The latest from Paradores, the Spanish state network for luxury hotels

As 2024 unfolds, Paradores, Spain’s luxury hotel network of 97 historic and cultural hotels, unveils a host of developments, from new openings and major renovations to compelling new experiences and tours. With hotels spread across converted monasteries, Moorish forts and medieval castles, as well as some exceptional modern properties, Paradores continues to help British holidaymakers explore Spain’s rich culture, celebrated gastronomy and natural beauty.

New opening

New Parador, Molina de Aragon, will open at the end of 2024

Paradores will open Parador de Molina de Aragón in Guadalajara, Castile-La Mancha, at the end of 2024, marking its 99th hotel. Located on top of the city with panoramic views of the Molina de los Caballeros fortress, this contemporary Parador will feature 22 rooms, wellness facilities and a restaurant serving regional cuisine. It represents an investment of €20 million and aims to strengthen sustainable tourism and the local economy and initially create 22 jobs. Located just two hours from Madrid, it invites British tourists to explore the area’s rich medieval heritage and natural parks, such as the Alto Tajo Natural Park.

Renovations

Parador de Benicarlo reopens after a renovation

Parador de Benicarló, a contemporary property located in the vibrant fishing port of Benicarló, near Valencia, has reopened its doors following a €2.8 million renovation. The renovations include a renewal of the rooms and the installation of solar technology to provide the hotel with a renewable energy source. To celebrate, rooms are available at reduced rates from €87 until May. Guests can enjoy the signature Benicarló artichoke and fresh Mediterranean cuisine in the hotel’s restaurant, relax in the sea-view rooms, or find peace and quiet in the extensive garden that leads to a sandy beach.

Stays start at £90 per night on an accommodation only basis.

New experiences

New ecotourism experiences available at more Paradors

Paradores’ “Nature for the Senses” initiative, designed in partnership with the Global Nature Foundation to promote sustainable tourism, has been expanded to include more historic hotels, giving guests the opportunity to experience Spain’s diverse cultural heritage and natural beauty experienced. New experiences include demonstrations of local winemaking workshops at Parador de Verín, located in Galicia’s Monterrei Valley; pottery workshops at Parador de Jarandilla de la Vera, in Cáceres’ lush Vera Valley; tours of old rum distilleries at Parador de Cruz de Tejeda, located in the mountains of Gran Canaria; and at Parador de Puebla de Sanabria in Zamora, guests can take part in wolf ecology excursions.

For more information about the Paradores Nature for the Senses visit program: https://paradores.es/en/nature-senses

Paradores promotes Spain’s “Green Routes” for cycling enthusiasts

Paradores has renewed its partnership with the Spanish Railways Foundation (FFE) to further integrate the Spanish “Green Routes” (Vías Verdes) into Paradores’ cycling offering, including tailor-made routes and facilities for cyclists. With more than 30 routes near Paradors, including Plasencia, Teruel and Salamanca, the project champions cycle tourism as a more sustainable way to explore Spain.

For more information about Paradores’ cycling offering, visit www. paradores.es/en/fietstoerisme-paradores

New tours

New astronomy and volcano tour with Kirker and New Scientist in the Canary Islands

In partnership with Kirker Holidays and New Scientist, Paradores has launched a new tour exploring the Canary Islands’ most prestigious astronomy sites and volcanic landscapes. This 7-day expedition takes visitors to La Palma and Tenerife, where they will stargaze under expert guidance and discover unique environments, from subtropical rainforests to ancient volcanic craters, combined with a stay at Paradors de La Palma and Las Cañadas del Teide .

The La Palma & Tenerife: Astronomy and Volcanoes tour, starting from £2,989, departs on November 28, 2024. This tour includes return flights, 7 nights in Paradors with breakfast, 7 dinners, sightseeing, entrance fees, gratuities and expert guidance from a guest lecturer and Kirker Tour Guide. Book via www.kirkerholidays.cok

Important celebrations

Holy Jubilee Caravaca de la Cruz pilgrimages in the Murcia region

2024 marks the sacred jubilee of Caravaca de la Cruz, an event that takes place every seven years in the Murcia region. This religious and walking pilgrimage, rooted in nearly 800 years of tradition, invites pilgrims to visit the Holy Cross in Caravaca, believed to contain a fragment of the Lignum Crucis – the cross where Jesus Christ was crucified. The Camino de Levante route, culminating in Caravaca de la Cruz, offers a spiritually enriching journey over 5 stages, from Orihuela to Caravaca, passing historical sites, Roman ruins and vineyards, appealing to both believers and hiking enthusiasts. Nearby is the Parador de Lorca, located on the castle grounds of the town of Lorca. This Parador offers breathtaking views of the city and houses historic remains of a 15th-century synagogue.

Stays start at £75 per night on an accommodation only basis

Oviedo as the gastronomic capital of Spain

Oviedo, the capital of the Spanish region of Asturias, has been awarded the prestigious title of Spanish Capital of Gastronomy for 2024. This recognition of Asturias’ rich culinary heritage, from the hearty meat and fish dishes to the creamy cheeses and traditional cider, is served from height according to local custom. For those who want to delve deeper into Asturian cuisine, the nearby Paradors in Cangas de Onis, Gijon and Corias offer a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and age-old traditions.

Stays at Parador de Gijon and Corias start from £80 and Cangas de Onis, from £95 per night, on an accommodation only basis.

Valencia as the European Green Capital

Valencia has been awarded the prestigious title of European Green Capital 2024 in recognition of its efforts to improve sustainability, quality of life and the environment. This underlines Valencia’s proactive measures in reducing CO2 emissions, promoting sustainable transport and preserving local ecosystems. This green vision is anchored by the Parador de El Saler, located in the Albufera Natural Park, amid the beauty of Spain’s largest freshwater lake. The Parador embodies sustainability through the use of solar energy, water conservation, local sourcing, innovative recycling and conservation efforts. These initiatives align with Paradores’ goal for Net Zero by 2030, and reflect Valencia’s ambition for climate neutrality and maintaining its green legacy beyond 2024.

A stay at Parador de El Saler starts at £95 per night, based on accommodation only.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for over 30 years. He is a winner of WIRED magazine’s Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award. Among other awards, the blog has also been named ‘one of the best travel blogs in the world’ and ‘best in luxury’ by The Daily Telegraph.