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.

The story of this trip begins the moment you step through a heavy wooden doorway, weathered by centuries of history. In that instant, something changes. And simply telling the little ones that their next room is inside a castle is enough for their imagination to do the rest.

Sleeping in a castle completely transforms the way you travel as a family. It’s not just the place, but what it awakens in people.

At Paradores, gastronomy is a way of discovering each destination through its flavours. We are committed to local and seasonal produce, to recipes that honour tradition, and to dishes that showcase the culinary richness of each region. Because every dish is also a story, a reflection of the surrounding landscape and culture.

Spring has the power to transform destinations to such an extent that they seem like different places altogether. This season is a silent invitation to get out and about, to enjoy and discover destinations almost at random, because the good weather and longer daylight hours allow you to explore each place at your own pace. We’re not just talking about the weather, but about how the light changes the landscape and the way each destination is experienced.

Because the journey begins long before you sleep within medieval walls, right there in its towers.

Arriving in Alarcón is not simply a matter of entering a town. It is stepping into a carefully designed military strategy which, in the Middle Ages, turned this town into a virtually impregnable fortress.

A quiet night, an open sky, and millions of stars weaving tales that stretch across generations. In a world dominated by screens and constant distractions, taking a moment to look up at the night sky can become one of the most meaningful activities to share as a family. And if that moment unfolds in breathtaking natural surroundings, the experience becomes truly magical.