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10 Best Castle Airbnbs Around the World for a Fairytale Vacation

Have you ever wanted to stay in a real-life castle? There are some fabulous options, including authentic medieval castles, that can be rented right on Airbnb. Whether you’re looking for a genuine stay that will take you back in time or a more polished place with luxuries, there’s sure to be something perfect for your next escape on this list.

Balintore Castle Kitchen Wing - Angus, Scotland Balintore Castle, Angus, Scotland Airbnb
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Balintore Castle Kitchen Wing - Angus, Scotland

Balintore Castle is tucked among the trees in a remote Highland Glen south of Aberdeen near the Cairngorms. Accommodation is offered in the kitchen wing which has managed to retain its Victorian character while being restored with modern amenities. It includes three bedrooms, sleeping up to six guests while providing direct access to hill walking, mountain biking, bird-watching, and shooting. Professional catering is available for both breakfast and evening meals.

Rent an Entire Castle - West Ashton, England Entire castle for rent near Bath, England
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Rent an Entire Castle - West Ashton, England

Located near the popular town of Bath in Wiltshire, England, this castle is ideal for a large group, sleeping 12 in the main castle with six bedrooms (all with four-poster beds) plus another four in the self-contained Clock House 50 feet away. You’ll get it all to yourself, grounds and all, with no neighbors for miles. The kitchen has all the latest modern features and there’s a central turret with an observatory for stargazing. You’ll also have a pool table, washing machine, and Wi-Fi.

Historic Venetian Castle - Rethimnon, Crete, Greece Historic Venetian Castle - Rethimnon, Crete, Greece
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Historic Venetian Castle - Rethimnon, Crete, Greece

Just minutes from the city of Rethymnon and about two miles from the beach, this villa is a historical monument with lots of original Venetian charms and modern luxuries. Built in 1426, it includes five bedrooms, sleeping up to 12 guests, high ceilings, and large windows, eliminating worries about a dark space. There’s also an open space with a courtyard that has a private heated swimming pool. Amenities for the kids like a crib and highchair are included along with a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and much more.

Castle in Vineyard - Bad Hönningen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany Tausentaler-Zimmer auf Schloss Arenfels
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Castle in Vineyard - Bad Hönningen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany

Arenfels Castle sits in the middle of a vineyard near the Rhine River, about a 15-minute walk from the town of Bad Honningen, known for its many hiking and biking paths that wind through picturesque landscapes. A stay here means you’ll be staying in an over 800-year-old castle, enjoying a spacious room with a living and sleeping area plus a bathroom with a large shower. A generous delicious breakfast is served at a courtyard table, complete with a view of the Rhine.

Ancient Castle Above the River Tweed - Scottish Borders, Scotland Ancient Castle Above the River Tweed, Scottish Borders
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Ancient Castle Above the River Tweed - Scottish Borders, Scotland

By booking ancient Neidpath Castle, you can stay in the very place Mary Queen of Scots once slept back in the summer of 1563 with her husband Lord Darnley. It’s an idyllic retreat for two that sets the scene for romance, complete with a luxurious bedroom that has an open fire, deep roll top bath, and an antique four-poster bed. Your host provides all items for a continental breakfast and you’ll have a small kitchenette with a refrigerator and kettle too. Dinner can be served by prior arrangement, or you can take advantage of the multiple eateries in the nearby town of Peebles.

Tubbrid Castle - Kilkenny, Ireland bedroom in Tubbrid Castle
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Tubbrid Castle - Kilkenny, Ireland

Surrounded by lush, green countryside 20 minutes from Kilkenny City, famous for its own majestic castle, Tubbrid is a unique 15th-century tower house that was uninhabited over the last century before being restored to its former beauty. In the process, many of the original features were kept to ensure an authentic castle stay, while modern conveniences were added. Cozy up to the log fire and enjoy bubble baths in the deep soaking tub before tucking under a goose-down duvet in a super-king four-poster bed. You’ll have a full kitchen and Wi-Fi too.

Château de Barnay - South Burgundy, France Château de Barnay - South Burgundy
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Château de Barnay - South Burgundy, France

This castle/chateau will put you in the heart of Burgundy wine country while enjoying an exceptional stay. Your accommodation is the entire first floor, accessed via a spiral staircase in one of the three towers. You’ll have total privacy, with three bedrooms sleeping up to seven, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, and a living room. During the warmer months of the year, there are fabulous outdoor living spaces, including a garden salon in the courtyard, a garden, badminton, basketball, table tennis, and even swings, a tricycle, and a sandpit for the kids.

Il Castello di Ferrano - Ferrano, Italy Il Castello di Ferrano
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Il Castello di Ferrano - Ferrano, Italy

Il Castello di Ferrano is nestled in the Tuscan countryside an hour’s drive east of Florence. If you and the one you love want to become the King and Queen of your own castle, this is a great spot. It’s the ideal paradise for romance and relaxation as you’ll be the only guests here, enjoying the private pool, gardens, and the nature that surrounds you all to yourselves. The castle features elegant decor and fine details, with beautiful frescoes and historic features along with modern amenities like Wi-Fi, a/c, and a full kitchen.

Enjoy Life in a Medieval Castle - Vittorio Veneto, Veneto, Italy Enjoy Life in a Medieval Castle
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Enjoy Life in a Medieval Castle - Vittorio Veneto, Veneto, Italy

Castrum of Serravalle is a magnificent ancient medieval fortress in the historic center of Vittorio Veneto that offers a two-bedroom apartment for up to four guests, located in the main tower. You’ll have your own private entrance, a large living room. sitting room, dining room, and picturesque mountain view. Wi-Fi is available in the living area and you’ll also have an exclusive terrace with a large table for alfresco dining and a gas BBQ grill.

Authentic Medieval experience at The Black Castle - Nenagh, Ireland Authentic Medieval experience at The Black Castle
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Authentic Medieval experience at The Black Castle - Nenagh, Ireland

Nestled in the rolling hills of North Tipperary near Lough Derg, the Black Castle offers a truly authentic medieval experience that will take you back in time some 500 years. Built in the 16th-century, we’re not getting when we say authentic, meaning no heating other than hot water bottles and an open fireplace, no TV, and no Wi-Fi. But there are lots of books and games, including replica 18t- century playing cards, a Lewis Chess set, and a Fidchell (Celtic chess) set.

While you’ll have a composting toilet, there’s no bath or shower. Some electricity is available for recharging phones and tablets, and basic kitchenette items are included like a mini-fridge and freezer, an electric kettle, toaster, and a DeLonghi coffee machine. Your hosts also provide a continental-style breakfast.

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