Travelling around Spain is much more than just getting from one place to another. It means immersing yourself in changing landscapes, villages that whisper stories in your ear, and aromas that awaken memories and forgotten stories. Along the way, Paradores become soulful refuges, places where you can savour, contemplate and transform your journey.

Below, we suggest a selection of different Paradores to stop off at along the way, depending on your final destination. These are iconic places that not only invite you to rest, but also to enjoy the surroundings to the full.

When you set out to travel to the north of Spain, whether to Galicia, Asturias or Cantabria, the road is lined with mountains, forests and villages with slate roofs. On this journey, there are stops that are worth experiencing at least once in your life, whatever the starting point of your trip.

If your route takes you from the south of the peninsula to the north, the Parador de León is a must-see. This former convent, a jewel of the Spanish Renaissance, offers a welcome steeped in history and elegance. Once you arrive, you won't want to leave the Parador; there is so much to look at and discover that you may want to extend your stay so you can also visit the surrounding area.

From there, you can explore the historic centre, with its imposing cathedral, the Royal Collegiate Church, the Palace of the Guzmanes and Gaudí's Casa Botines. Relax in the Plaza Mayor or lose yourself in the streets of the Barrio Húmedo and Barrio Romántico neighbourhoods.

If you decide to extend your stay in León, we recommend visiting Astorga and Ponferrada, going hiking or, for the more adventurous, enjoying a bison and Pottoka horse safari in the Anciles Valley.

For those who already know León or are taking another route north, Lerma is an excellent alternative. There, the Parador de Lerma, occupies a majestic 17th-century ducal palace, with an interior courtyard where Lope de Vega premiered his plays. Today you can relax under its glass roof, surrounded by columns and semicircular arches.

Located in the Plaza Mayor, one of the largest squares in Spain, the town also features convents and monasteries such as the Collegiate Church of San Pedro and the Convent of San Blas. Its Castilian architecture marks the beginning of a change in the landscape.

Now in Asturias, the Parador de Cangas de Onís, located on the banks of the River Sella and next to the Picos de Europa mountain range, is a natural oasis that is well worth a visit. Pet-friendly and welcoming, it allows you to enjoy the surroundings with your pet. The Parador’s setting has a rich cultural heritage, through which you can experience the history of Asturias first-hand: from prehistoric sites to vestiges of the Kingdom of Asturias and examples of Romanesque architecture. Remember to consider this Parador as a possible stop on your trip or tour of the north.

When you set out to travel to southern Spain, to the warm lands of Andalusia, the journey from the centre or the north offers landscapes that change little by little, from the Castilian plateau to endless olive groves. Along the way, there are Paradores that invite you to stop, breathe and savour the journey before reaching your final destination.

A good place to stop could be in the heart of La Mancha, where you will find the Parador de Almagro, a former Franciscan convent that is ideal for those travelling from Madrid or the north. Its famous Corral de Comedias theatre and La Mancha cuisine make it a stopover with character.

If you want to explore the city of Almagro, the best way to get to know it is to lose yourself in its narrow streets. You can admire the Plaza Mayor with its glass balconies and visit buildings such as the Church of San Agustín or the Fúcares Palace.

But Almagro is also about nature. Just a few kilometres away is Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park, a wetland teeming with life, perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle. Further afield, Cabañeros National Park, the Ruidera Lakes and the Cerro Gordo volcano await you.

If you're looking for a more functional but equally welcoming stop, the Parador de Manzanares in Ciudad Real is perfect. Located right on the motorway to Andalusia, it's ideal for families.

Surrounded by natural parks such as Las Tablas de Daimiel, it offers rest and nature. It is a stopover to enjoy relaxation and gastronomy. Ideal if you are travelling with your family, as it has gardens, a children's area and spacious lounges.

Its location allows you to explore La Mancha at your leisure. Just over 30 kilometres away are the towns and cities of Almagro, Tomelloso, Daimiel, Argamasilla de Alba and Valdepeñas. And if you are interested in nature, you are in the perfect place to enjoy it, as the Parador is surrounded by the Cabañeros National Park, the Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park and the Tablas de Daimiel National Park. We recommend visiting them all.

Finally, in Andalusia, the Parador de Córdoba, may be your last stop before heading to Seville, Granada or the Costa del Sol.

