Paradores of Spain
Experience luxury accommodation in Spain's most remarkable historic buildings. From medieval castles and ancient monasteries to Renaissance palaces and Moorish fortresses, each Parador offers a unique stay in Spain's cultural heritage.
What Are Paradores?
Paradores de Turismo de España is a state-owned chain of luxury hotels founded in 1928. These unique accommodations are typically located in historical buildings such as castles, palaces, convents, monasteries, and other buildings of significant cultural heritage.
Historical Significance
Founded by King Alfonso XIII to promote tourism and preserve Spanish heritage, the first Parador opened in 1928 in the Gredos mountains. Today, the network encompasses nearly 100 properties.
Architectural Treasures
Each Parador is unique, preserving the architectural characteristics of its original building while incorporating modern comforts. Many feature period furnishings, historical artifacts, and local artistic elements.
Parador Network Facts
Total Paradores
15+
Regions
8
First Parador
Parador de Gredos (1928)
Organization
Paradores de Turismo de España
Accommodation Types
Featured Paradores
Parador de Alcalá de Henares
Set in a restored 17th-century convent school in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Alcalá de Henares, birthplace of Cervantes. This elegant parador combines historical architecture with contemporary design and offers a luxury spa experience.
Special Features:Located in a UNESCO World Heritage city, Stunning blend of historic and modern design, Extensive wellness facilities
Price Range: €110-€270 per night
Calle Colegios 8, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid
Parador de Baiona
Located within a spectacular walled fortress on a peninsula overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This maritime parador offers impressive sea views, elegant rooms, and was the first European port to receive news of the discovery of America when the Pinta ship arrived in 1493.
Special Features:Located in a Monterreal fortress with 16th-century walls, Maritime history location with cannons and battlements, Panoramic Atlantic Ocean views
Price Range: €120-€290 per night
Monterreal s/n, 36300 Baiona, Pontevedra
Parador de Cardona
Set in a 9th-century medieval castle on a hill overlooking Cardona, this dramatic parador features vaulted ceilings and stone walls. The ancient fortress offers unique medieval-style rooms and spectacular views of the Catalonian countryside.
Special Features:Authentic medieval castle, Romanesque church of Sant Vicenç on premises, Unique castellated architecture
Price Range: €130-€280 per night
Castell de Cardona, 08261 Cardona, Barcelona
Paradores by Region
Andalusia
Explore region →Parador de Carmona
Set in a 14th-century Arab fortress overlooking the Guadalquivir Valley, this parador features Moorish architecture, arched doorways, and a beautiful courtyard. Located in the historic town of Carmona near Seville, it offers both cultural richness and natural beauty.
Price: €110-€260 per night
Parador de Jaén
Perched atop the Santa Catalina hill in a restored castle, this parador offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and surrounding olive groves. The Arab fortress origins and impressive stone architecture create a truly atmospheric experience.
Price: €100-€250 per night
Parador de Ronda
Perched on the edge of the famous Tajo gorge with breathtaking views, this parador is housed in the former town hall building. The hotel offers a swimming pool and stunning vistas of the Puente Nuevo bridge and surrounding mountains.
Price: €120-€300 per night
Castile and León
Explore region →Parador de León
Housed in a magnificent 16th-century monastery and former pilgrim hospital, this parador is one of the most extraordinary historic hotels in Spain. The impressive plateresque façade, elegant cloisters, and museum-quality art make this a truly unique lodging experience.
Price: €140-€350 per night
Castile-La Mancha
Explore region →Parador de Sigüenza
Set in a 12th-century Arab fortress converted into a medieval castle, this impressive parador features thick stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and a majestic courtyard. Located in the historic town of Sigüenza, it offers a truly authentic medieval experience.
Price: €110-€260 per night
Catalonia
Explore region →Parador de Cardona
Set in a 9th-century medieval castle on a hill overlooking Cardona, this dramatic parador features vaulted ceilings and stone walls. The ancient fortress offers unique medieval-style rooms and spectacular views of the Catalonian countryside.
Price: €130-€280 per night
Community of Madrid
Explore region →Parador de Alcalá de Henares
Set in a restored 17th-century convent school in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Alcalá de Henares, birthplace of Cervantes. This elegant parador combines historical architecture with contemporary design and offers a luxury spa experience.
Price: €110-€270 per night
Extremadura
Explore region →Parador de Cáceres
Located in the heart of Cáceres' UNESCO-listed old town, this parador is set in a restored palace combining Renaissance and Gothic elements. The stone façade, peaceful courtyard, and elegant rooms offer an authentic experience in a perfectly preserved medieval city.
Price: €100-€240 per night
Galicia
Explore region →Parador de Baiona
Located within a spectacular walled fortress on a peninsula overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This maritime parador offers impressive sea views, elegant rooms, and was the first European port to receive news of the discovery of America when the Pinta ship arrived in 1493.
Price: €120-€290 per night
Parador de Santo Estevo
Housed in a spectacular 6th-century Benedictine monastery in the midst of the Ribeira Sacra region, this parador features three magnificent cloisters from different periods. Surrounded by chestnut forests and overlooking the Sil River canyon, it offers tranquility and natural beauty.
Price: €120-€290 per night
Other Regions
Parador de Cuenca
A hotel housed in a former 16th-century convent, offering spectacular views of the hanging houses of Cuenca.
Parador de Córdoba
A modern hotel built on the ruins of the summer palace of Abd-ar-Rahman I, offering panoramic views of the city.
Parador de Granada
A historic luxury hotel located within the Alhambra complex.
Parador de Santiago de Compostela
Also known as Hostal dos Reis Católicos, this historic hotel is located in a former royal hospital built in 1499, right next to the Santiago Cathedral.
Parador de Toledo
A hotel with panoramic views of the historic city of Toledo, located on the Emperador Hill.
Experience Spanish History Like Never Before
Paradores offer more than just accommodation; they provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Spain's rich cultural heritage, experiencing history firsthand while enjoying modern luxury and comfort.
Architectural Wonders
Stay within the walls of historic landmarks, from medieval castles and monasteries to Renaissance palaces and Arab fortresses.
Modern Comforts
Experience the perfect blend of historical authenticity and contemporary luxury, with first-class amenities and services.
Unparalleled Locations
From dramatic clifftop settings to the heart of historic cities, Paradores occupy some of Spain's most spectacular and privileged positions.