Best paradores in Spain | Our top picks

When it comes to accommodation, Spain's paradores are in a league of their own. These state-run hotels – often set in castles, monasteries or historic estates – combine atmosphere, location and serious bang for your buck. A Rough Guides trip to Spain wouldn’t be complete without at least one night in a parador, whether you’re sleeping beneath stone vaults in León or waking to sea views in Cádiz. Prices usually sit around €150-180 for a double, undercutting many five-star hotels. From mountaintop fortresses to Moorish palaces, these are the best paradores in Spain – memorable stays that go well beyond just a bed for the night.

What are the best paradores to stay in Spain?

Paradores are some of the most unique stays you’ll find in Spain – state-run hotels set in castles, monasteries and historic buildings. They're spread across the country, which makes them easy to slot into any Spain itinerary. Some are right in the heart of old towns, others sit in remote spots you’d never normally get to overnight in.

You’ll find a parador inside the Alhambra in Granada, another overlooking the ocean in Cádiz, and one housed in a royal hospital in Santiago de Compostela. They don’t all scream luxury, but even the simpler ones have bags of character and a strong sense of place.

The best paradores mix location, atmosphere, and a bit of wow-factor. Some put you in the middle of cities packed with history, while others are ideal bases for hikes, road trips, or just switching off. You don’t need to stay in one every night, but adding one or two will lift your trip from ordinary to unforgettable.

If you’re looking for Spain accommodations that go beyond the standard hotel experience, paradores are the answer, especially if you want to explore the best places to visit in Spain without missing the magic between the major sights.

1. Hostal dos Reis Católicos, Santiago de Compostela

If you're planning a trip to Spain and want to end it in style, check into this historic heavyweight. Right at the end of the Camino de Santiago, overlooking Santiago’s cathedral square, the Hostal dos Reis Católicos is set inside a 15th-century royal hospital – and might just be the oldest hotel in the world.

Today, it’s a parador packed with atmosphere: cloistered courtyards, vaulted ceilings, and carved stonework that remind you this place has been hosting guests for over 500 years. Its 136 rooms are split across four serene courtyards, with two refined restaurants and a grand, wood-panelled bar.

It’s a splurge, but worth every cent, especially if you qualify for pilgrim or multi-night discounts. If you’re choosing just one stop from the best paradores in Spain, this one’s impossible to beat.

How to get to Hostal dos Reis Católicos

Santiago de Compostela is well connected by plane, train, and road. The parador is right on Praza do Obradoiro in the old town – an easy walk if you’re already in the center. From Santiago Airport, it’s a 20-minute taxi ride. If you’re arriving by train, it’s a 15-minute stroll or short cab ride uphill.

When to visit Hostal dos Reis Católicos

May to June and September are ideal – warm enough to enjoy the city without the peak-season crowds. July sees an influx of pilgrims and tourists, especially around the feast of St James (July 25), so book early or plan around it.

2. Parador de Jarandilla de la Vera, Jarandilla

Set among the chestnut and olive groves of the Vera valley, the Parador de Jarandilla de la Vera is one of the most characterful Spain paradores – and a surprisingly good pick if you're travelling through Spain with kids. The setting is a 15th-century castle-palace, once home to Emperor Charles V, complete with stone towers and a courtyard fringed by palm trees.

Inside, it’s all heavy wooden beams, period furniture, and historic charm, balanced by a relaxed, countryside feel. The on-site restaurant serves up Extremaduran classics – hearty game dishes, migas, local cheeses – and there's a large outdoor pool that’s perfect for cooling off in summer.

It’s a place where you can soak up history without sacrificing comfort. Big on atmosphere, small on fuss – ideal for a slower-paced stop between cities.

How to get to Parador de Jarandilla de la Vera

There’s no train station nearby, so driving is essential. From Madrid, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive via the A-5 and local roads. The route takes you through the Extremaduran countryside, and there are scenic spots worth stopping at along the way.

When to visit Parador de Jarandilla de la Vera

Spring is the sweet spot, with green valleys and blooming cherry trees. Summer brings heat, but the pool makes it manageable. Autumn is also pleasant, with milder weather and fewer guests.

3. Parador Castillo de Santa Catalina, Jaén

Looking for dramatic places to stay in Andalucia? It doesn’t get more commanding than this. Perched high above Jaén, the Parador Castillo de Santa Catalina is housed in a 13th-century Moorish fortress, its towers and ramparts visible from miles across the olive-covered hills.

Inside, the rooms are comfortable and classically styled, many with balconies overlooking the sheer drop to the valley below. There’s a decent-sized pool, a bar with panoramic views, and plenty of parking – handy if you’re road-tripping through inland Andalucia.

