Spain is the largest of the three sovereign states that make up the Iberian Peninsula; Portugal and Andorra being the other two. Located in southwestern Europe, it is bordered by Portugal in the west, Gibraltar in the south, and France in the northeast. It is a country rich in culture and charm, appealing to a variety of ages and personalities because of the countless things you can do while there. Spanish is the official language, although a lot of its people can understand and speak simple English. Its rich culture and striking views, warm people and delectable food make Spain a top tourist destination.

While in Spain?

Experience the exotic and amazing Moorish influence when in the Alhambra in Granada, a vast complex that occupies the city center showcasing the rich Moorish culture spiced by Spain?s very own. The Alhambra in Grenada is what a lot of people consider to be the best preserved Moorish palace in Europe.

Visit any of Frank Gehry’s masterpieces – the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the huge fish on Barcelona beach, the convention center in Malaga – all futuristic, contemporary and edgy, which are not only delightful to look at but are as tickling and inspiring as well.

Join the local village fiesta! Spanish culture is greatly influenced by Roman Catholicism which celebrates feast days of saints every so often. Although religious in nature, fiestas are actually enveloped in fun brought about by lively music, sumptuous feasts, colorful parades and fun get-togethers.

Taste the tapas, one of Spain’s delicacies that range from potato dishes, eggs, fish and seafood, stuffed vegetables, tortillas, savory pastries and are perfect when washed down by cold drinks in any of Spain’s tapas bars.

Tap your feet at the tune of Flamenco, a must do when in the Southern part of Spain.

Visit Salvador Dali’s surreal museum cum mausoleum in the northern part of Spain. Get to know other Spanish artists such as Diego Velasquez, Miro, Goya, Picasso?

Run with the bulls in Pamplona! Or better yet, watch from a safe distance.

Spain provides detailed information on Spain, Travel To Spain, Spain Golf, Spain Hotels and more. Spain is affiliated with Barcelona Soccer.

Located in the far reaches of Aragon, Spain, the Parador of Sos del Rey Catolico is kind of in the middle of nowhere. The result of this is that relatively few tourists ever find their way here to this sleepy little village of less than a thousand inhabitants. When you enter, you’ll feel as if you’ve just stepped back several centuries in time. The village has a distinctly medieval feel.

The Parador Sos is of a typical Aragonese character. The building conserves and fits congruously with the monumental and historical atmosphere of the town of Sos del Rey Cat?lico. Though by looking at it one would never realize – the Parador here is a modern building. Because the whole town has been declared a National Historic Monument, none of the standing buildings could be changed or altered. The government of Spain hired one of the most renowned architects to create a building that would completely blend in with the historical ambience and appearance of the town. He succeeded completely.

The regal and elegant interior offers beautiful views of the town from some of the rooms. There are wooden interior columns and the furniture is predominately of a Castilian style. The bedrooms are spacious, and because each has it’s own balcony with double doors, and large windows – they fill with light. From those windows can be seen the Aragonese and Navarrese foothills of the Pyrenees in the far distance.

The town of Sos del Rey Catolico has been declared a National Monument. It was the birthplace of influential nobles and of the great Catholic King Ferdinand (who married the equally famous Isabella). From the Parador, a few steps takes you directly into the old quarter of the town.

Interesting nearby excursions from Parador Sos del Rey Catolico:

- As stated earlier, the entire town has been declared a National Historic Monument. It’s great to just meander around with out any special agenda. The town is very small and you can’t get lost.

- See the Sada palace.

- Visit the monastery of Nuestra Se?ora de Valentu?ana.

Interesting day trips from the Olite Parador include:

- Javier Castle (19 km)

- Uncastillo (17 km)

- Yesa Reservoir (25 km)

- Leyre Monastery (28 km)

- Valles de Hecho (89 km)

- Roncesvalles (96 km)

Interesting festivals during the year:

- Local summer festivities in Sos during the 2nd two weeks in August.

- Romer?a Valentu?ana (Procession) Easter.

Sos del Rey Catolico is a very special kind of place. This is not your usual tourist destination – it has none of the hustle and bustle, garrish attractions, or fine restaurants and museums of those places. However; the whole town is like a museum and the Parador serves as fine a cuisine as you’ll find in Spain. Sos is one of my personal favorite places in Spain. Come here for the tranquility and the medieval ambience – you’ll add it your list of favorites as well.

SpainParador.com makes it easy for you to plan and arrange your next trip to Spain. This time stay in palaces, castles, and other places of great historical interest and rare beauty – the wonderful Paradors of Spain. http://www.SpainParador.com

The Parador Santo Domingo De La Calzada occupies a former 12th century hospital built to serve the pilgrims on the Road To Santiago. The first known pilgrim, the French Bishop of Le Puy, stopped in this city on his traverse of what was later to become know as the Way of St. James.

