Wake up in impressive fortresses that conceal centuries-old secrets, where every nook and cranny invites you to dream of royals and knights. Paradores’ Spanish accommodations not only invite visitors to immerse themselves in the country’s culture, art and cuisine, but also offer a magical window into the past among walls, towers and corners that speak to a legendary fairytale past while remaining steeped in real history.

Parador de Alcañiz

Combining the majesty of a castle and the serenity of a convent, the Parador de Alcañiz is a melting pot of styles and the Arabic, Jewish and Christian cultures that have left their mark here in one of the most beautiful towns in Aragon. A refuge for royals, such as Emperor Charles V, and a witness to great events of the past, history will be an integral part of your stay here. Take a moment to contemplate its 14th-century Gothic murals, feel the tranquillity of its cloister, and enjoy the palatial atmosphere of its vaulted halls.

Parador de Ciudad Rodrigo

To imagine a typical Spanish castle is to invoke the Parador de Ciudad Rodrigo, a historic 14th-century fortress on the border with Portugal, whose battlements, tower and iconic silhouette are the symbol of Ciudad Rodrigo, in the province of Salamanca. As soon as you walk through its door, you are greeted by several centuries of history, tracing the lineage of Queen Isabella the Catholic back to its origins. Marvellous vistas of the medieval city are just one of the many surprises that await at this hotel-museum, which features works of art of great historical value, spanning tapestries, carvings, and even a painting that you can also find in the Louvre.

Parador de Cardona

One of the oldest and most magnificent medieval complexes in Catalonia, the Parador de Cardona is a thousand-year-old fortress that retains everything that connects it to its roots during Charlemagne’s reconquista. That includes defensive walls, a moat, an imposing cloister, a tower that invokes the legend of a lovelorn maiden, a 13th-century Romanesque church, and a stately palace. Inside, you will feel all this history, taste medieval cooking, and even experience the magic of cinema – the castle has served as a setting for films such as Orson Welles’ legendary Chimes at Midnight. The unique hotel offers views of the Pyrenees, the mountainous natural barrier between Spain and France, home to one of the highest peaks in the country.

Parador de Jaén

In the heart of Andalusia, immersed in a vast sea of olive trees between three mountain ranges, the Parador de Jaén stands beside the Castle of Santa Catalina. At the fortress’s feet unfolds the city of Jaén, the olive-oil capital of Spain, famous for its tapas, and the nearby towns of Úbeda and Baeza are also well worth visiting for their abundance of historically significant monuments. The Parador’s location bears the mark of the Phoenicians and Arabs and offers breathtaking panoramic views, especially at sunset. Inside, its sturdy stone walls, gorgeous rooms and the best of Andalusian gastronomy are sure to impress.