best of Spain Archives - Traveler Dreams Traveler Dreams Wed, 19 Jul 2023 14:04:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://travelerdreams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/cropped-favicon-32x32.png best of Spain Archives - Traveler Dreams 32 32 Travel Back In Time By Visiting These Historic Sites Ii Spain https://travelerdreams.com/travel-back-in-time-by-visiting-these-historic-sites-ii-spain/ Fri, 21 Jul 2023 12:38:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=24694 From the days of the Roman Empire to the Moorish conquest and the Inquisition, Spain has had a tumultuous yet fascinating history, with a rich selection of ruins, artifacts, and architecture left behind as a result. Here are some of the most intriguing sites in Spain that are sure to transport you back in time […]

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From the days of the Roman Empire to the Moorish conquest and the Inquisition, Spain has had a tumultuous yet fascinating history, with a rich selection of ruins, artifacts, and architecture left behind as a result. Here are some of the most intriguing sites in Spain that are sure to transport you back in time with their rich cultural history.

Jewish Quarter Of Toledo

This district of the city served primarily as the home to Toledo’s Jewish population during the Middle Ages, up until the start of the Spanish Inquisition in 1492 when Jews were expelled from the country. Among the attractions that have continued to stand since those dark days is the Synagogue of El Tránsito, which now serves as the Sephardic Jewish Museum which offers insights into the city’s Jewish past.

Alhambra de Granada

Located in the southern Spanish city of Granada, Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex built by the Islamic rulers of what was then the Emirate of Granada. This complex includes a mosque and hammams (public baths) and remains one of the best-preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world, offering a window into the North African influences of Spain. The opening hours for this fortress vary according to the time of year so check out the official website to book your ticket and plan your visit.

Sagrada Familia

Located in historic Barcelona, this unique temple was designed by renowned Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí in 1882. Conceived as a temple for the people by the people, the Sagrada Familia is viewed as an architectural masterclass despite not being completed. In addition to tours, this UNESCO World Heritage site is also open to visitors as a place of worship.

The post Travel Back In Time By Visiting These Historic Sites Ii Spain appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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The Delectable Delights of Logroño, Spain https://travelerdreams.com/logrono-spain-is-a-foodie-paradise/ Wed, 22 Jun 2022 08:29:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=13114 Heading to the north of Spain, Logroño is a little-known city which, despite its lack of fame, is one of my favorite places to eat and drink anywhere in Europe. From wine to tapas, this city has it all and a bright, vibrant foodie culture that any visitor to Spain should check out. Let’s learn […]

The post The Delectable Delights of Logroño, Spain appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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Heading to the north of Spain, Logroño is a little-known city which, despite its lack of fame, is one of my favorite places to eat and drink anywhere in Europe. From wine to tapas, this city has it all and a bright, vibrant foodie culture that any visitor to Spain should check out. Let’s learn more!

A True Haven For Foodies

The capital of the La Rioja region, the centerpiece of any conversation about Logroño and its surrounding region has to be its excellent wine. The wine region, which receives the same name as the region, produces some of the best reds anywhere on Earth using the Tempranillo grape.

Despite being the main city of La Rioja, there are wineries that you can check out nearby the city. Our favorite is Bodegas Franco, located just on the other side of the Ebro River from the center of the city. An international, world-renowned brand, you can tour its installations and sample its wines, a great idea for an afternoon spent in the city.

But Logroño isn’t just wine! Tapas are also central to its identity as a foodie haven, with the Calle del Laurel in the city’s old town serving as the home for the best bites in the city.

You will find a number of tapas bars, including the Soriano, the Bar Angel, and the Jubera, which are just a few of the many excellent spots on this street. Famous Logroño tapas include patatas bravas, mushrooms, and a small meat stick known as the pincho moruno. Try all of these as you drink beer, wine, or soda and enjoy a night with family or friends!

What are you waiting for? Logroño is ready to be discovered.

