This summer, make history your destination. Experience monumental cities, imposing cathedrals and squares full of life, staying at Paradores, part of Spain's cultural heritage.
Toledo: the city of three cultures
Toledo is one of those cities that looks like an open-air museum. Its historic centre, a World Heritage Site, preserves the traces of the three cultures that coexisted for centuries: Christian, Jewish and Muslim. Strolling through its narrow, cobbled streets, you will come across synagogues, mosques and convents, all framed by the imposing figure of the Primada Cathedral, one of the jewels of Gothic architecture in Europe.
Don't miss the Alcázar, now the Army Museum, lose yourself in the Jewish quarter and visit the Valle viewpoint for one of the most famous views in Spain, with the river Tagus surrounding the city. Toledo is also a place of historic flavours: its marzipan, carcamusas (a type of pastry) and game are the perfect excuse to sit on a terrace and enjoy the leisurely pace of summer.
Parador de Toledo
Located on the Emperador hill, the Parador offers the most spectacular panoramic view of the city: a unique view of the historic centre with the Cathedral and the Alcázar outlined on the horizon. Its spacious terraces and outdoor swimming pool make it the perfect refuge from the summer heat after a day of cultural exploration.
Alcalá de Henares: birthplace of Cervantes and the Golden Age
Alcalá de Henares is steeped in literary history in every nook and cranny. A World Heritage Site, it was the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, and his house-museum is a must-see to understand the life of the author of Don Quixote. The monumental heart of the city is its University, founded in 1499, with its Renaissance courtyards and impressive Paraninfo (ceremonial hall), witness to centuries of teaching and culture.
A stroll along Calle Mayor, one of the longest arcaded streets in Europe, takes visitors past shops, terraces and historic buildings. Churches, convents and palaces complete the tour of a city that preserves the essence of the Spanish Golden Age. In addition, every summer, Alcalá comes alive with classical theatre festivals and open-air concerts.
Parador de Alcalá de Henares
The Parador perfectly combines modernity with respect for tradition, as it occupies a former 17th-century convent and school that has been renovated with an avant-garde design. Its spacious rooms and swimming pool in the cloister garden are a veritable oasis in the heart of the historic centre, ideal for relaxing after exploring the streets of Cervantes.
BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE ALCALÁ DE HENARES
Cuenca: balconies overlooking history
Cuenca, also a World Heritage Site, is a city that surprises with its unique location. Suspended over the Huécar and Júcar gorges, its famous Hanging Houses are an unmistakable image of Spain. The Gothic Cathedral of Santa María and San Julián is another must-see, as is the Museum of Abstract Art, which combines modernity and tradition in an incomparable setting.
Losing oneself in its narrow streets is like taking a trip back in time, with quiet spots that lead to spectacular viewpoints. At dusk, the light transforms the gorges into a magical landscape, perfect for lovers of photography and urban romanticism.
Parador de Cuenca
The Parador is housed in a former 16th-century Dominican convent, located just opposite the Hanging Houses and offering unparalleled views of the city. The swimming pool, nestled in a monumental setting, is the perfect place to cool off in summer, while the cloister and historic décor invite you to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Sigüenza: medieval castle and Castilian essence
Sigüenza is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Spain. Its cathedral-fortress, with its sombre and majestic appearance, houses artistic gems such as the tomb of El Doncel, one of the most emblematic funerary sculptures of Spanish Gothic art. The layout of its streets, with stone houses and secluded squares, invites you to lose yourself without haste, enjoying the essence of Castile.
No tour of the city would be complete without a visit to the Plaza Mayor, the heart of local life, and a climb up to the church of San Vicente or the castle district, which retains the atmosphere of centuries past. In summer, the serenity of its corners and the proximity to nature in the Sierra Norte de Guadalajara make Sigüenza a perfect destination for those seeking history and a break from the hustle and bustle.
Parador de Sigüenza
The Parador is located in the imposing medieval castle that crowns the city, a 12th-century fortress that has been lovingly restored. Sleeping within its stone walls is a journey back in time, with all modern conveniences. Its cool surroundings and spacious interior courtyards offer respite from the summer heat, making the Parador an unforgettable experience.
BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE SIGÜENZA
A monumental summer awaits you: Toledo, Alcalá de Henares, Cuenca and Sigüenza are destinations where history comes to life in every street, every building and every Parador. A unique opportunity to travel back in time while enjoying the most modern conveniences.
