{"id":33352,"date":"2019-05-23T12:06:30","date_gmt":"2019-05-23T10:06:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/update.madrid-experience.com\/?p=25861"},"modified":"2026-05-05T18:42:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T16:42:49","slug":"spains-paradores","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/madrid-experience.com\/en\/spains-paradores\/","title":{"rendered":"Spain\u2019s Best Paradores"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]This time, we would like to tell you about how you can visit Madrid and the surrounding area, as well as all of Spain, staying at ancient manor homes, palaces, monasteries and other historical buildings which have been turned into luxury hotels and which make up Spain\u2019s famous \u201cParadores\u201d network.<\/p>\n<p>If you wish to stay at a luxurious and historical building, we recommend you consider an unforgettable stay at some of Spains\u2019s best Paradores.<\/p>\n<h2>Paradores in Spain<\/h2>\n<p>Whether you are looking to see Spain from a cultural or historical perspective, or you are just looking to relax in a charming accommodation, immersed in beautiful surroundings, Spain\u2019s Paradores are an excellent option to ensure an unforgettable trip. This amazing network of historical buildings turned into luxury hotels is state-owned, and was started by King Alfonso XIII to promote tourism in the country.<\/p>\n<p>The family of Paradores is made up of some magnificent fortresses, medieval castles, convents, monasteries and other historical places which are found all over Spain and have been carefully refurbished and restored to meet modern standards.<\/p>\n<p>If you wish to see some of the most popular cities, or instead, you wish to stay at some off-the-beaten-track rural destination, you will make the perfect choice among the country\u2019s incomparable 97 Paradores. Here they really excel at providing excellent customer service and every detail is cared for during your stay.<\/p>\n<p>At Madrid Experience we are very familiar with the choice of accommodation provided by the Paradores and we want to share with you a list of some of our favourite Paradores. This list includes those which have been given a 4-star rating minimum by guests who stayed there and ate at different restaurants. It is important to point out that each Parador boasts within its premises a restaurant and a coffee shop where you can taste the local delicacies of each region.<\/p>\n<h3>National Paradores<\/h3>\n<p>All of the National Paradores hold within their walls a valuable historical and artistic heritage. The Spanish state endeavors to maintain these buildings in a well-kept state while promoting sustainable, yet high quality, tourism. In so doing, guests contribute to keep Spain\u2019s art and culture and, at the same time, enjoy the finesse which underpins this hotel chain.<\/p>\n<h2>Some of the best Paradores Nacionales according to guests are:<\/h2>\n<h3>Zafra\u2019s Parador: The Palace of the Dukes of Feria<\/h3>\n<p>This spectacular XV-century castle is located in Badajoz province, in the region of Extremadura. Both the building and the small city of Zafra boast antiques from a time prior to Spain\u2019s reconquest. It\u2019s Mudejar style is a testimony to the era\u2019s style.<br \/>\nAmong the highlights of this walled fortress is the Renaissance style inner garden where you can relax during your stay. The views from the castle, as well as the grand rooms which will leave you speechless, would not be out of place in a fairy tale.<br \/>\nWe encourage you to get to know the region of Extremadura if you are not familiar with it. You will fall in love with its cuisine, which you can try at the Parador\u2019s restaurant, and we recommend local dishes such as the lamb stew, or the migas del pastor dish, as well as the city\u2019s famous homemade desserts.<\/p>\n<h3>Almagro\u2019s Parador: St. Catherine of Siena\u2019s Convent<\/h3>\n<p>This parador is located in Ciudad Real province, in Almagro, one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. St. Catherine\u2019s Convent origins are in the XVI century, and it would serve as a hospital centuries later. Like all Franciscas convents, it is an austere building, peaceful and welcoming, which houses several galleries and 14 inner courtyards.<br \/>\nThe best time to visit Almagro is during the Classical Theater Festival, which is held annually in July and August. During the festival the hotel is kitted out in such a way that you will feel and breathe the stage everywhere you go.<br \/>\nAnd when you feel hungry, the Parador de Almagro restaurant will surprise you with the cuisine of the region of La Mancha. You can\u2019t miss dishes like the aubergines, roasted lamb, suckling pig steaks and the best wines in the region.<\/p>\n<h3>Cangas de Onis Parador: St. Peter of Villanueva Monastery<\/h3>\n<p>For many, this Parador stands at the top of the list of the best Paradores in Spain. Located in the town of Cangas de Onis, in the principality of Asturias, the town is surrounded by the Europa Peaks mountain range and the Sella river meanders through it. This ancient monastery boasts elegant halls and a riverside garden. It\u2019s warm aura makes it a favorite for celebrations and romantic getaways.<br \/>\nThe natural beauty of the surroundings will astound you. Mountains, white beaches, caves, lakes, and crystal clear, yet slightly cold, rivers turn the place into a real jewel.