The post The Delectable Delights of Logroño, Spain appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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Extremadura: Beautiful, Undiscovered Spain https://travelerdreams.com/extremadura-beautiful-undiscovered-spain/ Fri, 12 Mar 2021 06:00:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=12433 Spain is the second-most visited country on Earth, and it’s easy to see why. With thrilling cities like Madrid and Barcelona, beach destinations like the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, and gastronomical paradises like the Basque Country and Galicia, there is something for everyone in Spain. But not all of Spain is well-known to […]

The post Extremadura: Beautiful, Undiscovered Spain appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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Spain is the second-most visited country on Earth, and it’s easy to see why. With thrilling cities like Madrid and Barcelona, beach destinations like the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, and gastronomical paradises like the Basque Country and Galicia, there is something for everyone in Spain.

But not all of Spain is well-known to visitors, and there are plenty of rich, hidden gems to be discovered. The southwestern region of Extremadura is one of them.

Located between Castille and the border with Portugal, Extremadura is a sparsely-populated, largely rural area that offers so much.

While the biggest city of Badajoz is okay to skip, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any settlements that are worth seeing. The ancient city of Caceres has one of the most beautiful old towns in all of Spain with Moorish influences, and the walled market city of Plasencia offers plenty of gorgeous centuries-old structures as well.

Looking for nature? You will also find that in Extremadura. The Monfrague National Park is known for its beautiful canyon through which the Tagus River passes. Known for its excellent bird-watching, you will find plenty of scenic lookout spots and trails here.

Foodies will also enjoy Extremadura, as it is one of the centers for Iberian ham production. You’ll find this Spanish delicacy, as well as olives and olive oil, in restaurants all over the region.

Why not skip the more popular destinations on your next trip to Spain and give Extremadura a try instead?

The post Extremadura: Beautiful, Undiscovered Spain appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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See Europe’s Largest Palm Grove in Elche, Spain https://travelerdreams.com/see-europes-largest-palm-grove-in-elche-spain/ Thu, 25 Feb 2021 12:57:35 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=12088 Elche, Spain is a medium-sized city of around 230,000 located in close proximity to the Mediterranean coast. Located within 10 minutes of a major international airport which it shares with Alicante, it is a great option for those looking to getaway. But what can one do when visiting Elche, a city that is not widely […]

The post See Europe’s Largest Palm Grove in Elche, Spain appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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Elche, Spain is a medium-sized city of around 230,000 located in close proximity to the Mediterranean coast. Located within 10 minutes of a major international airport which it shares with Alicante, it is a great option for those looking to getaway.

But what can one do when visiting Elche, a city that is not widely known? Well, the largest palm grove in Europe happens to be there and provides a unique look at the Iberian Peninsula’s history as well as a beautiful place to relax.

Palm trees have always been a part of the landscape in the warm city of Elche, whose temperatures never drop below freezing. As the Moors took over and conquested the area including Elche in the 8th and 9th centuries, they used their agricultural knowledge to prepare and irrigate a large space which they filled with thousands of palm trees.

Despite the Moorish control of the region ending just a few hundred years later and the agricultural focus of the area shifting, this palm grove was kept intact and is still around to this day.

More focused on tourism and serving as a cultural asset now, Elche’s palmeral contains over 20,000 palm trees and has the appearance of a huge forest from afar. Hidden inside this shady territory is a network of walking trails that allow visitors to see all of the beauty that the palm grove has to offer.

The largest palm grove in Europe also contains things from azulejo-tiled fountains to colorful flowers, offering beauty at every turn for visitors who take time to visit this free attraction in the heart of the city.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next trip to Elche and take advantage of the opportunity to see this one-of-a-kind attraction.

