happiness. Every little girl dreams of getting married in a castle some day… and this is the castle every girl dreams about. The staff, especially Chiara, were immensely friendly, kind, warm, and welcoming. The food was some of the best food us or our guests had ever tasted. Thank you, Castello Di Rosciano, and all the staff, for the best 3 days of my entire life. There is no where else more perfect to celebrate love, family, and friends.

5. Castello La Leccia

Localita' La Leccia, 53011, Castellina In Chianti Italy
Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 272 reviews

Castello La Leccia

Castello La Leccia is an ancient hamlet situated two kilometers south of Castellina in Chianti on a hill 450 meters above sea level, in a position commanding a panorama of the Val d'Elsa stretching from Siena to San Gimignano all the way to the Apuan Alps. Castello La Leccia is an estate that produces Chianti Classico wine and extra-virgin olive oil.In 2008 we started an extensive renovation of the property.

An Incredible few days!

Reviewed By Maps636408

While we were in Italy we stayed in some remarkable Hotels, but Castello La Leccia was our favorite place we stayed during our 2 week trip to Italy. We stayed in the Tower Room which had a remarkable view. Upon arrival we immediately were shown to our room and then had a tour of the winery and a wine tasting. We loved all the wine and Olive Oils that we tasted and even had several cases (4) sent home to the States. The bed in the room was extremely comfortable and we left the windows open since the nights were so cool. The Dinner menus were unique and delicious and very reasonably priced. Breakfasts were to die for. I'm a big breakfast eater and was worried about all I read on line about Italian breakfast and was pleasantly surprised that breakfast were very good and extensive everywhere we went, but none were better than at Castello La Leccia. And that was good because we needed the energy for all the walking we did at the resort and in Siene and San Gimignano. We will definitely be back we still have so much to see in Tuscany and the Castello is very centrally located!

6. Solar Egas Moniz

Rua dos Monges Beneditinos 158, Penafiel 4560-380 Portugal
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 322 reviews

Solar Egas Moniz

Solar Egas Moniz is a Charming House rented in exclusive, with 10 double rooms, a library and a work table with a wood-burning stove, a dining room, a living room with a wine cellar and fireplace, a garden with an outdoor pool and a park for children designed to allow days of peace and tranquillity in rural areas. Throughout the house, there is a wireless network (gardens included). Located in Paço de Sousa, only 30 minutes of the Oporto city and 1 hour from Douro valley, it is the perfect place to discover the north region of Portugal. The Oporto Airport of is far from 30 minutes, with transfer service.

The Most Beautiful Hotel and the Warmest of Staff ever with Fresh Pastel de Natas every morning!

Reviewed By DJOlive12

If you are scrolling through trying to decide where to stay in this region, scroll no further! Book it now! This is the most beautiful of villas with fresh Pastel de Natas and Bread delivered every morning! Iva is the warmest, most welcoming of hosts and recommended the fantastic day trips and restaurants. The rooms are all very spacious and bright and very comfortable. You will not want to leave! We had to drag ourselves away!

7. Castello di San Fabiano

Via di San Martino 1000A Castello di San Fabiano, 53014, Monteroni d'Arbia Italy
Excellent
93%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 211 reviews

Castello di San Fabiano

Family castle with pool in Tuscany, 15 minutes drive from Siena, immersed in the quiet of the countryside in the heart of the Crete Senesi, halfway between the Chianti and Val d'Orcia. Great base to reach in less than 1 hour the major points of interest in art, culture, food and wine of Tuscany. In the morning we will welcome you with a rich buffet breakfast prepared personally by us with homemade cakes, breads,jams while cheeses and meats comes from local producers. The Castle of San Fabiano is 1 hour and 30 minutes from Florence's airport and 2 and a half hours from Rome and Pisa' airport. Near the castle you can enjoy golf, polo, tennis, horseback riding, hiking, biking, balloon rides, driving go-karts, thermal baths.

Absolutely amazing!

Reviewed By LoveToTravelEvanston

We spent four unforgettable days at this beautiful castle. What an amazing experience it was! The property is breathtaking! The hosts are the most gracious, personable and hospitable people. Their recommendations were great. The breakfasts were delicious. A great authentic travel experience overall! We highly recommend this EXPERIENCE.

