‘Parador’ is the name given in Spain to luxury hotels managed by a state-run company and usually located in buildings of historical importance such as fortresses, monasteries and castles, but also new buildings set in nature reserves and areas of outstanding beauty.
The name comes from the Spanish word ‘parar, ‘ which means to stop, halt or stay. Its concept is to open exceptional historic properties to the public and use the hotel’s profits to maintain these beautiful buildings. Most of them also have excellent restaurants offering traditional cuisine at a high standard using local and seasonal produce.
Paradores de Turismo de España, the public company managing these luxury hotels, was founded by King Alfonso XIII to promote tourism in Spain. The first, Parador de Gredos in Ávila, was opened in 1928 by the King. Today, 94 are from 3 to 5 stars across Spain, along the Camino de Santiago.
You will find various stunning ‘Paradores’ along the Camino de Santiago routes.
Parador de Santiago
The most famous one on the Camino de Santiago is the 5-star Hostal dos Reis Católicos in the Praza do Obradoiro in Santiago de Compostela, just across from the Santiago cathedral. The building has welcomed pilgrims for over 500 years, and you will feel like stepping back in time as soon as you walk through the door. Whether staying or eating at the restaurant, it is a must-see in Santiago.
Camino Francés
The 16th century Parador de León is on the Camino Francés, the monastery-hospital Hostal de San Marcos, featured in the movie ‘The Way’ when the main character, played by Martin Sheen, and some of his fellow pilgrims decide to treat themselves to a pampering night before continuing on their journey to Santiago.
Santo Domingo de la Calzada has two beautiful Parasors: the 3-star Santo Domingo Bernardo de Fresneda by the Convent of Saint Francis and the 4-star Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada, located in the building of a 12th-century pilgrims hospital.
The Parador de Villafranca del Bierzo and 4-star hotel are in one of the most stunning towns on the Camino Francés. The town is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, vineyards, and historic architecture. It offers pilgrims a perfect blend of comfort and tradition, enriched by its cultural heritage.
Camino Portugués
The Parador de Baiona on the Camino Portugués is a picturesque medieval fortress in the Monterreal peninsula. Its spectacular location overlooks the bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Parador de Pontevedra is a 4-star hotel set within a 16th-century Renaissance palace, offers an unforgettable stay in the heart of Pontevedra’s historic centre. Formerly the noble home of the Counts of Maceda, this architectural gem immerses guests in Spain’s Renaissance elegance and grandeur.
Camino Inglés
The 3-star coastal Galician mansion, Parador de Ferrol is on the Camino Inglés and combines traditional styles and materials such as granite stone and standard white ‘galerías’ windows.
Camino del Norte
The Parador in Ribadeo, on the Camino del Norte, offers pilgrims spectacular panoramic views of Ribadeo Bay. Perched where the estuary meets the sea, this elegant hotel offers guests stunning views of lush landscapes and sparkling waters.
Parador de Vilalba
At the 4-star Parador in Vilalba, you will feel like a medieval pilgrim as the building incorporates a 15th-century fortress. The grand stone tower, originally part of a medieval castle, allows guests a unique experience of ancient Galician history.
These could be ideal options to stay in during your Camino, availability permitting. We also have many other wonderful Camino accommodation options. Ask about our Superior Hotels Collection.
Contact our travel specialists for details on staying in a Parador during your Camino trip. They can also provide any additional information you need about our Camino routes.
