What is a Parador? and types Camino Paradores

Parador on the Camino

The Paradores and Paradores available on the Camino

‘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.

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 of them are from 3 to 5 stars across Spain, along the Camino de Santiago.

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What is a Parador?

The name comes from the Spanish ‘parar’, which means to stop, halt or stay. The concept behind Parador 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.

Regardless of the date or style, they all are refurbished to a high standard offering all modern comforts, as long as they comply with protected building regulations. Prices at Spanish Paradores will vary depending on the room, region and season, but they are a real treat to the pilgrim!

You will find various stunning ‘Paradores’ along the Camino de Santiago routes:

Parador de Santiago

The most famous Parador 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 cathedral. The building has welcomed pilgrims for over 500 years, and you will feel like you are stepping back in time as soon as you walk through the door. Whether you are staying or eating at the restaurant, it is a must-see if you are in Santiago.

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Parador de León on the Camino Frances

16th century Parador de León, 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.

Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada on the Camino Frances

On the Camino French Way, Santo Domingo de la Calzada has two beautiful ones: 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.

Parador de Baiona on the Portuguese Coastal Way

The Parador in Baiona is a picturesque medieval fortress with a spectacular location in the Monterreal peninsula, looking out to the bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

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Parador de Villafranca del Bierzo on Camino Frances

This is a new building and 4-star hotel in one of the most stunning towns on the Camino Frances.

Parador de Ferrol on the Camino Ingles

This 3-star coastal Galician mansion combines traditional styles and materials such as granite stone and standard white ‘galerías’ windows.

Parador de Ribadeo on the Camino del Norte

The Parador in Ribadeo, on the Camino del Norte, offers pilgrims spectacular panoramic views of Ribadeo Bay.

Parador de Vilalba on the Camino del Norte

At the 4-star Parador in Vilalba, you will feel like a medieval pilgrim as the building incorporates a 15th-century fortress.

Parador de Pontevedra on the Camino Portugues

The 4-star is a 16th-century Renaissance palace, the former home of the Counts of Maceda, in the city’s historic centre.

If you’re interested in staying in a Parador during your Camino, you can have it as your first choice, but it is subject to availability. We have many other wonderful accommodation options for you to stay in also.

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Contact our travel specialists for more information about staying in a Parador during your Camino Route trip, our Superior Collection.

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