The restaurant is worth a stop even if you’re not staying the night, with local dishes like pipirrana (a tomato and pepper salad) and game stews that make it a solid addition to any Andalucia food tour. It’s part castle, part country retreat – and fully unforgettable.

How to get to Parador Castillo de Santa Catalina

The parador sits on a hilltop just outside central Jaén. From the train station, it’s a 15-minute taxi ride. If you're driving, there’s ample parking on site and clear signage from the city.

When to visit Parador Castillo de Santa Catalina

Avoid July and August unless you enjoy 40°C heat. March to May and October to November are far more comfortable and still sunny enough for exploring the castle and nearby olive groves.

4. Parador de Lerma, Lerma

If you’re road-tripping from Bilbao to Madrid, this is a detour worth making. The Parador de Lerma, just south of Burgos, is housed in a 17th-century ducal palace that dominates the town’s grand central square – and easily ranks among the best paradores in Spain for sheer presence.

A vast, columned courtyard sets the tone, surrounded by stately lounges and a traditional restaurant serving Castilian classics like roast lamb and morcilla. The rooms are palatial, with high ceilings, antique touches, and views stretching over the sunburnt plateau below.

There’s not much nightlife in Lerma, but that’s part of the appeal – this is a place to slow down, have a long dinner, and wake to quiet countryside views. Regal without being stuffy.

How to get to Parador de Lerma

Just off the A1 motorway, Lerma is a convenient stop between Madrid and northern Spain. Burgos is the nearest major city, and from there it’s a 30-minute drive. There’s limited public transport, so driving is best.

When to visit Parador de Lerma

Late spring and early autumn are ideal for exploring the village and nearby vineyards. December can be atmospheric too, especially with Christmas markets on the plaza.

5. Parador de Alarcón, Cuenca province

Perched high above the Río Júcar, the Parador de Alarcón is a fortress stay with a serious atmosphere. With just fourteen rooms inside this 8th-century castle, it’s one of the more intimate paradores – and all the better for it.

The interiors strike a smart balance between old and new, with exposed stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and clean modern touches. The real draw, though, is the setting: rugged cliffs, winding river views, and total peace.

In the restaurant, you’ll find regional Spanish dishes like lamb stew and sweet almond sauces typical of the Alarcón and Alaju areas – rich, slow-cooked food that suits the surroundings. It’s remote, yes, but that’s part of the charm. This is where you come to disconnect.

How to get to Parador de Alarcón

Remote and perched on a bluff, Alarcón is only accessible by car. It’s a 2-hour drive from either Madrid or Valencia. The approach is scenic, with views of the Júcar River and the surrounding plains.

When to visit Parador de Alarcón

Go in April-June or September to enjoy warm, dry days without the summer extremes. Winter can be chilly and quiet – great if you want to truly unplug.

6. Parador de Tortosa, Catalonia

Perched high above the city, the Parador de Tortosa is reason enough to detour south of Tarragona. Housed in a 10th-century castle with sweeping views over the Ebre valley, it feels like stepping straight into the medieval past – and makes a strong case for being one of the best things to do in Spain if you're chasing history with a side of comfort.

The interiors nod to the Gothic origins of the building, with vaulted ceilings, stone archways, and period-style furnishings. Rooms are spacious, some with balconies overlooking the river and city below.

The restaurant, one of the better options in town, is open to non-guests and specialises in fish from the Ebro Delta – a proper taste of the region. If you're looking to splurge on a stay that delivers both setting and substance, this is it.

How to get to Parador de Tortosa

Tortosa has a train station with direct links to Barcelona (2 hours), but you’ll need a taxi or a good uphill walk to reach the parador. If you’re driving, it's well signposted from the town center and has onsite parking.

When to visit Parador de Tortosa

Spring and autumn are best, especially for combining a stay with a visit to the Ebro Delta. Summer is hotter but manageable, and the fish is always fresh.

7. Parador de Hondarribia, Basque Country

You don’t often get to sleep inside a 10th-century fortress with sea air drifting through your window – but that’s exactly what you get at the Parador de Hondarribia. Tucked into the old town of this Basque fishing port, right on the French border, the parador occupies the Castillo de Carlos V, a chunky stone citadel that once defended the coast from invaders.

Inside, it’s all thick walls, Gothic windows, and iron chandeliers – but the restoration brings in just enough modern comfort to keep things cosy. There’s no restaurant on site, but that’s no problem: you’re in one of the best places in the region for food, from pintxos bars to Michelin-starred dining, all a short walk away.

A perfect stop if you’re looping the northern coast or heading to San Sebastián. Quiet, historic, and just a little bit moody – in the best way.

How to get to Parador de Hondarribia

This parador is in the heart of the old town, a short taxi ride from San Sebastián Airport or a 5-minute walk from the bus stop. It’s walkable, but the cobbled climb can be steep with luggage.