Both the city of Santo Domingo, and the Parador Santo Domingo De La Calzada have been inextricably bound up in the history of this famous pilgrimage route – the Road to Santiago. The founder of this city, a priest named Domingo, was instrumental in establishing the route to Santiago. He was given money with which to purchase lands through which the route ran, and he built bridges over impassable rivers along the way. He also built, in the 11 century, a hospice for pilgrims – on which site the later hospital (now the Parador) was eventually built.

The Parador Santo Domingo is in the heart of the compact old quarter, in an area steeped in history. Directly adjacent to the Parador Santo Domingo is the cathedral with its wonderful bell tower. The Albergue del Peregrinos and it Jacobean museum is also right next to the hotel.

The gastronomy of the region is renowned, and many travel here from afar expressly for that reason. As well as being in the heart one of the world’s most famous wine regions – La Rioja – this fertile land along the Ebro river has hundreds of small farms and large vegetable gardens that yield, perhaps, the highest quality produce in Spain. These provide the raw ingredients for unforgettable dining experiences. A meal in the Parador restaurant should not be missed!

Neither should the traveler miss the opportunity to visit a few of the Rioja wineries and vineyards. Sample some of Spain’s most famous wines – see how it is made – visit the big (and small) Bodegas and maybe a wine museum or two – learn the history and workings of the craft – all this will make your visit a memorable one indeed.

Interesting nearby excursions from Parador Santo Domingo De La Calzada:

- The old quarter of the city is right outside your bedroom window, and makes for very interesting rambling.

Interesting day trips from the Santo Domingo De La Calzada Parador include:

This city is perfectly situated to serve as a base for day trips into the Rioja wine district and points further afield.

- Logro?o and Haro – these are the two wine centers of the Rioja area where many of the well-known Bodegas have their outlets (especially in the Barrio de la Estacion near the train station in Haro).

- La Guardia is a fascinating hilltop village whose inhabitants have tunneled out miles of underground passages through the centuries – in which they age their beloved Rioja wine.

- Burgos and its awe-inspiring Gothic Cathedral is well worth a visit – about 45 min drive.

- Bilbao and its Guggenheim museum are only about an hour and 45 minutes drive north (fast freeway from Haro).

Staying at the Parador Santo Domingo De La Calzada is to stay in a place literally dripping with history (and the famous wines of La Rioja!). It is an experience not to be missed by any aficionado of Spain.

For more information on the Santo Domingo Parador – go to http://www.SpainParador.com where we make it easy to plan and arrange your next trip to Spain. This time stay in palaces, castles, and other places of great historical interest and rare beauty – the wonderful Paradors of Spain.

The Parador of Jarandilla De La Vera is a place distinct in the history of Spain. Holy Roman Emperor Charles V – the most powerful man in the world during his reign – lived here in the Parador building for a few months before retiring to live out his remaining time in the Monastery at Yuste.

He chose this spot for it’s tranquility and natural beauty. The area, on the southern slope of the Gredos mountains, is abundant with streams, waterfalls, and oak woods – producing a scenery of rare beauty. The soil is rich and fertile. There are gardens, apple and pear orchards everywhere. It has been called a paradise, and The best place for repose, and for the pleasures of mind and body.

The 4-star Parador of Jarandilla de la Vera is a fortified palace built in the 15th century. It was constructed over the ruins of a fortress that had been built and inhabited by the Knights Templar. It has all that a castle should have; a draw-bridge, machicolations, embrasures, and robust corner towers. Parador Jarandilla is in an Italian Renaissance style however, with an interior sweetness and graciousness missing in the earlier true fortress style castles.

There is a fine dining room with views out to the open cloister (you can dine al fresco during the warmer months). Wooden ceilings and a baronial fireplace in the reception area give this place an altogether ‘noble’ feel.

Interesting excursions from Parador Jarandilla into the city:

- See the 15th century Church on the main plaza.

- The area immediately surrounding the town is very good for hiking – several different marked trails lead along rushing streams to waterfalls and miniature gorges.

Interesting day trips include:

- Explore over to the Jerte valley – there are a couple of scenic (if not harrowing!) roads that cross over, or you can drive around through Placensia. If you are here in spring, the valley is blanketed in white – with thousands of cherry trees in bloom.

