Today I’m taking you on a tour of Spain’s most beautiful Paradors! Disclaimer: it was too hard to choose 5, there will probably be a part 2 to this article.
What is a Parador?
Parador is an old Spanish word meaning “accommodation for a respectable traveller”.
In the 20th century, the Spanish government, under King Alfonso XIII, decided to build hotels of a certain standard in order to boost tourism in Spain.
In 1928, the first “parador de turismo” opened in the Sierra de Gredos (2 hours from Madrid). It was a great success, and other paradors soon opened throughout the country.
Having suffered considerable damages during the Civil War, they were given a new impulse in the 1960s with the modernization of structures and a major promotion of tourism.
Today there are 94 paradors across Spain and Portugal.
What’s so special about paradors? In addition to being beautiful hotels, they are generally located in unusual places: former convents, castles or monasteries, for example. They can also be located in the midst of nature, with breathtaking views. One of the primary aims of paradors is to help promote the country’s cultural, historical and natural heritage.
There is always a restaurant serving regional cuisine near a parador.
Top 5 Spanish Paradors
Parador of Santiago de Compostela, also known as the Parador of the Catholic Monarchs
Situated in the Plaza do Obradoiro, next to the famous cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, this majestic parador is housed in a 15th-century building that once welcomed pilgrims.
Price: around €300/night for a double room.
Granada Parador
Everyone has heard of or knows the Alhambra in Granada, the ancient palace that towers over the city. But did you know that you can also spend the night there? That’s at the Granada Parador, a beautiful place to spend a dream night!
Price: around €340/night for a double room.
Parador de Cruz de Tejeda in Gran Canaria
Let’s take a step up to the Parador de Cruz de Tejeda, at the top of the island of Gran Canaria. Surrounded by forests and mountains as far as the eye can see, this parador enjoys a privileged location for nature lovers or travellers in search of breathtaking landscapes. Bonus: the spa with its panoramic swimming pool!
Price: around €105/night for a double room.
Parador de Parador d'Aiguablava, Begur
This parador is not located in a historic monument, but is remarkable for its location on the Mediterranean coast, on the cliff top of Punta d’es Muts. What’s more, it’s just 4 km from the small medieval village of Begur, a must-see in Catalonia.
Price: around €250/night for a double room.
Parador de Hondarribia in the Basque Country
Step back in time and sleep in a real medieval fortress! Once the castle where Charles V lived, the building dates back to the 10th century. Some rooms even offer a view on the Cantabrian Sea .
Price: around €250/night for a double room.
