Swimming pools, beaches, unspoilt nature, fine dining, and destinations brimming with things to do. If that’s what you’re looking for this summer, these Paradores have plenty to offer.
After all, summer is about lingering over a hearty breakfast, taking a refreshing dip after a day of exploring, discovering stunning landscapes just a few miles away, or sitting down to sample the region’s most authentic cuisine.
We suggest five Paradores that are perfect for enjoying the season, both inside and out —from the Cantabrian coast to the Isla Bonita, via the Ebro Delta, the Sierra de Guadarrama, and the rolling landscapes of Gredos. These are destinations designed to make the most of summer.
A summer among charming villages and Cantabrian beaches
If your idea of summer is synonymous with the beach, fine dining, and getaways that seamlessly combine nature and heritage, Santillana del Mar has everything to become one of your favourite destinations this season.
The recently renovated Parador de Santillana Altamira is an excellent base for exploring one of Spain’s most beautiful villages. Its cobbled streets, heraldic stately homes, and the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana invite you to wander through the town while discovering some of Cantabria’s most iconic spots.
But summer here is best enjoyed by the sea. Less than ten kilometres away, the beaches of Suances await, while coastal towns such as Comillas or San Vicente de la Barquera allow you to round off your getaway with days spent enjoying the coast, local heritage, and seafood.
The Parador’s location also makes it easy to visit some of the region’s major attractions, such as the Altamira Caves (just two kilometres away), the Cabárceno Nature Park, or the spectacular El Soplao Cave.
When it is time to dine, the Parador de Santillana Gil Blas Blas welcomes you to El Jardín de Gil Blas. Situated just a few metres from the Parador de Santillana Altamira, this restaurant offers a culinary journey through traditional Cantabrian cuisine, showcasing locally sourced produce and the region’s most iconic recipes.
Summer by the pool, on the beach, and in the heart of the Ebro Delta
If summer means combining the pool, the beach, nature, and fine dining, Tortosa has all the ingredients for a perfect getaway.
Situated next to La Suda Castle, the Parador de Tortosa occupies a privileged position overlooking the city and features an outdoor swimming pool—one of the best ways to cool off after a day of sightseeing. From its rooms and lounges, you can enjoy magnificent views of Tortosa’s historic quarter and the Ebro Delta.
The city itself is well worth a visit. Its Cathedral of Santa María, the Jewish quarter, the Royal Colleges, the Prince’s Gardens, and various Modernist buildings allow you to discover one of the richest heritage sites in southern Catalonia.
However, summer here is truly best enjoyed in the great outdoors. The Ebro Delta Natural Park, a Biosphere Reserve, is just a few kilometres away, offering beaches, cycle routes, birdwatching, and some of the most unique landscapes in the Mediterranean. What’s more, the coast is just a twenty-minute drive away.
The local cuisine is inextricably linked to the Delta. Rice dishes, fresh fish, seafood, and market-fresh produce are the stars of a gastronomy with its own distinct identity, making every meal an integral part of the journey. They know this well at the Parador, where the food is exceptional.
Summer amidst the sea, volcanoes, and starry skies
If you’re looking for mild temperatures, stunning landscapes, and outdoor activities all day long, La Palma is a destination that seems custom-made for summer.
The Parador de La Palma is situated between the airport and Santa Cruz de La Palma, surrounded by gardens featuring over seventy plant species, and boasting an Atlantic-facing swimming pool from which to enjoy the views while taking a dip.
The island offers endless possibilities for nature lovers. From the Caldera de Taburiente National Park to the Roque de los Muchachos, via the volcanic landscapes of Tajogaite, every excursion reveals a different side to the Isla Bonita.
When it comes to cooling off, alongside the Parador’s swimming pool, La Palma boasts spectacular natural pools such as Charco Azul or La Fajana, where the ocean and volcanic rock create some of the island’s most photographed spots.
As night falls, another of La Palma’s great summer spectacles begins. The island is recognised as a Starlight Destination, boasting some of the clearest skies in the world for stargazing —all of which can be enjoyed right from the Parador.
Summer amidst fountains, nature, and Segovian cuisine
If your ideal summer plan combines water, nature walks, and fine dining, La Granja de San Ildefonso has plenty to offer.
The Parador de La Granja ocupa la histórica Casa de los Infantes, un edificio del siglo XVIII que hoy combina patrimonio y confort con piscina exterior, zona wellness y spa. Un lugar perfecto para descansar después de un día de excursiones por la provincia de Segovia.
Nearby lies the Royal Site of La Granja, one of Spain’s most impressive monumental complexes. The Royal Palace, its gardens, and the monumental fountains are a must-see at any time of year, but they are particularly enchanting during the summer months.
For those seeking nature and outdoor activities, the surrounding area offers numerous options: from trails through the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park to walks through the Valsaín pine forests, or excursions to spots like the Pontón Alto reservoir, the Calderas del Cambrones, or the Eresma pools, which are perfect for cooling off.
The Parador restaurant’s menu focuses on the great classics of Segovian cuisine. La Granja beans and roast suckling pig are two must-try dishes for any lover of Castilian food, best followed by a well-deserved siesta at the Parador.
What’s more, Segovia is just ten kilometres away, making it the perfect opportunity to round off your break with a visit to the Aqueduct, the Alcázar, the Cathedral, and the Parador de Segovia.
Summer amidst mountains, natural pools, and starry skies
If summer to you means hiking, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and nature at its finest, the Sierra de Gredos is a destination hard to beat.
The Parador de Gredos —the very first in the Paradores network—is perfectly situated right in the heart of the mountains, surrounded by pine forests and some of the most spectacular hiking routes in central Spain. Its terraces and communal areas allow you to soak in the scenery from the moment you arrive.
One of the great attractions of summer in Gredos is its natural pools and gorges fed by meltwater. Scattered throughout the region, they offer the perfect refuge from the heat and are a favourite choice for summer visitors.
From the Parador, it is easy to reach some of the most iconic spots in the mountains, such as the Circo de Gredos, the Laguna Grande, the Puerto del Pico with its historic Roman road, or the Cuevas del Águila, one of the most striking geological formations in the Tiétar Valley.
If you’re staying for a few days, we recommend visiting local villages like Arenas de San Pedro or the well-known Cinco Villas, which offer a perfect blend of heritage, cuisine, and mountain scenery.
At the end of the day, there’s nothing better than sitting down to discover traditional mountain cuisine based on excellent meats, roasts, and recipes inherited from the area’s pastoral culture.
Afterwards, it’s time to look up. From the Parador’s terrace, you can settle into an armchair and enjoy one of Gredos’ greatest spectacles: its starry nights. A little luxury that can be enjoyed until October, when the Parador will temporarily close to begin an exciting new chapter with its long-awaited renovation.
