A free e-book about the Paradores of Spain
I find myself talking about Spanish Paradores all the time. Probably more than people around me wish I did, but I do get asked for recommendations fairly frequently. So much so that I’ve decided to compile information, photos, and personal observations of every Parador in which I have stayed in order to help others select the best locations for their own travels through Spain. I’m releasing it as an interactive PDF, optimized for viewing on an iPad — although you should be able to view it on any device or computer that supports PDFs.
What is a Parador?
Paradores are a chain of hotels run by the Spanish government. Since 1928, they have been renovating buildings that are otherwise hard to repurpose and they turn them into very affordable and comfortable lodging. Old monasteries, castles, palaces, convents, etc. that might have fallen into ruin, are now places where travelers can dine or spend the night. These are the “Esentia” Paradores, but there are also “Civia” and “Naturia” Paradores that are located in city centers or that focus on the natural environment (spas, golf, etc.). Some of these other types of Paradores may be new construction, but they still provide great experiences.
My e-Book
At this point, I’m not charging for my Parador e-book. It can be downloaded for free from this site. That may change in the future, when I have included more Paradores and if the production gets more involved but, for now, I’d like to keep it free.
Paradores have been good to me and hosted me many times. I’ve become very fond of them, not for that reason only, but because they have consistently provided me with unique experiences — which is something many other hotel chains don’t do. There are some chain hotels where you have no idea whether you are in Paris, France or Paris, Texas. They’re all the same on the inside. Not so with Paradores. Each is unique and special in some way. I’ve stayed at many other great hotels in Spain — and you’ll find stories about some of them in future posts on this blog as well — but Paradores really hold my interest.
Of special note to photographers, Paradores are often located in historic districts and sometimes offer the most incredible views that you can imagine. I have spent many a sunset or sunrise just photographing the view from my window or balcony and the properties themselves are often quite photogenic. You’re also typically in strolling distance of many other sites of photographic interest, if you’re the kind (like me) who likes an early morning walk before the city wakes up.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Spain that will be a part of your travel experience rather than just a place to sleep, then I encourage you to look into the Paradores. Either download this e-book or check out their website at parador.es.
Here are a few more glimpses of the e-book:
