The Paradores of Spain are so much more than mere hotels. They are repositories of the romance and passion that is the history of this country. These special places literally exude the ancient perfume of Spain’s majesty and mystery. Experiencing the Paradors of Spain is ‘cultural tourism’ at it’s best – and a giant step above the usual tourist experience.

Jarandilla de la Vera, Cáceres

The Paradores of Spain are medieval castles, Moorish fortresses, ancient monasteries, charming palaces and stately manor houses. These are places of great historical interest and rare beauty.

Just because many of the Spain Paradores are buildings that are centuries old – don’t be fooled. All have been refurbished and brought up to the highest quality of modern convenience and service. These are superlative accommodations, and combine features that will captivate any traveler; enthralling architecture, fascinating history, exquisite cuisine, delightful ambience, and impeccable service. In a word, they are unmatched. To stay at a Parador is to experience sensations unexpected and rare. They embody a harmonious combination of history, comfort, and beauty that creates pleasant emotions which linger long after the stay is over. Each of the 93 Paradores of Spain is unique, yet there is a continuity of quality, cuisine and service that comes to be expected, and trusted as you travel from Parador to Parador. The Spain Paradores chain was founded in 1928 by order of King Alphonso XIII. From the beginning, they were meant to provide more-than-adequate accommodations set at appropriate distance intervals around the country. They have evolved today into a chain of 93 Paradores. It is rarely more than a few hours, or at most half-a-day’s drive between one Parador and the next. This now makes traveling by car in Spain a real pleasure. The traveler can explore out-of-the-way areas and really get to know the country – always confident that a delightful place to rest, one of the fine Paradores of Spain, is awaiting just a little ways down the road.

Another thing that separates the Spain Paradores from other hotel chains is their commitment to environmental protection as they undertake their many restoration projects. They are thereby helping maintain both the natural and cultural heritage of Spain. Dining in Parador restaurants is always an enjoyable experience. Each Spanish Parador offers a menu that centers around the traditional dishes of the local region, yet prepared in a style that sets them apart. Many of Spain’s finest chefs oversee the restaurants in the various Paradores. There is always offered a “set-menu” at a very affordable price – then also an array of specialty dishes for the more adventuresome and discerning diner. The Parador wine lists invariably feature some of Spain’s best.

Several of the Paradores are set in extraordinary natural surroundings. Most of Spain’s national parks have a Parador either inside or very near; one-of-a-kind Doñana National Park, the mighty Picos De Europa National Park, the Cazorla Nature Preserve, the Parque National del Teide, the beautiful Sierra de Grazalema– all have a Parador situated perfectly for exploring these special places in Nature.

There has developed a very large, and international group of people who would never think of staying anywhere else while in Spain. Only the rare hotel around the world inspires this kind of loyalty. The Spanish Paradores are that special. If you have the chance, by all means go out of your way to experience these wonderful accommodations. You may find that you too become a true aficionado of the Paradores of Spain.

Parador de Ronda

One of the joys of travel is to soak up local history and atmosphere. And certainly you will find both in a series of hotels known as Paradores. Owned by the Spanish government, these former medieval castles, Arab fortresses, palaces and monasteries have been turned into modern hotels while still preserving the historic charm of the buildings they occupy.

There are over 90 Paradores scattered throughout Spain and each has its own personality. Chefs for the Paradors are trained at their own special school in Salamanca. They feature local cuisine and wines.

The Paradores of Spain run from the fairly expensive Catolico de los Reyes in Santiago de Compostela to the more moderate Palacio de los Velada in Avila and Parador de Limpias in Limpias.

Some of them have mixed reviews due to condition issues, but many people feel that this is part of the charm of the paradors. Due to the original structure you may find them lacking certain modern conveniences such as large elevators, handicap access or even wireless connections, so be sure to check ahead.

Rather than stay in some cookie-cutter version of a large hotel chain, you might include at least one if traveling independently. In some cases, a group might stay at one of them, based on their itinerary.

Click here for the official website showing all the Paradors of Spain and their locations.

There are also Paradores in the Canary Islands, which are part of Spain.