Twelve Paradors you must visit in 2024
10 de January 2024
Texto
Alejandro Medina Rojo
Fotos
Paradores

Spain is a country that goes well with any month of the year. Any season is the perfect excuse to pack your suitcase and head for our country. From the vibrant coasts in summer to the warm winter magic of December, these suggestions invite you to enjoy all the seasons. Explore the rich history, natural beauty and unique charm of each region with experiences that go far beyond a simple visit. Immerse yourself in iconic and must-visit places, creating unforgettable experiences that align perfectly with your New Year's resolutions - get ready for a journey full of diversity and unparalleled discovery!

 

January in the mountains at the Parador de Gredos

 

Hidden among green pine forests, rugged rocks and crystal-clear waters stands the ideal refuge to start the year: the Parador de Gredos. This is thanks to its magnificent fireplace (very appetising at this time of year) and its privileged location in the middle of a mountain range with characteristic flora and vegetation. In addition, behind its sturdy stone and slate architecture you will find cosy interiors made of hardwood, creating the perfect space to rest and disconnect. But that's not all. This hotel, where the first draft of the Spanish Constitution was drawn up, and which was a pioneer in the Parador network, is as enjoyable on the inside as it is on the outside. Thanks to the Nature for the Senses programme, you can sign up, for example, to go horse trekking and explore all the delights of the mountains, which offer a special charm in the winter season. Or if you prefer to plan your own activities, we can suggest hiking routes departing from the establishment, such as the Circo de Gredos, where you can see the Laguna Grande and Almanzor peak. 

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Romantic February at the Parador de Ronda

 

The arrival of the month of love offers us the perfect excuse to travel as a couple. There is nothing better than the Parador de Ronda, located in the beautiful Spanish Mediterranean, to offer you the best plans full of romance and intimacy. It is easy to win your partner's heart with the impressive views of the Tajo gorge that can be seen from the building, as it stands atop a 120-metre-high rift. The location is perfect for strolling hand in hand through the old quarter and admiring the artistic beauty that adorns the town. Cross the New Bridge and discover the Arab essence on the south bank of the Guadalevín, wander through the rich vegetation of the Alameda del Tajo or engrave in your mind the beauty of buildings such as Mondragón and Salvatierra palaces; these are just some of the obligatory stops on this very special getaway. And to top it all, don't forget to stop off at the Parador restaurant to enjoy a dinner that combines mountain specialities and the occasional nod to bullfighting. You are bound to fall in love.

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March: a springtime spectacle at the Parador de Lleida

 

With the arrival of spring, it is time to visit the town of Aitona in Lleida. A district with some 4,000 hectares of fruit trees that organises a wide range of activities in March, to coincide with the flowering season: guided tours of the orchards, concerts, bike rides and even artistic workshops to show tourists the springtime beauty adorning it. Undoubtedly, this colourful event, which highlights the value of local agriculture, is a must for the calendar. For this, we suggest you stay at the Parador de Lleida, a former 17th century convent, close to the hub of all these festivities. This accommodation will enchant you with its beautiful central cloister, offering access to the church, now converted into a restaurant, and from where the rooms are distributed. Sleeping here will be a real pleasure this spring.

I WANT TO BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE LLEIDA

 

An April of culture at the Parador de Úbeda

 

The arrival of good weather is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the vestiges left by history and art. And where better  to satisfy your cultural interests than Úbeda, a district in the Andalusian province of Jaén, declared a World Heritage Site. The Parador is a jewel of Renaissance architecture, very much in line with the other buildings in this beautiful town. The façade is spectacular. As is the interior, which boasts one of the most beautiful courtyards in the town. And outside, there are plenty more architectural gems to discover. So do not forget to book a guided tour, starting at the Parador itself, to see the splendour of the palaces of Vázquez de Molina or Vela de los Cobos and discover the Jewish past of the water synagogue.

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Exotic May at the Parador de El Hierro

 

The natural beauty of the island of El Hierro is also a date for the diary. You will be amazed from the moment you set foot in El Hierro Parador: views of the immense Atlantic Ocean, a spectacular volcanic mountain and a marvellous black sand beach. A true paradise where you will find it easy to disconnect. If you like new experiences this is the perfect place. El Hierro has 46 dive sites for diving in crystal-clear waters with visibility up to depths of 50 metres. There is a variety of hiking routes, ranging from plains to deserts and ending at cliffs. And if you are feeling the heat, what could be better than a dip in the natural "Charca Azul" pool.

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June at the Parador de Santiago

 

In Spain, it is customary to follow the Camino de Santiago, a set of Christian pilgrim routes of medieval origin that finish at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. June is a good time to start the walk. It is when there is less rain, far from the overcrowding of July and August and with optimum temperatures for putting on your trainers. The best ingredients to make the most of your holidays in an environment that exudes spirituality and history. An adventure that demands full dedication deserves the best finale to the pilgrimage in the oldest hotel in Spain, the Parador de Santiago de Compostela, located next to the cathedral. This is a historic hotel, brimming with art and offering incredible spaces (including four impressive cloisters). It is the perfect place to bid farewell in style to the hike with the delicious breakfasts, where there is no shortage of hot dishes prepared on the spot (such as scrambled eggs or French omelette accompanied by vegetable ratatouille). And, of course, where you can succumb to regional specialities headed by Galician meats and fish of the highest quality. Almost a religious experience in itself.

