The latest news from Paradores

In sunny Spain, both citizens and tourists love spending time outside. One of the main meeting places are the terraces available in the numerous bars and cafés that line the streets and plazas. Visitors from colder climates often comment on how much they enjoy relaxing in the fresh air while having a beer and socialising.

Parador Santiago de Compostela (facing Santiago's Cathedral)

It is early, the air is still crisp with a slight morning chill, and a breath of fog hangs over Lake Sanabria. Sitting in a boat on water as still as glass, you draw back and cast out. The line causes sudden ripples over the undisturbed surface. As the sun continues its slow ascent, there is a slight tug on the line. It grows stronger as you grab the rod and quickly reel in a trout, glistening with lake water.

Many happy couples choose to hold their wedding in luxury hotel chain Paradores, many of which are glamorous reformed castles, convents or palaces. All the wedding guests will be glad they went to your destination wedding once they see how marvellous the venue is.

There's no denying it. Spain is a nature-loving country. From the long stretches of bright sandy beaches, to the rough, rugged beauty of the wild mountains, this land is diverse and rich with wonder.

For all you history buffs out there, it is an undeniable fact that there is a certain excitement found in treading the same paths as famous people who have come before you. Whether it be royalty, a composer or a painter, knowing that their feet were in the same place as yours is a thrill.

Over 1,000 canoeists paddling like mad down a scenic Asturian river - think the Boat Race on steroids - roared on by thousands of tourists and locals (many in fancy dress), with a giant picnic full of authentic fare awaiting at the finish line. Sound like fun? Well then come to luxury hotel Cangas de Onís for the first Saturday of August and experience the Descenso Internacional del Sella, one of the world's quirkiest sporting events, in all its glory!

With their storybook settings, steeped in history, there can be no better place to stay than luxury hotel chain Paradores for travellers intent on following in the path of Spain's most famous fictional son, Don Quixote. Cervantes' whimsical character famously wound his way through the picturesque, windmill-filled landscapes of La Mancha in pursuit of Sancho Panza. Now you can do the same in style with this route.

If it's old-world feel you're looking for, a trip to Navarre and the stunningly beautiful town of Olite is just the ticket. Enjoy an unbeatable location for exploring the medieval town centre at Parador Olite, a luxury hotel set within Olite's most famous sight, the magnificent Royal Palace.

Discover the Rueda Route, which winds through the wine region of Rueda. This region boasts one of Spain's proudest winemaking traditions. And to make your tour truly unforgettable, stay at the luxury hotels of Tordesillas, Zamora and Salamanca.

Day 1: Tordesillas

With locations throughout Spain, luxury hotel chain Paradores' chefs are experts at Spanish cuisine.

Each Parador restaurant specialises in the cuisine typical to the region. Using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients, they manage to truly capture the culture of each region in every mouthful.

Paradores invites you to dine in luxury and style. This makes the delicious meal the icing on the cake (so to speak) of a perfect night out.

Alarcón is a beautiful village in Cuenca, nestling in the gorges by the Jucar River. It has been declared part of Spain's Historical and Artistic heritage, and its historic district was deemed to be of cultural interest. There are wonderful guided tours that will take you to all the important monuments in this village.

Alarcón was a prehistoric settlement, a Roman settlement and Muslim settlement before being reconquered by King Alfonso VIII in 1184.