I Wish I Lived Like That: The Most Beautiful Castles in Europe
Sometimes you want to feel like a princess and live in a castle. Even without dragons and ghosts, as long as the towers are tall, a river is nearby, and the view is breathtaking. Although those times are in the past, castles still stand, waiting for guests for atmospheric photos. We tell you where to go for the best towers and massive stone halls. Neuschwanstein won't be on this list, you already know everything about it anyway)
Garibaldi Castle, Samara Region
Not Europe, but this cannot be left unmentioned. Castles are a rarity in Russia — mostly fortresses, but Garibaldi Castle, though newly built, is epic. It was built in the village of Khryashchevka, Samara Region. Not all interiors are ready inside, but you can already walk around and take stunning photos. Gargoyles, turrets and spires, knights and galleries with columns — it's all here.
How to get there: Closest from Tolyatti — 44 km, from Samara almost a hundred km more. By intercity bus from Samara to Tolyatti, then from the bus station to Park House shopping mall by buses № 2, 7, 13, 73 or by shared taxi № 93, 96, 93k, 114, 126, 166, 106, 326, By bus from Tolyatti from Park House shopping mall — № 320.
Coca Castle, Spain
A vivid example of the fusion of Arab and Spanish architecture. Inside, there are interesting halls: Jugs and Fish. The first has incredible acoustics — whispering won't work, and the second has decorations matching its name. In short, come in, you definitely won't regret it.
How to get there: by bus from Segovia (50 km) or Madrid (140 km) to Coca. Important: closed on the first Tuesday of each month, January 1, 6, and December 25.
Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
It all started with a small chapel and grew into a real abbey on the coast of Normandy. In fact, it's the eighth wonder of the world, so it's a sin not to visit. It's especially romantic there in the evening when the lights come on.
How to get there: Flixbus will take you directly to the castle walls on weekends. The journey from Paris takes 5 hours, and a round trip will cost you about 50 euros. On weekdays, you'll have to travel with a transfer: first by train to Rennes, then switch to a local Keolys bus. The travel time is the same, but the price will be twice as expensive.
Château de Chenonceau, France
Another stunning French castle, nicknamed the "Ladies' Castle" because it was mainly owned by women. And how beautifully it reflects in the Cher River! Be sure to visit the "Catherine's Garden" and "Diana's Garden," where you can take a short break and have a snack among the colorful flowerbeds. Inside, wax figures of Henry II, Catherine Bohier, and Diane de Poitiers are hidden. Can you find them?
How to get there: Cheaply and with transfers by train or bus to Tours from Paris (train takes an hour, bus — three hours). From there to Chenonceau, also by train, about half an hour. A direct train is more expensive. We recommend buying tickets in advance, so you'll pay up to 30 euros one way — a same-day ticket will cost 70 euros.
Pena Palace, Portugal
On a clear day, the castle is visible even from Lisbon! Imagine standing at the top of a tower, looking at the capital, and it looking back at you. The castle has different colors and shapes from all sides, which makes it slightly whimsical. But looking at the Atlantic Ocean, you won't even remember that. At the foot of the castle is a large garden where you can catch your breath after the tour, as there will be a fair bit of walking.
How to get there: you can get directly to the palace from Lisbon's train station by Scotturb bus № 434.
Eltz Castle, Germany
If there's a castle on a travel blogger's Instagram, there's a 90% chance it's Eltz. The structure is over 800 years old, and it still looks well-maintained and beautiful. The castle stands on a rocky hill 70 meters high, so you'll have to sweat a bit to get up there. In autumn, in red and yellow hues and surrounded by the Elzbach river, it looks especially magnificent. Everyone, go!
How to get there: From Cologne, or another major German city, head to Koblenz, then take a regional express to Moselkern, where the castle is within walking distance. Entry is allowed from April to November, so hurry up.
Oberhofen Castle, Switzerland
It looks like a toy, but it's a real castle. Its peculiarity is that half of its walls go directly into the waters of Lake Thun. Essentially, you don't need anything else for happiness: you have a castle, a lake, mountains in the background, a glass of wine in one hand, and cheese or Swiss chocolate in the other. Life is good!
How to get there: The nearest major city is Thun. From Bern, it's best to go by train, the journey will take about 20 minutes. From Thun to the castle, you can get by ferry, which runs once an hour, or by bus, which runs every 15 minutes. Of course, these are not all. There are countless of them throughout Europe — in France alone, there are hundreds of castles and palaces. Such structures far from the capital are an excellent option to diversify your trip and escape the city bustle for a few hours. And in autumn, they are especially beautiful. We have already told you how to spend an autumn vacation, and we are sure there is also something to see there. If you have already visited cool palaces or castles not mentioned here, be sure to share the information! We will replenish the collection)
