The Paradors of Spain: Where Luxury Meets History
Throughout our trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, we have stayed in fabulous five-star hotels in Saigon and Siem Reap, and we are now headed to the iconic Sofitel Legend Metropole in Hanoi and the splendid Peninsula Bangkok. It has been truly lovely to be pampered in these luxury hotels, and I can’t wait for our upcoming stays.
Our beautiful accommodations inspire this week’s article about some special experiences in Spain…
The Paradors of Spain: Where Luxury Meets History
Any prospective visitor to Spain with an interest in history is recommended to book themselves a stay at one of the country’s paradors. These state-owned luxury hotels are almost always housed in a converted historic building of national significance, such as a castle, palace or monastery. Boasting original architecture, period features and unique character, they can quickly become a highlight of any trip to Spain.
Where did paradors come from?
The Spanish government came up with the idea of the parador in 1928, when they decided to convert historic buildings into luxurious hotels, saving them from ruin and boosting the country’s tourism economy. Opening in 1930, the first Spanish parador was the Parador de Oropesa, originally Oropesa Castle, not far from Toledo. In total, there are more than 90 paradors spread across the Spanish mainland and islands.
What is it like to stay in a parador?
The best thing about staying in a parador is that each one is completely unique and authentic. No generic big brands, no whitewashed plasterboard, just heritage and history preserved and modernized. Staying in a parador is like stepping back in time, allowing travelers to wake up in a royal palace in Andalucia, or tuck into dinner from the battlements of a historic fortress.
Combine this with modern touches like complimentary Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat screen TV and a minibar, and it’s easy to see why Spain’s paradors have proved so popular with visitors. Each parador has its own story, which guests will learn more about during their stay. Many paradors are also housed in beautiful locations, such as national parks, mountains, medieval towns, or coastal areas, adding to the charm.
Notable paradors
Parador de Santiago de Compostela
Perhaps the most well-known parador and the oldest hotel in Spain, Parador de Santiago de Compostela is housed in what was once a royal hospital, with much of the original 15th century architecture still intact. This UNESCO World Heritage Site turned 5-star hotel is located just steps from Santiago Cathedral, where pilgrims have been journeying for centuries. Key features include a huge collection of Madrid School paintings, with more than 140 iconic artworks on display. The parador also has grand cloisters and rooms are all furnished with period four-poster beds.
Parador de Baiona
Located on Spain’s north-west coast, just a few miles from Portugal, Parador de Baiona is housed in a historic 16th century fortress with sweeping Atlantic Ocean views. Part defensive fortification, part Galician palace, this parador is surrounded by lush gardens and is dominated by a huge stone staircase in the reception area. Guests can walk the ramparts to feel the sea breeze and enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, a more modern touch in this historic spot.
Parador de Alhambra
Granada’s Alhambra is one of Spain’s most visited attractions, and at the Parador de Alhambra, guests are invited to stay within the Moorish world of this sprawling fortress, As well as being enveloped by the architectural marvels of the Alhambra, this parador offers panoramic views of the Generalife Gardens, Granada and the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Parador de Alhambra is housed in a former monastery, with many original features such as the patio and the Arabic room still preserved.
Parador de Oropesa
It was the first parador and it’s still going strong. Located on a hilltop overlooking Toledo, Parador de Oropesa is housed in a 15th century palace attached to a 12th century castle, which once belonged to the aristocratic Alvarez family. Guests enter the parador through the enormous courtyard, and can enjoy architectural quirks such as Mudejar coffered ceilings and medieval décor. Turrets, a 5-storey keep and historic stone walls take visitors back in time, when the ringing of swords and the crashing of shields would have been heard in this now serene and beautiful place.
Parador de Ibiza
Located across the Balearic Sea on the White Isle, Parador de Ibiza has been 17 years and $28 million in the making. It is due to open its doors in 2025, bringing Ibiza Castle, which closed in the 1980s, back into the public realm. Delays to the project were caused by the discovery of archaeological remains, which led to modifications to the project – excitingly for early visitors, many of these discoveries will be on display in the parador itself. Ibiza Castle is located in Dalt Vila, the Old Town of Ibiza town. Not only is this one of the island’s most beautiful and traditional spots, it also offers easy access to the island’s renowned cultural and nightlife attractions.
Conclusion
The invention of paradors was a masterstroke by Spanish authorities. They prevent heritage and history from falling into ruin, or into the hands of ruthless capitalist corporations, and yet they allow these iconic properties to be shared with the world. There is at least one parador in and around most of Spain’s biggest towns and cities, meaning any visitor to the country can incorporate a stay in a parador to their Spanish vacation. The question is, which one will you choose?
