What is a Parador? And what makes these Paradores in Spain unique?
I have lived in several places in Spain and I’ve been able to see a large part of this diverse country, try out its amazing Spanish food in different regions, drink its great wine and see its beautifully contrasting landscape.
That made me ponder my next Spanish subject to write about. I could talk about authentic Spanish paella, Spanish wine, or maybe something more serious such as the sad fact that bullfighting is still happening in Spain.
All interesting topics but also topics that have been discussed often and extensively so I decided to go for something most tourists visiting Spain and even a lot of expats living in Spain, don’t know much about: the Paradores in Spain.
What is a Parador?
A Parador is a luxury hotel, usually located in a converted historic building such as a monastery or a castle.
There are, however, also several Paradores in Spain that are set in modern buildings, generally with panoramic views and special locations.
Paradores in Spain are run by Paradores de Turismo de España, founded by King Alfonso XIII of Spain as a means to promote tourism in Spain.
The first Parador, Parador de Gredos in Ávila, was opened in 1928 by the King himself. Today there are 97 Paradores across Spain, which are all 3 to 5 star hotels.
The concept behind Paradores is to open exceptional historic properties to the public and use the hotel’s profits to maintain these beautiful buildings.
Why Should You Stay at a Parador in Spain?
Sustainable travel and ecotourism are becoming increasingly popular. By staying at Paradores in Spain you help maintain historically significant buildings and have an opportunity to learn more about Spain’s rich history, all while staying in a beautiful, luxury hotel.
Do you need any more reasons than that? 😉
Paradores are some of the most unique hotels in Spain. Can you picture yourself sleeping in a Spanish fortress, a monastery, or a castle?
Plus the Paradores tend to be located in places that are well worth visiting.
And of course, they make perfect places to stay for a romantic getaway in Spain.
Most of the Paradores also have excellent restaurants offering traditional cuisine at a high standard using local and seasonal produce.
Tip: If you plan to spend Christmas in Spain, Paradores are great settings for that!
Also Read: 3 Regions to Consider for the Best Family Vacations in Spain
More Information About Paradores in Spain
In addition to having establishments in ten UNESCO World Heritage cities (Toledo, Segovia, Ávila, Alcalá de Henares, Salamanca, Córdoba, Santiago de Compostela, Cuenca, Cáceres, and Mérida), more than half of the Paradores in Spain are set in buildings of historical significance.
Many other Paradores allow you to stay in national parks and in the most interesting natural areas of the country.
Regardless of the Parador’s date or style, they all are refurbished to a high standard offering all modern comforts, as long as they comply with protected building regulations.
The Hostal dos Reis Católicos in Santiago de Compostela is considered to be the oldest continuously operating hotel in the world, and one of the best Paradores in Spain.
Prices at Spanish Paradores vary depending on the room, region, and season. They are definitely not all very expensive and you can get good deals if you travel outside of high season.
Paradores stretch from Galicia in the northwest through Catalonia to Andalusia in the south of Spain, the Canary Islands, and to the Spanish cities in North Africa.
Parador comes from the Spanish word ‘parar‘ which means to stop, halt or stay.
And even if you can’t stay in one of these amazing hotels, stop at one for a meal, a drink or just to have a look at the amazing buildings!
The Best Paradores in Spain
Apart from the previously mentioned Hostal dos Reis Católicos in Santiago de Compostela, these next four hotels are often ranked as the best Paradores in Spain:
1. Parador de Santo Estevo – a beautifully converted Benedictine monastery in Nogueira de Ramuin, near Ourense in Galicia.
2. Parador de Nerja – set on a cliff above the sea on the famous Costa del Sol coast, amidst stunning beaches.
3. Parador de Jaén – a beautifully restored 18th-century castle on top of the Santa Catalina Hill in Jaén, Southern Spain.
4. Parador de El Hierro – situated between a volcanic mountain and the beautiful blue ocean on the second-smallest Canary Island El Hierro. this secluded Parador hotel is loved because of its incredible setting.
Paradores Used to Be a Well-Kept Secret
So why doesn’t everyone know about these hotels?
While I’m sure every Spanish person has heard of Paradores, as a traditional Spanish company they seem to have long overlooked the power of advertising in foreign languages and kept promoting their hotels mainly in Spanish.
Nowadays though you can simply book the Paradores in Spain on Booking.com.
And you can find a map of all the Paradores in Spain, plus additional information, on the official website Paradores.es.
If You Are Traveling to Spain, Also Read:
- Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Spain
- What is the Best Time to Travel to Spain
- 5 Crazy Spanish Festivals You have to See to Believe!
- Mallorca: Worth Visiting or Not?
- Best Things to Do in Valencia
Or check out an overview of all articles about Spain
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