- Placensia is a typical Extremaduran town with a wonderful main plaza. Sit down at one of the many outdoor tables and wait and watch the giant elf (?) in the main clock tower strike the bell to mark each half hour. A cuckoo clock on the grandest of scales! There is a lively Tuesday market held here in the plaza – as it has been continuously since the 12th century!

Visiting the Parador of Jarandilla De La Vera is an experience long cherished by those who have gone out of their way to get to this nearly forgotten backwater of Spain.

SpainParador.com makes it easy for you to plan and arrange your next trip to Spain. This time stay in palaces, castles, and other places of great historical interest and rare beauty – the wonderful Paradors of Spain. www.SpainParador.com

The modern four-star Parador Cadiz occupies a lovely space on the edge of the ocean at the tip of a small peninsula on which sits the oldest inhabited city in the western world – Cadiz, Spain.

The rooms of the Parador at Cadiz offer ocean views, and each has a balcony and large windows that fill them with the light off the Atlantic ocean. From these same balconies, you’ll have panoramic views of the Bay of Cadiz and the Atlantic. The Cadiz Parador is next to the Genov?s seaside park which makes the area even more attractive and adds a welcomed feeling of tranquility. Located in a residential area surrounded by palm trees, it also has exclusive access to a small beach.

Cadiz is famous for the quality of it seafood, and the restaurant at the Parador offers some of the tastiest dishes you’ll encounter anywhere in the city. You’ll find the Parador is well situated and within an easy stroll of the center of the old quarter, so walking off the effects of a good meal will be a pleasant task!

C?diz, one of the oldest cities in all of Europe, was founded by the Phoenicians prior to 1100 BC. Its former grandeur is a bit faded now, but it retains a friendly and somewhat ramshackle ambience that, along with its lively residents – the Gaditanos, is altogether agreeable.

Located on a peninsula, the old city is surrounded by water. Strolling the waterfront promenade and watching the locals fishing in the early evening is an especially enjoyable way to pass some time. Don’t miss the great seafood-oriented tapas restaurants here – you’ll discover dozens of tasty little tid-bits you never dreamed even existed.

Interesting excursions from the Cadiz Parador include:

- The Museo de Bellas Artes is well worth a visit.

- The gold-domed old Cathedral is nice and has an interesting history.

- Walk out along the promenade which follows along the seaside in all directions.

- The Museo de Cadiz has some fine exhibits including 17th century paintings by the master Zubaran.

Interesting day trips from the Cadiz Parador include:

- Jerez de la Frontera is just a short drive north of Cadiz. There you can visit the famous sherry wine cellars, or see dancing Andalusian horses, of visit the museum of Flamenco.

- The Rock of Gibraltar makes a nice day trip.

- The town of Ronda is unique and well worth a visit, though you might want to move on and stay at the Parador there (with one of the most awesome views of any hotel in the world!).

- Puerto de Santa Maria can be seen from Cadiz and is a great coastal town to visit. However, though it appears like you could almost throw a rock over there – to get there, you need to drive out of the Cadiz peninsula and around the bay of Cadiz.

Cadiz, Spain is one of those places in the world where the history of the place is a palpable presence – you sense it at every turn. After all, this is from where Columbus set off on his second voyage to the New World – which fact ties Cadiz tightly to the history of the rest of western culture. The Parador Cadiz will provide you an excellent base from which to fan out and explore this fascinating city and its environs.

SpainParador.com makes it easy for you to plan and arrange your next trip to Spain. This time stay in palaces, castles, and other places of great historical interest and rare beauty – the wonderful Paradors of Spain. http://www.SpainParador.com.

The modern four-star Parador here occupies its own small, pine covered peninsula that juts out into the Mediterranean Sea. This coast line – the Costa Brava – is spectacularly beautiful. Driving along here, you will come upon many enticing inlets and nearly hidden bays. Cute and timeless villages abound. It has been fairly well built up, but unlike some of the other Costas – it remains aesthetically pleasing.

The Parador Aiguablava provides accommodations that are very special. All bedrooms have incredible panoramic views of the turquoise waters below. There is a gymnasium, swimming pool, and a sauna. The grounds are a delight to stroll. You’ll dine in a sea-side dining room with incredible views. It specializes in seafood – and the cuisine is the finest and freshest available anywhere. A short walk brings you to your own beach. As well, you can arrange boat trips to completely private, nearby coves.

The Parador boasts a very nice game room, as well as a room that provides comfortable seating and accommodation for wireless connections to Internet for guests with laptop computers. There are an abundance of activities of which to partake in the area. Including; canoeing, golfing, mountain biking, parachuting and para-sailing, swimming, horseback riding, and trekking.

