There is nothing more romantic than a night in a fairytale castle, surrounded by picturesque countryside where you can admire the stone arches and refined details and enjoy luxurious services and amenities. Offering the perfect setting for a romantic holiday with the one you love, Europe boasts a number of majestic castles that have been converted into hotels. Imagine what it was like to live as royalty centuries ago by booking a stay in one of the most romantic hotels in Europe.
Ashford Castle: Cong, Ireland 
Credit: Bigstock.com Ashford Castle: Cong, Ireland
Ashford Castle: Cong, Ireland (Prices and photos)
Situated on a 350-acre estate, Ashford Castle offers five-star luxury and breathtaking views over the dazzling blue waters of Lough Corrib. The castle dates back to 1228 and offers a range of activities for a romantic getaway, from horse riding to lakeside fishing and golf. You can pamper yourself in the indulgent spa or dine on gourmet dishes at the George V and Connaught Room restaurants, before resting in one of the 82 luxurious rooms with old-fashioned grandeur.
Mönchstein Castle: Salzburg, Austria 
Credit: emperumclub.com Mönchstein Castle: Salzburg, Austria
Mönchstein Castle: Salzburg, Austria (prices and photos)
With panoramic views of Salzburg, Castle Mönchstein is a historic castle hotel boasting 24 spacious rooms and suites with period furnishings, hanging crystal chandeliers, flat-screen TVs and, in some cases, private terraces. There are plenty of places to relax, from the infinity pool to the hot tub and spa, while all guests can enjoy the outdoor terrace with its fireplace, bar and restaurant and the possibility of having an intimate dinner in the spire tower.
Castello delle Quattro Torra: Siena, Italy 
Credit: facebook.com Castello delle Quattro Torra: Siena, Italy
Castello delle Quattro Torra: Siena, Italy (Prices and photos)
Located a short drive from Siena, Castello delle Quattro Torra is a family-run bed & breakfast. Enjoy its intimate setting with just three rooms, where you'll be charmed by the charming decor with red-brick walls, terracotta floors and exposed-beam ceilings, but the biggest draw is its location on a hill surrounded by rural scenery. Enjoy a free breakfast each morning, pamper yourself with a book in the reading room or take a 45-minute scenic walk to Siena.
Lough Eske Castle, Solis Hotel & Spa: Donegal, Ireland 
Credit: facebook.com Lough Eske Castle, Solis Hotel & Spa: Donegal, Ireland
Lough Eske Castle, Solis Hotel & Spa: Donegal, Ireland (Prices & Photos)
A luxurious castle hotel that sits on the shores of its namesake lake, Lough Eske Castle, a Solis Hotel & Spa is surrounded by lush green landscapes and gardens. It is a perfect place for a country retreat, where you can enjoy massages in the spa housed in a glass Victorian house, a dip in the infinity pool or fresh seafood in the on-site restaurant. Spacious rooms boast luxurious bathrooms with walk-in showers and bathtubs, while suites also feature larger living areas.
Swinton Park Country Club and Spa: Ripon, England Credit: facebook.com
Swinton Park Country Club and Spa: Ripon, England (Prices and photos)
Be enchanted by Swinton Park's ivy-covered castle and stay at this luxurious hotel, surrounded by 200 acres of beautiful gardens with stingrays and moving swans. Choose from 31 rooms at this country estate to discover antique furniture, stone fireplaces and oil paintings, while modern comforts include flat-screen TVs and designer toiletries. Enjoy the extensive vegetable garden, watch the aviary of birds or join the cookery school before relaxing in the charming spa.
Castello Vicchiomaggio: Greve in Chianti, Italy 
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Castello Vicchiomaggio: Greve in Chianti, Italy (Prices & Photos)
Perfect for a romantic getaway in the Tuscan countryside, Castello Vicchiomaggio is a 10-minute drive from the village of Greve in Chianti. If you're a wine-loving couple, you're in luck, as the property produces wine on site. Take a tour of the wine production area in the cellar, taste the wines and have a four-course Tuscan dinner paired with some of their delicious wines. When you need to relax, immerse yourself in the surrounding countryside with a swim in the infinity pool.
Fonab Castle Hotel: Pitlochry, Scotland 
Credit: facebook.com Fonab Castle Hotel: Pitlochry, Scotland
Fonab Castle Hotel: Pitlochry, Scotland (Prices & Photos)
Situated on the picturesque shores of Loch Faskally, Fonab Castle Hotel was built in 1892 and offers the perfect escape for two. Enjoy the contemporary interiors in the cosy lounge and the two on-site restaurants, where you can indulge in gourmet multi-course fine dining. Book a massage for two in the chic spa with sauna, steam room and swimming pool, then relax in one of the luxury rooms and suites located in the main castle or the vaulted penthouse.
Ballygally Castle: Ballygally, Northern Ireland 
Credit: facebook.com Ballygally Castle: Ballygally, Northern Ireland
Ballygally Castle: Ballygally, Northern Ireland (Prices and photos)
Located right on the Antrim coast and overlooking the Irish Sea, Ballygally Castle offers a romantic setting housed in a 17th-century building in Northern Ireland. While it has become famous for its friendly resident ghost, couples can enjoy its charming character and modern comforts in all of its 54 rooms.You can enjoy views of the gardens and the sea from your room, then enjoy traditional afternoon activities and Game of Thrones.
Burg Wernberg: Wernberg-Köblitz, Germany 
Credit: burg-wernberg.com Burg Wernberg: Wernberg-Köblitz, Germany
Burg Wernberg: Wernberg-Köblitz, Germany (Prices and photos)
History-loving couples will enjoy a one-night stay in Burg Wernberg in Wernberg-Köblitz, Germany, as it dates back to the 12th century and is rich in history. Sitting atop a hill, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Bavarian countryside and savour its Gothic charm and fresh regional produce used in the kitchen of the on-site restaurant. You will have easy access to cities such as Munich and Nuremberg, while enjoying a romantic weekend like a king.
Pousada de Óbidos: Óbidos, Portugal 
Credit: pousadas.pt/en Pousada de Óbidos: Óbidos, Portugal
Pousada de Óbidos: Óbidos, Portugal (Prices and photos)
Located within the city walls of Óbidos, the Pousada de Óbidos is one of the best hotels in Portugal of the castle. You will find only nine rooms in this historic Portuguese hotel, where you can admire the 9th century medieval features, sip wine in the Castelo bar and explore the impressive esplanade. Its suites offer a unique experience with traditional tiles and fireplaces, where you can step outside to explore the history and charm of the small town.
Abbaye de la Bussière: Burgundy, France 
Credit: facebook.com Abbaye de la Bussière: Burgundy, France
Abbaye de la Bussière: Burgundy, France (Prices and photos)
Immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of the romantic castle of Abbaye de la Bussière in Burgundy, France. This former monastery dates back to the 12th century and is situated on 14 acres of beautiful Burgundy parkland. Step inside to discover dramatic vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows and a staircase, where the rooms have large bathrooms with whirlpool baths and are decorated with antique furniture and luxurious fabrics. You can explore nearby abbeys and historical monuments or taste famous wines from picturesque wineries.