For those ready to escape the clichéd summer holidays and immerse themselves in the hidden gems of sun-drenched Spain, Paradores Hotels & Restaurants offers stays in unforgettable accommodations in lesser-known places. From staying in a king’s summer residence to exploring nature on a mountaintop to soaking up the vibe of a modern maritime city, travelers can head here for a Spanish holiday like no other.
La Gomera in the Canary Islands: enjoy nature and discover diverse wildlife
Where: La Gomera is a relatively unexplored island in the Canary Islands and Columbus’ last port of call before departing for the New World.
Don’t Miss: A Walk Through Garajonay National Park. It is a prehistoric rainforest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanks to the island’s subtropical climate, there are thousands of species of fauna and flora, with misty laurel trees straight out of a fairy tale.
Stay at: Parador de la Gomera. It is a traditional country house in the Canary Islands, with wooden ceilings, courtyards full of fountains and gardens full of cacti, palm trees and other subtropical species. The swimming pool offers panoramic views of the island, the Atlantic Ocean and Tenerife’s Mount Teide. Prices start from €100 per night based on accommodation only.
Getting there: Fly to Tenerife or Gran Canaria and hop on the ferry to La Gomera.
Baiona, near Santiago de Compostela: To enjoy the charm of the coast
Where: Baiona is a picturesque coastal town in northern Spain, with a medieval historic center.
Don’t Miss: Hop aboard a boat trip to the Cies Islands, a pristine natural paradise with ancient pristine beaches and crystal clear waters.
Stay at: Parador de Baiona. It is a traditional Galician country house overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Cies Islands. Housed within the walls of a medieval historic fortress, it was originally built to fend off pirates and even deter Sir Francis Drake from reaching the coast of Baiona in 1585. The stone walls, wooden beams and regal central staircase transport guests back in time. Prices start from €110 per night based on accommodation only.
Getting there: Fly to Vigo.
Benicarló, near Valencia: to enjoy Mediterranean delicacies
Where: Benicarló is an important fishing port and distinctly Spanish tourist center on the Costa del Azahar in eastern Spain. It has a long beach and a car-free historic district full of remarkable examples of stately architecture.
Don’t miss: the Benicarló artichoke. It is a local specialty that can be found in many of the dishes here. The same goes for Mediterranean cuisine in the Paradors’ own restaurant. Thanks to the proximity to the sea, there is no shortage of fish, and as for the abundance of local fruit trees, guests can enjoy freshly picked and squeezed orange juice.
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Stay at: Parador de Benicarló. It is an accommodation with balconies and bright bedrooms with sea views, just 30 meters from the sandy beaches and blue waters of the city. With a large garden that extends down to the beach, numerous sunbeds, an outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts, it is the perfect place to get a taste of the Mediterranean. Prices start from €85 per night based on accommodation only.
Getting there: Fly to Valencia.
Limpias, near Bilbao: to relive centuries of history
Where: Limpias is a small town on the Cantabrian coast, about halfway between Bilbao and Santander. The city center is lined with the stately homes of the Spaniards who made their fortune in Latin America.
Don’t Miss: A Tour of the Nearby Prehistoric Caves of Covalanas, a cave network only discovered in 1903 with beautiful red-colored animal paintings dating back to about 20,000 BC.
Stay at: Parador de Limpias. A majestic 19th-century palace, once the summer home of King Alfonso XIII, it is surrounded by UNESCO-listed trees and the Limpias Estuary. The warm, regal rooms, lush gardens and tennis courts invite guests to walk in the footsteps of royalty. Prices start from €100 per night based on accommodation only.
Getting there: Fly to Santander or Bilbao.
Mojácar, near Almeria: To entertain the whole family
Where: Mojácar is a traditional southern Spanish town outside Almeria with a wild, natural beach where sailing, fishing and water skiing are commonplace.
Don’t miss: a visit to the Cabo de Gata Natural Park. Just 20 minutes away is the park, an area characterized by volcanic cliffs, coves and beaches. It is a hotspot for water sports such as surfing, as well as bird watching and hiking.
Stay at: Parador de Mojácar. It is a modern property that blends seamlessly with the traditional whitewashed buildings that fill the town’s maze of narrow, winding streets. With family-friendly rooms, a children’s playground, a paddling pool and wellness areas including a sauna and a solarium, Parador is suitable for the whole family. Prices start from €100 per night based on accommodation only.
Getting there: Fly to Almería.
About Paradores Hotels & Restaurants
Founded in 1928, Paradores is a network of Spanish state hotels in some of the Iberian Peninsula’s most beautiful settings, comprising converted monasteries, country houses, Moorish castles, luxury resorts and some exceptional modern properties.
Paradores strives to provide travelers with the opportunity to explore top cities, regional gems and experience nature while discovering the absolute best in Spanish culture, leisure activities and gastronomy. Paradores is driven to protect the country’s historical and cultural riches, revitalize prestigious buildings and put lesser-known regions on the map.
