The historical quarter of Cardona, declared a Cultural Site of National Interest, will take you back to another age. The best way to discover it is to lose yourself in the district, wander through its streets and plazas, see its medieval architecture and discover its history, the strategic role it played on the frontier with Al Ándalus and the commercial importance of its Salt Mountain, a truly unique natural phenomenon. If you visit us in May or June, you’ll also have the chance to discover one of the most interesting traditions in the region : the Salt Fiesta of Cardona and its medieval fair, and the Patum de Berga, with its dances of giants and bonfires at night.

 

Thanks to its privileged location, Cardona offers a wide range of experiences. Nearby you can find impressive Romanesque monuments, such as the Fountain of El Cardener, the Monastery of Montserrat, and the colourful giants' workshop of Toni Mujal. And if you like nature, the Parador is the starting point for beautiful routes on foot or by bike, or you can set off and visit incredible landscapes such as the Nature Park of Montserrat. What’s more, the Parador is only 98 km away from Barcelona, where you can visit iconic places such as the Barrio Gótico and the Sagrada Familia.

If you love skiing, Artíes is the perfect choice for a getaway to one of the best ski resorts in Spain: Baqueira Beret. The Parador is only 7km away. Consult our reception team about the offers and facilities we offer to our skiing guests.

Tui has a beautiful old town centre with an interesting collection of historical-artistic buildings. Tui was a major town during the Middle Ages, being the focal point of trade and defence against Portugal, which it borders. The best way to discover its history is to walk around it. Stroll through its cobbled streets, discovering the emblazoned houses and the historic buildings. The most outstanding is the cathedral of Santa María, the only cathedral in the province of Pontevedra. Also of great interest are the churches of San Bartolomé, San Francisco and San Telmo.

The Ribadeo estuary, which is part of the River Eo, Oscos and Tierras de Burón Biosphere Reserve, is a natural inlet of great ecological and environmental significance, and also the setting for all kinds of nautical and sporting activities.

Most of the historic centre of Pontevedra is pedestrianised. It is home to treasures such as the Basilica of Santa María La Mayor, a jewel of Gothic architecture, and the Church of the Pilgrim Virgin, a chapel with a scallop-shaped floor plan which is beautifully illuminated at night. Another point of interest is the Museum of Pontevedra, whose collections are spread over five different sites: the Convent of Santo Domingo, the Sarmiento Palace, the Castro Monteagudo building, the García Flórez building and the Fernández López building.

Nestling in the heart of the Ribeira Sacra, Monforte de Lemos is one of the most unique places in Galicia. The best way to discover it is to wander through the streets replete with history, where you’ll be amazed by the impressive architecture of the Colegio de los Escolapios, a building constructed in the Classical style and over 100 metres long, locally known as the Galician Escorial. The museum of the Colegio, housed in what was the sacristy, has works by El Greco and Andrea del Sarto.

 

Lemos is also an ideal starting point to explore the Ribeira Sacra and discover it rivers, vineyards and Romanesque architecture. If you’re a culture lover, you can set off on the Romanesque Route of the Ribeira Sacra or visit the traditional Pazo de Tor and the beautiful Castro Caldelas with its streets that still follow the medieval town plan. The region is also full of truly exceptional landscapes, such as the Cañones del Sil and the magical Sierra de O Caurel, which you can enjoy by taking an idyllic boat trip along the rivers Miño and Sil or take the car and discover the wonderful views and Romanesque monasteries.

Cambados is just the right size for exploring on foot, without having to walk very long distances or in a hurry. We recommend a visit to the ruins of Santa Mariña, the Church of San Benito, the promenade and the marina, the Tower of San Saturnino on the beach of A Mouta, and the lookout point on the mount of La Pastora, from where you can see all Cambados. The Ruta de los Pazos is a must, where you explore the manor houses of Fefiñanes, Rubiales, Ulloa, Bazán, the current Parador, Torrado and that of Montesacro. We also recommend walking through its old quarter, a Site of Cultural Interest, and discovering its rich heritage in squares, streets and churches.

Baiona is a medieval fortified town dominated by the Parador. The best way to discover Baiona is to lose yourself in the historical quarter or take a bike and ride along the sea promenade. Legend has it that Baiona was the first port to hear the news of the discovery of America, and this event commemorated every first weekend in March with the Fiesta de la Arribada, when the town dresses and goes back to the Middle Ages. You can enjoy the sights of the medieval market and shows on the beaches presided over the by the museum-replica of the ship, La Pinta. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity as you relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the city walls or make the day last with a glass of wine at a terrace bar.

 

But that’s not all. Baiona also means nature. The views from the town show you one of the reasons why : the Isles of Cíes. This virgin natural paradise, included in the Parque Nacional de las Islas Atlánticas de Galicia, is home to the “most beautiful beach in the world”, the Playa de Rodas. There are other spectacular beaches close to the Parador, such as La Ribeira, La Concheira and La Barbeira, where you can do all kinds of water sports such as sailing. Baiona’s strategic location also allows you to visit other places such as Vigo, Tui, Pontevedra and even Portugal.

Founded in 25 BCE by the emperor Augustus, Mérida is home to the most important Roman settlement on the peninsula. The best way to discover the city is to wander through its olds streets and see spectacular monuments such as the Roman Amphitheatre, Circus and Theatre, which has been the backdrop for the International Festival of Classical Theatre since 1933. Other sights not to be missed include the National Museum of Roman Art and the city’s magnificent Arab heritage, such as the Alcazaba and the Archaeological Complex of the Morería.

 

Mérida is much more than the city, Nearby you can see prehistoric structures such as the Dolmen of Lácara and the burial sites of Huerta Montero, and visit the Roman reservoirs of Proserpina and Cornalvo, where you can relax in the bathing areas and bars. If you like nature, you’ll be amazed by the Natural Park of Cornalvo, while the tremendous biological wealth of the National Park of Monfragüe is just a little further away. And if golf is your game, you’ll find an excellent course just 8 kilometres away from the city.

The best way to discover León is by wandering through its exceptional historical quarter, where you’ll be amazed by its cathedral, a gem of the Spanish Gothic style that is internationally famous for its 13th c.-stained-glass windows. Your walk will take you past other spectacular monuments such as the Real Colegiata, the Palacio de los Guzmanes or Gaudi’s Casa Botines de Gaudí, and if you feel like relaxing for a while, stop off at the beautiful Plaza Mayor, or continue along the streets of the famous districts of the Barrio Húmedo and Barrio Romántico , or find out more about the city’s fascinating history and art at its many museums.

 

León is surrounded by a truly exceptional heritage. Nearby are the historical cities of Astorga and Ponferrada, the headquarters of the Templar knights, or discover unique buildings such as the Mozarabic monastery of San Miguel de la Escalada. The region also offers impressive sights like the Caves of Valporquero and the Hoces de Vegacervera, and many hiking trails, such as the Roman Gold Trail, which takes you into the World Heritage landscape of Las Médulas. And for the more daring, the Valle de Anciles offers an exclusive safari of bison and Pottoka horses.