14 incredible parador hotels in Spain
Walk into a parador anywhere in Spain and you are immediately immersed in the history of the country. To get the full impact, pick one region – Extremadura, Galicia, Castilla-León or Aragón perhaps – and spend a week staying in restored monasteries, castles and palaces, but also in modern buildings with design that suits the particular rural or urban setting. At many paradors, 21st-century culture blends effortlessly into the historical settings, with tapestries and suits of armour set alongside contemporary artworks and designer furniture. All you have to do is sink into a sumptuous velvet armchair and soak it up.
ANDALUCIA
Parador de Granada
Granada, Andalucia, Spain
8Telegraph expert rating
You’ll want to book well in advance for a stay at Granada’s luxurious parador, lodged in a 14th-century Moorish palace turned Reconquista convent. It offers elegantly contemporary rooms, and with the Alhambra on your doorstep, it’s one of Spain’s most coveted and history-rich hotels. There’s a tangible historical presence no matter which corridor you wander down: the Sala Nazarí retains its 14th-century tile-work, the terrace shows off Moorish baths, and, in the chapel courtyard, you can see the original graves of the Catholic Monarchs. Being allowed to stroll around the Alhambra’s free-access areas once the crowds leave is a dream. Read expert review From £261 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro
Malaga, Andalucia, Spain
8Telegraph expert rating
With Mediterranean-view rooms, a popular restaurant and the Gibralfaro castle as its next-door neighbour, this hilltop Parador is one of Málaga’s most sought-after hotels. It’s perfect for anyone after a swish escape (or rooftop-pool dip) between city-centre sightseeing and tapas-tasting sessions. Tall palms, beautiful ceramics and vibrant potted geraniums feel very Andalucian, while tasteful rooms incorporate cheery Mediterranean flair. Scented candles flicker across the hotel at night and, of course, there’s an original Picasso on display in the lobby. Read expert review From £202 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• The most romantic hotels in Seville
ASTURIAS
Parador de Corias
Asturias, Spain
8Telegraph expert rating
History and heritage meet contemporary design with surprisingly luxurious results at the Parador de Corias. The former monastery, set in the bucolic Asturias region in northern Spain, is now a cool place to relax in a stylish environment with a smart restaurant and sumptuous spa. Alongside the Narcea river with mountains all around, the hotel is linked to the tiny hamlet of Corias by a Roman bridge. Unlike most of Spain’s other, grander Paradors, there are no suits of armour or heavy tapestries adorning the halls. Rather than fusty old-fashionedness, the Parador is all modern, understated glamour. Most rooms have sweeping views of the countryside. Read expert review From £83 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Parador de Cangas de Onís
Cangas de Onís, Asturias, Spain
8Telegraph expert rating
This medieval monastery on the banks of the Sella river in Asturias is now a four-star Parador that is a comfortable retreat after a day walking or cycling in the Picos de Europa mountains. The Parador occupies the former monastery of San Pedro de Villanueva, which has National Monument status. Parts date back to the 12th century, although vestiges of an even earlier structure have been discovered. Free yoga classes take place in the library several mornings a week. Bikes are available for rental and lots of other outdoor activities can be arranged, including fishing, kayaking, hiking and riding. Read expert review From £135 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• The 14 best places to visit in Spain – and where to stay
CANARY ISLANDS
Parador de El Hierro
El Hierro, Spain
9Telegraph expert rating
Romantic, private colonial charm and contemporary comfort combine in this elegant parador set between mountains and sea, on the island that was once considered the end of the world. It's set directly on a beach at the foot of cliffs on the sunny east coast of the Unesco Biosphere island of El Hierro. Low-rise, whitewashed walls with traditional wooden balconies and extensive, volcanic stone terraces are all set within sub-tropical gardens. The hotel's pièce de résistance is its magnificent swimming pool set on the edge of the ocean, in full sun, surrounded by terraces and backed by a small gym, sauna, steam room and whirlpool bath. Read expert review From £88 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Parador de La Palma
La Palma, Spain
8Telegraph expert rating
Like all the Canary Islands' paradors, La Palma is built in traditional Canarian style featuring local stone, wood and tiles. The reception, lounges and dining rooms are set around an open patio garden, and wooden balconies adorn exterior walls. Floral soft furnishings, polished floors and period furniture are nicely offset by modern abstract art and contemporary creature comforts such as spa facilities and an outdoor swimming pool. After dinner, a top-floor balcony on the sea-facing side is the perfect place to de-stress and enjoy La Palma's famously clear night skies and ocean views with just the distant sound of the ocean to lull the mind. Read expert review From £69 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Parador Conde de La Gomera
La Gomera, Spain
7Telegraph expert rating
La Gomera's only parador stands on a headland above San Sebastián in exuberant, sub-tropical gardens and offers colonial style, a genteel ambiance and splendid views across the town and ocean. The perfect chill-out environment after a week's walking. The building is designed to reflect the colonial style of construction prevalent in the 15th century when Columbus set sail from La Gomera on his epic voyage of discovery. Polished wooden floors, carved wooden balconies, leafy patios and period furnishings abound, interspersed with maritime antiquities. A large swimming pool looks out over the ocean from its clifftop vantage point. Read expert review From £117 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• Where to stay in the Canary Islands