8. Agriturismi Il Castello La Grancia

Localita Capanne Spedaletto SNC, 53026, Pienza Italy
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 336 reviews

Agriturismi Il Castello La Grancia

Mixed feelings

Reviewed By BoBre

I had really high expectations from this agriturismo and it was a bit of a disappointment, though still within reasons. This review is about the La Grancia side, as there are different accommodations within the castle. The best feature is undoubtedly the setting: it's a stunning castle in the middle of the equally stunning Val d'Orcia; there is a bio swimming pool that is really gorgeous, surrounded by lush and well-kept gardens. Our room was on the first floor, with quite low ceilings as it was under-eaves, and a slightly outdated design, although it sort of merged well with the overall antique vibe of the location. The room was also clean and spacious. The main disappointment was indeed due by the staff behaviour, particularly the check-in lady, who was a bit blunt and not the most cordial and friendly hostess. Throughout our stay, we felt like we were treated slightly different from other guests - probably solely because we weren't locals or particularly liked by her, with no apparent reason. It became obvious also that other guests were receiving a much more warmer welcome than us and, although we weren't treated impolitely, we received a more distant and colder approach. This was particularly evident at breakfast, when some customers were greeted kindly and served in advance than others, regardless of whether they have arrived before or after. Nevertheless, a positive mention goes to one waitress, who I believe was an employee and not part of the general family running the business, who was very polite, treated everyone equally and was very professional. Breakfast was very various and in good quantity, although some of the cakes were a bit stale and dry, but nothing too outregeous. Prices are in line with the region, which is not cheap. In the end, the whole experience wasn't bad, though I would have expected a service in line with the great location and I was a tad disappointed.

9. Residence Castello Otranto - Santa Cesarea

Via San Francesco di Paola 70, 73028, Otranto Italy
Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 235 reviews

Residence Castello Otranto - Santa Cesarea

The facility offers two solutions, one in the city of otranto right in front of aragonese castle, the second one in the city of san cesarea, a few meters away from the sea.the eight apartments located in the city of otranto can accommodate twenty four guests, whereas the three apartments of san cesarea can accommodate ten guests.the mediterranean architecture is represented in an equitable compromise between the antique and modern styles, the residences' apartments are accurately furnished and equipped with all the modern conveniences, thoroughly thought through in order to satisfy every demand of the guests.air conditioning, internet, a completely equipped kitchen, bathroom and bedroom linen, security monitored parking lot or parking pass, washing machine, television, hair dryer and strongbox.located right in the heart of the two cities , the facilities give a possibility to easily reach historically symbolic places: the cathedral with its marvelous mosaic rich of biblical passages and mythical characters, aragonese castle, saint peter’s byzantine basilica, the historical center and the famous santa cesarea springs where its chlorinated, sulphuric and iodic water gush out.other magnificent natural sceneries that can be easily reached from the city are: romanelli caves, zinzulusa and the legendary enea’s dock in porto badisco, the city of lecce with its fascinating baroque charm and many others beautiful cities of salento.

Simply Wonderful

Reviewed By lollypink

My partner and I stayed a week in the ground floor apartment - with the fabulous vaulted ceiling and lovely antique furniture in the bedroom. Although there is some street noise, more noticeable at night, we were very comfortable in the apartment which has good air conditioning and WiFi. The kitchen is simple and good for preparing easy holiday meals. The bathroom is modern and very clean - as was the entire apartment. The location is fantastic - right near the old town and 5-8 minute walk to the beach (oh that turquoise water) and Lungomare. There are supermarkets within walking distance as well as a bakery and pasticceria. What also makes this accommodation so special are the hosts, Nini and Virginia - so friendly, helpful and thoughtful. We really appreciated their generous hospitality. I would absolutely recommend Residence Castello Otranto.

10. Castello di Postignano Relais

Localita Postignano, 06030 Sellano Italy
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 136 reviews

Castello di Postignano Relais

The Relais is the ideal place for a full immersion in the relaxing experience of the uncontaminated nature and undisturbed peace of the Valnerina. Dedicated to the visitors are 22 spacious and well-appointed suites, a heated pool, a spa with beauty treatments and massages, a health trail, a bowling green, a billiard room and a library lounge. The trattoria Casa Rosa offers only genuine seasonal ingredients; it is open to the general public too, as are the terrace bar, the magnificent frescoed church, the rose garden, the exhibitions and the wine bar with tasting of wine, olive oil and a variety of Umbrian produce. Postignano is an extraordinary base-point to visit the artistic, historical and scenic treasures of Umbria, from the world-famous to the hidden jewels to be found within a few kilometres of the hamlet. It is also a perfect location for conferences, training courses and meetings with many available spaces such as the church, the Mustafà Room and several smaller ones.

Tranquil Hilltop retreat

Reviewed By LondonCLK

We loved the peace, tranquility & beauty of this sympathetically restored hilltop village. Our accommodation turned out to be a little suite of rooms, rustic in style but adequately furnished. Staff were fantastic, the locally sourced food in the restaurant, amazing. We enjoyed the swimming pool & the unique adjoining fitness circuit too. The Castello is the perfect place to chill out & decompress from daily stress.

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