Interesting day trips include:

- Don’t miss the medieval villages of Pals and Peratallada – you’ll have them to yourselves on weekdays. Ullastret is the best preserved of the ancient Iberian settlements and is an archaeological work still in progress.

- Walk up to the lighthouse and hermitage at Sant Sebastia near Llafranc – you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views.

- The Dali Triangle is a must see for all art buffs. The southern point of the triangle is the Castell de Pubol – a Gothic-Renaissance mansion re-done by Dali in his outlandish and wonderful style. The other ‘points’ of the triangle are alluring Cadaques – where Dali lived for a time (several of his works are in the Cadaques museum) and Figueres, where is located perhaps Europe’s most unusual museum – the Teatre Museu Dali.

- If you are here in February, you can dress up in outlandish costume of your choosing and lose yourself in the carnival in the nearby town of Palamos.

- Visit the birds reserve of Aiguamols National Park.

The Parador of Aiguablava is a haven for lovers of the sea – and those seeking a tranquil holiday in absolutely stunning natural surroundings. Stay for several days and really soak yourself in the luscious ambience of the place – it will be an experience you’ll want to come back to – again and again.

SpainParador.com makes it easy for you to plan and arrange your next trip to Spain. This time stay in palaces, castles, and other places of great historical interest and rare beauty – the wonderful Paradors of Spain. www.SpainParador.com

The Parador of Alarcon is located about 200 km. southeast of Madrid directly below Cuenca. Twelve hundred years ago, a prince of the Visigoths was out hunting and came upon a rugged and rocky hill almost completely encircled by a river. He thought it a perfect place to build a fortress. His father, King Alaric, came back to inspect the site and did build a castle there. The town and the Parador still bear his name.

The Alarcon Parador has thick stone walls set with turrets surrounding it and the small town. One of these towers (called a coracha) is right down on the river Jucar. It was from under this one that the ancient townspeople could obtain water during a siege.

The castle was controlled by the Moors for hundreds of years. In 1184, after a long unsuccessful siege, a brave knight climbed the walls one night by using two daggers to wedge into the slits in the great stones that form the walls. He got over and opened the doors from within allowing King Alfonso VIII and his forces in to recapture the castle for the Christian re-conquest. Many years later, Queen Isabel had to put down a rebellion of sorts here by some of her powerful yet disloyal barons.

The Parador of Alarcon is the kind of place castle lovers dream of. It looks and feels like a castle, and one can literally sense the history of the place as a palpable presence. It’s setting is spectacular, and the approach is unforgettable – transporting the traveler not only to the castle, but seemingly back in time as well!

Interesting nearby excursions from Parador Alarcon:

- The medieval old town of Alarcon.

- The wonderful Iglesia de Santa Maria.

- The old town hall on the main plaza.

Interesting day trips include:

- Cuenca – The city of the famous casas colgadas (hanging houses). Cuenca is a Unesco-declared World Heritage site, and should be considered a must see.

- Belmonte – Be sure and drive over to Belmonte to see the wonderful old, abandoned, yet well-preserved 15th century castle ruins there. You can climb up into the towers and walk around inside the grounds. The Belmonte castle has a rare and beautiful triangular patio. If you go on a weekday – you’ll likely have it all to yourself.

For travelers who like to visit relatively un-touristed locations that, nevertheless, exude an air of historical significance – and especially for aficionados of wonderful old castles – the Alarcon Parador is a near-perfect destination.

SpainParador.com makes it easy for you to plan and arrange your next trip to Spain. This time stay in palaces, castles, and other places of great historical interest and rare beauty – the wonderful Paradors of Spain. http://www.SpainParador.com

Spain is the largest of the three sovereign states that make up the Iberian Peninsula; Portugal and Andorra being the other two. Located in southwestern Europe, it is bordered by Portugal in the west, Gibraltar in the south, and France in the northeast. It is a country rich in culture and charm, appealing to a variety of ages and personalities because of the countless things you can do while there. Spanish is the official language, although a lot of its people can understand and speak simple English. Its rich culture and striking views, warm people and delectable food make Spain a top tourist destination.

While in Spain?

Experience the exotic and amazing Moorish influence when in the Alhambra in Granada, a vast complex that occupies the city center showcasing the rich Moorish culture spiced by Spain?s very own. The Alhambra in Grenada is what a lot of people consider to be the best preserved Moorish palace in Europe.

Visit any of Frank Gehry’s masterpieces – the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the huge fish on Barcelona beach, the convention center in Malaga – all futuristic, contemporary and edgy, which are not only delightful to look at but are as tickling and inspiring as well.