The post See Europe’s Largest Palm Grove in Elche, Spain appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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Spain’s Best Christmas Lights are in These Cities https://travelerdreams.com/spains-best-christmas-lights-are-in-these-cities/ Sun, 22 Dec 2019 06:50:25 +0000 https://stagingtrd.wpengine.com/?p=4013 Christmas Markets are all the rage in Germany, most European cities set up Christmas trees in a very public place, and snow takes the cake in Scandinavia and the Alps. Did you know that, however, Spain is all about Christmas lights? Many Spanish cities hang up lights to commemorate the holiday season, creating a spectacle […]

The post Spain’s Best Christmas Lights are in These Cities appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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Christmas Markets are all the rage in Germany, most European cities set up Christmas trees in a very public place, and snow takes the cake in Scandinavia and the Alps.

Did you know that, however, Spain is all about Christmas lights? Many Spanish cities hang up lights to commemorate the holiday season, creating a spectacle of colors and designs to put a shiny touch on the holidays.

Here are the best cities to see them in.

Vigo

The Galician city of Vigo is arguably the Christmas capital of Spain. Featuring over 10,000,000 LED lights and a 100-foot tall tree featuring all kinds of animated light patterns, you definitely won’t be left looking for lights in this city.

Malaga

The streets of the center of Malaga shine with some of the most beautiful Christmas lights on the planet from November until January. Calle Larios is the hub of the light spectacle, featuring an ornate light show that’s set to Christmas tunes like “All I Want for Christmas is You.”

Madrid

The Spanish capital has impressive lights of its own during the holidays, showcasing lights that correspond to different historical events leading up to the holidays. There are also lighted versions of the Bethlehem nativity scene to be found in certain neighborhoods.

The post Spain’s Best Christmas Lights are in These Cities appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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Paradores Are a Unique Way to Experience Spain https://travelerdreams.com/paradores-are-a-unique-way-to-experience-spain/ Wed, 02 Oct 2019 12:55:56 +0000 https://stagingtrd.wpengine.com/?p=3543 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 […]

The post Paradores Are a Unique Way to Experience Spain appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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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.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2odLHVCmQP/

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!

The post Paradores Are a Unique Way to Experience Spain appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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ersion="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> best of Spain Archives - Traveler Dreams Traveler Dreams Wed, 19 Jul 2023 14:04:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://travelerdreams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/cropped-favicon-32x32.png best of Spain Archives - Traveler Dreams 32 32 Travel Back In Time By Visiting These Historic Sites Ii Spain https://travelerdreams.com/travel-back-in-time-by-visiting-these-historic-sites-ii-spain/ Fri, 21 Jul 2023 12:38:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=24694 From the days of the Roman Empire to the Moorish conquest and the Inquisition, Spain has had a tumultuous yet fascinating history, with a rich selection of ruins, artifacts, and architecture left behind as a result. Here are some of the most intriguing sites in Spain that are sure to transport you back in time […]

The post Travel Back In Time By Visiting These Historic Sites Ii Spain appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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From the days of the Roman Empire to the Moorish conquest and the Inquisition, Spain has had a tumultuous yet fascinating history, with a rich selection of ruins, artifacts, and architecture left behind as a result. Here are some of the most intriguing sites in Spain that are sure to transport you back in time with their rich cultural history.

Jewish Quarter Of Toledo

This district of the city served primarily as the home to Toledo’s Jewish population during the Middle Ages, up until the start of the Spanish Inquisition in 1492 when Jews were expelled from the country. Among the attractions that have continued to stand since those dark days is the Synagogue of El Tránsito, which now serves as the Sephardic Jewish Museum which offers insights into the city’s Jewish past.

Alhambra de Granada

Located in the southern Spanish city of Granada, Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex built by the Islamic rulers of what was then the Emirate of Granada. This complex includes a mosque and hammams (public baths) and remains one of the best-preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world, offering a window into the North African influences of Spain. The opening hours for this fortress vary according to the time of year so check out the official website to book your ticket and plan your visit.

Sagrada Familia

Located in historic Barcelona, this unique temple was designed by renowned Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí in 1882. Conceived as a temple for the people by the people, the Sagrada Familia is viewed as an architectural masterclass despite not being completed. In addition to tours, this UNESCO World Heritage site is also open to visitors as a place of worship.