CASTILLE & LEON
Parador de León
Castilla y Léon, Spain
8Telegraph expert rating
The 16th-century Hostal de San Marcos is now a sumptuous five-star hotel, one of the grandest in the Parador group. It is all about the monumental setting, so don’t expect loads of facilities. The magnificent building was originally a monastery and hospice for pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compestela and is a key point on the route. Its rich history is discernible throughout the property, which is full of artworks and antiques. Go for room 559 – Torreón – which is in one of the turrets giving onto the Plaza de San Marcos and overlooking the river. You might be pleasantly surprised by the rates as pretty good offers are available. Read expert review From £60 per night Rates provided by Booking.com
• The 50 best hotels in Spain for spring and summer
CATALONIA
Parador de Tortosa
Tortosa, Catalonia, Spain
8Telegraph expert rating
A Moorish fortress with modern comforts in Catalonia, on a hill nearly 200ft above sea level, looking down on the 2,000-year-old town of Tortosa and the valley of the River Ebro. The Zuda Castle is a grand building — a place of mellow stone, lofty halls with stained-glass windows and beamed ceilings, long corridors lined with images of Spanish nobles. Facilities include a lovely outdoor pool with views over the town. Rooms are not so much palatial as monkish with mod cons: plain walls, dark-wood furniture, terracotta tiled floor and a comfortable bed. Balconies offer views towards the river and the town. Read expert review From £73 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• Where to stay in Barcelona: hotels by district
EXTREMADURA
Parador de Cáceres
Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain
8Telegraph expert rating
Housed in a palace in the heart of Cáceres, which has World Heritage status, the parador combines aristocratic grandeur with contemporary design. Staying here means you are totally immersed in the magical atmosphere of the town and can walk everywhere in minutes. The hotel occupies the elegant Palacio de Torreorgaz, which was built in the 14th century on Arab foundations. The 39 rooms, including one junior suite and two with a separate sitting area, are smartly decorated with stone walls, natural fabrics, high, wooden ceilings, traditional tiled floors and sumptuous beds. Read expert review From £71 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Parador de Trujillo
Trujillo, Extremadura, Spain
8Telegraph expert rating
A peaceful former convent now houses one of Spain's loveliest paradors. In the heart of the medieval town of Trujillo – the birthplace of the conquistador Francisco Pizarro – the hotel retains the original structure although the rooms are now stylish and comfortable and not remotely cell-like. The parador occupies the former convent of Santa Clara, which dates back to the 16th century. The church – now used for events – is considerably older and is in Gothic style with a ribbed vault. The Renaissance cloister is now the heart of the hotel with tables in the central courtyard. There's a pleasant outdoor swimming pool with sunbeds and views across the countryside. Read expert review From £77 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Parador de Mérida
Merida, Extremadura, Spain
8Telegraph expert rating
As you see all over Extremadura, a stork has made its nest in the belfry of this plain white building. Dating back to the 18th century, it is on the site of a Roman temple and over the years it has also been a hospital, an asylum, a prison and a poorhouse. Traces of this rich history are to be found throughout the interior and in the grounds, including the Roman, Visigothic and Mudejar vestiges in the Garden of Antiquities. This was one of the first paradors in Spain and has been open to guests since 1933. While it is looking tired in places, there is no doubt that the hotel has considerable charm. A small swimming pool in the shady ornamental gardens means you can cool off after sightseeing then relax on a sunbed or at a table with a cold beer. Read expert review From £81 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• The best beach hotels in Spain
GALICIA
Parador de Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
8Telegraph expert rating
Dating from 1499, the Parador – also known as the Hostal dos Reis Catolicos – was originally the place where pilgrims could rest after walking across Spain to pay homage to St James in the Cathedral. It is one of the oldest lodgings in the world and still welcomes pilgrims, although it is very luxurious these days. The large granite complex is set around four courtyards with information panels explaining the building’s long history – you can do guided tours too. There are some spectacular – and massive – rooms with four-poster beds and antique furniture, some overlooking the square. Read expert review From £124 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• The best hotels in Santiago de Compostela
LA RIOJA
Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Santo Domingo de la Calzada, La Rioja, Spain
7Telegraph expert rating
This 60-room hotel has a 900-year history of hosting weary travellers despite its quiet, remote village location. Outside the door of the parador is the main attraction of Santo Domingo de La Calzada: the cathedral. Built in the 12th century, it is a major stop for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, which runs through the town’s Calle Mayor. The parador’s rustic Spanish style captures the spirit of its time and place, from its terracotta floor tiles to the country luxe velvet upholstery and shiny wood furniture with decorative detailing. The ground floor’s common area is especially breathtaking, a sweeping castle-like common room with stone pillars, gothic arches, and furniture made with repurposed antiques. Rooms are large and spacious. Read expert review From £71 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Contributions by Annie Bennett, Isabella Noble, Andrea Montgomery, Marti Buckly and Michael Kerr
