We often find ourselves stuck in the same destinations, repeating holidays as if convenience were synonymous with happiness. However, beyond the big cities and popular coastlines, there are lesser-known corners with a unique soul, where every street, every monument and every dish invites us to discover a new world. In these destinations, where calm and authenticity still prevail, you can enjoy the tranquillity that a Parador offers, a perfect refuge to switch off, rest and savour the best of local cuisine. Are you ready to step outside the box?
The soul of the south in one place
Antequera is a destination that, although not yet featured on all tourist maps, has an unrivalled charm. This city in Malaga is located at a historical crossroads, between Muslim and Christian lands, which gives it a unique atmosphere and character. In addition to its famous Alcazaba, which towers over the city as a witness to centuries of history, its natural heritage is one of its most surprising gems: El Torcal Natural Park, with its impressive karst formations, is considered one of the most spectacular landscapes in Europe.
The Peña de los Enamorados, a rock that dominates the skyline of Antequera, is not only a natural monument, but also hides a legend of impossible love between a Christian and the daughter of a Muslim leader, who threw themselves into the void to escape persecution. This place, so steeped in history and romance, offers breathtaking views of the Antequera valley, and from the Parador de Antequera you can admire this landscape in all its splendour. This Parador, with its modern architecture and surrounded by gardens, is the perfect retreat to unwind and enjoy the calm of the surroundings.
In its restaurant, the flavours of the land will accompany you with every morsel, with recipes as local as porra antequerana (a cold soup) or angelorum, a dessert that dates back to the ancient traditions of the convents. And after a good meal, the Parador invites you to immerse yourself in the peace of El Torcal, a place that, beyond its visual beauty, offers a deep connection with nature.
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Much more than razor clams and miguelitos
Albacete is a land of contrasts. This province in La Mancha, which often goes unnoticed, conceals an enormous cultural, historical and natural wealth. Through its more than thirty modernist buildings, such as the Pasaje de Lodares and the Fábrica de Harinas, the city tells a story of progress and modernity that contrasts with its more traditional roots, which are preserved in its streets and squares.
However, its true charm lies not in its buildings, but in its landscapes. The source of the Mundo River, one of the most spectacular in Europe, is a natural paradise that gushes forth from the bowels of the earth, creating an impressive spectacle between October and May. The village of Alcalá del Júcar, with its houses carved into the rock and its location on a bend in the Júcar River, is another of the province's great secrets.
The Parador de Albacete, located just five minutes from the hustle and bustle of the city, offers you a haven of peace in its spacious gardens. This Parador, with its design reminiscent of the inns of Don Quixote, offers a cuisine that pays tribute to the most authentic flavours of La Mancha, such as atascaburras and pisto manchego. Here, not only do you eat well, but you also experience tradition through each dish, in an environment full of tranquillity and natural beauty. What's more, with its proximity to the landscapes of La Mancha, you can enjoy the experience of living in the countryside in its purest form, far from the noise of the big cities.
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The land of La Mancha dreams
In the heart of La Mancha, Manzanares is a destination that deserves to be discovered. The town, famous for its medieval castle and windmill, is the ideal starting point for exploring the world of La Mancha, a place where culture and nature intertwine in unique harmony. The Cabañeros and Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Parks, located a short distance away, are natural spaces of imposing beauty that rival the great natural destinations of Europe.
The Parador de Manzanares, with its structure reminiscent of old Castilian houses, is the ideal place to rest after a day of exploration. Here, in addition to enjoying the tranquillity of the surroundings, you can savour Cervantes-inspired cuisine, with such representative dishes as migas, pisto and the region's delicate meats. The Parador also offers unique experiences, such as learning about the life of La Mancha shepherds or exploring a historic 19th-century wine cellar. These activities will allow you to connect deeply with the essence of La Mancha and enjoy a unique cultural and sensory experience.
BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE MANZANARES
A meeting point between two continents
Ceuta is a unique city, a meeting point between Europe and Africa that combines the richness of two worlds. Its 21 kilometres of coastline and its old town, where Spanish and Islamic cultures merge, create an incredible cultural melting pot. The influence of Muslim, Christian and Portuguese civilisations is reflected in its most representative monuments, such as the Royal Walls, the Caliphate Gate and the Sanctuary of Sidi Bel Abbas.
Just a few steps away from these historical treasures, the Parador de Ceuta offers you a refuge overlooking the Mediterranean, with superb views of the Royal Moat and Mount Hacho. In its restaurant, you can sample the best of Ceuta, Moroccan and Andalusian cuisine, blending flavours from three cultures that have left a deep mark on the region. Don't miss the seafood rice stew or the spicy Moorish tagine, authentic delicacies that bring you closer to the soul of Ceuta.
A refuge in the heart of Portugal
If you are looking for a destination where you can completely get away from it all, Penalva do Castelo, in the heart of the Dão wine region, is the perfect place. This small Portuguese village, surrounded by mountains and vineyards, offers a peace and tranquillity that is rarely found in other tourist destinations. Its Parador, located in an 18th-century Baroque mansion, is a luxury retreat in the midst of nature.
The Parador de Casa da Ínsua not only allows you to enjoy the beauty of its gardens and the tranquillity of the estate, but also invites you to immerse yourself in local traditions. From a visit to its wine cellar, where you can taste Dão wines, to the experience of participating in the production of jams made from local apples, every corner of this Parador connects you with the authenticity of Portugal. In addition, the Serra da Estrela cheese, produced in the region, will be a delight for your palate.
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The heart of the Camino de Santiago
On the Camino de Santiago, Santo Domingo de la Calzada is one of those places that stays in your heart. Its history, linked to pilgrimage and the legend of Saint Dominic, who saved a pilgrim unjustly condemned to death, gives it a special aura. Its cathedral, with its Renaissance altarpiece, and its medieval streets invite you to take a leisurely stroll through history.
The Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada, located in a former convent, offers you an experience that combines the serenity of the past with the comfort of the present. In addition to enjoying its historic novitiate courtyard, you can savour the cuisine of La Rioja, where wine and traditional dishes take centre stage. A place that, beyond being a stopover, becomes an experience of connection with the soul of La Rioja.
