Crossing the Graells gate is stepping into a labyrinth of medieval streets that rise slowly towards the town’s emblem: Cardona Castle, one of the most impressive Paradores.
With the arrival of the holidays, Paradores becomes the ideal starting point for those seeking to rediscover nature on two wheels. The reawakening of the landscape, the fresh air and the longer days invite you to enjoy cycling routes that combine sport, adventure and culture in unique settings. The Nature for the Senses programme offers cycling itineraries designed for all levels. Guided tours allow participants to explore the rich landscape and heritage of each destination, stopping at privileged viewpoints, charming villages and areas of exceptional beauty.
Summer in Spain is not just about sun, sand and holidays, it is also a wonderful time to engage with art and culture. And when it comes to culture, what better way to enjoy it than on stage? Theatre, with its unique magic, its ability to stir emotions, reflect on society, raise awareness and, of course, entertain, is one of the most appealing activities at this time of year. And for those looking not only for a cultural evening but also for a chance to relax, the Paradors are the ideal retreat.
In the late 1920s, at the height of the golden age of tourism, architects Carlos Arniches and Martín Domínguez saw a growing need: to create a space for "self-drive tourists", travellers who were beginning to explore Spain by car. Thus was born the idea of an accommodation network designed for this new type of tourism.
Summer is also about walking to the rhythm of the forest, floating in fresh waters that seem invented for siesta time, and letting yourself be enveloped by landscapes that smell of earth, ancient stone, and cool shade. More and more travelers are looking inland in search of experiences that combine nature, culture, and relaxation without sacrificing the charm of good sleep and good food. From mountains and forests to castles steeped in history and nature that invites you to stroll, here are six Paradores where summer is green, slow, and with dips at altitude.
Summer is here, and with it comes that unstoppable urge to go out, to savour every ray of sunshine, to linger over meals and to raise a toast in the open air. At Paradores we know it well, there’s nothing like a good terrace in summer, where time melts away between conversations, landscapes and sunsets.
The Paradores’ art collection is history and modernity, and in it you can find great Spanish artists of the 20th century such as Miró, Tapiès and Dalí. On this occasion, to cool down in the summer heat, we would like to highlight Menchu Gal, one of the most important painters of the Madrid School, who has left a large collection of maritime-themed paintings in Paradores.
Cervantes' Numancia will open this year's Mérida Festival under the direction of José Luis Alonso de Santos. The veteran playwright takes on the challenge of adapting a complex and powerful text, with echoes of current events, to dress it up with the ritual grandeur demanded by Roman theatre.
If you are passionate about exploring the authentic flavours of Paradores cuisine and enjoy putting on your apron to experiment at home, ‘Cooking with Paradores’ is the perfect place for you. Here, our most creative chefs share their most representative recipes so that you can make them yourself and surprise everyone with your culinary skills.
Paradors are much more than just accommodation; they are true custodians of history, art and culture. Many of these establishments are located in monuments of great value, such as castles, monasteries, palaces and convents, while others are a reflection of modernity and the spirit of their time. What unites them all is the echo of historical events, political meetings, legends, and moments that have left their mark, such as the visit of artists from the world of music and film.