The first luxury Parador Hotel was created by King Alphonse XIII in 1926 in a bid to use quality tourism as a guardian of the national and artistic heritage of Spain and thereby assist regions with fewer economic resources. Now there are almost 90 of these prestigious hotels occupying medieval castles, Arab fortresses, monasteries, ancient manor houses and palaces in exceptionally beautiful settings all over Spain. Their prime locations allow visitors to discover the land of Don Quixote, follow the route through the white villages in Andalusia, explore to the Pyrenees and follow the pilgrims’ trial to Santiago de Compostela.
Many of the Paradors are situated in buildings that are centuries old, but all have been refurbished and operate to the highest modern standards. These are luxurious places to stay combining outstanding architecture with fascinating history, gourmet cuisine, ambience and impeccable service. They are truly unique places to stay.
Because it is rarely more than a few hours drive between one Parador and the next, they offer visitors the ideal way to explore the real Spain and areas off the beaten track while hopping from one exceptional Parador to the next.
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.
The Paradors 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 with the Doñana and Picos de Europa National Parks, Cazorla Nature Preserve, Parque National del Teide and the beautiful Sierra de Grazalema all offering accommodation in a Parador.
