The latest news from Paradores

Flamenco has a unique place in the rich dialogue between Spanish history, Andalusia folk culture and the migrating gypsy communities' use of language and memory to define their relationship with land and body.

In its purest form, flamenco is a solitary song, often accompanied by rhythmic hand clapping, feet stomping and dance. By the 19th century, the guitar also became a powerful component in flamenco tradition.

As the autumn sets in and the days grow cooler, many people yearn to escape from the chilly weather. If you want a break from your city this autumn, remember that taking a September holiday in Spain may be what the doctor ordered! There are several regions in Spain worth visiting at this pleasantly warm time of the year.

One of the advantages of spending your summer holidays in Spain is that the weather nearly always permits you to have a drink or meal outside at any time of day. The best times are in the morning and at night, when the temperatures are not so sizzling and you can enjoy a cool summer breeze.

Luxury hotel chain Paradores has numerous locations with comfortable outdoor bars and restaurants where you can contemplate pretty views in a relaxed setting, away from any noisy traffic or crowds in the nearby city or town.

The autonomous region Navarre, on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees, is home to an extensive range of animal species, including a significantly large bird population. Bird-lovers who stay at the luxury hotel Parador Sos del Rey Católico are in the perfect location for bird watching, in particular for observing vultures in the Foz de Lumbier gorge.

Botany lovers don't even have to leave the grounds of their hotel to see some fine examples of flowers, plants and trees thanks to the attractive gardens that can be found within many of Paradores luxury hotels, for example those located in Granada and Javea on the Spanish peninsula or La Palma and La Gomera in the Canary Islands.

The Way of Saint James is a pilgrimage towards the tomb of Saint James, the apostle buried in the magnificent Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Many people who choose to travel this pilgrimage stay at the spectacular Parador Villafranca del Bierzo along the way.

Everyone visiting the region of Galicia, in northwest Spain, must try the regional white wine Albariño.

Some of the most appetizing dishes in Spanish cuisine during the hot summer months are the various kinds of cold soups, such as gazpacho, salmorejo, ajoblanco and porra antequerana, all typical of different parts of Andalusia, Spain.

All these mouth-watering dishes can be savoured at the luxury Paradores hotels located in the region where they originated.

Luxury hotel chain Paradores has created a seven day route through the passionate heart of southern Spain: Andalusia. During the journey, travellers will be rewarded with the flavour and excitement of several Andalusian villages. The experience will bombard your five senses and leave you wanting more!