Why you should stay in a Parador Hotel when you visit Spain

You might have already heard it mentioned in passing, but what are Parador hotels? In short, these state-run hotels specialise in giving travellers an authentic experience that won't be forgotten.

These charming hotels occupy some of Spain’s most brilliant historic sites, including castles, convents, manor houses, palaces, monasteries, fortresses, and even towers. Some Paradors are even located in World Heritage Sites, which is certainly something to add to the bucket list.

While Parador is a hotel management company, the majority of its accommodation sites are owned by Spain's National Heritage Service. Parador was actually founded by Spanish king Alfonso XIII as a means to promote tourism within Spain. The first Parador hotel opened in 1928, so you can ensure you’re booking with a reputable hotel.

As Parador offers an extensive variety of accommodation, from convents to fortresses, the only real limits are where you’d like to go. Will it be a beach trip? A rural valley escape? A relaxing cottage stay in the mountains? Or an energising city break?

To make it easier for guests, Paradores have been broken down into three main categories. There’s 'Esentia’, the monumental and historic accommodation sites, 'Civia’, the more cosmopolitan hotels, and 'Naturia’, hotel offerings situated in natural or coastal settings.

Some Parador highlights include:

Parador de Zafra - a hotel that occupies the Palace of the Dukes of Feria. This regal site was built in 1437 and features striking coffered ceilings, ornate ironwork, large chests, and other decor from the original palace.
Parador Santo Estevo - a converted Benedictine Monastery in Nogueira de Ramuin, said to have been founded in the 6th or 7th century.
Parador de Cuenca - a mesmerising hotel in a former monastery atop the Huécar Gorge in the UNESCO-listed walled town of Cuenca.

Whatever site you choose, it’s sure to be a monumental, historic treasure. So, how many Paradors are currently in Spain? Currently, there are 96 Parador hotels in Spain, meaning there is scope for most budgets.

While there is a certain element of prestige and luxury associated with Parador hotels, given the grandeur of the historic buildings, one of Parador’s goals is to make unique buildings accessible to a variety of travellers, not just those with larger budgets.

You can’t visit Spain without sampling some of the delicious, authentic cuisine for which the country is famous. Tapas, paella, and dazzling varieties of wine - you can try it all at Parador hotels.

While the buildings are historic and have been maintained to protect much of the original structure, many have been updated to incorporate modern amenities, including high-quality restaurants. Parador offers three categories of dining:

Especia - classic, authentic dining with traditional offerings
Tamizia - multi-purpose restaurants featuring modern Spanish cuisine
Marmitia - dining with a focus on local produce and traditional meals

On top of exceptional culinary experiences, Parador also offers sporting and recreational activities, such as golf at Parador de Málaga Golf, and relaxing spa treatments at Parador de Corias.