The post Travel Back In Time By Visiting These Historic Sites Ii Spain appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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The Delectable Delights of Logroño, Spain https://travelerdreams.com/logrono-spain-is-a-foodie-paradise/ Wed, 22 Jun 2022 08:29:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=13114 Heading to the north of Spain, Logroño is a little-known city which, despite its lack of fame, is one of my favorite places to eat and drink anywhere in Europe. From wine to tapas, this city has it all and a bright, vibrant foodie culture that any visitor to Spain should check out. Let’s learn […]

The post The Delectable Delights of Logroño, Spain appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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Heading to the north of Spain, Logroño is a little-known city which, despite its lack of fame, is one of my favorite places to eat and drink anywhere in Europe. From wine to tapas, this city has it all and a bright, vibrant foodie culture that any visitor to Spain should check out. Let’s learn more!

A True Haven For Foodies

The capital of the La Rioja region, the centerpiece of any conversation about Logroño and its surrounding region has to be its excellent wine. The wine region, which receives the same name as the region, produces some of the best reds anywhere on Earth using the Tempranillo grape.

Despite being the main city of La Rioja, there are wineries that you can check out nearby the city. Our favorite is Bodegas Franco, located just on the other side of the Ebro River from the center of the city. An international, world-renowned brand, you can tour its installations and sample its wines, a great idea for an afternoon spent in the city.

But Logroño isn’t just wine! Tapas are also central to its identity as a foodie haven, with the Calle del Laurel in the city’s old town serving as the home for the best bites in the city.

You will find a number of tapas bars, including the Soriano, the Bar Angel, and the Jubera, which are just a few of the many excellent spots on this street. Famous Logroño tapas include patatas bravas, mushrooms, and a small meat stick known as the pincho moruno. Try all of these as you drink beer, wine, or soda and enjoy a night with family or friends!

What are you waiting for? Logroño is ready to be discovered.

The post The Delectable Delights of Logroño, Spain appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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Extremadura: Beautiful, Undiscovered Spain https://travelerdreams.com/extremadura-beautiful-undiscovered-spain/ Fri, 12 Mar 2021 06:00:00 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=12433 Spain is the second-most visited country on Earth, and it’s easy to see why. With thrilling cities like Madrid and Barcelona, beach destinations like the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, and gastronomical paradises like the Basque Country and Galicia, there is something for everyone in Spain. But not all of Spain is well-known to […]

The post Extremadura: Beautiful, Undiscovered Spain appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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Spain is the second-most visited country on Earth, and it’s easy to see why. With thrilling cities like Madrid and Barcelona, beach destinations like the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, and gastronomical paradises like the Basque Country and Galicia, there is something for everyone in Spain.

But not all of Spain is well-known to visitors, and there are plenty of rich, hidden gems to be discovered. The southwestern region of Extremadura is one of them.

Located between Castille and the border with Portugal, Extremadura is a sparsely-populated, largely rural area that offers so much.

While the biggest city of Badajoz is okay to skip, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any settlements that are worth seeing. The ancient city of Caceres has one of the most beautiful old towns in all of Spain with Moorish influences, and the walled market city of Plasencia offers plenty of gorgeous centuries-old structures as well.

Looking for nature? You will also find that in Extremadura. The Monfrague National Park is known for its beautiful canyon through which the Tagus River passes. Known for its excellent bird-watching, you will find plenty of scenic lookout spots and trails here.

Foodies will also enjoy Extremadura, as it is one of the centers for Iberian ham production. You’ll find this Spanish delicacy, as well as olives and olive oil, in restaurants all over the region.

Why not skip the more popular destinations on your next trip to Spain and give Extremadura a try instead?

