We embark on a sensory journey through the Paradors, where every corner tells a story, and every experience awakens your senses. Imagine the gentle murmur of the wind in a centuries-old castle, the taste of local cuisine melting on your palate and the scent of nature enveloping you in a warm embrace. From the majesty of the landscapes to the serenity of the surroundings, each Parador invites you to explore a world of sensations. Get ready to let yourself go and experience a journey where sight, smell, taste, touch and hearing intertwine in an unforgettable symphony. Your sensory adventure begins here.
A sonorous journey
From birdsong in the gardens to the echo of the waves on the coast, every sound will transport you to a world of emotions and memories. A clear example is the Parador de Cazorla, located in the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Nature Reserve. This Parador is located in the heart of the largest protected natural area in Spain, one of the most popular destinations for nature lovers. Its impressive landscape, characterised by rugged mountains and rivers that shape valleys, canyons and gorges, offers a captivating environment.
In this environment, you will be enveloped by a rich variety of sounds. The song of birds such as nightingales and golden eagles intertwine in a natural symphony that immerses you completely in the beauty of the landscape. The murmur of the water, cascades and the rivers that flow through the park, such as the Guadalquivir in its upper stretch, produce a relaxing and constant sound, perfect for disconnecting from the urban noise. The wind through the trees, the breeze passing through the dense forests of pines and holm oaks offers a gentle whisper, adding a layer of serenity to the aural experience.
BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE CAZORLA
The diversity of its scenery makes it the perfect place for enthusiasts of hiking, cycle touring, water and air sports, as well as climbing. The Parador is the ideal retreat to relax after a day full of adventures.
BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE BIELSA
Other Paradors perfect for indulging the sense of hearing are the Parador de Bielsa, which offers a unique listening experience thanks to its location in the middle of wild nature. The river Cinca, close to the Parador, creates a relaxing and constant sound that accompanies your stay. The breeze passing through the dense pine and beech forests offers a gentle and soothing whisper. And of course we cannot neglect to mention its immensely rich local fauna. We should also mention the Parador de Cangas de Onis, which offers a peaceful setting where the sense of hearing can be greatly appreciated. The river Sella with its constant murmur and the singing of the robin and the blackbird will combine to shape a melody that you will carry with you in every step.
BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE CANGAS DE ONIS
A visual feast
There are destinations in Spain that are truly visual spectacles, and some of them are simply breathtaking. From the majestic silhouette of Mount Teide, which dominates the Canary Islands landscape, to the mountains and valleys that envelop the Cruz de Tejeda, every spot offers dazzling views. The gorges of Ronda, with their beauty, are another example of natural viewing points that allow you to take in the grandeur of the surroundings. In these places, nature unfolds its splendour, inviting us to marvel at every panoramic view.
The Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide offers some of the most impressive views in Spain. Situated at an altitude of some 2,000 metres above sea level, in the heart of the Teide National Park, this parador allows visitors to observe a unique and majestic volcanic landscape.
You have a superb view of the Teide volcano, which rises imposingly at 3,718 metres, making it the highest peak in Spain. In addition, the surrounding landscape is made up of amazing rock formations, ancient craters, and vast lava fields that create an almost lunar-like setting.
At night, the location of the Parador is ideal for stargazing. The clear sky and minimal light pollution allow you to see constellations, planets and sometimes the Milky Way with exceptional clarity. The experience of gazing out at the cosmos from this remote high point is truly magical.
BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE LAS CAÑADAS DEL TEIDE
The Parador de Cruz de Tejeda is in a superb location in Gran Canaria, offering some of the most impressive views of the island and its surroundings. From this Parador, guests can enjoy an unrivalled panoramic view of the volcanic and mountainous landscape that characterises this region. One of the most emblematic views is that of Roque Nublo, an iconic rock formation that rises majestically above the terrain. This rock, one of Gran Canaria's most recognisable natural symbols, resembles an eternal guardian watching over the horizon.
One of the most anticipated moments is sunset, when the sun slowly descends over the ocean, painting the sky with a palette of warm colours ranging from orange to purple. This natural spectacle provides a perfect end to a day of exploration and enjoyment of the environment.
BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE CRUZ DE TEJEDA
The Parador de Ronda is situated in a spectacular location, right on the edge of the famous Tajo de Ronda, a deep gorge that divides the city of Ronda in two. From the Parador de Ronda, guests can enjoy a panoramic view of the New Bridge, an impressive work of engineering that towers over the gorge.
The Tajo de Ronda itself is a visual wonder. The gorge, some 120 metres deep, offers a breathtaking view of the rock formations and vegetation growing on its sheer walls. From the Parador, visitors can admire how the Guadalevín river meanders through the bottom of the gorge, adding a dynamic element to the scene.
The sunsets from the Parador de Ronda are particularly spectacular. As dusk falls, the colours of the sky change, bathing the landscape in shades of orange, pink and purple. The light of the setting sun reflects off the walls of the gorge and the bridge, creating a visual spectacle that is hard to forget.
BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE RONDA
Aromas with tradition
Smell plays a crucial role in our next journey. Cáceres and Chinchón offer a unique sensory experience that goes beyond sight and sound. Entering the cobbled streets and ancient buildings of these places is like travelling back in time.
In Cáceres, the aroma of ancient stone that has endured centuries of history mingles with the smell of moss and the damp earth of its medieval walls and streets. The markets and squares, where goods have been traded for generations, still preserve that aroma of spices and local products that evoke bygone eras. The Parador de Cáceres, within all this atmosphere, is a place from which to explore and get to know each of the aromas first hand.
BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE CÁCERES
In contrast, in Chinchón, the rural atmosphere and the smell of old wood from its houses and balconies transport you back in time. In the Plaza Mayor, the essence of traditional dishes, cooked with recipes handed down from generation to generation, fills the air, reminding visitors of the rich gastronomic and cultural heritage of the place. The Parador de Chinchón is the place where you can smell each of these fragrances and travel back in time.
BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE CHINCHÓN
Both towns are an olfactory feast, where every corner, building and square tells stories through their smells, enveloping visitors in an atmosphere of nostalgia and connection with the past.
Textures and Sensations
Exploring through the sense of touch allows you to travel back in time, physically connecting with history through architecture that has stood the test of centuries. There are places that not only offer breathtaking sights and evocative sounds, but also allow you to feel the texture of their history around every corner.
In Ciudad Rodrigo, the feel of the ancient walls and the worn stones of the medieval monuments transport us to a time of knights and battles. Touching the walls of the Parador de Ciudad Rodrigo, a 14th century fortress, you can feel the solidity and strength of a construction that has protected the city for centuries.
Another element that conveys the rich history of Ciudad Rodrigo is its cathedral, built between the 12th and 14th centuries. A magnificent example of Gothic architecture, it houses a rich collection of art and relics.
BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE CIUDAD RODRIGO
The castle converted into the Parador de Alarcón, invites visitors to caress the stone walls and feel the roughness and marks of time. Touching the castle walls, you can imagine the life that was going on inside hundreds of years ago, when the feudal lords ruled these lands.
Walking through the courtyards and gardens of the Parador allows you to feel the softness of the lawns and the texture of the wooden benches, which contrast with the hardness of the stone structures. In the rooms, fine fabrics and carved wood decorations offer a tactile experience that evokes medieval elegance combined with modern comfort.
BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE ALARCÓN
In Almagro, the sense of touch connects us with the city's rich theatrical and cultural history. Running your hands along the ancient wooden benches of the Corral de Comedias, Spain's oldest open-air theatre, you can feel the heritage of the performing arts. Visitors can also touch the adobe walls of the houses and palaces, feeling the mix of materials that have shaped this Manchegan jewel.
The Parador de Almagro is located in the former Convent of Santa Catalina, a 17th century building that was the first Franciscan convent in the city. At the Parador, the sense of touch offers you a tangible connection with history. Touching the sturdy stone walls of the former convent, you can feel their resilience over the centuries. The tiled floors and Mudejar tiles feature unique patterns and textures that enrich the experience. Wooden beams and carved doors evoke warmth and durability, while carefully restored antique furniture allows you to appreciate the softness of fine woods and traditional textiles.
BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE ALMAGRO
Thus, in Ciudad Rodrigo, Alarcón and Almagro, the sense of touch becomes a powerful tool to experience and appreciate the depth of their historical and cultural heritage, allowing visitors to physically connect with the richness of their past.
A feast of flavours
Exploring the sense of taste through the gastronomy of Paradors is the best way to discover places like Pontevedra, Ferrol or Vilalba. It is an experience that goes beyond all the senses. Taste finds its maximum expression in these Paradors, where every mouthful is a tribute to the rich culinary tradition of Galicia.
In Pontevedra, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional dishes such as Galician empanada and Galician-style octopus, prepared with ancestral recipes that highlight the flavours of the Atlantic. At the Parador de Pontevedra you can taste dishes closely linked to the area such as octopus á feira, empanada del obrador, a selection of Galician cheeses, zamburiñas á grella (scallops) or baked scallops.
BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE PONTEVEDRA
Ferrol, with its strong naval tradition, offers a cuisine marked by exquisite fish and seafood, as well as hearty dishes such as caldo gallego, which reflect the strength and spirit of its people. At the Parador de Ferrol we recommend you try the Galician broth, caldeirada and filloas stuffed with seafood. And to finish off the experience, don't miss the rice pudding from Ferrol, the filloas flambéed with cream with orujo or the famous Ferrol cake, made with puff pastry and sweet chestnuts.
BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE FERROL
In Vilalba, the culinary experience is enriched with local products, especially artisan cheeses and high-quality meats, which invite diners to savour the essence of the Galician countryside. At the Parador de Vilalba we recommend eating the ham croquetones or the fish in caldeirada, meats such as the Celtic pork ribs and tasty desserts from the bakery.
This is taste as the perfect bridge to connect with the culture and history of Galicia.
BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE VILALBA
Book at our Paradors and immerse yourself in the experience of discovering each of these five senses. Which one would you choose?