Carmona stands in a privileged setting in the Vega del Corbones and is one of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia. Up to 500 archaeological sites can be found in the region, with evidence of settlement going back over thousands of years. The Parador can be found in the centre of the city, near monuments such as the Puerta de Sevilla, the Museum of Carmona, the Plaza de San Fernando and the city’s Archaeological Complex. Explore the magnificent historical quarter and discover just how photogenic it is as you walk along the tour “Carmona, Destino de Cine” (Carmona Route, a Cinematic Destination), which takes you through the areas used for scenes in many films.

 

Just half an hour away is Seville. the capital city of Andalusia and an international synonym for light and happiness. There you’ll discover some of the most iconic monuments of Spain, such as the Giralda, the Torre del Oro, the Triana District and the Reales Alcázares. And if you prefer nature, spectacular trails await you in Carmona, such as the Cueva de la Batida and Los Pilares, and other marvellous places such as the Nature Park of the Sierra Norte de Sevilla or the Reservoir of Melonares, where you can relax or do water sports.

The Parador de Turismo "Marco Fabio Quintiliano" pays homage to the bimillenary Calagurris Nassica Iulia, the Roman name by which Calahorra was known. A walk through its historic centre reveals the 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral, several other churches from different historical periods, and the Episcopal Palace, which holds numerous items such as fine gold ornaments, clothing, sculptures and paintings. There are also several museums, such as those dedicated to Romanisation or to Crops, and the Museum of Easter Floats, as Easter celebrations here have been declared a festival of National Tourist Interest.

The Picos de Europa National Park is the ideal destination for lovers of nature and adventure sports, including canyoning, canyoning, cross-country skiing, climbing and caving. The mountain resort of Fuente Dé is the starting point for numerous hiking trails which can be reached by cable car and offers a breath-taking panoramic view of the valley.

A local song starts with the words “at the feet of one hundred mountains that rise all around”, and this is the case with the town of Cangas de Narcea, just two kilometres away from the Parador. The best way to discover it is to wander through its stone paved streets, full of mansion houses, palaces and churches, a reflection of the lineage of the first Asturian kings. The traditional beauty of the region combines beautiful typical buildings such as the Molino de Villajur and monuments such as the Sanctuary of the Virgen del Acebo, one of the Marian churches of Asturias.

 

More than anything, Cangas de Narcea is a natural paradise. The old stables of the Monastery of Corias are home to the Centre of the Natural Park of Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña e Ibias, where you’ll find a starting point for all kinds of hiking and adventure activities in the magical place. You shouldn’t miss the Natural Reserve of the Forest of Muniellos, the largest oak forest in Spain, where brown bears and grouse – emblems of the regional fauna – can be found. Cangas del Narcea is also the home of D.O. Cangas wine, with a wine museum, cellars and vineyards open to visitors.

The Parador de Chinchón is one of the most emblematic buildings in the town. Guests can explore in more depth by joining one of the visits that we organise every morning, where you’ll discover spaces such as the chapterhouse, the doctoral hall, the stables and the old washrooms. You could then take a walk through the old quarter, following in the footsteps of Celtiberians, Romans and Arabs in the midst of a unique cultural landscape. Chinchón, a Historical-Artistic Site since 1974, is notable for its impressive Plaza Mayor, which with more than 200 wooden balconies has appeared in many films; take a walk along one of the town’s cinematic routes and feel like you’re in a film.

 

The landscape of Chinchón, in the heart of the Vega del Tajuña, is full of vineyards and olive groves. Near the town you can explore the Wine Caves and sample some of their excellent wines. The town’s privileged location enables you to visit other famous places such as Aranjuez, Madrid and, which are all less than an hour away. And Parque Warner, the perfect experience for all the family, is just 30 km away.

Zamora is known as the city of Romanesque architecture. In its historic centre there are as many as 23 temples and 14 churches, a fact that places Zamora as the city with the highest number and quality of Romanesque temples in Europe. Its main historical monuments include the Cathedral, the Castle, the walls, its bridges and stately homes, and the set of modernist buildings. Another building of great interest is the palace of the Counts of Alba de Aliste, now the site of the Parador de Zafra. A Renaissance jewel in the Romanesque city, which contains most beautiful humanist courtyards of the Spanish Renaissance.

The best way to discover Zafra is to start at its walls. One of the most beautiful entrances is the Puerta de Jerez. From there you can walk through its streets and discover its unique buildings and monuments, which have been declared a Historic-Artistic Site of National Interest. Highlights include the Dukes of Feria Fortress, which is now a Tourism Parador; the Collegiate Church of Santa María de Candelaria, the Monastery of Santa Clara, the Convent of Santa Catalina, the churches of Santa Marina (attached to the Fortress) and del Rosario, as well as its Plaza Grande and Plaza Chica, Plaza de España and Plaza del Alcázar.

Trujillo is strongly linked to its history. Its role in the discovery of America, as the birthplace of discoverers such as Francisco Pizarro, is visible in its heritage. The equestrian statue of the discoverer in Trujillo’s Plaza Mayor is one of the city’s points of interest. Other highlights include the church of Santa María la Mayor and the church of San Martín de Tours; the houses of the most important families such as the Casa de los Orellana and the Casa de la Cadena; the Palacio de la Conquista and the castle, which is in the highest part of the town, and which offers incredible views.

Tordesillas was the seat of the royal court and the prison which held Queen Juana I of Castile, daughter of the Catholic Monarchs, who was locked in the town when she died. The city has a rich historical heritage that you can discover by visiting the Casas del Tratado, the Royal Monastery of Santa Clara, the Museum of San Antolin and its bridge and the wall Also of interest are the Lantern and Lace museums.

Holding the title of World Heritage City and a Cultural Asset, Toledo stands on a promontory surrounded by the River Tagus. The city’s most iconic monuments can already be seen in the famous skyline: the imposing Alcázar, the magisterial Primada Catedral, the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes and the Puerta de Bisagra and its bridges.