In most countries, a “historic hotel” is a building from the 1920s. In Spain, if it was built after Columbus set sail, locals consider it a new build.
Spain’s best kept secret is the Parador network. These are not just hotels. They are national monuments—Moorish fortresses, medieval convents, and Renaissance palaces—that the government converted into luxury accommodation to save them from ruin.
At The Expat Tours, we believe walls should talk. And in a Parador, they have 800 years of gossip to share.
1. Fortress on the Outside, 5 Star on the Inside
The project was started by King Alfonso XIII in 1928, and today there are nearly 100 of these properties. But do not expect the drafty corridors of Game of Thrones.
You might walk through a 12th century stone archway to get to the reception, but your room has high pressure rainfall showers and fiber optic Wi-Fi. The best swimming pools in Spain are not at the beach; they are here. Imagine floating in a pool dug into the ramparts of a castle, looking down at the village below.
2. The View Was for Cannons, Now It Is for Cocktails
Remember that these buildings were not positioned for tourists. They were positioned for defense. That means they occupy the absolute best real estate in the entire region.
Parador de Ronda It sits on the jagged edge of the El Tajo Gorge. The view from the terrace is a sheer 120 meter drop. It induces vertigo in the best possible way.
Parador de Jaén Perched atop Santa Catalina hill, this fortress commands a 360 degree view of the “Sea of Olives.” It is the only place in the world where you can watch the sun set over 60 million olive trees from your bedroom window.
Parador de Santiago The Hostal dos Reis Católicos is not just a hotel. It is the oldest operating hotel in the world, dating back to 1499. It sits directly on Obradoiro Square, meaning you can sip your coffee while watching the pilgrims finish their 500 mile Camino walk.
3. The San Francisco Hack (Granada)
This is the ultimate insider tip. The Parador de Granada is located inside the Alhambra complex.
While thousands of tourists line up outside the gates, you are already in. Staying here gives you the unique privilege of walking the Alhambra gardens in the evening after the crowds have been kicked out. It is just you, the nightingales, and the Moorish fountains. Magic.
4. Gastronomy and The Regional Mandate
Paradors have a strict legal mandate to serve the local cuisine of their province. No club sandwiches here.
If you are in Galicia, you are eating Pulpo a Feira (octopus) caught that morning. In Segovia, you are dining on Cochinillo (suckling pig) roasted in a wood fired oven. Breakfast is often served in the old refectories where monks dined in silence 500 years ago. Don’t worry, strictly speaking, you are allowed to talk.
Claim Your Throne
Spain is a land of legends. Don’t just read about them in a guidebook. Wake up inside one.
???? The Royal Welcome Upgrade We secure rooms in the most sought after Paradors, like the impossible to book Alhambra. Plus, when you book with us, we arrange a private history tour of the building upon arrival, unlocking the chapels and libraries often closed to the general public.
