Perfect paradors reign in Spain: these state-owned hotels are often former palaces and monasteries with enchanting architectural accents and modern flourishes
They were royal palaces, castles, country houses, monasteries and convents, but now government-owned paradors, iconic and often historic buildings, are the perfect places to experience Spanish culture.
Here are some of the best…
Big in Grenada
Old: Parador San Francisco, pictured, is located on the grounds of the Alhambra Palace in Andalusia
Parador San Francisco enjoys a beautiful location in the Alhambra, the Moorish palace on a hilltop in the Andalusian city of Granada, built between 1238 and 1358.
Originally part of a 14th-century palace, it was later converted into a Franciscan monastery.
Do not miss this: Discover the parador tower and serene courtyard, and enjoy an evening drink in the gardens.
Details: From £390; fly to Malaga, 125 km away.
THE OLDEST HOTEL IN THE WORLD?
A room in Santiago de Compostela, which has Gothic and Baroque accents and has hosted pilgrims since the 15th century
Said to be the oldest hotel in the world, Parador de Santiago de Compostela has been hosting pilgrims since the 15th century, and guests who complete the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage are offered free meals.
This luxury parador has beautiful Gothic and Baroque architectural accents.
Do not miss it: A visit to the beautiful adjacent cathedral.
Details: From £165; fly to Santiago, eight miles away.
FORT WITH ROOMS
Set in a Galician mansion in a medieval fortress close to the Portuguese border, Parador de Baiona features vaulted ceilings, beautiful secluded gardens and a swimming pool.
Over the years the fort has fought off pirates as well as one of our own: Sir Francis Drake, who was repelled in 1585.
Do not miss it: A walk through the old town and along the waterfront and harbour.
Details: From £139; fly to Vigo in Portugal, 13 miles away.
THE DREAM OF FOODIES
Parador de Alcala de Henares is located in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Alcala de Henares, the birthplace of the famous writer Miguel de Cervantes. It retains many original features and also has a swimming pool and spa. The rooms are spread over two buildings.
Do not miss it: The two excellent restaurants: San Tomas and Hosteria.
Details: From £165; fly to Madrid, 27 km away.
MOORS AND MORE
Elegant: Parador de Carmona has a fantastic Moorish-style tiled courtyard above
Parador de Carmona is set in a medieval fortress that dominates the town of Carmona and offers views over the Andalusian plains. It has a Moorish-style tiled courtyard complete with a fountain.
Do not miss this: A trip to the nearby Roman amphitheater and necropolis.
Details: From £138; fly to Seville, 18 miles away.
CADIZ IN STYLE
Parador de Cadiz, also known as Hotel Atlantico, is stylish and modern and located on the seafront. Just a few minutes’ walk from Cadiz’s atmospheric old town, the hotel features a chic spa.
Do not miss it: A visit to the walls and forts of Puertas Tierra.
Details: From £139; fly to Seville, 140 kilometers away.
MIRACLE OF RONDA
Historical: Parador de Ronda at El Tago Gorge, pictured, offers spectacular views
With a spectacular location on the 120-metre-high El Tago Gorge, Parador de Ronda offers stunning views over the Andalusian hilltop town of Ronda. It features luxurious rooms.
The restaurant serves local dishes, such as perdiz de la serrania (partridge stewed in wine).
Do not miss this: A visit to the museum in the nearby arena.
Details: From £165; fly to Malaga, 120km away.
LUXURY MONASTERY
In a former monastery with vaulted ceilings and a spectacular freestanding staircase, Parador de Plasencia has luxurious rooms with smart ensuite bathrooms. Plasencia is a pleasant market town in the province of Extremadura.
Do not miss it: A drink on the terrace in the early evening, while enjoying the surroundings.
Details: From £115; fly to Madrid, 260 kilometers away.
CLASS CASTLE
Parador de Sigüenza is housed in a magnificent 12th-century castle in the town of Siguenza. Don’t be put off by the forbidding battlements: the interior is opulent. The old banquet hall is now a vast lounge decorated with suits of armour.
Do not miss it: The Romanesque chapel from the 13th century.
Details: From £119; fly to Madrid, 75 miles away.
VIBRANT LEON
Parador de Leon houses an impressive collection of paintings and tapestries
Parador de Leon is housed in one of Leon’s most prominent and distinctive buildings, a former convent from the 16th century. The interior is filled with works of art from Flemish school paintings to tapestries and contemporary works.
Do not miss this: Have a drink and tapas in the city’s lively Humedo district.
Details: From £164; fly to Leon via Barcelona.
BRAVO IN COSTA BRAVA
Parador de Aiguablava is a modern four-star hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea on a rocky cliff on a beach on the Costa Brava. There is an excellent outdoor swimming pool and renowned restaurants nearby.
Do not miss it: A trip to nearby Figueras to visit the Dali Museum.
Details: From £138; fly to Girona, 30 miles away.
CULTURED CANARIES
In San Sebastian, the capital of the Canary Island of La Gomera, Parador de La Gomera is located in a mansion.
It offers stunning views of Tenerife and its mountain, the Teide volcano, and is surrounded by spectacular subtropical gardens. The rooms are smart with traditional décor and fans.
Do not miss this: A visit to Garajonay National Park, a prehistoric rainforest.
Details: From £155 to £263; fly to Tenerife and take a ferry.
COUNTRYSIDE REST
Parador de Santo Estevo is a converted monastery with a secluded atmosphere
Parador de Santo Estevo is set in a former Benedictine monastery, parts of which date back to the 6th century, in secluded, wonderfully peaceful countryside – plus an excellent restaurant.
Do not miss this: An aperitif in the special bar of the parador in a monastery.
Details: From £123; fly to Santiago de Compostela, 75 miles away.
DRAMATIC MOUNTAINS
In the dramatic Picos de Europa lies Parador de Cangas de Onis, another former monastery dating back to the 12th century. Standard rooms are in a modern wing, while the best rooms are in the old monastery.
Do not miss this: A walk through the town to view the nearby Roman Five Arch Bridge.
Details: From £123; fly to Asturias airport, 60 miles away
BASQUE TREAT
Parador de Hondarribia dominates the Basque town of Hondarribia on Spain’s border with France and is housed in a beautiful 10th-century castle. The highlight is a beautiful terrace for a sunset drink with views over France.
Do not miss it: A trip to the nearby beach.
Details: From £138; fly to Oviedo, 40 miles away.
THE BEST OF MALAGA
On a hill above Malaga’s old quarter, Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro is far enough from the beaches not to be bothered by the crowds. It is set in a small traditional stone country house next to a castle with great views over the city from the terrace.
Do not miss this: The nearby Picasso Museum.
Details: From £133; fly to Malaga.
Prices quoted are B&B per night for two people. Paradors can be booked in the UK through Keytours International (keytoursinternational.co.uk).
