The New Year always arrives full of excitement, plans that motivate us and that desire to start afresh with renewed energy. And few things inspire us as much as travelling: opening the door to places that renew us, awaken our senses and remind us why it is worth continuing to dream.
For 2026, we want to invite you to discover destinations that will surprise you, make you stop, breathe and see the world through new eyes. Places that invite you to start the year with calm, beauty and new stories... always with a Parador nearby to accompany you every step of the way.
Baiona, where the year begins looking out over the ocean
There are places that seem made for starting over. Baiona is one of them. Open to the Atlantic, with the constant pulse of the sea and a history that continues to beat in every corner, this fishing village in the Rías Baixas is a must-see destination for 2026.
Here, on 1 March 1493, Europe first learned of the discovery of America. The caravel Pinta entered the port laden with news that would change the world forever. Today, its replica remains anchored at the quay, recalling that historic moment and offering visitors a close-up look at life on board and the encounters between cultures that marked an era.
Strolling through the old town of Baiona means losing yourself in cobbled streets, stone houses with flower-filled balconies and squares that retain their charm intact. It is a lively and cosmopolitan city, where history coexists with a vibrant urban life, shops, markets and a cultural offering that is renewed throughout the year.
One of the outstanding sights is the Monterreal fortress, a walled peninsula that juts out into the Vigo estuary and offers some of the most spectacular views of the Galician coast. Walking along its almost three kilometres of walls is a must: centuries-old towers, historic gates and bastions that recall the times when the town defended itself from pirate attacks. Today, this superb viewpoint is also a place to relax by the sea, surrounded by history and silence, with the Parador de Baiona integrated into the environment as a natural extension of the fortress itself. The current Parador occupies the old fortified town of Baiona, which dates back to the former castle of Monterreal. From the Parador you can enjoy spectacular views over the bay. Staying there is one of the experiences you should try. It has regal and elegant rooms, whose meticulous decoration will take you back to another era. The majestic stone staircase in the entrance hall and the immense garden are particularly noteworthy.
Baiona knows how to celebrate its past. Every first weekend in March, the town is transformed during the Festa da Arribada, one of Galicia's most emblematic medieval celebrations. The streets are filled with markets, music, period characters and a unique atmosphere that commemorates the arrival of the Pinta. It is even possible to relive its entry into port from the sea, just as it happened more than five centuries ago.
The sea also marks Baiona's present. Regattas, such as the prestigious Prince of Asturias Trophy, have made the town a hub for international sailing tourism. The marina is a meeting point for seafarers, and from there you can take boat trips along the estuary to discover the coast from a different perspective. And, of course, Baiona is one of the gateways to the Cíes Islands, a natural paradise that many consider to be one of the most beautiful places in Galicia.
Baiona is synonymous with gastronomy. Like any good fishing village, seafood is the absolute star of the show. The best plan is simple and delicious: go on a crawl from one restaurant to the next, try fresh seafood and fish, enjoy tapas at a leisurely pace and wash it all down with a good local wine.
To complete the experience, it is worth climbing up to the Virxe da Roca (Virgin of the Rock), at the top of Mount Sansón. From there, the view opens up over the town, the estuary and the Cíes Islands, offering one of those moments that remain etched in your memory. Baiona is history, sea, celebration and calm. A destination that combines active pursuits and peaceful strolls, tradition and contemporary life. The perfect place to start 2026 with your feet on the ground... and your eyes on the horizon.
Aiguablava, the blue that stays forever
There are places that don't need centuries of history to leave their mark. Aiguablava is one of them and, without a doubt, one of those destinations you can't miss in 2026. Located in Begur, in the heart of the Costa Brava, this cove is synonymous with pure beauty, with almost unreal turquoise blue waters, fine golden sand and an incredible natural environment.
Small, secluded and bathed in sunlight, Aiguablava is love at first sight. Its calm, shallow waters make it an ideal place to enjoy the sea, while the landscape of pine trees and cliffs reinforces the feeling of being in an exclusive spot of the Mediterranean. In summer it is lively and vibrant, while in autumn or winter, when the light becomes softer and silence takes centre stage, it is even more captivating.
And if the setting is already exceptional, the experience is enhanced even further if you stay at the Parador de Aiguablava, which is located on the cliff of Punta d'es Muts, surrounded by pine trees and with direct views of the sea. The Parador allows you to experience Aiguablava from a unique position. Here, almost everything faces the Mediterranean: the rooms with terraces, the swimming pool and even the spa, where you can relax while the infinite blue accompanies every moment.
