Spanish Paradores

Parador de Ronda

This photo and accompanying article at Conde Nast Traveler reminded me of a lengthy afternoon lunch that I was lucky enough to enjoy several years ago.  The building that you see precariously balanced over a gorge is in Ronda, a mountainous village in southern Spain.  A former town hall, this site is now home to just one of many "paradores" or luxury hotels, savvy tourists can find throughout Spain.  

Paradores de Turismo de Espana is an initiative created in 1928 by Alfonso XIII as a way to promote a growing tourism trade within Spain.  A state-run organization to this day, the government took over heritage sites... castles, palaces and convents that were decaying yet could be preserved so as to create a new way to experience the splendor of the country's past. 

Parador de Cardona

 

This 9th century fortress located about 90 km outside of Barcelona has architectural elements that span about 200 years of history and offers rooms with canopy beds and actual Gothic artifacts that make staying here something like sleeping in a museum. 

Andalucia or southern Spain is home to some of the most fabulous paradores.  One of my most memorable travel experiences was staying at the Parador de Granada.  A 15th century convent, this site is literally on the grounds of the Alhambra,  a splendid example of Islamic architecture and one of Spain's most popular tourist sites.  

 Parador de Granada

The beauty of staying here is at the end of the day, when the last tourist bus pulls out and the fortress doors close, guests are able to take advantage of the beautiful gardens or what's known as General Life.  Left alone with no crowds and only moonlight lighting the way, walking through this 14th century garden creation with all its stories of love, loss and intrigue swirling around is beyond words.  

 General Life at the Alhambra

I highly recommend visiting Spain if the opportunity presents itself.  Everything about it is inviting and beautiful.  Beautiful surroundings, tapas, a glass of rioja .... what's not to love?

H

Photo credits:  1, 2&3, 4