While most of us don’t get to live like royalty all the time, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the feeling every once in a while. You might be surprised to learn that there are castles in Europe you can rent through Airbnb. Ideal for any romantic stay, there are options that include everything from luxurious private rooms to literally becoming the King and Queen of your own castle.
Santa Marta de Portuzelo Castle - Viana do Castelo, Portugal
You can stay at this nearly 22,000-square-foot castle located just a short drive east of Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport and have it all to yourselves, but there’s plenty of room to invite another couple or two and still have plenty of privacy. There are nine bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms and two include their own fireplaces. It also includes a huge kitchen and two dining rooms, three living rooms and chapels. On the first floor, views of both the Lima River and Atlantic can be enjoyed. The beautifully landscaped grounds include a watchtower for gazing out at the over four acres of gardens, a dovecote and an outdoor swimming pool.
Live like King in my Castle Airbnb - Galway, Ireland
Want to enjoy an authentic Irish castle experience? Cahercastle is nearly 600 years old. While it was refurbished to provide modern amenities in the last decade, this is the original medieval stay you’ve been looking for, less than 30 minutes from Galway City. Guests stay in its highest room, enjoying full use of the top two floors which include the master bedroom, living room, kitchen and bath. There’s also a huge fireplace to cozy up to among the fairytale-like stone walls.
La Bastane - Rions, France
Recently renovated, La Bastane is located about a 40-minute drive from Bordeaux and sits across picturesque grounds that include organic vines. It includes a living room with a fireplace, a private terrace, and three bedrooms that you’ll get to enjoy on your own. The hosts live in an annexed part, which means privacy while still having access to readily available assistance if needed. Nearly every room offers a spectacular view of the valley and vineyards below.
Manor by the Moated Castle - Unsleben, Germany
Looking as if it came straight from the pages of a Bavarian fairy tale, this castle/manor house even has a moat that surrounds its medieval walls. A private apartment inside comes with a living room, fully-equipped kitchen, two bedrooms, a bathroom, a fireplace, and a library filled with books and games. It’s the ultimate in romantic seclusion, yet it’s just 10 minutes from the small walled city of Bad Neustadt.
Wilton Castle - Bree, Ireland
Elegant Wilton Castle makes an ideal wedding venue or a spot for any celebration, accommodating up to 14 guests with seven bedrooms, all with their own bathrooms and living rooms. They can be rented individually, or you can rent the entire castle. The magnificent 19th-century retreat sits on the banks of Boro River about two hours from Dublin. It has a fully renovated interior that includes a grand dining room with a fireplace, a huge gourmet kitchen and cozy sitting rooms. The grounds are spectacular, complete with a tranquil brook, medieval ruins and dungeons.
Balintore Castle - Angus, Scotland
Balintore Castle is located in a remote, picturesque glen near Dundee, Scotland, about an hour and 40 minutes northwest of Edinburgh. Built in 1860, a century later it was abandoned and left to rot, lying empty until 2007. It’s been lovingly restored, and today, guests can rent the kitchen wing which has kept many original features while providing the necessary modern amenities. It has three bedrooms, one bath and offers direct access to hiking, mountain biking, and bird-watching.
Il Castello di Ferrano Castle - Tuscany, Italy
Located in the Tuscan countryside an hour’s drive east of Florence, this castle offers a cozy stay for two, ideal for becoming the King and Queen of a Castle. You’ll have it all to yourselves, a paradise for romance and relaxation. It’s surrounded by nature and comes with its own private outdoor swimming pool.
Tubbrid Castle - Kilkenny, Ireland
Just 20 minutes from Kilkenny City, Tubbrid offers the chance to enjoy a spectacular, tranquil setting in the lush countryside with easy access to popular attractions like Kilkenny Castle. You’ll be staying in your own unique 15th-century tower house which sat uninhabited for decades before being restored to its former beauty. Many of the original features were kept to provide an authentic castle stay while adding modern conveniences. After a day of exploring, you can look forward to relaxing in the deep soaking tub and cozying up to the log fire. The super-king four-poster bed has a goose-down duvet, and you’ll have a full kitchen and Wi-Fi too.
Authentic Medieval Experience at the Black Castle - Nenagh, Ireland
Tucked in the rolling hills of Tipperary near Lough Derg, the 16th-century Black Castle offers an authentic medieval experience. In this case, that means there’s no heating other than the open fireplace and hot water bottles, no Wi-Fi, or TV. You’ll live as if you were in another time, enjoying books and games, including a Celtic chess set and replica 18th-century playing cards. There’s no bath or shower, but there is a composting toilet and basic kitchenette items such as a toaster, electric kettle, coffee machine, mini-fridge, and freezer. The hosts provide a continental-style breakfast.
Castle in Vineyard - Bad Hönningen, Germany
Set in the heart of a vineyard near the Rhine River, Arenfels Castle is about a 15-minute walk from the town of Bad Honningen. The area is known for its many hiking and biking paths which wind through scenic landscapes. But the highlight of a stay here is the chance to sleep in a more than 800-year-old castle. You’ll have a spacious room with a living and sleeping area plus a bathroom with a large shower. A generous breakfast is included, served at a courtyard table, with a view of the Rhine.
