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.

Perhaps you haven't yet dared to try it, or maybe you've been hearing about them for a while without taking the plunge. If so, now is the time. And if you're already one of those who can boast of being a Friend of Paradores, you're sure to be familiar with what we're talking about (and perhaps it will inspire you to recommend someone's first getaway).

Each Parador has its own character. Some are in castles, monasteries or palaces where the stones hold centuries of history. Others, with more modern lines, are located in superb natural settings: overlooking the sea, nestled in the mountains or next to natural parks. In all of them, without exception, there is a passion for art and detail, with more than 10,000 pieces including paintings, sculptures and tapestries, turning each room into a miniature habitable museum.

And then there is the cuisine, the flavour of each region, reinterpreted with respect and affection. Dishes that tell stories, locally sourced ingredients and recipes that change with the seasons. Because at Paradores, you also travel with your palate, and yes, you can book a table without staying overnight.

Staying at a Parador is much more than just sleeping away from home; it's waking up in a place steeped in history, having breakfast where monks once did, or watching the sunrise from the tower of a castle. So, if you haven't tried it yet, here are five Paradores that are ideal for first-timers. And as the most loyal guests say: once you go, you'll always come back.

First, we suggest you head north, because the north always feels good. And of all the Paradores in the north, the Parador de Cangas de Onís is one of the best gateways to the Paradores universe. This former 8th-century Benedictine monastery, on the banks of the River Sella and nestled in the Picos de Europa mountains, combines the peace of monastic life with the warmth of Asturian hospitality. Here, every stone has a story to tell: the silence of the cloister, the 17th-century well and the sober beauty of its Romanesque church remind you that you are sleeping in a place where time has decided to stand still.

It is a perfect start for those new to Paradores, as they can enjoy history, scenery and cuisine with roots. In the former refectory, now the restaurant, dishes are served that have the authentic Asturias taste: vegetables, cheeses, fish from the Cantabrian Sea and traditional monastic desserts.

And, of course, the surroundings. The views from this Parador, at any time of day, are simply unique. The serenity that surrounds it and the immensity of the landscape create a feeling of peace that is difficult to find elsewhere.

Before you leave... take a look at the capitals of the church and discover the sculpted scene of King Favila, son of Don Pelayo, fighting a bear.

And if you want more... take part in one of the activities offered by the Parador: a dramatised tour guided by a monk, an artisan cheese tasting or a mystery game that reenacts a real crime that took place within these walls. At night, the screening of film The Name of the Rose brings the experience to a perfect close.

BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE CANGAS DE ONIS

Our second suggestion would be the Parador de Gredos, the pioneer of them all. Opened in 1928, this stone and slate refuge witnessed the drafting of the first draft of the 1978 Constitution. But beyond history, its true magic lies in its surroundings: endless mountains, pure air and a silence that envelops everything.

If you are looking for your first Parador experience with a taste of nature and authenticity, this is the place for you. Every corner exudes the spirit of the mountains, with lit fireplaces, wood, stone and views that invite you to get away from it all.

It was our first Parador and it could be yours too.

Before you leave... atake a look at the Salón de los Ponentes, where memories of that historic moment are still preserved. You can also enjoy the immersive experience of Discover Paradores, where you can explore the Parador and get to know every corner of it in the most complete way.

And don't miss... the opportunity to savour some Barco beans in its restaurant and then go out onto the terrace to gaze at the Tormes valley and the Béjar mountains. At nightfall, the starry sky seems like a private show. If you're into adventure, add a horse ride or a walk through the forest.

BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE GREDOS

Thirdly, we suggest a leap back in time: sleep in an authentic medieval castle. The Parador de Ciudad Rodrigo is a 14th-century fortress that crowns a hill overlooking the Águeda River. Its battlements, machicolations and main tower preserve the spirit of warrior Castile intact.

For a first experience in Paradores, it is a fairytale choice where stone, history and gastronomy will make you feel like royalty. In its dining room, with views of the horizon, you can savour Guijuelo ham, farinato anis-flavoured pork sausages, roast lamb or the legendary huevos tapados (stuffed eggs).

Before you leave... look for the 17th-century tapestry of the goddess Cybele or the 18th-century carving of a Castilian king. These are just a sample of the vast artistic legacy preserved in this Parador.

And if you want to complete the experience... join a dramatised tour of the castle's most secret spaces, or change the pace with a more active day: rowing on the Águeda River or visiting an oil mill to discover the world of olive oil. Activities offered by Paradores.

BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE CIUDAD RODRIGO

Fourthly, we change scenery to reach the sea. The Parador de Mojácar is perfect for those who imagine their first time at Paradores with the smell of salt and the sound of waves. Facing the Mediterranean, its terraces and rooms open onto the blue, inviting calm and total solitude.

Swimming pool, solarium, paddle tennis courts, gardens and seafood cuisine that will seduce you with fish, shellfish and traditional stews that taste of Andalusia. Here, sunrises are almost a ritual: the sun rises from the sea and the day begins with a light that seems to have been invented just for this place.

Before you leave... climb up to the village of Mojácar, with its white houses, narrow streets and craft shops. It has a bohemian charm that casts its spell on you at first sight.

And if you feel like exploring... head to Cabo de Gata, just half an hour away. Secret coves, volcanic cliffs and a wild landscape that proves paradise can be very close by.

BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE MOJÁCAR

Finally, we suggest the Parador de Toledo as your first experience, because few first times are as impressive as viewing the imperial city from its terrace. From here, the view is simply perfect: the Alcázar, the cathedral and the houses of Toledo unfold before you like a living painting, especially at sunset, when everything is bathed in gold.

Ideal for those seeking art, history and good food in one destination. Its restaurant pays tribute to the three cultures that shaped Toledo, with dishes such as migas del pastor (shepherd's breadcrumbs), atascaburras (potato salad) and roast lamb, served with one of the best panoramic views in Spain.

Before you leave... spend a whole day exploring the city: the Gothic cathedral, the Alcázar, the church of Santo Tomé, with El entierro del conde Orgaz (The Burial of Count Orgaz), and the streets that look like a centuries-old labyrinth.

And if you fancy a touch of nature... just half an hour away you'll find the Barrancas de Burujón, a landscape of reddish cliffs sculpted by wind and water over millions of years. A perfect end to a trip full of firsts that will surely not be your last.

BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE TOLEDO

These are our suggestions, but we would like to know what yours would be if you are already an expert on Paradores.