In my article about Granada, I promised you we'd step inside Spain's paradores. Here we are, and it's a fitting way to close out our Spain series. If Granada showed you a city worth three days, the paradores show you a whole country worth slowing down for.
What exactly is a parador?
A parador is a hotel run by Paradores de Turismo, a company owned by the Spanish state. The first one opened in 1928 in the Sierra de Gredos, west of Madrid. Today there are about 100 of them, and many sit inside buildings that were never meant to be hotels: medieval castles, Renaissance convents, royal palaces and pilgrims' hospitals.
The idea was simple and quite beautiful. Rather than let Spain's great old buildings fall into ruin, give them a new life and let travelers sleep inside them. Nearly a century later, it's still one of the most romantic ways to see the country.
Why I build them into Spain itineraries
After 40 years in luxury fashion and beauty, I know the difference between something that's expensive and something that's special. Paradores are special. You aren't paying for marble lobbies and a rooftop bar. You're paying to wake up in a 15th-century convent, walk a cloister before breakfast, and have the castle walls nearly to yourself once the day-trippers leave.
They're also not all the same, and that's where an advisor earns their keep. Some are true icons. Others are comfortable, modern buildings with a spectacular view. Knowing which is which, and which room to ask for, makes the whole difference.
The paradores I'd book first
Granada, inside the Alhambra. A former 15th-century Franciscan convent set within the Alhambra complex itself. This is the one everyone wants, so it's the one I plan furthest ahead.
Santiago de Compostela, Hostal dos Reis Católicos. Founded in 1499 as a hospital for pilgrims, it sits on the same square as the cathedral. Many call it one of the oldest hotels in the world. Perfect for anyone finishing, or simply honoring, the Camino.
León, San Marcos. A grand Renaissance convent with one of the most striking facades in Spain. A great stop between Madrid and Galicia.
Olite, in Navarra. Part of the old royal palace of the Kings of Navarre. Towers, battlements and a sense of storybook Spain, close to Rioja wine country.
Cardona and Sigüenza. Two genuine hilltop castles: a medieval fortress in Catalonia and the Bishops' castle north of Madrid. Choose these when the castle is the experience.
Cuenca and Plasencia. Former convents, both quietly beautiful. Cuenca looks across a gorge at the famous hanging houses.
Toledo. Not a historic building, but the view back over the old city at sunset is one of the best in Spain. Sometimes the view is the point.
How I fit paradores into a trip
I rarely suggest a trip made only of paradores. The best Spain journeys mix them with a few exceptional city hotels: Madrid, Seville or Barcelona for polish and service, then a parador or two for the history and the quiet. Think of them as the chapters that make the story memorable.
A few practical notes I share with clients:
Book Granada early. It's small and it's in demand.
Ask about the room. In a castle or convent, rooms vary a lot in size, light and view. It's worth requesting the right one.
Plan on a car or a driver. Many of the best paradores are in small towns and hilltops, which is part of their charm.
Stay two nights where you can. One night feels like a stopover. Two lets you live in the place.
Where we go from here
This wraps up our Spain series, but Spain isn't going anywhere. Departures & Details will range across everything I plan for clients: romance and milestone trips, hotels and cruises I've seen for myself on site visits, and an honest look at how I plan a journey. Spain will return regularly, because I'm still in love with it.
Thinking about Spain?
If a night in a castle or a convent sounds like your kind of trip, I'd love to help you plan it. As a San Francisco luxury travel advisor focused on Spain, I'll match the right paradores with the right city hotels, and handle the details so you can simply enjoy it.
Explore Spain with me or book a consultation.
Warmly, Curt
More Spain inspiration
Best Time to Visit Spain: A Season-by-Season Guide
Choose the right season and region for the Spanish journey you want to have.
Read the guide →
Andalusia Travel Itinerary: 7 Nights at the Right Pace
A considered route through Seville, Córdoba, Granada, and Málaga, with room for the moments that make southern Spain personal.
Read the guide →