The four star Parador de Alarcon is a well preserved eighth century Arab Castle sitting on a promontory overlooking the fertile plains of the River Jucar on the boundary between La Mancha and Levante The nearest airports are at Valencia or Madrid which are 180km and 190 km away respectively. The closest railway train station is at Cuenca which is an 80kms drive from the Parador.
The Parador de Alarcon is a medieval fortress which still has its original Tower of the Tribute, keep, battlements and interior with suits armour, weapons and standards. It was built by the Muslims during the eighth century, was captured during the twelfth century by King Alfonso VIII and the Marquises de Villena and famous writer, Don Juan Manuel, have all lived there.
The Alarcon has only recently reopened after extensive redecoration. It has been furnished with oak and deep rich red and orange fabrics complemented by paintings by famous abstract artists including Tapies, Redondela, Sempere, Amadeo Gabino, Alvaro Delgado, Martínez Novillo and Menchu Gal
The 10 double and 4 twin bedded guest rooms which have been extensively refurbished featuring individual decoration which retains their original style. For example, some have four poster beds and the some are situated in the tower offering with views over the town, the deep and spectacular gorge of the River Jucar and extensive plains of Cuenca. All of the rooms come equipped with air conditioning, satellite television, a direct dial telephone and a mini bar.
The Parador de Alarcon restaurant specializes in regional dishes and offers a varied menu which includes "Cordero en Caldereta" (lamb stew), "El Morteruelo" (finely chopped spiced and breaded pork) and "Morteruelos" (game). The sweet almond sauces (suspiros) are made from locally supplied nuts and are famous in the regions of Alarcon and Alaju.
The Parador de Alarcón is built in a 8th Century Castle, a fantastic medieval fortress which is located near the river Júcar, on a promontory, on the boundary of La Mancha and Levante. The Parador’s monumental nature can be appreciated in the castle keep, the battlements and the interiors. In it interiors we find a large collection of modern and classic paintings.
Internet Access:
No internet access in the building.
Parking:
Available a car parking in the outsides.
Best For:
Heritage
Rooms:
4 twin rooms and 10 doubles. Facilities include air-conditioning, central heating; satellite TV; direct dial telephone.
Disabled Access:
Disabled guests have access throughout all communal areas of the hotel.
Alarcón Activities & Attractions
Places of Interest:
In the small town of Alarcon you can visit the Plaza de don Manuel, churches, fortifications and towers. Cuenca is located 89 km away from Alarcón, there you can visit the suspended houses, the Cathedral and the Historical Centre. The Alarcon reservoir is 6 km. away. Belmonte is 75 km. away; and Ciudad Encantada is 119 km away from the hotel.
Festivals:
Moors and Christians, the 8th of January in Valverde de Júcar, 40 km. away. Holy Week in Cuenca and the fair in Albacete, 90 km. away from Alarcón.
Activities:
Fishing; hunting; trekking.
Parador de Alarcón Location
How to get there:
The Parador de Alarcón is located at the entrance of the town itself. From the A-3 Madrid-Valencia road is 3 km away taking the exit at Km. 187.
Transport Links:
The airport is 132 km away; the rail station is 86 km away and the nearest port is 175 km away.
