PARADORS & POUSADAS
Spain’s King Alfonso XIII launched the state-owned network of Paradors in 1928, as a way to encourage cultural tourism by offering comfortable accommodation in the country’s historic castles and palaces, amid some of the most beautiful natural landscapes.The Portuguese poet and government minister, António Ferro, pioneered his country’s similar concept of Pousadas in 1942, and now both offer unique properties in convents and monasteries, converted castles, fortresses and palaces, as well as some strikingly contemporary hotels throughout the Iberian Peninsula. Each offers a restaurant focused on local specialities – sometimes in a unique location such as a spectacular mediaeval banqueting hall, or the former refectory of a great monastery.We can highly recommend staying in many of the Paradors and Pousadas, but the architectural style, location and history vary considerably – there are now more than 80 Paradors and 30 Pousadas – and it is important to speak to an expert to plan the perfect itinerary.We have suggested a few itineraries below to help inspire your 2026 holiday.
AN GRAND TOUR OF PORTUGAL This route will take you from the southernmost border with Spain, through the sparse landscapes and historic towns of the Alentejo, staying in the Pousada at Estremoz in what was once a royal castle, then north toViseu and finally the 12 th -century convent that is today the Pousada Mosteiro in Guimaraes. Price from £1,967 per person to include flights to Faro and back from Oporto, car hire and B&B accommodation for 2 nights each in Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Estremoz,Viseu and Guimaraes.
ACROSS ARAGON Crossing the plains of La Mancha and the mountains of Aragon between Madrid and Barcelona, this route passes through windmill-dotted ‘Don Quixote’ country. Stay in a restored fortress in historic Sigüenza, an Islamic Mudejar palace in Teruel and a splendid Aragonese castle, complete with Gothic wall paintings, in Alcañiz. Price from £1,259 per person to include flights to Madrid and back from Barcelona, car hire and B&B accommodation for 2 nights in Sigüenza, 2 nights in Teruel and 2 nights in Alcañiz.
EXPERIENCE EXTREMADURA Traverse one of Spain’s most undiscovered regions and stay in three historic Paradors. Staying first in Trujillo with its many mediaeval and Renaissance buildings, you will then visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cáceres before finishing in Merida, once the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania, with its well-preserved monuments. Price from £1,488 per person to include flights to Madrid and back from Seville, car hire and B&B accommodation for 2 nights in Trujillo, 2 nights in Cáceres and 2 nights in Merida.
HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN SPAIN Discover one of Spain’s most diverse regions with this week-long holiday, travelling through the spectacular Picos de Europa mountains and visiting the two most impressive Paradors in Spain – the majestic Hostal de San Marcos in León and the historic Hostal dos Reis Católicos in Santiago, built in 1499. Price from £1,589 per person to include flights to Santiago and back from Bilbao, car hire and B&B accommodation for 3 nights in Santiago, 2 nights in León and 2 nights in Cervera de Pisuerga.
UNDISCOVERED ANDALUCIA From a Moorish fortress in Jaen to the striking modern Parador in Cádiz, this itinerary goes beyond Seville and Granada to explore some of the most fascinating towns and villages in Andalucia. Enjoy a dinner in the vaulted refectory of Carmona’s 14 th -century Parador and take in views of Ronda’s majestic ravine from the Parador’s unique terrace. Price from £1,649 per person to include flights to and from Málaga, car hire and B&B accommodation for 2 nights in Jaen, 2 nights in Carmona, 2 nights in Cádiz and 2 nights in Ronda.
Prices are per person based on two sharing and include flights, car hire, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing, and the services of the Kirker Concierge.
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