Sintra – Portugal

The colorful castle sits high in the hills above the town of Sintra, Portugal.

Built-in 1854, the castle is still often used by the President of the Portuguese Republic and other government officials.

The Alcazar, Segovia, Spain

The Alcázar of Segovia, located 53 miles northwest of Madrid, was originally built as a fortress on a hillside between two rivers.

Castle of Astypalea, Greece

The Venetian Castle of Querini sits atop the entire community, with its black stone exterior starkly contrasting to the traditionally whitewashed Greek town.

Hohenwerfen Castle – Austria

Hohenwerfen Castle in Austria is a stunning structure dating back more than 900 years. The castle will leave many visitors breathless, literally, as it sits more than 2,000 feet above sea level.

Dunnottar Castle – Scotland

The clifftop fortress known as Dunnottar Castle is believed to have been first built in Scotland in the Early Middle Ages.

Steeped in history, the castle’s remains still include its 14th-century tower house as well as its 16th-century palace…

Kasteel de Haar – Netherlands

Though Kasteel de Haar’s foundation dates back to 1391, the site was fully rebuilt in 1892 and now displays all the grandeur of the early 20th century.  The interior of the castle is filled with ornate wood carvings, plush furniture, and old porcelain from Japan and China.

Castello del Monte – Italy

Castel del Monte in Puglia, Italy may look familiar, and with good reason: The castle is featured on the backside of the Italian 1 Euro Cent piece.

Chillon Castle – Switzerland

Chillon Castle is located on the rocky shores of Lake Geneva, near the border of Switzerland and France. The building as it currently stands is the result of hundreds of years of renovations, though the site has been occupied since the Bronze Age.

Peles Castle – Romania

Peles Castle is tucked at the base of the Bucegi Mountains in the small town of Sinaia, Romania. Commissioned by King Carol I in 1873 and completed in 1883, the castle’s vibrant and colorful exterior make it the perfect storybook travel destination.

Neuschwanstein Castle – Germany

Like many fortresses, Neuschwanstein Castle was built on rugged terrain as a safe retreat. The picturesque Bavarian white castle was meant to be the personal home of Ludwig II of Bavaria.