One step away, the cliff. The sea roars and extends its murmur to the rooms, from where you can see the precipice and the vastness of the ocean. Three of the most amazing Paradores stand on three peninsulas. Like balconies hanging over the sea.
From far out at sea, Martín Alonso Pinzón spotted the cliff with its stunning beauty, the symbol of salvation. It was the end of February 1493. He was returning from an uncertain journey, an adventure never experienced until then by man, from the other side of the world, from unknown lands. Pinzón and famous Spanish sailors had embarked with Columbus on August 3, 1492, heading for the edge of the world. Seven months later he could see known land again.
It was on this Baiona promontory, site today of maybe the most impressive Parador of all, that Europe heard of the existence of a New World, and there, in the bay, was where the ship La Pinta dropped anchor and the Catholic Monarchs knew the result of their undertaking.centuries ago in the castle on the promontory. It still conserves its striking stone staircase covered by a vaulted dome that unveils a majestic building.
Leading off from this entrance, an intricate network of passages and stately courtyards which, like a labyrinth, lead to the Parador's rooms and directly immerse guests in its history. It's possible to sleep here like a king, in a four-poster bed, looking at windows draped with heavy curtains, beneath embossed ceilings, among hardwoods and centuries-old stones. Its windows open out to the sea as if you were in a cabin, plying from terra firma the rage of the Atlantic, called the "OceanSea" by Christopher Columbus. And it's possible to dine here like a prince, in enormous rooms with seating for four hundred guests, and enjoy delicacies from land and sea in perfect fusion
So exquisite is the setting, so idyllic the landscape that everything seems like a dream. And outside, cliffs, beaches and dunes, unique landscapes, white sand in cold waters where you can relax, whether by the sea or at the Parador pool, dug into the promontory amidst a lush green garden, dotted here and there with palm trees brought from the other side of the world, the one announced in this very place by a sailor called Pinzón.
Since ancient times the promontory has watched over the sea, at the mercy of winds, storms and pirates. On this cliff, overlooking a coastline comprising a network of watchtowers, as if it were one of them, stands Nerja Parador. Boasting superb views over the Mediterranean, cliffs and mountain. A treasure desired by any pirate. Just take a look from one of its balconies to appreciate the dream landscape.
Nerja has been inhabited since ancient times, when writing still hadn't been invented. The first inhabitants chose a privileged place, where the sky is blue and the summer long and intense. They arrived here 42,000 years ago, attracted by its mild climate. And there stands the Parador, the only one of the network from which you can go directly down to the beach by lift. Because to get down to the fine, white sand, you have to get down the cliff. On the top on the promontory the beautifully cared for Mediterranean garden awaits you, its verdure contrasting with the blue swimming pool and Mediterranean.
. And inside the Parador, in comfortable lounges and rooms with balconies, we can see its Andalusian character, paying tribute to this desired land with a pool in the middle of a patio commemorating the Al-Andalus conquest. At night-time, with the pool illuminated, the glittering swimming pool and the calm sea, the viewpoint over the old Mare Nostrum becomes an idyllic gazebo under the star, caressed by the sea breeze and the murmur of the waves. On the table, the best food from sea and land, accompanied by the fruit of the vine and olive oil. This is when the visitor fully understands the desire of the old buccaneers to live on a cliff on the edge of Eden.
The sea has eroded the rock, leaving it exposed, dominating the skyline, the challenging promontory. On this peninsula of red rock and lush forests, at the foot of a beach of golden sand and crystal clear waters, stands Aiguablava Parador, overlooking the sea, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, on the edge of Punta d'es Muts. On a steep cliff, the building is surrounded by century-old pine trees whose aroma reaches the rooms, nearly all of them with a balcony, from where you can enjoy spectacular views. Below, the sea offers the opportunity to enjoy a summer filled with adventure and sport, bathe in its waters and enjoy the seascape.
Sheltered by the rocks, in the small cove, the traveller has the desire to feel as if he/she is the owner of a unique place. Atop, the southern forest makes its way between the stone slabs and gives shade to a spectacular balcony winding around the cliff. Mediterranean trees accompany the view from the Parador's dining rooms, combining in its dishes land and ocean, the green of the pine trees and the blue of the horizon where the sky merges with the sea. Pine trees and cliffs can be seen from the balconies of the rooms, hanging over the waves, at the mercy of the tides.
At night, the conifers shade the greenness of the swimming pool and the ramp leading to the cove is empty, decorated with a flower arch, maybe witness of the last wedding. In the background, the bay closes the passage to the Mediterranean, and everything becomes peace.
