If you’re travelling in Spain, some of the best accommodation solutions are the wonderful Paradores de Turismo de España. These are luxury hotels operated by a state-owned company, located in some of the most beautiful buildings in the historic centres of cities throughout the country. Established in 1928, the Paradores provide a unique opportunity to experience Spain’s rich cultural heritage.
They’re typically located in castles or palaces situated at the highest points of ancient cities, accessible only via narrow cobbled streets. Accommodation is of a consistently high standard and the experience is essentially the same from one Parador to the next. The menus feature a range of authentic local dishes, featuring fish, meat and vegetarian options. The food is of extremely high quality, although not over the top, and this is true of pretty much every aspect of the Parador experience. Everything is high quality and affordable.
The Paradores were originally established with the twin objectives of providing accommodation for travellers while making use of the many large, historic buildings to promote the cultural heritage of the country. They fulfil both objectives admirably. I’ve just returned from a two-thousand mile, ten-night driving tour of Spain, staying exclusively in Paradores, and I can’t recommend the experience more highly. It’s a wonderful way to travel. Arriving at each city, following the signs, up narrow streets through historic centres of old towns, to imposing castles and palaces that lie at their hearts, creates a compelling sense of occasion.
The Parador pictured here is the Parador de Carmona, which is an Andalusian palace built on the ruins of a 14th century Moorish castle. It stands at the very top of the old town, commanding views across the Andalusian plains. A highly strategic location.
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