On La Palma, the landscape blends into a choreography of light and colour that inspires the beholder. Amid volcanoes, starry skies, cliffs and ancient forests, the island displays a natural palette that has enchanted generations of artists. Today, that same inspiration can be found inside the Parador de La Palma, where nature, art and tradition dialogue in harmony.
Imagine a journey where the sun’s rays paint dreamlike landscapes and the Atlantic waves caress endless beaches. We invite you to delve into the Costa de la Luz, a route that weaves history, nature and cuisine while connecting three exceptional destinations: Cádiz, Mazagón and Ayamonte. Each stop is a universe of sensations that will immerse you in the light, magic and authenticity of Andalusia. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!
First stop: Parador de Cádiz
Spring is nature’s grand performance – the perfect time to lose yourself in the beauty of gardens in full bloom. Their history spans over 4,000 years, as seen in ancient Egyptian tomb paintings. The Pharaohs designed them to bring shade, freshness, and exotic elegance to their palaces with plants brought from distant lands. Today, gardens remain places of peace and wellbeing – spaces where stress dissolves, the air is renewed, and we reconnect with nature, whether strolling, reading, or simply admiring the view.
During excavations prior to the construction of the Parador de Lorca, a large prayer room belonging to a synagogue came to light. This discovery was not surprising, given that the building is located next to the iconic castle of the Murcian city, a fortress that, centuries ago, marked the boundary between the Castilian and Muslim territories. Within its walls, for more than two centuries, a large Jewish community resided, engaged in trade, crafts, translation of Arabic texts and even the rescue of captives.
Our literary journey takes us to El trono de barro (The throne of clay), the fascinating novel by Teo Palacios that opens a window into the life of a key historical figure at the court of Philip III. Throughout its pages, the author masterfully unfolds the challenges, strategies and controversies that defined a figure whose ambition left an indelible mark on history. Can you imagine who this is?
Today, 23 April, we are celebrating Book Day at Paradores. Join us on this literary journey that connects natural beauty and historic places with the immortal works of great Spanish writers. From the verses that Antonio Machado wrote in the Casa de los Poetas in Soria, and the places where Federico García Lorca found inspiration for his works, to the Plaza del Obradoiro in Santiago de Compostela, which Valle-Inclán described as the ‘Mystical Stone Rose’, each destination comes to life amidst words and landscapes.
The Parador de Corias is known as "The Escorial of Asturias" for its magnificent architecture, making it one of the most monumental monasteries in Europe, and as such, it is full of secrets. One of the best-known are the archaeological remains found in the basement of the founding church from the 11th century. However, other secrets, hidden in plain sight, make this Parador a veritable treasure chamber, and the fact is that inside the monastery you can find one of the best collections of bargueños in the whole of Paradores.
April 13 is International Kissing Day, and we think it's the perfect excuse to celebrate love and the magic of this universal gesture. What better place to share an unforgettable kiss than in some of Paradores’ most romantic corners? From medieval castles to dreamy natural enclaves, these destinations not only offer postcard landscapes, but also the ideal atmosphere to seal unique moments.
Sierra de Gredos’s Regional Park holds one of the most impressive natural treasures of Avila, an ideal destination for nature lovers. Of glacial origin and at an altitude of 2000 meters, it offers a mountain orchard that combines the beauty of crystalline waters with the majesty of the Almanzor Peak, the highest in the Central System.
Ready to embark on a journey that not only takes you to discover amazing places, but also makes a difference in the world? If your passion for travel goes hand in hand with respect for the environment, this article is for you. Whether you're a sustainability expert or someone who is still discovering how your travels can leave a positive (and non-carbon) footprint, these four destinations will inspire you to travel consciously and with purpose. Discover places that make the harmony between tourism and nature their essence, and get ready to transform the way you travel the world.