The Paradores concept is emblematic of what tourism means to the country. In short: it is a hotel chain managed entirely by the government. Among the Paradores closest to Madrid are some of the very first to be conceived as such; they are housed in unique and historic buildings for various reasons, a fact that has shaped the company’s path to this day.
Paradores was founded in 1910 when José Canalejas, then president of the Council of Ministers, commissioned the Marquis of Vega-Inclán to carry out a project aimed at improving the country’s international image through the creation of these hotels in significant historic buildings and locations.
Parador de Chinchón
The former monastery of Nuestra Señora del Paraíso, founded by the first Lords of Chinchón in the 15th century, is now the Parador de Chinchón. It preserves the original cloister and staircase, as well as the original church, which has now been deconsecrated and converted into a suite. The gardens and the monastery’s orchard, filled with fruit trees, have also been preserved.
This building is located in the center of the medieval town and has undergone quite a few vicissitudes throughout its history. It became a center for humanist education, where Archduke Charles of Austria—a claimant to the Spanish throne during the War of the Spanish Succession (1700–1714) and future Emperor of Germany—stayed. After the confiscation of 1842, it was used as a courthouse and prison.
Parador de Alcalá de Henares
An impressive cloister crowns the Parador in Alcalá de Henares. It is located in a building that was renovated and opened in 2009; it was previously three convent-schools commissioned by Cardinal Cisneros in the 17th century. Although the city’s first parador opened in 1930 at the Hostería del Estudiante—which was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 2018 and is now a restaurant serving regional cuisine.
Parador de Cuenca
Next to the San Pablo Bridge and across from the Hanging Houses stands the Parador of Cuenca, which is in fact the former Convent of San Pablo. Built in 1523 by Canon Juan del Pozo in the late Gothic-Plateresque style , it is located in the Hoz del Huécar.
The interior reflects the city, blending decorative tradition with contemporary style. A prime example is the old glass-enclosed cloister, which now houses a masterpiece by artist Julián Casado titled *Malevich Series: Variations on a Single Structure*—a nod to the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art in Cuenca.
Parador de Gredos
The Parador in Gredos is the first Parador and one of the closest to Madrid. It was inaugurated by Alfonso XIII in 1928, and when you see the landscape offered by the summit of the Sierra de Gredos, it’s easy to understand why this location was chosen to launch the network. This building, which is both distinctly Castilian and Herrerian in style, was constructed using elements transferred from the stately home in Villacastín.
Furthermore, it holds a place in history as the site where the framers of the Constitution met in early 1978 to draft the Constitution.
The Parador de la Granja, just under an hour from Madrid, is, along with the palace, the other highlight of this charming town. La Granja is centered around the Royal Site and its Versailles-style gardens. Although it is located in the heart of Castile, the reality is that its pastel-colored buildings have little in common with the architecture of the region.
The Parador is housed in the former Casa de los Infantes, which Charles III had built in the 18th century for his children. Going there just to eat the traditional judiones (and do some sightseeing) is worth the trip, but staying at the hotel and relaxing in its spa is the highlight of a short, indulgent getaway.
Segovia encapsulates many centuries of history condensed into just a few kilometers, featuring buildings that are highly representative of each era, but the Parador adds a modern touch amid all that historical grandeur.
Located on the other side of the hill, the Parador is surrounded by large gardens from which to admire the city’s monumental skyline. From here, you can plan your route through the key landmarks without having to consult Google Maps.
Parador de Almagro
In Almagro, one of the most important centers of theater during Spain’s Golden Age, lies one of the most attractive Paradores, just a couple of hours from Madrid. This unique hotel is housed in what was once the old convent of Santa Catalina, built in the 17th century.
Featuring a Mudejar architectural style, the complex boasts 14 courtyards, galleries, and corridors that seamlessly blend its later Renaissance and Baroque-style additions with the most modern amenities.