Are you looking for a different kind of accommodation in Spain? Then paradors are perfect for you! But what is a parador? A Parador, in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries, is a kind of luxury hotel, usually located in a converted historic building such as a monastery or castle, or in a modern building with a panoramic view of a historic and monumental city. Parar means to stop, halt or stay. Paradores in southern Spain are very popular and definitely worth checking out!
Paradores of Tourism in Spain is a chain of Spanish luxury hotels. The company was founded as a means to promote tourism in Spain, with the first hotel opening in 1928 in Gredos (Ávila). This state-run business has been profitable. The hotels are often located in adapted castles, palaces, fortresses, convents, monasteries and other historic buildings. They add to the attractions of heritage tourism and provide uses for large historic buildings. Read below to discover the best paradores in southern Spain.
1. Best paradores in southern Spain: Parador de Granada
The Parador de Granada always ranks among the best Paradors in Spain. It is the only hotel within the grounds of the Alhambra and many of its rooms look directly onto the palace of El Generalife. If you want to live an incredible experience with your partner, take advantage of your stay to stroll at night near the Nasrid palace. Enjoy a romantic weekend in Andalusia in one of the most beautiful Paradors in Spain. Or take your friends and enjoy the amazing views in one of the best paradors in southern Spain.
2. Parador de Mazagón – Huelva
The Parador de Mazagón is another of the most beautiful Paradors in Andalusia. It is also one of the best Paradors in Spain if you want to live incredible experiences because it is the only hotel inside the Doñana National Park. The natural environment also makes it one of the most beautiful Paradors in Spain. If you want to relax and disconnect from stress, this Parador is perfect: it is in front of the sea and surrounded by dunes. It is also close to some places to visit in Andalusia , such as Moguer, La Rabida, El Rocio or Palos de la Frontera.
3. Parador de Carmona – Sevilla
Parador de Carmona is one of our favorite Paradors in Andalusia. It is very close to Seville and is ideal for a weekend getaway. There are incredible views over the vast plains that surround this charming town. It is also one of the best Paradors with an outdoor pool in Andalusia. Take advantage of this weekend in Paradores to discover the charms of Carmona and the archaeological site of Italica.
4. Best paradores in southern Spain: Parador de Jaén
Jaen is one of the most interesting cities in southern Spain. It also has one of the most beautiful Paradors in the country. The Parador of Jaen is in the Castle of Santa Catalina, which is part of the Route of the Castles of Jaen. Surprise your friends or partner with an amazing getaway and enjoy its incredible views and the romantic atmosphere of its historic rooms. It is also one of the best Paradors with a swimming pool in Spain.
5. Parador de Ronda – Málaga
Many of the Paradors in Andalusia have spectacular views. The Parador de Ronda is definitely one of them: many of its rooms overlook the famous Tajo de Ronda. You can see the famous bridge in the picture above. The Parador de Ronda is one of the best Paradors in Malaga for a weekend in Andalusia. And why is it one of the best paradors in southern Spain? Because it combines modern and elegant rooms and a very special historical atmosphere. In addition, Ronda is one of the best places to visit in Andalusia all year round.
What is the Tajo de Ronda?
Two distinct parts make up this space that was declared a Natural Monument of Andalusia in 2019. On the one side, a gorge that reaches the Guadalevín River, and on the other a huge escarpment that opens into “La Caldera”, a circular hollow.It is undoubtedly the most characteristic symbols of the city. Every year, thousands of tourists come to admire and photograph this geological beauty.
It dates back to about 5 million years ago, when the seismic movement of the earth created the two highlands separated by the great gorge formed by the Tajo de Ronda. It is also a perfect place for birdwatchers, since from here you can enjoy some species difficult to find in other places such as the red-billed choughs or the lesser kestrel among others.
6. Parador de Cazorla – Jaen
If you love nature and want to surprise your partner or friends with an amazing weekend in Andalusia you have to know the Parador de Cazorla. It is one of the best Paradors in southern Spain throughout the year, but in autumn it is splendid to see and live in. This Parador is ideal to disconnect and recharge your batteries because it is located in a very relaxing place: the Natural Park Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas. Don’t miss your chance to visit this beautiful place and spend a relaxing weekend next to nature!
7. Best paradores in southern Spain: Parador de Cádiz
The Parador of Cadiz is one of the most unique Paradors in southern Spain, and one of the most modern. It is also one of the best Paradors with spa in Spain. If you want to enjoy a great weekend or even more days and relax to the fullest, the Parador de Cadiz is ideal. In addition, it is very close to the places to see in Cadiz, which is an amazing place of Andalusia. A lot of tourists choose to visit it every year and never get disappointed!
8. Parador de Ayamonte – Huelva
The Parador de Ayamonte has a special charm for a joyful weekend in Andalusia. It is a cozy and small Parador, perfect for a relaxing getaway. The pool is great and the terrace is ideal for breakfast or an aperitif at sunset, overlooking the International Bridge over the Guadiana. It is definitely one of the most beautifully designed paradors in southern Spain. We can guarantee you that you will have a great time there, and you will definitely want to come back again.
9. Parador de Ubeda – Jaen
This Parador occupies a former 16th century palace of classical decoration, located in the beautiful monumental city of Úbeda. The rooms at the Parador de Úbeda, which stand out for the height of their ceilings, are very spacious and are equipped with modern facilities. The restaurant offers traditional home made food and an excellent regional wine list. The guests say this part of Úbeda is their favorite, according to independent reviews.
Being close to most of Úbeda’s landmarks, such as Santa María de los Reales Alcázares (0.2 km) and Iglesia de San Pablo (0.2 km), Parador de Ubeda is a fantastic destination for tourists. While you’re here, be sure to check out Italian restaurants like Venice Street, D’Angelo and Carlos Restaurant and Pizzeria, which are located near Parador De Ubeda.There’s no shortage of things to do in the area: explore popular historical sites like Palacio del Dean Ortega.
10. Best paradores in southern Spain: Parador de Antequera
This impressively modern hotel overlooks the magnificent Andalusian landscape and features an outdoor pool, modern terrace and elegant restaurant with views of rock formations and sunsets. It definitely deserves a place in the list of the best paradores in southern Spain. The Parador Hotel is a spacious and relaxing establishment that is surrounded by green gardens and a swimming pool. It has been refurbished to make the most of the views, with spacious terraces and large windows overlooking the countryside and the town of Antequera. Spacious rooms are decorated with pale-toned walls and ceilings, dark parquet floors, and contemporary furnishings that combine with the fresh color scheme, minimalist design, and soft lighting. The restaurant serves Spanish wines and traditional regional food made with fresh seasonal produce.
