The undiscovered paradors of Spain
No matter which season you choose for travelling, there is
nothing more delightful than a Spanish vacation. This is truly a
top destination providing something for everyone, whether you're
after beaches or sweeping plains, lively clubs or impressive
cathedrals.
It is much more than just bull fighting, bull running, flamenco
and tomato fights that make this small country so exotic.
Spaniards have always tried their best to make the country
attractive and unforgettable for tourists.
Spain has the usual selection of modern hotels and hostels, but
if you travel off the beaten track you can easily discover many
alternative kinds of tourist accommodation. Within this
category, the Spanish paradors particularly stand out.
The word "parador" literally means "stopping
place". Paradors form a chain of historic buildings
converted into lodging places all around the country. They
stretch from Galicia in the North West through Catalonia to
Andalusia in the south, the Canary Islands and to the Spanish
cities of North Africa.
It was the idea of the Royal Tourist Commissioner Marques de la
Vega-Inclan in 1926 to set up paradors in places of special
interest or remote locations with two purposes. Firstly, it
would help provide inexpensive accommodation to travellers in
remote areas. Secondly, it would keep all the run-down monuments
and historic buildings in good condition which would otherwise
be left to fall apart.
You can call it an irony of fate, but nowadays paradors are
respectable high-standard hotels with all mod cons. They
preserve their previous elegance and at the same time ensure
your absolute comfort. The Spanish parador is also where you
will discover Spanish cuisine of the highest calibre.
So, if you like to be pampered and realise that staying at one
of Spanish paradors is just what you have always wanted, the
next step is deciding what kind of parador will make the most of
your holidays.
Below are just a few of the many options available to tourists.
Each suggestion is accompanied by an example - one of paradors
offered by Keytel International, the UK's only official
representative for the Spanish Paradores.
1) Perhaps you wish to enjoy the atmosphere of Medieval Spain,
staying in a medieval castle.
Example: Cardona - the fortified 9th century
enclosure, conceals a 2nd century tower and an 11th century
church along with spectacular bedrooms, some with four-poster
beds. Located on a vantage point of the fortified town and
inside the solid stone walls, we find furniture inspired from
medieval times in the drawing rooms.
2) Then, it may be a Monastery or a Medieval Hospital, where
walls have been oozing religious spirit for many centuries.
Example: Guadalupe - the 15th century hospital of
St. John the Baptist reflects religious spirit of absorption and
reflection on the former Monastery of Nuestra Seňora de
Guadalupe. The unique orchard forming the garden, its secluded
swimming pool, arcade and white walls, announce the spacious
interior, whose bedrooms recall the original religious function.
3) You may prefer a stay in the Spanish countryside with
colourful views of Spanish landscape and fresh country food.
This option is gaining in popularity as tourists wish to leave
the busy city life behind.
Example: Keytel Int. offers a great number of
country-side paradors. One of them is located in
Albacete, in central Spain, near to Madrid Airport, La
Mancha Country House. The stamp of Cervantes influences the
character of this Parador, the calmness of its luxuriant garden,
its swimming pool, and attractive corridor. Its d