The first luxury Parador hotel was built in 1926 and created by King Alfonso X111 in a bid to use quality tourism as a guardian of the national and artistic heritage of Spain and to assist regions that had fewer economic resources.
There are around 90 Paradors scattered all over Spain and can be found in the most privileged locations such as Castles, Palaces, Fortresses, Convents, Monasteries and other historic buildings. There are also a few modern Paradors , built in traditional style, in areas of outstanding and captivating beauty.
The Paradors are one of the few pluses to have come out of the Franco era and although the term luxury is often used when referring to Parador chain of hotels
and the ideology behind them was to offer very comfortable accommodation at a relatively attractive price, prices vary from round 95 to 138 Euros for a Standard double room per night, which by international standards is very reasonable indeed.
These luxury and historic hotels can be found from Galicia in the North West through Catalonia to Andalusia in the south of Spain, the Canary Islands and in the Spanish cities in North Africa. They have a commitment to environmental protection with their many restoration projects, helping maintain both the natural and cultural heritage of Spain. Most of Spain's national parks either have a Parador inside or close by and include the beautiful nature reserve of Doñana
in Huelva, the Picos de Europa National Parks, Cazorla Nature Preserve, Parque National del Teide on the Canarie Islands and the beautiful Sierra de Grazalema in the heart of Andalucia
Due to the absolute privileged location of each Parador they really are unique places to stay and if your driving or plan to visit the whole of Spain you will never be more than a few hours drive from each one.
Each Spanish Parador restaurant offers a menu based on the traditional dishes of the region where they are situated, accompanied by some excellent local wines. Some of Spain's finest chefs oversee the cuisine and a table d’hote menu is always available at a very affordable price.
One of my favourite Paradors is the one located in the gardens of the Alhambra Palace in Granada . A former convent built on the orders of the Catholic Monarchs, this monumental complex invites you to discover a fantasy interior mixing Moorish and Christian features and will amaze you with its outstanding beauty, tranquility and location.
Some of the rooms have exceptional views over the Generalife, the Secano gardens and the Albaicine, whilst the classical furnishings and many portraits mark the decor of interior spaces. Andalusian gazpacho, Sacromonte omelette and Santa Fe pionono cake are on offer under the coffered ceiling of the dining room or the fresh summer terrace.
There are around 90 Paradors scattered all over Spain and can be found in the most privileged locations such as Castles, Palaces, Fortresses, Convents, Monasteries and other historic buildings. There are also a few modern Paradors , built in traditional style, in areas of outstanding and captivating beauty.
The Paradors are one of the few pluses to have come out of the Franco era and although the term luxury is often used when referring to Parador chain of hotels
and the ideology behind them was to offer very comfortable accommodation at a relatively attractive price, prices vary from round 95 to 138 Euros for a Standard double room per night, which by international standards is very reasonable indeed.
These luxury and historic hotels can be found from Galicia in the North West through Catalonia to Andalusia in the south of Spain, the Canary Islands and in the Spanish cities in North Africa. They have a commitment to environmental protection with their many restoration projects, helping maintain both the natural and cultural heritage of Spain. Most of Spain's national parks either have a Parador inside or close by and include the beautiful nature reserve of Doñana
in Huelva, the Picos de Europa National Parks, Cazorla Nature Preserve, Parque National del Teide on the Canarie Islands and the beautiful Sierra de Grazalema in the heart of Andalucia
Due to the absolute privileged location of each Parador they really are unique places to stay and if your driving or plan to visit the whole of Spain you will never be more than a few hours drive from each one.
Each Spanish Parador restaurant offers a menu based on the traditional dishes of the region where they are situated, accompanied by some excellent local wines. Some of Spain's finest chefs oversee the cuisine and a table d’hote menu is always available at a very affordable price.
One of my favourite Paradors is the one located in the gardens of the Alhambra Palace in Granada . A former convent built on the orders of the Catholic Monarchs, this monumental complex invites you to discover a fantasy interior mixing Moorish and Christian features and will amaze you with its outstanding beauty, tranquility and location.
Some of the rooms have exceptional views over the Generalife, the Secano gardens and the Albaicine, whilst the classical furnishings and many portraits mark the decor of interior spaces. Andalusian gazpacho, Sacromonte omelette and Santa Fe pionono cake are on offer under the coffered ceiling of the dining room or the fresh summer terrace.
A great place to gather full information on the Paradors of Spain is the official Spanish site ( which is in English, French and German)
Gary
