Paradores, Spain's state-run network of historic and cultural hotels offering stays in Moorish castles, converted monasteries, modern wellness resorts and more, is excited to announce a series of new and quirky experiences to highlight Spain's varied gastronomy, history and culture.

The experiences coincide with a new promotion that offers up to 25% off bed and breakfast bookings on stays until 31 March, enabling UK guests to get better value from their break.

Of the new experiences available, guests can:

Tour a monastery at Parador de Santo Estevo with a resident monk

Parador de Santo Estevo is inviting guests to explore the hidden corners and ancient secrets of the ancient Santo Estevo monastery with a guided tour, accompanied by a resident monk when the Parador reopens on 1 March. After the tour, guests will be treated to a traditional Galician “Queimada” ceremony, a ritual that involves the preparation and drinking of a warm, fiery liquor accompanied by a traditional hymn.

Parador de Santo Estevo lies in the heart of the Galician countryside in Northern Spain, near the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. The city is famous for its ancient Roman and medieval architecture, including the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and the Monastery of San Juan de Duero, the end point for pilgrims walking the English way.

• Find out more about Parador de Santo Estevo and the guided monastery experience here. Tours will take place at 11:30 PM on selected dates throughout the year and costs £7.10 per person. Stays at the hotel start at £106.50 per night, on an accommodation only basis.
• Reservations can be made by emailing estevo@parador.es

Experience a night of gastronomy and music with the Extremadura Orchestra at Parador de Merida

Parador de Mérida is inviting guests to enjoy a tasting menu inspired by the regional cuisine of Extremadura, paired with tickets to the concert series organised by the Extremadura Orchestra in the city of Mérida. The concert series features a diverse range of classical music, from Bach to Beethoven, and will be held on 20 May.

The Parador de Mérida lies in the south-western region of Extremadura. It's a modern building that has been built into an old Roman Theatre, a National Monument that was built in the 1st century AD and is still used for cultural events and performances today.

• Find out more about the musical package here. The package starts at £49 per person, including dinner at the restaurant in the Parador de Mérida, with drinks and concert tickets included. Stays at the hotel start at £84, per night, on an accommodation only basis.
• Reservations can be made by emailing merida@parador.es

Step back in time with a medieval festival at Parador de Oropesa

The Parador de Oropesa is offering a new package to experience the town's 3-day signature medieval celebration first-hand: an annual event that celebrates the arrival of markets to the town. Guests will see the streets come alive with locals donning medieval costumes, and enjoy a wide variety of stalls, music, workshops, and theatrical performances. Plus, with accommodation and meals included at the Parador, guests can experience the rich history and local gastronomy of the region both day and night.

Parador de Oropesa, near Madrid, was the first Parador to be established in a historic monument. Built into both an ancient Spanish fortress and the 15th century Álvarez de Toledo palace, the Parador provides a historic backdrop for exploring the stunning Tietar Valley and surrounding historic villages and offers particularly stunning views of the Gredos mountain range.

• Find out more and book the Medieval Oropesa Festival Package here. The package starts at £244 per person, for a 2-night stay including meals between the 21-23 April.

Discover celestial art at Parador de Alcalá de Henares

Parador de Alcalá de Henares is playing host to the exhibition "alien reality” that features a collection of engravings from Madrid-born artist Antonio Lorenzo, who passed away in 2009. The exhibit invites guests to journey to a celestial world where evocations of ships, robots, UFOs, transporters, and space gadgets replace mankind.

Parador de Alcalá de Henares is in the historic city of Alcalá de Henares, near Madrid, known for being the birthplace of Spanish author Miguel de Cervante. The Parador is housed in a former 17th century convent that has been restored to retain its original character and charm.

• Find out more and book a stay at the Parador de Alcalá Stays start at £84 per night, on an accommodation only basis. The exhibition is open for all to see at the hotel.

Explore the rich biodiversity along the Tormes river at Parador de Gredos

As part of Paradores' eco-tourism programme, "Nature for the Senses", Parador de Gredos is running electric bike tours along the Tormes river. Combining sport with nature, the tour allows guests to immerse themselves in the diverse fauna and animal species, as well as the ecosystems that surround the hotel, while staying active in the mountainous surroundings.

Parador de Gredos, west of Madrid, is surrounded by the incredible Sierra de Gredos Mountain range. Housed in the stone ruins of an old manor house, the hotel is the oldest in the Parador network and was inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII in 1928.

• Find out more about the e-bike experience at the Parador de Gredos The Tourmes river e-bike tour starts at £62 per person. Stays start at £71 per night, on an accommodation only basis.
• Reservations can be made by emailing gredos@parador.es

*Prices converted from Euros on 08.02.2023 at an exchange rate of 1 pound:1.13 euro

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About Paradores Hotels & Restaurants: 

Established in 1928, Paradores is a network of Spanish state-run hotels found in some of the most beautiful settings on the Iberian Peninsula spanning converted monasteries, Manor Houses, Moorish castles, luxurious resorts as well as some exceptional modern properties.

Paradores is committed to providing travellers with the opportunity to explore top cities, regional gems and experience nature while discovering the absolute best in Spanish culture, leisure activities, and gastronomy. Paradores is driven to protect the country's historical and cultural assets, breathing new life into prestigious buildings, and putting lesser-known regions onto the map. 

To find out more, visit Paradores.es 

Media contacts: 

• To discuss an opportunity, please email paradores@wearelotus.co.uk
• To view and download images directly from Dropbox click here