Sleep in a Castle, Wake to a View: Lodging in Spain’s Paradores
- Charles Jordan
- Oct 13
- 7 min read
Paradores Nacionales de España: Where History Meets Hospitality
In This Article:
What Are the Paradores Nacionales de España?
Lodging in Spain's Paradores
Paradores Nacionales de España is a public company that has been serving Spanish tourism since 1928. Over nearly a century, it has successfully promoted the best image of Spain, protected its historical and cultural heritage, and supported local economies while caring for the environment.
Today, there are almost 100 Paradors scattered across the country, from the rugged northern coast to the sun-drenched south, from the Atlantic shores to the Mediterranean, and deep into Spain’s mountainous interiors. With so many to choose from, depending on your destination, lodging in Spain's Paradores might be the perfect option for you.
A Century of Preserving Heritage and Promoting Tourism
The Paradores network was created with a dual mission:
Preserve and repurpose historic buildings, castles, monasteries, palaces, and manor houses, by transforming them into luxury hotels.
Promote sustainable tourism in areas that might otherwise be overlooked, boosting local economies and protecting cultural and natural treasures.
This means that when you stay in one of the historic Paradors, you’re not just booking a room, you’re stepping into a living piece of Spanish history.
Staying in Castles, Monasteries, and Architectural Icons
From castles where you can feel like royalty to cloisters that invite deep relaxation, and from avant-garde retreats in breathtaking natural settings to beachfront escapes, there’s a Parador for virtually every traveler.
Whether you prefer the mountains or the coast, the interior or the seaside, each Parador offers a unique combination of location, architecture, and gastronomy.
Spotlight: Parador de Vielha - Gateway to the Arán Valley
I first experienced the magic of Paradores at the Parador de Vielha during a school excursion in the late 1980s. Nestled in the Val d’Arán in the Catalan Pyrenees, this Parador is the perfect base for enjoying nature and the nearby ski slopes of Baqueira-Beret.
Highlights include:
A spa with panoramic mountain views
Outdoor pool, solarium terrace, jacuzzi, and sauna
Elegant, light-filled interiors with large windows framing the Pyrenees
A circular dining room surrounded by gardens
Rooms with terraces overlooking the valley
Vielha itself blends the serene air of the mountains with the lively atmosphere of a tourist hub. Its historic center features charming houses, artisan shops, and local delicacies. Cultural highlights include the Tor deth Generau Martrinhon, a 17th-century palace housing an ethnological museum, and the Church of Sant Miguel, home to a 12th-century Romanesque Christ and the famous “cabinet of six keys” where valley documents were once stored.
Spotlight: Parador de Santillana Gil Blas - Elegance in Cantabria
I’ve also stayed, more than once, at the Parador de Santillana Gil Blas, located in the heart of Santillana del Mar, a village declared a National Monument.
Housed in a 17th-century Baroque manor, the former Casa Barreda-Bracho, the Parador features:
A warm, elegant interior with wooden floors and some rooms boasting fireplaces
Montañés-style décor that transports guests to another era
An exclusive outdoor terrace, unique within the Paradores network
Award-winning hospitality, recognized with a “Solete” by the Guía Repsol (Spain's version of the Michelin Guide) -
I can attest! I've had the pleasure of dining here several times, once celebrating my daughter's fifth birthday. What a memorable day!
Santillana del Mar is famously walkable and car-free, offering a historic center filled with stone buildings, artisan shops, and proximity to the Altamira Caves (or their exact replica at the Altamira Museum). Just across the plaza from the Parador de Santillana Gil Blas stands the Colegiata de Santa Juliana, a magnificent Romanesque church and former monastery that anchors the town’s medieval charm. Its carved cloisters and centuries-old stone façade are a quiet reminder of Santillana’s spiritual and architectural legacy. Nearby, you can explore coastal towns like Comillas and San Vicente de la Barquera, or natural wonders like the Cueva del Soplao.
Spotlight: Parador de Granada - History Inside the Alhambra
While I've never stayed at the Parador de Granada, I've read that it's truly a rare gem located within the Alhambra complex, one of Spain’s most iconic monuments.
Housed in a 15th-century convent built atop the ruins of a Nasrid palace, the Parador features:
Andalusian-style interiors with carved wood ceilings, stone archways, and tiled mosaics
Rooms with views of the Generalife gardens and the Sierra Nevada beyond
A tranquil courtyard, perfect for quiet reflection or evening drinks
Exceptional location - mere steps from the most treasured attractions of Granada
The Parador de Granada inhabits the Nasrid Palace of the Infantes (Palacio Nazarí de los Infantes), transformed by the Catholic Monarchs into the first Christian convent within the newly conquered Alhambra, and originally designated as their burial site. Today, guests can walk through the original patio, now a cloister, and visit the preserved sala árabe and the qubba, a stunning domed chamber overlooking the Generalife gardens. Beneath its intricate mocárabe ceiling lie the provisional tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella, offering a rare glimpse into Spain’s royal and architectural legacy. The Parador also houses the remains of the palace’s Arab baths, uncovered in 1949, adding yet another layer of historical depth to the experience. Staying here isn’t just about location, it’s about inhabiting a space where centuries converge.