Join the local village fiesta! Spanish culture is greatly influenced by Roman Catholicism which celebrates feast days of saints every so often. Although religious in nature, fiestas are actually enveloped in fun brought about by lively music, sumptuous feasts, colorful parades and fun get-togethers.

Taste the tapas, one of Spain’s delicacies that range from potato dishes, eggs, fish and seafood, stuffed vegetables, tortillas, savory pastries and are perfect when washed down by cold drinks in any of Spain’s tapas bars.

Tap your feet at the tune of Flamenco, a must do when in the Southern part of Spain.

Visit Salvador Dali’s surreal museum cum mausoleum in the northern part of Spain. Get to know other Spanish artists such as Diego Velasquez, Miro, Goya, Picasso?

Run with the bulls in Pamplona! Or better yet, watch from a safe distance.

Spain provides detailed information on Spain, Travel To Spain, Spain Golf, Spain Hotels and more. Spain is affiliated with Barcelona Soccer.

Situated in the centre of the country, Madrid is the capital. It is a city of over 3 million people and a crossroads for rail, road and air travel. Its altitude of 660 meters gives rise to a classic temperature profile of cold winters and hot summers, making spring and autumn the best times to visit. Those who can get away from Madrid during August make for the cooler north or south to the Med.

Despite the climate the capital city has its own individual personality. It holds the Paruqe del Retiro, a world famous area of paths and avenues, a royal palace and grand public squares. Its museums are brimming with Spain?s historic treasures. Madrid is a city that has the best in shopping facilities. The latest designer clothes are sold in classy upmarket stores. There are food markets throughout the city and the centuries-old Rastro, open every Sunday, is one of the world?s greatest flea markets.

The central plateau is covered in dry plains and massive rolling fields. Given the attractions of the Costas and the Islands it is not an area where many Europeans call home. It is a place to work. Long straight roads and huge fields with wheat, sunflowers and grape overwhelm the region. It is deserted and of real beauty, suitable for those endangered in agriculture or for those who want to get off the beaten track, going back to the roots in old rural Spain.

Contributed by S.Fry of http://www.spainlog.co.uk, see more of her work at Spain family holidays

This Parador in Malaga is located on the famous Costa Del Sol of Spain. There are great views of the sea from the Parador which has a ‘look-out’ postion over the city. It sits next to an centuries-old Moorish fortress (Alcazaba) – the Gibralfaro.

In ancient times, there was kept lit a fire on this hill that guided the ships out at sea into the harbor of the city (this is how the name Gibralfaro came about; gibral = mountain, faro = light).

The Parador of Malaga is surrounded by pretty pine trees and has extensive garden areas. There is a swimming pool on the top where you can swim and lounge with the incredible views. As well, each bedroom has it’s own small balcony and views.

The restaurant at Parador Malaga offers a superb menu that specializes in sea food and typical Andalusian cuisine.

The city of Malaga is the gateway to the Costa Del Sol, but – if that’s where you’re headed – do stop awhile in this wonderful city and visit before moving on to the sun and sand. Malaga has one of the busiest ports in Andalucia, fine golf courses and restaurants, and a host of things to keep travelers busy and entertained during their visit.

Interesting nearby excursions from Parador Malaga:

- The Moorish Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro. These are right near the Parador of Malaga and best preserve what remains architecturally of the once-powerful Moorish controllers of this city. Climb up on the old walls of the castle and get a great view out over the city.

- The new Picasso Museum (Picasso was a native son of Malaga).

- The city’s central zone has some interesting churches and other museums worth visiting.

- The Alameda Principal is a great place to stroll and watch the busy Malague?os living their daily lives.

- Walk down to the Paseo del Parque and you’ll encounter a very peaceful environment of tropical plants near the sea.

- El Palo and Pedregalejo is an area of quaint beaches with several restaurants and cafes that serve some of the very best fish and seafood meals anywhere in Andalucia.

Interesting day trips from the Malaga Gibralfaro Parador include:

- Rincon de la Victoria and the treasure caves.

- Mijas is a pretty little white village in the hills above the sea – about 26 km from the Malaga Parador.

- Ronda is close, and one of the must see towns of Andalucia with its incredible gorge and Moorish ruins.

Malaga offers a great mix for the visitor; the port and nearby beaches, quality museums, fascinating ruins, a world-class golf course – and the great Andalusian ambience. The Parador Malaga Gibralfaro is the perfect place to stay while visiting – you’ll feel a bit like a king (or queen) from this perch that overlooks the entire city.

SpainParador.com makes it easy for you to plan and arrange your next trip to Spain. This time stay in palaces, castles, and other places of great historical interest and rare beauty – the wonderful Paradors of Spain. http://www.SpainParador.com