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 topic 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.
But, for this article 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 99 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 increasingly popular. By staying at Paradores in Spain you help maintain historically significant buildings. Plus, you’ll get to stay in a beautiful, historic building and experience a bit of Spain’s history from up close.
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?
On top of that 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 Things to Know 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 are all refurbished to a high standard offering all the 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.
Paradores Aren’t Always Expensive
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.
For example, I recently stayed at the Parador de Alcañiz, which is set inside a castle overlooking the town. I traveled outside of the busy season and only paid 85 Euros for a double room. Well worth it I would say!
Where and How to Visit Paradores
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.
I tend to just type in “parador” on Google Maps and see what comes up near where I want to go. That’s how I’ve found all the Paradores I’ve stayed at.
Fun fact: Parador comes from the Spanish word ‘parar‘ which means to stop, halt, or stay.
If your budget or travel plans don’t allow you to stay at one of the Paradores, I’d still recommend stopping at one. Have a meal, a drink, or just step inside to admire 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 – Located 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 international market 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?
- The Best Things to Do in Valencia
Or check out an overview of all articles about Spain
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