This is how many family plans usually start. Then come the questions... to set dates, to find a destination that everyone likes, to decide between the sea, the mountains or the city. But when the trip coincides with the Easter holidays and the good weather, many of these questions sort themselves out. It is enough for children to hear the word "journey" to start imagining adventures of castles where knights live, beaches where they can search for treasures, cities full of narrow streets to discover or roads where every bend promises a surprise. Choosing Paradores also has the added advantage that each destination offers something different for family travel. Places where adults can enjoy the history, the landscape and the cuisine, while the little ones find space to play, explore and turn every day into a little adventure. To make it easy for you, this Easter we propose four different scenarios. Because there are Paradors for everyone... and for all ways of travelling.
Beach, pescaíto and afternoons that taste like summer/h3>
In Cádiz, although the hustle and bustle of its carnivals is long gone, the city never loses its magic. Its people, the sea always nearby and that salty air make any walk end, almost unintentionally, sitting on a pavement terrace.
Facing the Atlantic is the Parador de Cádiz, a modern, luminous building that has become one of the best places from which to enjoy the city. Its large windows open to the ocean, light-filled rooms and spaces designed for everyone make your stay a comfortable and relaxing experience. From here, Cádiz can be seen from a perfect vantage point: on one side, the historic quarter; on the other, the breeze coming in from the sea.
The family plan usually starts with a walk to the nearby La Caleta beach, probably the most emblematic of the city. There, children run around in the sand looking for shells, build makeshift castles or imagine stories as they watch the ancient bastions guarding the entrance to the bay.
The evenings invite you to wander through the old town, between sunny squares and lively alleyways where there is always something surprising: a street musician, a charming little shop or an irresistible aroma coming from a nearby kitchen.
And when you’re really feeling peckish, Cádiz has the perfect answer. The pescaito frito (fried fish), tortillitas de camarones (shrimp omelettes) or some tapas to share taste even better while the children tell you about their discovery of the day./p>
Afterwards, the only thing left to do is to return to the Parador, enjoy the balcony overlooking the sea for a while longer while the little ones expend their last bit of energy... and let yourself be carried away by the calm of a night by the Atlantic./p>
Walls, knights and medieval adventures
If the family plan this time doesn’t include the beach, there are cities capable of awakening the imagination of the little ones from the very first moment. One of them is Ávila.
All it takes is for the impressive Avila Walls, with their perfectly preserved towers and battlements, to appear before your eyes for the first stories to begin to emerge. Knights watching the horizon, messengers passing through the city gate, travellers arriving after a long journey…
In this historic setting is the Parador de Ávila, located in a historic palace next to the city walls. It seems like the perfect place to start the adventure.
The ideal plan for families is to walk on the wall, walking along its sections while observing the city from above. From there everything looks different, its streets, squares and rooftops become a miniature medieval map.
Then it's time to explore the city, to look for the oldest gate, to discover the Cathedral of Ávila, or to play at finding coats of arms and symbols on the stone façades.
And when it's time to slow down, the Parador offers one of those quiet moments that are so enjoyable with the family. Its historic garden, overlooking the city walls, is the perfect place to relax while the children continue to imagine stories of castles and adventures.
To complete the experience, gastronomy also has its place. In the Parador's restaurant, adults can enjoy the local cuisine while the little ones have their own menu designed for them.
Spring, courtyards and afternoons on the terrace
Holy Week in Córdoba has a special charm. Spring is beginning to emerge, the air is filled with the scent of orange blossom, the courtyards are covered with flowers and it seems that the whole city is out for a stroll.
From the top of the hill, the Parador de Córdoba offers a wonderful view and an ideal place for families. It is a place where calm reigns and where children can play and explore in the spacious gardens while the adults plan the start of the day.
Going down to the historic centre is like stepping onto a stage of colours and surprises. Narrow streets lead to flower-potted courtyards, bustling squares, and perfect spots for a family photo.
It doesn't take long for the little ones to open their eyes wide as they enter the imposing Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, where the columns seem to go on forever... and where the children start to compete over how many they can jump over before they get lost.
Then comes one of the great pleasures of the city: sitting on a pavement terrace while the children play nearby in the square, safe and free, while you enjoy a soft drink and a bowl of salmorejo.
And as Easter week features several special days there is always something more. Don't forget to cross the Roman Bridge of Cordoba at sunset, discover the gardens by the river or explore the mysterious Medina Azahara, the ancient palatine city that seems to come from another time... and that the children will surely want to "conquer" before going to bed.
Hidden coves and adventures
If you can't decide between the sea and the mountains, the Costa Brava and Aiguablava have it all... and the perfect place to enjoy it is the Parador de Aiguablava. From the top of a cliff, the Parador overlooks the Mediterranean surrounded by nature, with views that invite you to spend some time gazing at the horizon... although with children, staying still for long is often mission impossible.
The family adventure can start by going down to the cove of Cala d'Aiguablava, where the clear water and fine sand turn every morning into an endless game. Sandcastles, races along the shore or small expeditions looking for fish among the rocks. Here, every child becomes an explorer, and every adult a companion in these adventures.
Another equally exciting option is to walk along the coastal paths. These paths wind along the coast between pine trees and cliffs, and at every bend you discover a different cove, a viewpoint over the sea or a perfect spot to take photos and take a break.
After such a day, returning to the Parador is a reward in itself. The balcony overlooking the Mediterranean, the calm of the sunset and the Mediterranean cuisine, celebrating local produce, mean that the whole family will still have enough energy to face everything that lies ahead.
