Three remarkable castles on Mallorca
A royal castle, a walled settlement and a fortress on the cliffs.
A perfectly round royal castle above Palma, a walled settlement in the north-east and a rocky fortress perched on sheer cliffs: Mallorca's castles have very different stories.
All three welcome visitors when open, with views that explain why these sites were chosen. Here you'll find advice on opening, the climb and what to look for once you arrive.
Why visit a castle on Mallorca?
These three sites began with different purposes. Bellver was a purpose-built royal residence, Capdepera a walled settlement for the surrounding population, and Santueri a natural rocky stronghold reinforced with walls.
This selection runs from Palma through the north-east to the south-east. All three can be visited when open, and their views alone make the journey worthwhile.
Each entry includes location, opening and access advice. That matters here: hours vary, and one of the castles is usually closed in winter.
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1. Castell de Bellver
Spain's only entirely circular castle was built above Palma between 1300 and 1311. From its 112-metre hill, the city opens out below: harbour, cathedral and much of the bay. The city's largest pine forest surrounds it.
Most people come for the view, but the courtyard is the remarkable part. Step through a passage into a perfectly round, two-storey space: rounded arches below, slender Gothic arches above and nothing but sky overhead. With no corners, there is no obvious direction to follow. I've seen people walk round three times without noticing.
- Location
- 112 metres above sea level overlooking Palma; city buses reach the foot of the hill
- Visiting
- Tuesday to Sunday, closed Mondays; admission charged, check hours
- Good for
- Architecture, city views and a pine-forest walk
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2. Castell de Capdepera
Less a conventional castle than a walled town whose residents moved out. People lived within these walls until the 17th century, then settled below and left the enclosure behind. The Miquel Nunis tower, a chapel dating from 1323 and walkable walls survive.
Many visitors leave after twenty minutes and miss much of it. Look for the former streets, cisterns and house remains, then follow the walls around. On a clear day you can see Menorca. The ground is uneven, so sturdy shoes make more sense than sandals.
- Location
- On a hill above Capdepera; walk up from town or use the small parking area
- Visiting
- Usually paid admission; walkable walls and uneven ground
- Good for
- Families with older children, history and distant views
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3. Castell de Santueri
A rocky fortress at 408 metres above sea level near Felanitx, with walls set directly above the drop. The masonry begins where the natural cliff ends, continuing along its edge almost as though it grew there.
There are no furnished rooms, no exhibition and little explanation: just walls, wind and, in clear weather, views from the east coast towards the Bay of Palma. In the courtyard, you can look into a deep cistern. The castle is privately owned and generally opens from spring to autumn; check before travelling, especially in winter.
- Location
- 408 metres above sea level near Felanitx; small car park at the end of the approach road
- Visiting
- Privately owned, usually paid entry from spring to autumn; check ahead
- Good for
- Distant views, photography and largely unrestored ruins
Your questions about Mallorca's castles
Which castle on Mallorca is most worth visiting?
Bellver above Palma for architecture, especially its circular courtyard. Capdepera for extensive walls and long views. Santueri if you prefer rugged ruins to a museum.
Can I visit the castles with children?
Bellver is the easiest, with a level courtyard and pine woodland nearby. Older children may enjoy Capdepera's walls, though the ground is uneven and the wall walk narrow. Santueri needs sure-footedness.
Are the castles suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs?
Only partly. Bellver's courtyard and ground floor have some access, but upper levels and ramparts do not. Capdepera and Santueri have rough paths, steps and uneven rock that make access difficult.
Do the castles charge admission?
All three generally charge. Prices and hours change; Bellver has summer and winter timetables, while Santueri opens seasonally. Check before setting out, particularly for Santueri in winter.
Are there other castles on Mallorca?
Yes. Castell d'Alaró survives as ruins on the table mountain above Alaró. It is one of the island's historic rock castles, reached by a path whose final stretch is on foot only. The climb is a rewarding mountain walk.
Three castles for three different days
Bellver fits into an afternoon in Palma, Capdepera into a day in the north-east and Santueri into a trip around Felanitx. You needn't see all three, but together they show how different a Mallorcan castle can be.
Every recommendation on this page comes from a personal visit. Words and photographs are by Friedhelm Fischer, who has been exploring Mallorca on foot, by bike and with his camera since 2013.