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.
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 the beautiful Algarve region. This is the land of fine seafood, sun and sea, nature and unforgettable festivals.
Prices from: £520 Low Season / £570 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
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: £765 Low Season / £835 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
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: £875 Low / £950 High Season
Package includes: Return flights to Málaga, 8 days car hire, 7 nights B&B parador accommodation.
Seville's Plaza de España
This trip has no fixed departures but restrictions may apply - check operator website
Run by: Wexas Travel
Reference number: 103899
Trip from: £520.00