Spain’s Paradors

Costa de la Luz Route

departs Sundays

• Return flights between UK and Malaga
• 4 days car hire
• 3 nights staying in Parador accommodation on a B&B basis (HB available on request)

First Night: Parador de Cadiz

The Parador de Cádiz is the ideal place to kick back and enjoy a little modern luxury while it is also perfectly located for those wishing to explore the historic centre of Cadiz: the narrow streets of the old-town are just a few minutes’ walk away.

Second Night: Parador de Mazagon

The Parador de Mazagón is surrounded by pine trees and extensive gardens, and steps lead down dramatic cliffs to a glorious beach of golden sand beneath. Its remoteness is a major attraction, and this stretch of coastline – sandy beaches and pine trees as far as you can see – is not marred by mass tourism developments at all.

Third Night: Parador de Ayamonte

Set high on a hill above the seaside frontier town of Ayamonte, with magnificent views across the River Guadiana to Portugal and out towards the Atlantic, the Parador de Ayamonte has everything you could need for a quiet, relaxing break.

Terms & Conditions

Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.

Asturias & Galicia Coastal Route

departs Sundays

Return flights between UK and Santander & back from Santiago de Compostela

6 days car hire

5 nights staying in Parador accommodation on a B&B basis (HB available on request)

First Night: Parador de Gijón

This route begins in the coastal town of Gijón: historic, commercial, and industrial, where the sea, the gentle mountains and the city come together to create one of the most attractive metropolitan areas in northern Spain. San Lorenzo Beach, the esplanade, the marina, the Semana Negra (Black Week) festival, an active social scene and festive atmosphere all invite visitors to discover the city. Gijón has a network of museums and a variety of cultural events, including an international film festival and Latin American Book Show. Some of the town’s museums are noteworthy for their uniqueness, among them the Railroad Museum (Museo del Ferrocarril), the International Bagpipe Museum, the birthplace of Jovellanos, the Nicanor Piñole Museum, and the Revillagigedo Palace, among others.

Second Night: Parador de Ribadeo 

This Galician seaside town lies on the border between Galicia and Asturias. The Parador's peaceful location is perfect for some rest and the opportunity to discover some beautiful places, including various beaches, especially Catedrales Beach and those along the Ribadeo Ria. We also recommend San Damián Fort, Do Santos Bridge and the nearby town of Castropol.

Third Night: Parador de Ferrol

Situated at the tip of Galicia you will find this quiet seaside town. The Parador enjoys a central location from where you can visit the Magdalena Quarter and the area around the naval yard. The nearby city of A Coruña has a variety of interesting places to visit, such as the Lighthouse of Hércules, San Antón Archeological Museum, San Carlos Garden, and the baroque Dominican church. Beaches and nearby nature spots are also worth visiting.

Fourth Night: Parador de Cambados 

Night 4 has you staying in the Parador de Cambados in a charming Galician ancestral home on the banks of the Ría de Arousa estuary. The lovely town of Cambados is at the heart of the 'birthplace of Albariño Wine' and as such there are a number of bodegas where you can sample the wine, as well as a annual wine festival. Cambados is also home to a number of beautiful historical buildings and monuments and you can find excellent seafood here. The town also works as a good base for exploring nearby Albariño vineyards and Pazos (Galician country houses) in the surrounding Rías Baixas region.

Fifth Night: Parador de Baiona

Your route ends in Baiona, a town filled with history. Its origins dating back to the Roman era, although the most notable date in its history is 1 March 1493; this day marked the arrival of one of Columbus' ships, the caraval known as the Pinta, and Baiona became the first town in Europe to receive news of the discovery of America. The Parador enjoys a prime position on a private promontory, and from here you can explore the town's highlights including Sta. Maria de Baiona Church; Monterreal Fortress (which surrounds the Parador), the Trinidad stone cross; a magnificent old quarter; a seaside esplanade with a very important marina, and, of course, the replica of the Pinta which houses a small museum. The surrounding area also offers a number of very lovely spots such as Mount A Groba, from which the rias of the Rías Baixas region appear as a sober and colorful watercolor, along with Cape Sillero and the nearby Cíes Isles.

