Paradores: Nature for the senses
Do you want to break away from the stressful routines of everyday life? Come and enjoy an unforgettable stay at one of the Paradores of Spain, a network of almost 100 hotels, many of them in historic buildings restored with all modern comforts. The Paradores that we propose below also have a common characteristic: they are in spectacular natural areas. They are all part of the “Nature for the Senses” programme, so they offer special activities that will help you get to know the environment while supporting local communities. Opt for responsible ecotourism while enjoying a few days in unique accommodations.
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Parador de Cangas de Onís
This Asturian Parador, two kilometres from Cangas de Onís, is a former Benedictine monastery. This monument is more than 1,200 years old and its history is linked to that of the first Asturian kings. Can you imagine spending the night in this place on the banks of the Sella River and surrounded by the Picos de Europa?The Parador de Cangas de Onís was the first to launch the “Nature for the Senses” programme and, thanks to it, you can book a multitude of experiences to get to know the landscapes and customs of the area. This will surely help you better understand why Asturias is known as a “Natural Paradise”. This Parador offers activities such as taking a 4x4 to the peaks where the chamois - one of the most emblematic animals of the area - lives. You can also book a tour of the iconic Lakes of Covadonga or a guided tour of the pretty town of Torazo. More ideas? You will be able to discover the secrets of Asturian cheeses from the hand of an expert and combine it with a cider tasting. Its restaurant demonstrate the quality of Asturian cuisine, with dishes such as the traditional fabada bean stew, verdinas beans and the excellent fish from the nearby markets of Ribadesella or Llanes, such as pixin (monkfish).
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Parador de Bielsa
Staying at this Parador means doing so in the heart of the Pineta Valley (Huesca), one of the most spectacular enclaves in the Aragonese Pyrenees. You will be sleeping at the foot of the imposing Monte Perdido, as you will be at the gates of the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, which has been awarded the World Heritage destination by UNESCO.The building that houses the Parador, with the appearance of a cosy mountain refuge, is not only perfect for spending a few days full of comfort, but is also an ideal starting point for getting to know the beautiful town of Bielsa, going on excursions through beech forests or canyoning through the area's gorges.At the Parador, you can book incredible activities, such as taking a 4x4 to the Añisclo canyon and Monte Perdido or watching bearded and griffon vultures in flight. You can even experience the life of a shepherd among the peaks of the Pyrenees.In its welcoming restaurant, you can recharge your batteries while enjoying Aragonese migas, succulent roast lamb, Cinca trout in sherry or a wild boar stew, washed down with Somontano wines.
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Parador de Gredos
This accommodation has something special: It was inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII in 1928, becoming the first of the entire network of Paradores. And it is still a pleasure to stay in this place with its spectacular views of the Sierra de Gredos in Ávila. You can use it as a base to discover incredible places such as the Cuevas del Águila caves or to hike through the Gredos glacial cirque to see Almanzor, the highest peak in this mountain range.In addition, this area has been named a Starlight Tourist Destination since its skies are perfect for stargazing or for taking an astrophotography workshop.What experiences can you book at the Parador? Why not try horse riding or excursions to watch the great diversity of birdlife in the area.Its elegant restaurant offers treats such as the renowned Gredos stews and casseroles, the traditional “revolconas” potatoes and, of course, cuts of 100% native breed Iberian black beef from Avila.
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Parador de Cazorla
This Parador is in the Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park in Jaén, the largest protected natural area in Spain. It is built in the style of a traditional Andalusian “cortijo” farmhouse. Its elegant dining room offers spectacular views to accompany traditional dishes, such as migas, mountain trout and seasonal game.This Parador is an ideal base for visiting the town of Cazorla with its narrow streets and beautiful white houses.From here you can take excursions to charming natural spaces such as the source of the Guadalquivir River. You can also take the Borosa River route through wooden walkways that run along the banks of the crystal-clear river in the midst of a relaxing and fascinating atmosphere.At the Parador, you can book original activities, such as visiting an olive oil mill to see how the oil is extracted or experiencing what life was like in Neolithic societies through a workshop on recreating cave paintings and making tools.
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Parador de Cruz de Tejeda
This Parador is located in the centre of the island of Gran Canaria at an altitude of 1,560 metres. With this information you can imagine the incredible views you get from there.Can you imagine enjoying a meal among the clouds, savouring regional specialities such as escaldón de gofio, watercress stew and wrinkled potatoes or seafood delicacies such as octopus, grouper and amberjack in its restaurant?You can also take in the cultural landscape of Risco Caído and the sacred mountains of Gran Canaria - which has been awarded the World Heritage designation by UNESCO - from its terraces or when taking a dip in the outdoor pool of its hydrothermal circuit.One of the most popular routes in the area takes you from Tejeda to Roque Nublo, a 90-metre-high natural monument at the highest point on the island. The Parador's “Nature for the Senses” programme offers fascinating activities, such as visiting a huge banana plantation typical of the Canary Islands or learning about how rum is made in one of the oldest distilleries in Europe.
These five are just some examples of the different Paradores that are part of the “Nature for the Senses” programme. Check them all out here and get ready to experience an incredible connection with the environment.