I WANT TO BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

 

July at the beach at the Parador de Jávea

 

A dip in the Mediterranean is a must this summer. For this, we suggest a visit to the Valencian Parador de Jávea, an essential destination in the hottest months. This town has a deep-rooted maritime tradition. A marina, yacht club, sailing and windsurfing schools, cruiser hire and diving centres are all there for you to enjoy a few days of relaxation, with original proposals of things to do. Of course, the white sandy beaches are another great attraction. In addition, the location of the establishment is perfect for discovering other beach paradises in Denia, Benissa or Moreira. Here, you will find coves, such as La Fustera, which boast unprecedented beauty. 

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Palatial August at La Granja

 

With the summer heat at its peak, we are in the mood for cooler places. The Parador de la Granja, in the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama, surrounded by gardens and fountains, is undoubtedly an excellent option. A refreshing swimming pool awaits you at the hotel. Not to mention a tempting spa, perfect for ending the summer feeling rested and with an enviable complexion. Enjoy discovering all the available beauty treatments: from oriental rituals to Hawaiian techniques to relieve stress. Of course, behind the gates of the Parador, which, incidentally, was built by Spanish King Carlos III for his children, you will have the opportunity to continue enjoying the sovereign splendour of the Royal Site of La Granja and its Royal Palace, while enjoying the idyllic natural surroundings, such as the Valsaín pine forest.

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September grape harvest at the Parador de Vic - Sau

 

In the month of the grape harvest, the best way to celebrate is to come to the Parador de Vic - Sau. Located in an old Catalan farmhouse in a natural mountain paradise, just half an hour from Barcelona. A region where the Cava Denomination of Origin is commonly found. If you are a lover of these wines, you will know that this is one of the most sparkling and fresh wines you can ever taste. The fusion of the grapes (Macabeo, Parrellada and Xarel-lo) brings sweetness and body to the palate. In addition, wine tourism will be the main reason behind your discovery of natural areas such as the Sau reservoir or the Natural Area of Les Guilleries - Savassona that will not disappoint. 

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Literary October at the Parador de Alcalá de Henares

 

The best month to visit Alcalá de Henares is October. This is when the Cervantes Week kicks off, commemorating the baptism of the playwright Miguel de Cervantes. During the festivities, wherever you go in the town you will find theatre, dances, parades, processions, horse jousting and tasting menus. The period market that takes place every year in the streets of the old quarter, the largest in Spain, is particularly interesting. However, the main event of the day is the 'Civic Procession with the Baptismal Certificate of Cervantes', being the main legacy of the Madrid town. Alongside this tourist attraction, the Parador de Alcalá de Henares awaits you, a complex of three 17th century colleges, built by Cardinal Cisneros, where history and the avant-garde go hand in hand. You will love the modern rooms under a spectacular sculpted garden. You will be fascinated by the cloister. And you will be seduced by the marvellous spa under the vaults of the old convent church.

I WANT TO BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE ALCALÁ DE HENARES

 

Gastronomic November at the Parador de Cáceres

 

Before the season of nougats and Christmas pastries begins, it is well worth a delicious culinary treat at the Parador de Cáceres, a palatial complex in the heart of the city's historic quarter. Its cuisine offers products from Extremadura with Designation of Origin. A variety of delicacies made from Iberian pork, zorongollo or red pepper salad, roast shoulder of lamb, patatas a lo pobre (roasted potatoes), suckling pig or ham from the Dehesa de Extremadura make our establishment a temple of good food. If there is one thing that leaves no room for doubt, it is that, in addition to these dishes, you must try our specialities such as the Iberian sirloin of Cásar cheese, the migas (breadcrumbs with meat) or the técula mécula (traditional dessert). After enjoying all these wonders at the table, a warren of cobbled streets await you to wander around this city declared a World Heritage Site.

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December facing the Atlantic at the Parador de Baiona

 

We close the year at the Galician Parador de Baiona, listed as the most beautiful in our network by the 'Lonely Planet' guidebook.  Here, history and luxury merge in a spectacular coastal setting. This charming 11th entury castle offers panoramic views of the Atlantic, rooms that combine tradition and modernity, and exquisite cuisine with a seafaring tradition. In December, the festive atmosphere comes alive with twinkling lights and local events. A host of activities to enjoy the Christmas festivities and immerse yourself in the rich history of Baiona from this fortress, enveloped by the beauty of the Galician coast in this unique destination that promises an unforgettable experience. Can you think of a better way to put the finishing touch to 2024?

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