Can you imagine enjoying a cinematic experience in the heart of one of Europe's most prestigious film festivals? The San Sebastian International Film Festival not only celebrates the seventh art, but also invites you to explore the magical region of northern Spain. On this tour, we will discover how the emblematic Paradors of Hondarribia, Olite, Argómaniz and Sos del Rey Católico become the perfect setting for an experience worthy of the silver screen.
A Film Set in the Heart of History
This festival offers a unique opportunity to enjoy world premieres, independent films, short films and major productions before they reach the cinemas. During these days, San Sebastian becomes a vibrant cultural epicentre: talks, events, parties and red carpets that will delight any film lover. You might even bump into famous filmmakers and actors strolling the streets.
Just 23 km from the San Sebastian International Film Festival is the Parador de Hondarribia, the closest accommodation to the event, with a charm worthy of a film. It is no coincidence that, in 1973, the American director Franklin J. Schaffner chose this town to film scenes from Papillon, starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman, in which the historic quarter and the imposing façade of the Parador can be seen.
The Castle of Charles V, with its rich military and defensive history, preserves the essence of the era in which it was built, back in the 10th century. Although some of its rooms were adapted for the comfort of guests when it became a Parador in 1968, it still retains a medieval air, with historical gems such as the tapestries by Rubens that tell the story of Achilles.
In recent years, the Parador has been the refuge of numerous personalities from the world of cinema. Actors such as Imanol Arias and directors such as Pedro Almodóvar, as well as international stars such as Jessica Lange (in 2022) and Matt Damon (in 2019), have stayed in the coveted Suite 301, which holds within its walls a charm that is hard to match.
If you are planning to visit northern Spain from 20 to 28 September, you can't miss the cinematic atmosphere of San Sebastian or the Parador de Hondarribia, where you can relax and still feel the magic of cinema.
BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE HONDARRIBIA
A castle of cinematic stories and dreams
An hour and a half from the San Sebastian Film Festival is the charming Navarrese town of Olite, whose historic quarter looks like something out of a medieval fairy tale. Its cobbled streets, stone houses, Renaissance and Baroque palaces, together with monuments such as the Church of Santa María la Real and the Church of San Pedro, transport the visitor to another era. In the midst of this dream setting stands the Parador de Olite, a fortress that will take you straight to the court of King Charles III of Navarre. Its towers, battlements, galleries, stained-glass windows and gardens evoke the splendour of its glorious past.
This Parador not only oozes history, but also has a close relationship with the world of cinema and theatre. Every year, at the end of July, the town hosts the Olite Theatre Festival, and has been home to leading Spanish film actresses such as Concha Velasco and Verónica Forqué.
The Parador has also been a refuge for other film stars during the filming of major productions. In 2006, the crew of the film Los Borgia, directed by Antonio Hernández, stayed here, including actors such as Sergio Peris-Mencheta, Lluís Homar, Paz Vega and Ángela Molina. In 2017, during the filming of the American blockbuster The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, directed by Terry Gilliam, renowned actors such as Adam Driver, Óscar Jaenada, Hovik Keuchkerian and Jimmy Castro passed through its rooms.
More recently, in September 2018, Hollywood celebrities such as Bruce Dern, Brian Cox, Sienna Guillory and Verónica Forqué enjoyed the Parador's hospitality while filming the movie Remember Me. They also took the opportunity of their stay to enjoy Olite's Fiestas and wineries, which added a festive touch to their experience.
With its monumental atmosphere and historical character, Olite and its Parador have become the perfect setting for filming, especially those with a historical theme. If you want to live this unique experience, take the opportunity to stay at the Parador de Olite before 14 October, as it will close its doors until March 2026.
Don't miss the chance to feel as if you're part of a film!
Scenarios that Inspire the Seventh Art
Argómaniz's main attraction is its Parador, housed in a majestic Renaissance palace. This historic building is famous for having played host to Napoleon, who, according to legend, planned the assault on Vitoria from here. Today, the same place is home to the guests of the Parador, offering an experience that blends history and comfort. Born from a project to revitalise a practically uninhabited village, the Parador de Argómaniz becomes a window to the past, while looking towards the future.
The Parador is not only a haven of rest, but also a setting for art, poetry and music. In May, it hosted the International Poets' Contest, where the award-winning Aurora Luque stayed to enjoy the inspiring surroundings. That same year, the Parador was visited by the renowned poet and fashion designer Adolfo Domínguez.
In the last decade, this Parador has been the refuge of very special guests: Their Majesties Felipe VI and Queen Letizia stayed here during an official visit to inaugurate a building in Vitoria.
At the Parador de Argómaniz, an experience worthy of kings awaits you, in a setting that combines the tranquillity of nature with the weight of history. Undoubtedly, a perfect place to live your own fairy tale.
BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE ARGÓMANIZ
A backdrop for epic stories
Just over an hour and a half away from one of the world's most prestigious film festivals is the Zaragoza town of Sos del Rey Católico, a destination which, although not close to San Sebastian, offers a complementary cultural experience. The San Sebastian International Film Festival attracts actors, directors and film buffs from all over the world, and is a thrilling experience for any film and culture lover.
The Parador de Sos del Rey Católico, although remote, is the ideal place for those looking to combine the magic of cinema with the tranquillity of a medieval setting. Located in an Aragonese manor house within the walls of this town declared a Historic-Artistic Site, the Parador offers a unique experience. Its stone construction, in keeping with the medieval style of the area, and its large windows with superb views of the mountains, create a welcoming and majestic atmosphere at the same time.
This Parador has also been the setting for important film productions. In 1985, the director Luis García Berlanga shot part of the emblematic film La Vaquilla (The Heifer) here. Years later, in 2018, several scenes of the series La Catedral del Mar were filmed in the village, with the participation of actors such as Aitor Luna, Andrea Duro and Michelle Jenner, who also stayed at the Parador.
Combining a stay at the Parador de Sos del Rey Católico with a visit to the San Sebastian Film Festival allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds: the serenity, history and rural charm of one of Spain's most beautiful medieval villages, along with the excitement, glamour and vibrant cultural energy of one of the world's most important film festivals.
