Europe's legendary castles beckon with their towering ramparts, swirling moats, dark dungeons, and concealed staircases. These fortresses on the European continent offer an enchanting blend of fairytale romance, adventurous history, and remarkable architecture. While nearly every European country boasts its share of castles, both in city centers and remote countryside, we've curated a list of the must-visit citadels that span the continent. Let's take a closer look at it together!
So what castles are worth more of your attention?
1. Trakai, Lithuania
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The tale surrounding Trakai Castle in Lithuania is steeped in legend – constructed on a whim when a duke's wife expressed her discontent with residing in Old Trakai. To rekindle memories of her previous seaside dwelling, the Duke embarked on a grand endeavor, erecting a magnificent castle complex on a peninsula extending into a tranquil lake. Although the castle's romantic origins may have been tinged with pragmatism as it later served as a prison, today it stands as a captivating history museum, welcoming visitors to explore and unravel the region's intriguing past.
2. Château Comtal, France
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Among the plethora of captivating châteaux scattered throughout France, the Count's castle in Carcassonne's fortified old city stands out as a must-see attraction. Carcassonne boasts the distinction of being Europe's largest city with fully preserved city walls. The castle's origins are traced to the Cathars, a sect of Christians denounced as heretics by the Catholic majority. This marvel remains one of the most meticulously restored medieval castles and holds the prestigious status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can wander along the ancient ramparts and engage in strategic musings while perusing military exhibitions, connecting with the rich history that envelops this site.
3. Corfe, England
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The weathered castle overlooking the picturesque village of Corfe may appear less conventional in its castle-like attributes, but it unquestionably makes a striking addition to your travel itinerary. This fortress endured the tumultuous period of England's brief yet intense Civil War, leaving behind collapsed walls and intriguing concealed corners that continue to captivate contemporary visitors. Keep an eye out for the discreet murder holes, once employed for dispensing tar or scalding oil, as well as the arrow slits that afforded archers a vantage point to protect the castle from potential assailants. Alternatively, savor the breathtaking vista from atop the Purbeck Hills, where you can traverse history from the castle's battlements in your own unique way.
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In addition to our special recommendations, we would also like to give you one more helpful tip – this information will be handy for those who prefer to travel by air.
If you get to the airport by car, you always need to find a good parking space for your vehicle to leave for the period of a trip. In most cases, airports have special on-site parking for that purpose. However, such a parking lot is pretty costly most of the time, and people aren't ready to spend a lot of money at the beginning of a trip. So is there any solution?
The best way to solve this problem is to choose off-site parking. Why, you may ask? We will explain.
There are many reasons which can prove the benefit of this parking type. Here are some of them:
- Affordable Rates. Depending on the duration of your trip, you can choose between short-term and long-term airport parking. Anyway, an off-site airport is much cheaper, so you can save your money and spend the most considerable amount on things you really want to see or try while traveling.
- Fast Service. In contrast with on-site airport parking, which can take quite a long time, off-site parking offers you the convenience of driving directly to the entrance and having a staff member pull your luggage out of your vehicle and load it into the shuttle. Then they will park your car for you. After your baggage is loaded, you can take your seat in the shuttle, which will bring you and your bags to the airport. It is a hassle-free option that is usually faster.
- Convenience. When people travel, they may be stressed about making it to the airport on time. If you use off-site parking, you will definitely make your travel experience more convenient, as you use the service of a private company. Even though you may be able to park on-site at the airport in a short-term or long-term airport parking lot, consider using an off-site parking lot service.
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We are glad to say that our booking platform, ParkingNearAirports.io, offers travelers online reservations for parking just outside airports that are convenient and affordable. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing travelers parking options at over 100 airports in the US and Canada. The app allows customers to search and compare parking rates at up to 70 percent savings compared to the cost of on-site parking at all major airports.
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Now let's take a good example. Imagine that you're planning a trip to Trakai, Lithuania. So if you're flying from Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, you can use cheap parking near SLC Airport. If you're coming from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, you can choose affordable YUL long-term parking. It just depends on the place you're flying from.
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