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One of just a handful of round castles in the world, and impeccably preserved, this building conjures up images of damsels in distress and bold knights galloping to the rescue. In fact, its history is more prosaic – it was a prison for enemies of the crown for hundreds of years.

The ancient watchtower on one of Mallorca’s most picturesque island nature reserves may date as far back as Roman times. It may not be much to look at these days, but it’s fun just to hike around the unspoiled island and imagine what it must have been like during a raid, with corsairs storming the place and signal fires warning the rest of the island (see Illa Dragonera).

At the Mirador de ses Anímes, a watchtower, built in 1579, provides what must be among the finest views of the entire western coastline. You can climb up into the stone structure and stand on the topmost level, just as watchmen must have done in the dark centuries when Mallorca was subject to almost incessant attack by North African brigands (see also Mirador de ses Anímes).

This remote castle was attacked several times over the centuries, each time proving its defences against everything except prolonged siege. Alfonso III finally took it in 1285. The two leaders of the patriots were burned alive by the king, who, in turn, was excommunicated by the pope (see also Castell d’Alaró).

With Moorish origins and Christian additions, this castle never served its defensive purpose well, as raiders simply avoided it. It was demoted to merely a watchtower, and, in the early 18th century, abandoned altogether. Today, its ruins are a panoramic destination for hikers (see also Castell del Rei).

At the highest point on the Península de Formentor is a tower that seems wondrous for having been built at all in such a precipitous place. At this height, the wind howls, and the views are like those from a helicopter. The road to it is perilous, too (see Watchtower).

Located in the town of Muro, this beautiful bell tower seems almost Arabic, so slender is the arch that joins it to the imposing church. However, it sports other elements that recall Gothic and Renaissance styles, including stone carvings, a decorative door and coffers. The square in which it is situated is one of the island’s prettiest (see Muro).

Another wonderful Mallorcan fortress that epitomizes the fairy-tale castle. The approach is a pleasure in itself, as you pass fragrant plants and rocky outcrops, and the views are memorable. It was built by King Sanç in the 14th century.

One of several castles with the same name, this is about 6 km (4 miles) southeast of Felanitx. It was built in the 14th century right into the cliffs on the site of a ruined Arab fortress. The view takes in everything from Cabrera to the Cap de Formentor. You can drive here or walk, ideally from the equally imposing, nearby Santuari de Sant Salvador (see Santuari de Sant Salvador).

The 14th-century castle on the island of Cabrera, off Mallorca’s south coast, has a chequered history, subsequent to its original purpose as a defence measure for the southern reaches of the main island. At various times it has been a pirates’ den; a crowded, deadly prison for 9,000 French soldiers in the 19th century; and an outpost for Franco’s Fascist forces in the 20th century. Now the island it oversees is a nature preserve, and a climb up to the crumbling old fortress will be rewarded with some stupendous views (see Illa de Cabrera).