When to visit Parador de Hondarribia

May to October is ideal – this stretch of Basque coast has a short summer, and spring/fall offer good weather for pintxos-hopping and sea views without the tourist crush.

8. Parador de Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha

If you’re after dramatic settings, Parador de Cuenca delivers. Set in a former 16th-century monastery perched on a rocky outcrop, this is one of the most striking paradores in Spain, facing directly across the gorge from Cuenca’s famous hanging houses.

The building itself is worth the stay: arched cloisters, exposed stone walls, and a chapel-turned-dining room serving local Manchego dishes like ajoarriero (salt cod and garlic) and morteruelo (a rich meat pâté). Rooms are spacious and serene, with views of the cliffs or the convent’s peaceful courtyard.

You can walk across the old iron bridge into Cuenca’s UNESCO-listed old town in under ten minutes, making this a smart base if you want history without giving up space or silence. It’s part museum, part retreat – and a strong contender for your central Spain stop.

How to get to Parador de Cuenca

From Madrid, take the AVE high-speed train to Cuenca (just 1 hour), then a 10-minute taxi to the parador. The hotel sits dramatically across the gorge from the old town – close, but not walkable with bags.

When to visit Parador de Cuenca

Late spring and early autumn are perfect for exploring the hanging houses and the surrounding countryside. Winter can be cold but quiet, ideal for a peaceful cultural break.

9. Parador de Costa da Morte, Galicia

For a more modern take on the parador experience, head to Parador de Costa da Morte in Galicia. Overlooking the wild Atlantic from the cliffs above Praia de Lourido, this sleek, glass-fronted hotel is a world away from castles and monasteries – but still firmly part of the Paradores in Spain network.

The location is the real star. You're steps from windswept sands and crashing waves, right on the Costa da Morte – a remote, untamed stretch of shoreline that includes some of the best beaches in Spain, without the crowds. Praia de Nemiña, a short drive away, is a local favorite for its surf and raw beauty.

Rooms are minimalist but luxurious, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to sea. There’s an excellent spa, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a restaurant that focuses on fresh Galician seafood – razor clams, octopus, and hake.

How to get to Parador de Costa da Morte

A car is essential. It’s about 90 minutes from Santiago de Compostela through winding coastal roads. The parador is isolated, with few public transport links – part of what makes it so appealing.

When to visit Parador de Costa da Morte

Visit in June or September for sunshine without the summer rush. July and August are popular, but feel less crowded here than in Spain’s more developed coastal areas.

10. Parador de La Palma, Canary Islands

If you’re island-hopping and want something more authentic than a beachfront resort, Parador de La Palma is your spot. Set on a hillside just outside the island’s capital, this peaceful retreat offers views across banana plantations to the Atlantic – a slower, greener side of the Canary Islands.

With terracotta roofs, volcanic-stone walls, and a sprawling subtropical garden, it feels more like a hacienda than a hotel. Rooms are simple but comfortable, most with sea-facing balconies. The restaurant serves Canarian staples like papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, grilled local fish, and gofio-based desserts.

La Palma is one of the best islands in Spain for hiking, stargazing, and avoiding mass tourism, and this parador puts you close to it all – from the Caldera de Taburiente to the island’s black-sand beaches.

Quiet, scenic and low-key luxurious, this is one of the best paradores in Spain if you’re looking to disconnect.

How to get to Parador de La Palma

La Palma Airport is just 15 minutes away by taxi or rental car. Public transport is limited and slow, so it’s best to drive – especially if you’re planning to explore the island’s volcanoes and trails.

When to visit Parador de La Palma

November to April is great for hiking and winter sun. Summer is warmer and drier, with fewer international tourists than the bigger Canary Islands.

11. Parador de Aiguablava, Catalonia

Set on a pine-covered cliff above the turquoise coves of the Costa Brava, Parador de Aiguablava is about as close as you’ll get to island living on the mainland. Sleek, airy, and surrounded by sea on three sides, it’s one of the best-located paradores in Spain for a relaxing coastal break.

The design is more modern than most – think clean lines, big windows, and bright rooms with balconies looking out to the Mediterranean. There’s a pool, a small spa, and direct access to a walking trail that winds down to Cala d’Aiguablava, one of the prettiest coves in the region.

The restaurant serves fresh seafood and Catalan specialties, but the real highlight is breakfast with that sea view. If you're after sun, water, and a touch of quiet luxury, this one delivers without trying too hard.

How to get to Parador de Aiguablava

The parador sits above a small cove near Begur. Girona is the nearest city (1 hour by car), and Barcelona is about 2 hours away. Public transport is patchy, so driving is the easiest way in.

