The Best Paradores in Spain

The Paradores of Spain are totally individual places to stay so choosing the best Paradores is not only subjective but also very difficult. So you may well have stayed at a fantastic Parador that isn’t on this list but in our opinion these are the best Paradores Spain has to offer.

We haven’t just selected them on their star rating (although most are at least a 4 star) but also for their location, historical interest or facilities.

Parador de Granada

Location: Granada, Andalucia
Type: City, Historic
Star Rating: 4*
Why: In our opinion this is the King of Paradores being located within the grounds of the magnificent Alhambra Palace in the center of the city – there’s no better address in Granada.
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Parador de Jarandilla de la Vera

Location: Jarandilla de la Vera, Extremadura
Type: Castle
Star Rating: 4*
Why: A stunning Medieval 15th Century Palace Castle.
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Parador de Santiago de Compostela

Location: Santiago de Compostela, Galicia
Type: City, Historic
Star Rating: 5*
Why: Dripping with history and the best place to stay in the centre of Santiago de Compostela old town.
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Parador de Alcañiz

Location: Alcañiz, Aragon
Type: Castle
Star Rating: 3*
Why: Just 3 star but feel like a King in this 12th Century Castle overlooking the town.
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Parador de Siguenza

Location: Siguenza, Castilla La Mancha
Type: Castle
Star Rating: 4*
Why: This 12th Century Medieval Castle dominates the town of Siguenza and the surrounding area.
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Parador de Alarcon

Location: Alarcon, Castilla La Mancha
Type: Castle
Star Rating: 4*
Why: Fabulous 8th Century fortress perched high above the town of Alarcon.
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Parador de León

Location: León, Castilla & León
Type: City, Historic
Star Rating: 5*
Why: Located in the 16th century San Marcos Monastery on Plaza de San Marcos in the historical centre of León.
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Parador de La Gomera

Location: La Gomera, Canary Islands
Type: Coastal
Star Rating: 4*
Why: Of the 5 Paradores in the Canary Islands La Gomera really stands out with spectacular views over The Atlantic.
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Parador de Fuente Dé

Location: Fuente Dé, Cantabria
Type: Rural
Star Rating: 3*
Why: Although only 3 stars this Parador in the spectacular Picos de Europa is all about 3 things – location, location, location.
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Parador de Santo Estevo

Location: Santo Estevo, Galicia
Type: Rural, Historic
Star Rating: 4*
Why: A former Benedictine monastery dating from the 10th century in the middle of the Ribeira Sacra, an area of outstanding natural beauty where the rivers Miño and Sil meet.
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Parador de Baiona

Location: Baiona, Galicia
Type: Coastal
Star Rating: 4*
Why: Part walled fortress situated on the Monterreal peninsula looking out to The Atlantic.
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Parador de Hondarribia

Location: Hondarribia, Basque Country
Type: City, Historic
Star Rating: 4*
Why: A medieval fortress dating from the 10th century located in Hondarribia’s Plaza de Armas and overlooking the estuary.
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Parador de Guadalupe

Location: Guadalupe, Extremadura
Type: City, Historic
Star Rating: 4*
Why: A former 15th Century Palace with magnificent gardens and views over the town of Guadalupe and surrounding countryside.
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Parador de Jaén

Location: Jaén, Andalucia
Type: City, Castle
Star Rating: 4*
Why: An incredible 18th Century Arabic Fortress located high on the Cerro de Santa Catalina escarpment overlooking the city of Jaén.
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Parador de Cardona

Location: Cardona, Catalonia
Type: Castle
Star Rating: 4*
Why: A combination of a Medieval Castle dating from the 9th century and Romanesque Church from the 11th century.
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Parador de Bielsa

Location: Bielsa, Aragon
Type: Rural
Star Rating: 3*
Why: A fabulous rural retreat located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of The Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park.
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Parador de Vielha

Location: Vielha, Catalonia
Type: Rural
Star Rating: 4*
Why: A contemporary Parador with Spa facilities set in the spectacular Arán valley in the Pyrenees.
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Parador de Aiguablava

Location: Aiguablava, Catalonia
Type: Coastal
Star Rating: 4*
Why: A contemporary Parador with stunning views over the Mediterranean in an un-spoilt part of the Costa Brava.
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Parador de Ronda

Location: Ronda, Andalucia
Type: Coastal
Star Rating: 4*
Why: The former town hall converted to the town’s Parador is situated right next to Ronda’s famous gorge.
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Related Links:
Paradores of Spain