Paradores: Historic Hotels of Spain
Interior of the Parador Santo Estevo, a converted Benedictine monastery in Galicia.
The beautiful surroundings of the Parador de Santo Estevo.
Sparkling pool and historic buildings of the Parador de Trujillo.
Guest room in the Parador de Trujillo.
Aerial view of the Parador de Cuenca.
Interior of the Parador de Cuenca.
Parador Cangas de Onis from above.
Text and photos contributed by Escapio.com - unique historic, boutique and design hotels in Spain and beyond.
The Spanish Paradores are a collection of monasteries, convents, castles and other historic buildings in which visitors can truly live and breathe times gone by - they are all now unique hotels.
History of the Paradores
In the year 1926, Spain's king Alfonso XIII appointed the Marquis de la Vega Inclána as Royal Commissary for Tourism and hence a new philosophy of travel on the Iberian Peninsula was born. De la Vega was to create tourist access to the wonderful landscapes of Spain and started by converting the first so-called Parador into a hotel in 1928.
The concept of establishing high end accommodation in Spain's historic buildings proved to be successful over the years and today there are 93 exclusive Paradores hotels housed in remarkable monasteries, churches and palaces throughout Spain.
Monastery Paradores
We have scoured an extensive number of Paradores and selected a few monastic highlights that allow you to travel back in time with all the modern comforts of four-star hotels. Luxuriate within the dignified walls of former monasteries and churches while experiencing the highest standards of Spanish hospitality.
The Parador de Santo Estevo is a four-star hotel housed in one of Spain's oldest Benedictine monasteries in Nogueira de Ramuín, in the Ourense region of Galicia. From its dramatic vantage point perched above the river valley, this castle dates back to the 6th century. Aficionados of classic architecture will be delighted by the elements of Romanic and Renaissance style elements.
The majestic Parador de Cuenca, located in the central province of Castilia La Mancha, has been fascinating its guests since its opening in 1993. Its supreme location above a dramatic canyon and impressive edifice within a 16th century monastery render this Parador a perfect synthesis of rich history and modern comforts.
Rooted in the great expanses of Extremadura, the Parador de Trujillo is an oasis of luxury and historic depth. Within the thick walls of the 16th-century former monastery, guests are treated to an exquisite stay in one of the 48 rooms that line the original cloister.
You can take a stroll in the patio amongst the orange and citrus trees or delight your taste buds at the hotel's gourmet restaurant, which serves outstanding regional dishes.
Nestled between green riverbanks and the impressive mountains of Asturias, the former convent of San Pedro de Villanueva now houses the four-star Parador de Cangas de Onís.
This 12th-century convent permanently displays relics of the former convent as well as archaeological treasures found on site. The convent was declared a national monument in 1907 and succeeds in blending historic elegance with state of the art amenities in its recently constructed guest room annex.
These are just a few of the Paradores that are housed in Spain's sacred places. The superb standards of Paradores allow you to explore the unique regions of the Iberian Peninsula, delve into its spiritual past and treat yourself to the modern delights of exquisite guest accommodations.
