Each new year is an invitation to look forward with excitement. 2026 is like a blank map, waiting for us to fill it with memories, encounters and moments worth cherishing.

At Paradores, we believe in wishes that are lived, not just spoken. That's why we propose twelve wishes for this new year, accompanied by experiences that can become your best start to a new chapter.

1. Rediscover what is close to you as if it were new

Christmas is that time of year when we want to enjoy ourselves, get together and seek out experiences that will thrill both children and adults alike. This year, Paradores is the perfect retreat for those who want to enjoy a different kind of holiday, full of activities, tradition and plans for the whole family. At a Parador, you will enjoy a warm Christmas atmosphere and, outside, thousands of things to do. From cities that sparkle with thousands of lights to snowy landscapes, Christmas markets and warm beaches where Father Christmas arrives... almost in flip-flops.

We suggest the perfect route for those who enjoy travelling at a leisurely pace, but making the most of every moment. A short journey in terms of distance, but rich in history, nature, flavours and festive magic. From the monumental locations of Extremadura to the legendary mountains of Gredos, and from there to the walls of Ávila and the medieval charms of Segovia, each stop has a unique Parador where you can rest, savour the local cuisine and feel Christmas in every detail.

The arrival of Christmas always brings memorable moments with long after-dinner conversations, extended toasts and meals where traditional flavours take centre stage. However, so much celebration can also take its toll on our bodies and minds. At Paradores, we believe that enjoying yourself is not at odds with taking care of yourself, and that the good life begins with balance.

We suggest a series of simple activities to maintain your energy and well-being before, during and after the festivities.

 

We often find ourselves stuck in the same destinations, repeating holidays as if convenience were synonymous with happiness. However, beyond the big cities and popular coastlines, there are lesser-known corners with a unique soul, where every street, every monument and every dish invites us to discover a new world. In these destinations, where calm and authenticity still prevail, you can enjoy the tranquillity that a Parador offers, a perfect refuge to switch off, rest and savour the best of local cuisine. Are you ready to step outside the box?

 

The Parador de Cuenca, renovated with an aesthetic that respects the essence of the former convent of San Pablo, has not only transformed its facilities, but has also given a significant boost to 20th-century art, consolidating its close ties with the city’s cultural history and its tradition as the epicentre of abstract art in Spain.

 

Enhancing the artistic project

 

Nestled among the majestic mountains of the Catalan Pyrenees and just a stone's throw from the Andorran border, La Seu d'Urgell is a superb location for those seeking nature, history and culture in a single destination. In the heart of the county of Alt Urgell, this open, vibrant and monumental city combines the medieval essence of its old town with spectacular natural surroundings, located between the Cadí-Moixeró and the Alt Pirineu Natural Parks, and very close to the Aigüestortes and Lago de Sant Maurici National Park.

 

There are first times that you remember for the rest of your life. Your first date, your first job, your first trip that changed your outlook... and yes, the first time you stay at a Parador, too. Because it's not just another hotel, it's the gateway to a different way of travelling, where history, gastronomy and the beauty of the surroundings come together to offer you an experience with soul.

The readers' long wait has been rewarded. The Way of the Father is the last book in the trilogy of A Saga of the Ancient Family, a cult phenomenon that transcends fantasy literature. Eva García Saénz de Urturi explores universal questions such as longevity, memory and identity. Once again, the Alava-born author reaffirms her talent for constructing stories that tackle the great dilemmas of human beings.