In Covetotop’s deep, philosophical, trustworthy, accurate and enlightening opinion, there’s no better way of visiting Spain than through Paradores.
“Paradores” is a corporation owned by the State of Spain, which currently manages 93 awesome hotel establishments.
By the adjective “awesome” I mean “Wow! Is that an hotel?”
Yes. That castle from the Middle Ages is a “Parador” (hotel). And that Baroque monastery, and that Gothic palace, and that white building on the beach, and that big house in the regional style in the middle of a national park too … All of them are “Paradores”, but don’t worry: no matter the building’s age & history, they are refurbished with the most modern installations and services.
Moreover, in any Parador restaurant you can taste local specialties masterly cooked.
And the quality/price equation of Paradores is as beautiful as their locations (specially if you book your stay in advance through their webpage)
Covetotop is friend of Paradores and has visited (and plans to visit) a lot of them. Consequently, if you, my virtual friend, have so much time to loose as to visit my blog relatively often, you’ll find more information about Paradores in some future posts.
By now, I leave you with a brief glimpse of some of them, here below …
Most Paradores are located off the beaten path. Only connoisseurs visit them, although tourists are allowed … This is Parador de Santo Estevo (Galicia). It’s a Benedictine monastery in the middle of the Ribeira Sacra, an area of outstanding natural beauty where two wild and large rivers meet. The building has been declared a Historic and Artistic Monument:
This is the impressive La Alhambra (Granada, Andalucía), United Nations’ World Heritage Site and Spain’s National Monument. Somewhere within the walls of this ancient Arab fortress & palaces complex there is a little and charming Parador (it’s the only hotel allowed in La Alhambra):
A room with a Mediterranean view: Parador de Jávea (Alicante, Valencia):
That castle at the end of the street is Parador de Olite (Navarra):
Parador de León, or San Marcos Monastery, from the 16th century (Castilla y León):
Interior view of an old Arab castle, currently Parador de Jaén (Andalucía):
Atlantic waves by Parador de Bayona (Galicia):
Parador de Alcañiz (Aragón) is a 12th century Castle of the order of Calatrava:
Parador de Monforte de Lemos, a cozy 17th century Benedictine monastery:
Hunters and hikers will love Parador de Gredos (Castilla y León) (Notice: Covetotop loves hiking, but hates hunting):
Parador de Guadalupe, a 15th century palace of the Marquis de la Romana (Extremadura):
Parador de la Granja (Castilla y León), restaurant:
To be continued step by step, parador by parador, any other day, who knows when …
More info in www.parador.es
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very nice piece, great photos too. keep up the good work. – Arran.
Thank you!