Spain’S Paradors

Holiday overview

Founded by King Alfonso XII in the early 20th century, Spain’s paradors are a network of luxury hotels converted from some of the country’s most important heritage sites. And, with over 90 to decide between, one moment you could be enjoying some convent respite outside of Madrid and the next staying among lances and cannons in a Basque Country castle. To help decide, the following are a selection of our finest self-drive offers. What’s more, those aged 55 or over are treated to preferential rates.

The Costa de la Luz Route – Four Days

This Route is perfect for nature lovers, your first night is a modern gem of a Parador in historic Cadiz, a few steps from La Caleta Beach, then on into one of Europe's largest nature reserves, the Doñana National Park, with the wide sandy Atlantic beaches of the province of Huelva all a short walk from the Parador de Mazagon. Your final stop is Ayamonte, with its spectacular vantage point located on the banks of the River Guadiana marking the border of the blue coast of Heulva and Portugal's beautiful Algarve region. This is the land of fine seafood, sun and sea, nature and unforgettable festivals.

Prices from: £405 Low Season / £440 High Season per person

Package includes: Return flights, 4 days car hire and 3 nights staying in parador accommodation on a B&B basis

Historic Cadiz

The Pyrenees Route – Eight Days

Brushing up against the French and Andorran borders, this eight-day drive brings you through the spectacular mountain scenery that best characterises the Pyrenees. Your first stop is Vic Sau, a traditional style Catalan country house set in the Guillerias Mountains, and the perfect base to visit Monserrat. We recommend taking the Romanesque Route through the Aran Valley, stopping at pretty church villages to take in the snow-capped peaks of the region’s national parks. Before spending a night in the medieval castle of Cardona with views of the town and Cardona River. Your next stop is La Seu d’Urgell for a stay in its delightful parador, arranged around a Renaissance cloister. After exploring its next-door cathedral, skiing on Olympic slopes or hiking in the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park. Your last stop is Viella and your spa accommodation.

Prices from: £615 Low Season / £770 High Season per person

Package includes: Return flights, 8 days car hire and 7 nights staying in parador accommodation on a B&B basis

Typical Pyreneen village scenery

The Legacy of Al Andalus – Eight Days

Andalucia is a land of ancient wonders, where Renaissance excess lives side by side with millennia-old Moorish grandeur. You’ll fly in and out of Málaga, pausing at its Roman amphitheatre and 11th-century palace-castle before spending two nights in a medieval fortress in Carmona, a Moorish town just outside the islamic treasures of sunny Seville. Then, it’s on to Córdoba’s atmospheric laneways and Arabic spectacles, enjoying spectacular city views from your hilltop parador – built on the site of an 8th-century summer palace. 

Prices from: £695 Low/ £735 High Season 

Package includes: Return flights to Málaga, 8 days car hire, 7 nights B&B parador accommodation.

Seville's Plaza de España

It's worth bearing in mind that these itineraries are merely our suggestions; with such an extensive network on offer, the paradors are ideal for trips throughout Spain. And, as always, our country experts are on hand to customise your itinerary to suit you.

Holiday pricing

Costa de la Luz Route

departs Sundays

Not available on selected dates (11 - 16 Apr / 4 Jul – 27 Aug / 24 Oct – 5 Nov / 28 Nov – 10 Dec 2022)

• Return flights between UK and Malaga
• 4 days car hire
• 3 nights staying in Parador accommodation on a B&B basis (HB available on request)

First Night: Parador de Cadiz

The Parador de Cádiz is the ideal place to kick back and enjoy a little modern luxury while it is also perfectly located for those wishing to explore the historic centre of Cadiz: the narrow streets of the old-town are just a few minutes’ walk away.

Second Night: Parador de Mazagon

The Parador de Mazagón is surrounded by pine trees and extensive gardens, and steps lead down dramatic cliffs to a glorious beach of golden sand beneath. Its remoteness is a major attraction, and this stretch of coastline – sandy beaches and pine trees as far as you can see – is not marred by mass tourism developments at all.

Third Night: Parador de Ayamonte

Set high on a hill above the seaside frontier town of Ayamonte, with magnificent views across the River Guadiana to Portugal and out towards the Atlantic, the Parador de Ayamonte has everything you could need for a quiet, relaxing break.