16th-Century Tower 'Kapetan Matapas' - Areopolis, Greece
Just wandering the cobbled walkways is memorable when staying at this 16th-century castle. It features whitewashed walls, sparkling chandeliers, three kitchens, three living rooms, and four bathrooms, along with a common indoor court that has an oven and a BBQ grill, and a traditional oven. There are a variety of panoramic views that can be enjoyed from various levels while the well-preserved town nearby hosts small shops, traditional tavernas, and all sorts of local festivals.
Unique Castle with Natural Pool & Botanical Garden - Baexem, Netherlands
This unique castle in the Dutch province of Limburg near the border of Belgium is an excellent option for larger groups with accommodation for up to 12 guests in six bedrooms. You’ll have access to the left side of the castle plus the entire grounds, including a natural swimming pool and botanical garden. Wine tastings with snacks can be arranged in the wine cellar or elsewhere in the castle too.
Castle Gatehouse at Sudeley Castle in Cotswolds - Winchcombe, United Kingdom
The Cotswolds are incredibly romantic and this “mini-castle,” which is actually the gatehouse that sits at the entrance to historic Sudeley Castle, offers the perfect stay to complement it. It includes two bedrooms, with historic features and four-poster beds, a cozy living area, and a fully equipped kitchen. The symmetrical garden is lined with iron railings while a stone courtyard sits at the center.
Number 6 Narrow Water Castle - Warrenpoint, United Kingdom
Number 6 Narrow Water Castle is located in Northern Ireland and provides exceptional views over the lush valley out to a picturesque bay. The original building dates to the 1680s and has a number of rental units, including this two-bedroom luxury apartment that blends historic charm with modern amenities. It has two en-suite bedrooms, an open-plan living and dining area with exposed beams, and a skylight. Enjoy strolls through the landscaped gardens, walks through the forest, or even horse riding, which can be arranged at the equestrian center nearby.
The Bridge House, Ballintuim - Ballintuim, United Kingdom
A unique historic home built on a bridge spanning the River Ardle in 1881, the Bridge House retained many original features like the stone spiral stairs, pine and stone flooring, and traditional Scottish timber clad walls. There’s even an outhouse set directly over the water below. The sitting room provides scenic river views and a wood-burning stove to cozy up to, while the romantic master bedroom features a four-poster king-size bed that’s close enough to the river that you can fall asleep to its peaceful soundtrack.
Fairytale Castle Complete with a Moat - Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
This rental truly looks as if it came straight from a fairytale. If you’ve ever dreamed of being the lord or lady of your own luxury castle, this is your chance, if only temporarily. It’s one of the few remaining castles in England that’s surrounded by a moat, built in the early 17th-century on the site of a 13th-century castle. If you book all four of the self-contained turrets, up to 12 guests can be accommodated. The dining room on the ground floor can be reserved for special dinners on a self-catering basis.
Drummond Castle - Drogheda, Ireland
Drummond Tower was built as a Folly Tower in the mid-1800s. It was beautifully restored and is available to rent during select months of the year. You’ll have four floors to enjoy, including the external castellated roof terrace on the top floor that offers 360-degree views of the scenic surroundings. After dark, it’s a great place for stargazing. You’ll have a kitchen complete with all the necessary cooking facilities, a living area with a TV, and an en-suite bedroom. There’s also an outdoor patio with seating and gardens to explore.
The Castle Apartment - Unsleben, Germany
You’ll never forget your stay at this traditional castle. It’s the perfect complement to exploring Bavaria, complete with a vampire vibe. It accommodates up to four in two bedrooms and includes a full kitchen, antique furniture, and views of nature from every window. Located in the Rhön-Grabfeld District, you’ll have easy access to the area’s many spas, including soothing geothermal waters to soak in – it’s been a haven for wellness since medieval times.
Borgia Castlein Tuscany - Passignano sul Trasimeno, Umbria Italy
This storybook property sits on nine hectares of parkland and beautiful gardens that surround the castle. It sits alongside a lake on the border of Tuscany and Umbria and includes an outdoor pool and tennis court. Inside, you’ll be awed by the frescoes and antique furnishings, discover multiple fireplaces to relax by and enjoy a view of the lake from the spacious living room. If you want to enjoy it in the fresh air, head to the terrace that overlooks the water and gorgeous surroundings. As it includes seven bedrooms, sleeping up to 13, it’s ideal for a dream wedding.
The Falcon's Nest: Majestic Keep of Froidcour - Stoumont, Wallonie, Belgium
Nestled in the Ambleve Valley, you can stay on top of the highest tower of the Château de Froidcour. This grand family mansion is comfortable and charming, perfect for a romantic getaway for two. During the stags’ rutting season (September), you can hear the slab from your bedroom! Also, during the nesting period, the falks breed their offspring in the tower above your head. This means it’s common to see them flying in front of the windows, with the beautiful view of the valley in the background. Just be sure you’re in shape, as you’ll get to the keep via 84 stairs.