Located in the old Caliphate city, it offers spectacular views and cuisine that is a foretaste of the flavours of the south. Enjoy magical dinners on its terrace and, if you have time, don't miss the Mosque-Cathedral, the historic centre that surrounds it, the Fiesta de los Patios (depending on the time of year) and Medina Azahara. For the little ones, the Children's City, the Zoo and the botanical garden are good options.

Eastern Spain is synonymous with the sea, rice fields, modernist architecture and white villages. From Catalonia to the Valencian Community, the journey is full of light and flavour.

If you're passing through Tarragona, then a must-see is the Parador de Tortosa. This medieval fortress is ideal for those exploring the Ebro Delta or heading inland towards Barcelona. Located next to the Zuda Castle, it is a new building that blends in perfectly with the surrounding monuments, notable for its high walls and large Gothic windows.

If you visit the city, don't miss the Cathedral of Santa María, the Jewish quarter, the Prince's Gardens and the Royal Colleges.

And on the coast, facing the sea, the Parador de Jávea awaits you, the perfect place to rest for those travelling along the Costa Blanca. Its interior is very comfortable and pleasant, its rooms have views of the Mediterranean, and on the terrace, you can enjoy delicious rice dishes, fish and fideuás.

Near Jávea are summer destinations such as Denia, Calpe and Benidorm, where, in addition to beaches, you can visit the Terra Mítica theme park, perfect for family fun.

The west is a land of conquerors, pastures, silence and history. Extremadura and Castile offer less travelled routes that are full of authenticity.

If you are looking for a Parador to stop off at in Castile-La Mancha, the Parador de Toledo is undoubtedly the best choice.

Located on top of a hill, it offers the best panoramic views of the City of Three Cultures from its terraces, lounges and rooms. Ideal as a stopover on the way to Cáceres or Badajoz, this Parador invites you to relax and enjoy a gastronomic experience.

From there, you can explore the imposing Alcázar, the majestic Gothic cathedral, synagogues, mosques, museums and gardens. At nightfall, the lighting of its monuments transforms the city into a visual spectacle that prolongs the charm of the day.

In Extremadura, the Parador de Plasencia stands in the heart of the city, within the 15th-century monumental complex built by the Zúñiga and Pimentel families. The former Convent of San Vicente Ferrer, now converted into a Parador, welcomes you with vaulted ceilings, stone walls and coffered ceilings that evoke another era. Its exclusive bar, located in the old wine cellar, is the perfect place to end the day with a drink in a unique atmosphere.

In addition to its historical and gastronomic wealth, Plasencia is the ideal starting point for discovering the Monastery of Yuste, the last retreat of Charles I, or the picturesque village of Romangordo, famous for its murals and trompe l'oeil paintings.

In the surrounding area, the scenery of the Jerte Valley, Las Hurdes, the Sierra de Gata, La Vera and the Monfragüe National Park await you, all of which are perfect for a nature getaway.

When your destination is the Canary Islands, the journey begins long before you land among volcanoes and black beaches. Whether you are travelling from the north, east or centre of the Iberian peninsula, there are cities that serve as the perfect stopover before catching your flight. Here, the Paradores offer a final night of rest, culture and fine dining before crossing over to the archipelago.

If your flight departs from Madrid, there's no better place to start than the Parador de Alcalá de Henares. Located just 20 minutes from Madrid-Barajas Airport, this Parador combines modernity and heritage in a city declared a World Heritage Site. It is ideal for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the capital without straying too far from the airport. Strolling through Cervantes' hometown is also a literary and evocative way to begin your journey.

If you’re flying from Valencia, there is nothing like the Parador de El Saler. Surrounded by dunes and Mediterranean forest, this Parador is just 20 minutes from Valencia Airport. It is a perfect option for those looking to combine nature, tranquillity and a convenient location before flying.

If you are travelling from the south, the Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro is one of the main departure points for the Canary Islands. Located at the highest point of the city, next to the castle, this Parador offers spectacular views of the bay and quick access to the historic centre. Just 20 minutes from Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport, it is an ideal stopover for those arriving from the Levante or eastern Andalusia.

And finally, we mustn't forget those travelling to the islands from the north. For example, from the Parador de Hondarribia, you'll be just 5 minutes from San Sebastián Airport. This Parador is in a medieval castle overlooking the bay. Although direct flights to the Canary Islands from this airport are limited, it can be an excellent option if you connect via Madrid or Barcelona.

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