The post Extremadura: Beautiful, Undiscovered Spain appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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See Europe’s Largest Palm Grove in Elche, Spain https://travelerdreams.com/see-europes-largest-palm-grove-in-elche-spain/ Thu, 25 Feb 2021 12:57:35 +0000 https://travelerdreams.com/?p=12088 Elche, Spain is a medium-sized city of around 230,000 located in close proximity to the Mediterranean coast. Located within 10 minutes of a major international airport which it shares with Alicante, it is a great option for those looking to getaway. But what can one do when visiting Elche, a city that is not widely […]

The post See Europe’s Largest Palm Grove in Elche, Spain appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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Elche, Spain is a medium-sized city of around 230,000 located in close proximity to the Mediterranean coast. Located within 10 minutes of a major international airport which it shares with Alicante, it is a great option for those looking to getaway.

But what can one do when visiting Elche, a city that is not widely known? Well, the largest palm grove in Europe happens to be there and provides a unique look at the Iberian Peninsula’s history as well as a beautiful place to relax.

Palm trees have always been a part of the landscape in the warm city of Elche, whose temperatures never drop below freezing. As the Moors took over and conquested the area including Elche in the 8th and 9th centuries, they used their agricultural knowledge to prepare and irrigate a large space which they filled with thousands of palm trees.

Despite the Moorish control of the region ending just a few hundred years later and the agricultural focus of the area shifting, this palm grove was kept intact and is still around to this day.

More focused on tourism and serving as a cultural asset now, Elche’s palmeral contains over 20,000 palm trees and has the appearance of a huge forest from afar. Hidden inside this shady territory is a network of walking trails that allow visitors to see all of the beauty that the palm grove has to offer.

The largest palm grove in Europe also contains things from azulejo-tiled fountains to colorful flowers, offering beauty at every turn for visitors who take time to visit this free attraction in the heart of the city.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next trip to Elche and take advantage of the opportunity to see this one-of-a-kind attraction.

The post See Europe’s Largest Palm Grove in Elche, Spain appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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Spain’s Best Christmas Lights are in These Cities https://travelerdreams.com/spains-best-christmas-lights-are-in-these-cities/ Sun, 22 Dec 2019 06:50:25 +0000 https://stagingtrd.wpengine.com/?p=4013 Christmas Markets are all the rage in Germany, most European cities set up Christmas trees in a very public place, and snow takes the cake in Scandinavia and the Alps. Did you know that, however, Spain is all about Christmas lights? Many Spanish cities hang up lights to commemorate the holiday season, creating a spectacle […]

The post Spain’s Best Christmas Lights are in These Cities appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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Christmas Markets are all the rage in Germany, most European cities set up Christmas trees in a very public place, and snow takes the cake in Scandinavia and the Alps.

Did you know that, however, Spain is all about Christmas lights? Many Spanish cities hang up lights to commemorate the holiday season, creating a spectacle of colors and designs to put a shiny touch on the holidays.

Here are the best cities to see them in.

Vigo

The Galician city of Vigo is arguably the Christmas capital of Spain. Featuring over 10,000,000 LED lights and a 100-foot tall tree featuring all kinds of animated light patterns, you definitely won’t be left looking for lights in this city.

Malaga

The streets of the center of Malaga shine with some of the most beautiful Christmas lights on the planet from November until January. Calle Larios is the hub of the light spectacle, featuring an ornate light show that’s set to Christmas tunes like “All I Want for Christmas is You.”

Madrid

The Spanish capital has impressive lights of its own during the holidays, showcasing lights that correspond to different historical events leading up to the holidays. There are also lighted versions of the Bethlehem nativity scene to be found in certain neighborhoods.

The post Spain’s Best Christmas Lights are in These Cities appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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Paradores Are a Unique Way to Experience Spain https://travelerdreams.com/paradores-are-a-unique-way-to-experience-spain/ Wed, 02 Oct 2019 12:55:56 +0000 https://stagingtrd.wpengine.com/?p=3543 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 […]

The post Paradores Are a Unique Way to Experience Spain appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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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.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2odLHVCmQP/

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!

The post Paradores Are a Unique Way to Experience Spain appeared first on Traveler Dreams.

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