Terms & Conditions

Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.

Legacy of Al Andalus

departs Sunday on selected dates

Includes:

• Return flights between UK and Malaga
• 8 days car hire
• 7 nights staying in Parador accommodation on a BB basis

First Night: Parador de Malaga Golf

Málaga is the start of the Route of the Legacy of Al-Ándalus, and its Alcazaba (citadel) is a perfect example of this heritage. Construction on this palace for the Nazarid kings started in the 11th century, and today it houses the Provincial Archeological Museum, which contains interesting pieces from the Paleolithic and other ancient Mediterranean cultures. Its lovely peaceful gardens feature many fountains and are worth a visit. After a tour of the Alcazaba, you can visit the ruins of the nearby Roman theatre. There is also Gibralfaro Castle, a palace which may have had Phoenician origins, upon which Yasuf I, Caliph of Granada, had the fortress we can admire today built in the 14th century. It has two towers linked to the Alcazaba by a passageway. Other places of interest include the cathedral and its museum, Virgen de la Victoria Shrine, plus the Fine Arts Museum and the Picasso Museum.

Second Night: Parador de Ronda

Vertiginous from every angle, Ronda has been occupied by Celts, Romans and Muslims. From this last era it has retained exquisite Arab baths (Calle San Miguel) and other traces of the Arab occupation in the Molinos Gate, the church of Santa María la Mayor, the minaret of San Sebastián and the House of the Giant (Casa del Gigante). Ronda is also home to what many consider to be one of the world’s most beautiful bullrings (plaza de toros). Between Ronda and Arcos lies the collection of the so-called White Villages (Pueblos Blancos), which the Almoravids conquered prior to setting their sights on Granada.

Third and Fourth Nights: Parador de Antequera

Thanks to its privileged geographical location, several civilisations have passed through Antequera leaving an interesting cultural legacy. One of the most important monuments is the Dolmens of Menga, Viera and El Romeral, dating back to the Bronze Age. Strolling around Antequera's historic quarter is like travelling back in time. One interesting option is to visit the churches of San Juan Bautista and San Sebastián among others, or discover the Moorish Alcazaba fortress. Other important monuments include the Temple of Papabellotas Castle and the 17th and 18th century mansions. They are all characterised by their impressive Spanish baroque style architecture. In the centre of Antequera, you can discover the Royal Collegiate Church of San Sebastián, which dates from the 16th Century. And don't miss the Convent of the Incarnation, followed by a visit to the Plaza del Coso Viejo, a beautiful bullring close to the Convent. This is just a small part of the many surprises Antequera holds for you.

Fifth Night: Parador de Carmona

Located in the meadows that run alongside the Carbones River, Carmona is noteworthy for its monuments and relics of the different cultures which have populated it over the course of its long history. Churches, palaces and walls are all part of the important artistic heritage of the old quarter, dominated by the imposing Arab fortress, the Alcázar of King Don Pedro. The town’s location, just a few short kilometers from Seville, or Ishbilya, allows visitors trips into this beautiful city. Highlights include the Royal Palace/Fortress (Real Alcazar), constructed under Abd al-Rhaman III in the year 913, the cathedral, Giralda Tower, Oro Tower, as well as the many leisure options offered by the provincial capital.

Sixth and Seventh Nights: Parador de Cordoba

Córdoba was the realization of the vision of the Caliph Muslim leaders, as capital of the Omeya Caliphate and centre of learning in the Muslim West during this period. In the city and its surrounding area we can see evidence of this culture in monuments and sites such as the mosque/cathedral and Medina Azahara. Also of interest are the synagogue, city walls, Roman bridge and royal stables. Interesting museums include the Julio Romero de Torres Museum, Archeological Museum, Bullfighting Museum (Museo Taurino) and Fine Arts Museum. Wandering through the winding streets of Córdoba is a pleasure for all the senses.

Terms & Conditions

Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.