*Top regions in Spain with the most charming paradores*
Paradores are a quintessential part of Spain’s hospitality, offering visitors a chance to stay in historic buildings or stunning natural settings. These staterun hotels are often located in castles, palaces, convents, and other monuments, providing not just a place to sleep but a journey into Spain’s rich cultural heritage. Each parador is unique, reflecting the history and character of its region, and the service and amenities are as luxurious as the surroundings.
In Spain, the region most renowned for its paradores is Castile and León, home to an astonishing 21 establishments. Here, visitors can sleep in a medieval castle in Sigüenza, dine in a Renaissance palace in León, or stroll through the cloisters of a 16thcentury monastery in Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Each parador is a gateway to discovering the history and culture of its location, offering guests a unique perspective on Spain’s past.
Andalusia, with its warm climate and vibrant culture, also boasts a significant number of paradores. In this region, visitors can enjoy the Moorish architecture of the Parador de Carmona, which overlooks the fertile plains of the Guadalquivir River, or relax in the lush gardens of the Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro, set high on a hill with panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Each parador in Andalusia reflects the region’s rich blend of Christian and Islamic influences, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.
In Galicia, the paradores are often surrounded by the region’s lush green landscapes and rugged coastline. The Parador de Santiago de Compostela, known as the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, is one of the oldest hotels in the world, dating back to 1499. Located in the heart of Santiago, this stunning building combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, and is a mustvisit for anyone exploring the Camino de Santiago. Other paradores in Galicia offer equally stunning settings, from the coastal beauty of Baiona to the tranquil forests of Verín.
For those seeking a more intimate experience, the paradores of Extremadura are a hidden gem. This lesserknown region of Spain is home to some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes, from the rolling hills of the Sierra de Gata to the wetlands of Monfragüe National Park. The Parador de Plasencia, set in a 15thcentury convent, offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of this natural paradise, while the Parador de Guadalupe, located in a former monastery, provides an ideal base for exploring the region’s rich history and wildlife.
Moving to the northern regions, the Basque Country and Navarre offer a distinctly different flavor of Spain. Here, the paradores blend seamlessly with the region’s verdant landscapes and rugged coastlines. In the Basque Country, the Parador de Hondarribia is set in a 10thcentury castle overlooking the Bay of Txingudi. The fortress, once a strategic defense point, now provides a serene escape with breathtaking views of the sea and the French border. The parador’s interiors are a blend of medieval charm and modern luxury, with stone walls, wooden beams, and elegant furnishings. Guests can explore the historic town of Hondarribia, with its colorful Basque houses and vibrant culinary scene, or venture to nearby San Sebastián, famed for its beaches and gastronomy. In Navarre, the Parador de Olite is a journey back to the Middle Ages. Housed in a Gothic castle that was once the palace of the kings of Navarre, this parador is a fairytale setting with turrets, battlements, and a grand hall. The castle is a national monument, and each room is uniquely decorated with period furniture, tapestries, and stained glass. The town of Olite itself is a gem, with narrow streets, medieval walls, and a rich winemaking tradition that can be explored in local bodegas. Asturias, known as the Green Spain, offers paradores set amidst its lush landscapes and dramatic mountains. The Parador de Cangas de Onís is located in a 12thcentury monastery on the banks of the Sella River. This peaceful retreat is the perfect base for exploring the Picos de Europa National Park, where visitors can hike through stunning valleys, visit glacial lakes, and discover the region’s wildlife. The parador preserves many original features, including the Romanesque chapel and cloisters, while offering modern comforts. Guests can enjoy Asturian cuisine at the parador’s restaurant, with dishes like fabada and ciderbraised chorizo. On the coast, the Parador de Gijón is set in a 19thcentury mill surrounded by gardens and a lake. This parador is close to the city’s beaches and cultural attractions, including the Laboral City of Culture and the Gijón Aquarium. Guests can relax in the parador’s gardens or enjoy a stroll along the nearby San Lorenzo Beach. The parador’s restaurant serves traditional Asturian dishes, with fresh seafood and local cheeses being highlights. In Cantabria, the Parador de Santillana del Mar is a charming manor house in one of Spain’s most beautiful medieval villages. Santillana del Mar is known as the Town of Three Lies because it is neither holy (santa), flat (llana), nor by the sea (del mar), yet it is a delightful place to explore, with cobbled streets, stone houses, and the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana. The parador reflects the village’s traditional architecture, with wooden balconies, a stone façade, and a courtyard filled with flowers. Nearby, guests can visit the Altamira Caves, home to prehistoric paintings, or relax on the beaches of the Cantabrian coast. In the Canary Islands, the paradores offer a tropical escape with volcanic landscapes and yearround sunshine. The Parador de La Palma is set on a hillside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and lush gardens filled with native plants like dragon trees and palms. The building’s traditional Canarian architecture, with wooden balconies and courtyards, creates a tranquil atmosphere. Guests can explore the island’s volcanic landscapes, including the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, or enjoy stargazing in one of the world’s best spots for astronomy. The parador’s restaurant serves dishes made with local ingredients, such as goat cheese, papas arrugadas, and mojos. On the island of El Hierro, the Parador de El Hierro is a secluded retreat on the island’s rugged coast. This parador offers a peaceful escape, with rooms overlooking the ocean and the dramatic cliffs of the island. Guests can explore El Hierro’s unique landscapes, including the El Sabinar forest, where centuriesold juniper trees are shaped by the wind, or swim in the natural pools of La Maceta. The parador’s restaurant serves traditional Canarian cuisine, with fresh fish, local cheeses, and tropical fruits being highlights. Each parador in Spain offers a unique experience, blending history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether it’s staying in a medieval castle, a Moorish palace, or a colonial mansion, these hotels allow visitors to immerse themselves in Spain’s rich heritage while enjoying modern comforts. With over 90 paradores across the country, there’s a perfect one for every traveler, offering an unforgettable journey through Spain’s most charming regions.
