Paradores occupy some of the country’s most privileged locations. Castles that have watched over the horizon for centuries, convents transformed into tranquil retreats, Renaissance palaces, seaside fortresses or contemporary buildings set amidst breathtaking landscapes. We often think of them in terms of their history, architecture, culinary heritage or the remarkable natural and monumental settings that surround them. And yet, there is an essential part of the experience that often remains quietly in the background: the rooms.

For the little ones, it’s pure adventure; for adults, an unexpected break to really take in what usually goes unnoticed.

In a country like Spain, where the landscape changes every few kilometres, these aerial journeys become mini-experiences that blend excitement, a gentle sense of vertigo and surprise. Mountains unfolding beneath your feet, towns gradually shrinking in the distance, the sea peeking over the horizon…

He is one of Spain’s most internationally renowned photographers and is behind the latest Paradores advertising campaign, a project in which he brings his visual universe – somewhere between set design, painting and photography – to the online realm. His work, meticulously crafted yet open to surprise, engages with artistic tradition and champions emotion in an age dominated by immediacy.

You started out studying Fine Arts before turning to photography. Do you still see the world through a painter’s eyes?

There are trips that, once they end, leave you with a feeling that’s hard to explain, as though there were still something left to see, do, or experience. At other times, it’s a conversation with friends or family that sparks the surprising question: “Didn’t you visit this place?” making you realise that the destination had even more to offer than you discovered. And sometimes, the memories alone are enough to rekindle the desire to return and create new ones.

There are nights that never come again, moments when music, setting, and emotion converge to create something truly unique. That is precisely what Caprichos Musicales offers: a series of carefully curated experiences where art is felt up close, unfiltered, in venues that are destinations in their own right.

Travelling is no longer just about discovering new destinations, but about doing so with awareness and intention. Sustainability and ecotourism have become a priority for those seeking experiences that respect and value the environment. More and more travellers are choosing routes that allow them to connect with nature and contribute to its conservation, with a particular focus on protected areas and landscapes of great ecological richness.

At Paradores, we know that travelling is so much better when no one is left behind. And yes, that includes that faithful companion who looks at you as if to say: “I’m coming too, aren’t I?”. At Paradores, we’re clear on this: yes, you’re coming. That’s why more and more hotels are opening their doors to pets, so you can share unforgettable getaways in unique settings, whether in the midst of nature, by the sea or in the heart of cities steeped in history.

Spain is not just about the sea, mountains and historic villages; it is also a land of volcanoes. Over a hundred craters scattered across the islands, coastlines and inland plains form a surprising geological map that many are unaware of. Some are still active, others have been dormant for thousands of years, but all have shaped landscapes that we can now explore almost without realising we are walking on ancient fire.

This is a tour of some of them, a route to be surprised by the unexpected and, along the way, to discover places where nature has written its history in lava.

If you think of those destinations where every spot begs to be photographed, Mérida is surely on that list. There is something about this city that means you simply cannot put your camera down for a single moment. Perhaps it’s its Roman origins, dating back to 25 BC, when Augustus decided to found Colonia Iulia Augusta Emerita. Or perhaps it’s the way the city has learned to live with its past, because here you don’t need to search for grand scenes: you find them on every corner. You just have to stop, look… and then, yes, take a photo.

 

Spring in Spain unfolds in many ways. Whilst some enjoy playing sport by the sea, others take the opportunity to explore those long-awaited wine routes through landscapes or islands where nature already envelops everything. On this journey through six different destinations, we suggest different ways of experiencing it, because they all share the spirit of Paradores, where travelling is not just about visiting, but about experiencing each place at a leisurely pace, with a sense of identity and a deeper connection.