Spain is one of the best countries to visit on Earth. Don’t just believe us—in 2018, Spain was the second-most visited country in the world, only behind France.
While lots of visitors to this popular Southern European country stay in AirBNBs and hotels in popular cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, there is a whole different type of experience available to travelers that are willing to go a little bit out of the way.
Paradores are rural luxury hotels that can be seen throughout the Spanish territory and countryside. Owned by the government of Spain and in operation since 1928, these unique hotels are typically located within converted historic buildings, such as castles, monasteries, or palaces.
These hotels are usually located in areas that are far from large cities, and thus offer a relaxing getaway destination with amenities such as fine dining and spas. For those that are looking to take a slower approach to their Spanish vacation, there is no better option for a place to stay.
Some of our favorite paradores in Spain include:
- Parador de Santo Estevo (Nogueira de Ramuin, Ourense, Galicia)
- Parador de Caceres (Caceres, Caceres, Extremadura)
- Hostal dos Reis Catolicos (Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Galicia)
- Convento de San Francisco (Granada, Granada, Andalusia)
So, if you’re looking to take a load off and to experience Spain’s history on your vacation, a parador might be your best option!