Granada offers a rich blend of Moorish, Christian, and modern Spanish culture. From the winding streets of the Albaicín to flamenco performances in Sacromonte caves, the city pulses with textured history. Nearby, you can explore the Cathedral, the Royal Chapel, or take a day trip to the Alpujarras villages. And at sunset, the view from Mirador de San Nicolás, looking back at the Alhambra, is an experience sought by many. Read more about Granada in our previous article.
Spotlight: Toledo’s Parador Experience
Not all Parador experiences require an overnight stay. In Toledo, I’ve enjoyed long, leisurely lunches at the Parador’s restaurant, followed by a stroll onto its terrace for sweeping views of the city. The combination of Castilian cuisine and panoramic vistas makes it a perfect stop for day-trippers or those seeking a memorable meal in an historic setting. But if you want to stay the night, this would be a wonderful choice.
Inspired by Mudéjar architecture, the building offers the most breathtaking panoramic views of the "City of Three Cultures," from its terrace, lounges, and guest rooms. Inside, spacious and luxurious interiors blend seamlessly with warm wooden beams, staircases, and floors, creating an inviting atmosphere. After a day of exploring Toledo’s historic streets, unwind with a peaceful swim in the pool or savor traditional Manchegan cuisine on the terrace, all while admiring the city’s stunning skyline. The Parador’s charm lies not only in its comfort and elegance, but in its ability to immerse guests in the beauty and spirit of Toledo from sunrise to sunset.
In Toledo, you can explore the imposing Alcázar, a witness to more recent history; the stunning Gothic cathedral at the heart of the old town; synagogues and mosques; seemingly countless monuments and museums; and stroll through its parks and gardens.
And you'll want to shop for locally crafted damasquinado trinkets, Toledo blades, and beautiful locally produced ceramics like those from nearby Talavera de la Reina.
A day in Toledo doesn’t end at sunset, the nighttime illumination of its historic buildings is part of its tourist appeal and provides special charm to the capital of La Mancha. Read more about Toledo in our previous article about top day trips from Madrid.
Spotlight: Parador de Santiago de Compostela - A Pilgrim’s Rest in Spain’s Oldest Hotel
Considered the oldest hotel in Spain, the Parador de Santiago de Compostela sits on the Plaza del Obradoiro, right beside the world-renowned cathedral. Originally founded by the Catholic Monarchs as the Royal Hospital for pilgrims, it’s now known as the Hostal dos Reis Católicos.
Key features include:
A historic Plateresque façade that anchors the building’s architectural grandeur
Four peaceful cloisters and elegant corridors that reflect centuries of hospitality
Spectacular guest rooms blending tradition with comfort
The largest collection of Madrid School paintings in the Paradores network
Over 140 works by important artists such as Martínez Novillo, Álvaro Delgado, and Menchu Gal, all on display within the Parador
This isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a living museum and a spiritual waypoint for travelers tracing the Camino’s legacy.
Other Must-Visit Paradors Across Spain
While Vielha, Santillana del Mar, Granada, Toledo and Santiago de Compostela hold personal significance, the Paradores network spans nearly every corner of Spain. Notable locations include:
Ávila - within the medieval city walls
Segovia - near the Roman aqueduct
Salamanca - in the heart of the university city (read more about Salamanca here.)
Cáceres - in a UNESCO-listed old town (read more about Cáceres here.)
Chinchón - overlooking the famous Plaza Mayor
Córdoba - near the Mezquita-Catedral (read more about Córdoba here.)
Each offers its own blend of history, architecture, and regional cuisine.
Read more about Ávila, and Segovia in our previously published guide to Madrid day trips.
Why Paradores Offer More Than Just a Place to Sleep
Staying at one of the historic Paradores is about immersive travel:
You’re sleeping in a building that has witnessed centuries of history.
You’re dining on gourmet regional cuisine crafted from local ingredients.
You’re contributing to the preservation of Spain’s cultural and natural heritage.
From the Pyrenean peaks to the Andalusian plains, Paradores offer a way to experience Spain that’s as much about the journey as the destination.
What about you, have you ever stayed in a Parador, or is there one on your travel wish list? Which historic setting would you choose for your next Spanish getaway?
Comments