When to visit Parador de Aiguablava

Late May to early July and September are best – warm seas, quieter beaches, and fewer tour groups. August can be crowded and pricey.

12. Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada, La Rioja

If you're touring Rioja’s wine country, base yourself somewhere with as much flavor as the local tempranillo. The Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada, housed in a former 12th-century pilgrims' hospital, puts you right in the heart of one of La Rioja’s most historic towns – and just a stone’s throw from some of the best bodegas in the region.

Inside, it's classic parador: thick stone walls, vaulted ceilings, antique furnishings, and a grand staircase that looks like it’s hosted a few whispered conspiracies. Rooms are elegant but unfussy, and the restaurant leans into local game dishes, riojanos stews, and wine-soaked desserts.

This is a solid choice if you're driving the Rioja Alta region – Haro, Briones, and San Vicente de la Sonsierra are all an easy hop away. History, vino, and a proper sense of place, all in one stop.

How to get to Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Best accessed by car. It’s a 45-minute drive from Logroño, the nearest city with train connections. There’s plenty of parking, and the parador is right in the town center.

When to visit Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Autumn is ideal for wine lovers – the harvest season is in full swing. Spring brings good weather and fewer crowds. Winter is quiet but atmospheric.

13. Parador de Alcalá de Henares, Madrid region

Just 30 minutes from central Madrid, the Parador de Alcalá de Henares is a clever mix of old and new – a 17th-century monastery turned sleek design hotel, with sharp lines, big spaces, and a surprisingly serene atmosphere. It’s a smart choice if you want easy access to the capital without staying right in the middle of it.

The town itself is no slouch either. Birthplace of Cervantes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alcalá offers a quieter take on city life with some of the most underrated things to do in Madrid – bar-hop around Plaza de Cervantes, visit the university’s historic courtyards, and grab tapas in a city that still gives you change from a tenner.

Rooms at the parador are minimalist but comfortable, and the outdoor pool is a welcome bonus in summer. With spacious lounges, cloistered courtyards, and on-site parking, it easily earns a spot among the best places to stay near Madrid, especially if you like your city breaks with breathing room.

How to get to Parador de Alcalá de Henares

From Madrid, hop on a Cercanías commuter train (around 35 minutes), then walk 10 minutes from the station. If you're driving, there's secure parking on site.

When to visit Parador de Alcalá de Henares

Spring and autumn are ideal – warm days, cool evenings, and plenty of local events. Summer is hot but manageable, and quieter on weekdays.

14. Parador de Cangas de Onís, Asturias

At the edge of the Picos de Europa mountains, Parador de Cangas de Onís feels like a secret you’ll want to keep to yourself. Set in a Romanesque monastery by the River Sella, it's a peaceful base for exploring one of Spain’s most rugged and rewarding regions.

The parador mixes stone cloisters and beamed ceilings with warm, rustic rooms and a restaurant that does Asturian classics like fabada (bean stew), cider-glazed pork, and local cheeses with confidence. You’re just outside the buzzing town of Cangas de Onís – a good jumping-off point for hiking, kayaking, and day trips into the national park.

From here, you can hit the Covadonga Lakes, hike to mountain viewpoints, or just settle into slow afternoons by the river. If you want greenery, fresh air, and dramatic landscapes – without giving up hot water and wine lists – this is your spot.

How to get to Parador de Cangas de Onís

This one's best tackled by car. Asturias Airport is about 1 hour and 40 minutes away. The roads into the mountains are scenic but winding – take your time.

When to visit Parador de Cangas de Onís

May to June and September to October are best for hiking and exploring without the summer crowds. July-August is busy and pricier, but lively.

15. Parador de Gredos, Castilla y León

The original parador – and still one of the best paradores in Spain if you're after wild landscapes and mountain air. Opened in 1928, Parador de Gredos sits high in the Sierra de Gredos range, surrounded by dense pine forest, grazing cows, and more hiking trails than you’ll have time for.

Rooms are simple but comfortable, many with sweeping views over the peaks or down into the valleys. There's a big fireplace for winter evenings and long, shaded terraces for summer. The restaurant leans into Castilian comfort food – roast lamb, local mushrooms, and thick soups that taste better after a day in the wild.

You're well off the tourist trail here, but that’s the point. Gredos is less about sightseeing and more about switching off: long walks, starry skies, and maybe the odd wild goat sighting.

How to get to Parador de Gredos

You’ll need to drive – it's a 2-hour trip from Madrid. If you’re taking the train, the nearest station is in Ávila. From there, it’s a 45-minute taxi ride through the mountains.

When to visit Parador de Gredos

Late spring is ideal – wildflowers, cool air, and clear trails. Autumn offers golden forests and fewer visitors. Winter is snow-dusted and cosy, but hiking is limited.