<br \/>\nAmong the local specialties you can try the famous cachopo steak, the beans stew, the chorizo in cider dish, or the cabracho pate.<\/p>\n<h2>Paradores near Madrid<\/h2>\n<p>If you fly into Spain, it is very likely that your trip will begin in Madrid or Barcelona. And if you are pressed for time, the best thing to do is to stay in some of the best Paradores in the country, which are located just outside Madrid.<\/p>\n<h3>Siguenza\u2019s Parador:\u00a0 Siguenza Castle<\/h3>\n<p>Sig\u00fcenza, located in the province of Guadalajara, is one and a half hours from Madrid. The castle was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War and rebuilt years later, when it was turned into one of Spain\u2019s most exclusive Paradores. Decorated with wooden furniture in the Castilian style, it also has a cobblestone courtyard and a manorial dining room. It also holds a XIII century Romanesque chapel. According to guests this Parador is also at the top of the list among the country\u2019s finest.<br \/>\nThe cuisine of Castile, similar to Madrid\u2019s, will surprise you with dishes such as braised suckling lamb, Manchego cheese, and the migas local specialty dish.<\/p>\n<h3>La Granja de San Ildefonso\u2019s Parador: House of the Infantes of the Royal Palace of La Granja<\/h3>\n<p>Just over an hour from Madrid, this parador is located in the Guadarrama mountain range. The Royal Palace of La Granja was the summer residence of the monarchs of Castile, and then Spain, since the time since Medieval times.<\/p>\n<p>The House of the Infantes palace was turned into a Parador ten years ago. The building was built in the XVIII century Baroque style. With its impressive gardens, it is the perfect place to relax.<\/p>\n<h3>Chinchon\u2019s Parador: Augustine Convent of Chinchon<\/h3>\n<p>Chinch on is a beautiful town which houses a great historical heritage such as the church of our Lady of the Assumption, the Clock Tower, and it\u2019s famous town square: the plaza mayor.<br \/>\nThe former convent of the Augustine\u2019s is now a parador. This XVII building was exquisitely refurbished and now has an inner courtyard and gardens. Emperor Charles V himself stayed within its walls.<\/p>\n<h3>Oropesa\u2019s Parador: \u00c1lvarez de Toledo Castle.<\/h3>\n<p>This castle, or palace, is a spectacular building. One of Spain\u2019s best Paradores near Madrid. It was made a part of the Paradores family in 1930 and has since been declared a National Monument and a Cultural Interest Good. The building was once the residence of the earls of Oropesa, the Alvarez de Toledo dynasty, in the XII and XIII centuries.<br \/>\nThe property has gardens, an interior courtyard, celebration halls, and large, well-lit rooms. It\u2019s restaurant boasts specialties such as the pink veal flank with roasted potatoes, or the local version of ratatouille: cochifrito, made with tomatoes, eggs and white wine.<\/p>\n<p>These unique spaces, filled with history, culture and art, are available to you for most of the year. If you want to live this unique experience, sleep in luxurious rooms, eat at some of the country\u2019s best restaurants, and try the local specialties, try Spain\u2019s Paradores hotel chain. We invite you to experience Spain\u2019s most luxurious side.<\/p>\n<p>At Madrid Experience we can arrange for you to stay at any of these Paradores. <strong>We can also organize private VIP visits<\/strong> to the surrounding areas so you can access the region\u2019s best-kept secrets.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This time, we would like to tell you about how you can visit Madrid and the surrounding area, as well as all of Spain, staying at ancient manor homes, palaces, monasteries and other historical buildings which have been turned into luxury hotels and which make up Spain\u2019s famous \u201cParadores\u201d network.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":34419,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[654,617],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-33352","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-blog-me"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/madrid-experience.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33352","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/madrid-experience.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/madrid-experience.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madrid-experience.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madrid-experience.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33352"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/madrid-experience.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33352\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34422,"href":"https:\/\/madrid-experience.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33352\/revisions\/34422"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madrid-experience.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34419"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/madrid-experience.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33352"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madrid-experience.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33352"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madrid-experience.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33352"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}