The undiscovered paradors of Spain

The undiscovered paradors of SpainNo matter which season you choose for travelling, there is nothing more delightful thana 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 thebeaten 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 historicbuildings converted into lodging places all around the country. They stretch fromGalicia in the North West through Catalonia to Andalusia in the south, the CanaryIslands and to the Spanish cities of North Africa.It was the idea of the Royal Tourist Commissioner Marques de la Vega-Inclan in 1926to 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-standardhotels 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 isjust what you have always wanted, the next step is deciding what kind of parador willmake 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 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 centurytower 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 stonewalls, 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 beenoozing religious spirit for many centuries.Example: Guadalupe – the 15th century hospital of St. John the Baptist reflectsreligious spirit of absorption and reflection on the former Monastery of NuestraSeňora de Guadalupe. The unique orchard forming the garden, its secluded swimmingpool, arcade and white walls, announce the spacious interior, whose bedrooms recallthe original religious function.3) You may prefer a stay in the Spanish countryside with colourful views of Spanishlandscape and fresh country food. This option is gaining in popularity as tourists wishto leave the busy city life behind.Example: Keytel Int. offers a great number of country-side paradors. One of them islocated in Albacete, in central Spain, near to Madrid Airport, La Mancha CountryHouse. The stamp of Cervantes influences the character of this Parador, thecalmness of its luxuriant garden, its swimming pool, and attractive corridor. Itsdécor offers the privacy and calm necessary to escape from daily routine inrelaxed working sessions in the Sancho Panza and Dulcinea rooms.The local cuisine covers everything from "pisto manchego" (fried vegetables),partridge in "escabeche" sauce and a puff-pastry sweet, "Miguelitos de la Roda".4) If you are not a fan of history and ancient architecture, you are free to choose aparador built in the modern style. Located in areas of great natural beauty, close toentertainments and shopping centres they are built to accommodate modernrequirements and convenience.Example: El Hierro – The Parador is located on the most recent and least populatedof the Canary Islands. This is also the place, where up until a century ago, the "O"meridian line passed through. The Parador rises up, by the sea, with whitewashedwalls and wooden balconies. Comfortable bedrooms complement an interior with anelegant, colonial tone along with a garden with a swimming pool.These unique buildings create the perfect atmosphere for your holiday, matched onlyby the welcome you will receive from the Spanish people. For further reading on theparadors of Spain, go to http://www.keytel.co.uk/parador.php where you can browseover 100 Spanish paradors to suit all tastes.I wish you a great time during your holiday. Good luck!
By christian arno