Waking up to the light coming in from the sea, strolling along the coastal paths that skirt the coast or simply taking in the view of the cove from above are small luxuries that are part of everyday life in this spot. A place where nature takes centre stage and where the Parador becomes your best ally for enjoying it in complete comfort. As we said, a destination you should consider visiting this new year.
BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE AIGUABLAVA
La Granja de San Ildefonso, an incredible plan just a stone's throw away
Some destinations surprise you even more when you discover how close they are. La Granja de San Ildefonso is one of those places you shouldn't miss in 2026. Just 10 kilometres from Segovia and less than an hour from Madrid, it's the perfect plan if you're in either of these cities, or planning to visit them, to set aside at least one day to discover an authentic Royal Estate surrounded by nature, art and monumental beauty.
Located at the foot of the Guadarrama mountains, La Granja combines the splendour of history with a superb natural environment like few other places. Its Royal Palace, clearly inspired by Versailles, and its monumental gardens, dotted with fountains, sculptures, ponds and forests that stretch as far as the eye can see, make any walk a memorable experience. Each season brings its own magic: in spring and summer, the fountains come to life; in autumn, a golden light transforms the landscape into a dreamlike scene; and in winter, the calm and silence paint a picture as serene as it is unforgettable.
But La Granja is not just about heritage. It is also the perfect destination for a complete getaway, with Baroque markets, cultural festivals, trails that wind through the pine forests of Valsaín, visits to the Royal Glass Factory, and memorable meals featuring judiones beans and suckling pig. All without the need for long journeys or complicated plans.
And to truly experience it, there's nothing like staying at the Parador de La Granja. Located in the historic Casa de los Infantes, this Parador allows you to literally sleep inside the Royal Estate, surrounded by elegance, calm and tradition. Its interior courtyards, spa and restaurant, where Segovian cuisine is enjoyed in grand style, make the experience go far beyond a simple visit.
La Granja de San Ildefonso is history, nature and relaxation, all in one. A surprising destination, close by and full of things to do, making it a safe bet to start, or treat yourself to, a different 2026.
BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE LA GRANJA
Carmona, a journey through centuries of history just half an hour from Seville
There are places that seem to contain many cities in one. Carmona is one of them and, without a doubt, one of the destinations we recommend you visit in 2026. Located just 30 kilometres from Seville, this city stands above the Vega del Corbones like a vantage point from which to look out over centuries of Andalusian history, culture and tradition.
To walk through Carmona is to follow in the footsteps of some of the great civilisations of the Mediterranean. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Arabs found a strategic and fertile location here, and all contributed to forging the city's unique character. The Romans called it Carmo and elevated it to the status of a Roman civitas, protected by a powerful walled enclosure. Even today, its layout can be glimpsed in the streets that connect the Puerta de Sevilla with the Puerta de Córdoba.
Later, the Arabs named it Qarmuna and filled it with gardens, mosques and palaces, leaving a legacy that is still very much present in its architecture and in the way the city welcomes visitors. The result is a town of narrow cobbled streets, white houses, quiet squares and historic neighbourhoods such as San Felipe, Santiago and San Blas, where losing oneself is part of the plan.
Carmona's heritage is overwhelming. Roman and Arab walls, churches such as San Pedro, with its tower known as La Giraldilla because of its resemblance to Seville's Giralda, the church of Santa María and the imposing monumental gates that guard the city. On the outskirts, the Roman necropolis, one of the best preserved in Andalusia, allows you to enter tunnels and passageways that connect directly with antiquity.
Dominating the historic quarter is the Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro, a fortress of Arab origin that has become one of the great icons of Carmona. Today, this unique building is home to the Parador de Carmona, an old Mudejar palace that crowns the city and offers one of the most impressive panoramic views in Andalusia. From its terrace, the view stretches out over the Vega, an open and serene landscape that accompanies breakfasts, sunsets and unforgettable nights.
Carmona can also be enjoyed with all five senses. Its food market, housed in a former convent, is one of the unique spaces in the city and a perfect place to discover local products, including olive oil, a true treasure of the land. And if your visit coincides with Holy Week, you will discover one of the most authentic and moving celebrations in Andalusia, with solemn processions that wind their way through the historic quarter.
BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE CARMONA
These are our four recommendations for 2026, but as you know, we have a network of 98 Paradores in Spain and one franchise in Portugal. Fantastic accommodation ready to offer you a unique and special experience at any time of the year. We look forward to meeting you. See you soon.
