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Paradores de Turismo de España S.M.E. S.A., branded as Paradores, is a Spanish state-owned chain of luxury hotels that are usually located in historic buildings or in nature areas with a special appeal. Its first parador was inaugurated on 9 October 1928 in Navarredonda de Gredos (Ávila). As of 2025, it operates ninety-eight paradores in Spain and one in Portugal, with 6,010 rooms in total. Every parador has its own restaurant offering the regional gastronomy of its area.[a]

Key Information

The company was created with the double objective of promoting tourism in areas that lacked adequate accommodations, and of putting unused large historic buildings to use, for the maintenance of the national heritage. Along its history, the establishments of its network have been branded as Parador, Parador Nacional, Parador de Turismo or Parador Nacional de Turismo in different times.

A Portuguese equivalent, Pousadas de Portugal, were founded on 1 May 1941, following the Spanish model.

History

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In 1910, the Council of Ministers chaired by prime minister José Canalejas commissioned Benigno de la Vega-Inclán, marquess de la Vega-Inclán, to create a hotel structure, which did not exist at the time, in whose establishments hikers and travelers would be accommodated, while at the same time improving Spain's international image. In 1911, the Royal Tourism Commission was created chaired by the marquess himself.[2]

It was in August 1926 when the Royal Tourism Commission began the construction of the first establishment at a location in a nature area of the Sierra de Gredos chosen by King Alfonso XIII himself. On 25 April 1928, the new Patronato Nacional de Turismo (National Tourist Board) assumed the functions of the Royal Commission. Finally, after some time in operation,[3] the Parador Nacional de Gredos, the first parador of the network, was inaugurated by the King on 9 October 1928 in Navarredonda de Gredos (Ávila).[4]

Following the successful opening, the Junta de Paradores y Hosterías del Reino was established in 1929, with the double objective of promoting tourism in areas that lacked adequate accommodations, but with conditions to attract nature or heritage tourism, and of putting unused large historic buildings to use, for the maintenance of the national heritage.[5] The Parador de Oropesa, opened on 7 February 1930, and inaugurated on 11 March, in the Medieval castle of Oropesa (Toledo), was the first located in a historic building. In May 1930, the Hostería de la Rábida in Palos de la Frontera (Huelva) and Hostería del Estudiante in Alcalá de Henares (Madrid) were the first hosterías opened.[b] Over the years, the paradors spread throughout the national territory and the hosterías were converted into paradors.

At the same time, the Patronato Nacional de Turismo began the construction of the new Albergues de Carretera. These roadside hostels with repair shop and gas pump were located in rest areas at key points on the road network and were built following a design by architects Carlos Arniches Moltó and Martín Domínguez Esteban in International Style. On 12 March 1931, the first Albergue de Carretera was inaugurated in Manzanares (Ciudad Real). Of the seventeen initially planned Albergues, only twelve were built, and over time, many of them ended up being converted into paradors and the rest closing down.

The Spanish Civil War was a halt for tourism. Some of the paradors were damaged or used as hospitals during the war. Once the conflict was over, the restoration and reopening of the existing establishments was encouraged. The greatest expansion process took place in the 1960s, coinciding with the important tourist development experienced by the country. In those years the Paradores Nacionales de Turismo network went from 40 to 83 establishments.[2]

During the 1980s, the company underwent a wide restructuring and reorganization, shutting down some obsolete facilities, and operating criteria were revised to improve profitability. In 1986, some establishments belonging to the Empresa Nacional de Turismo (Entursa), such as luxury Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos and Hostal de San Marcos, were transferred to it.[2]

Company

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Since 18 January 1991, Paradores de Turismo de España is a State Mercantile Sociedad Anónima fully owned by the Directorate-General for State Heritage (DGPE), a state patrimonial agency dependent on the Ministry of Finance of the Government of Spain. The company is the concessionaire of the use and occupancy of the buildings and facilities owned by the Spanish State through the Instituto de Turismo de España (Turespaña), the government agency that, dependent on the Ministry of Industry, is the responsible of setting the company's strategy and planning, monitoring its effectiveness and building new facilities. The company's mission is to promote sustainable, accessible and quality tourism, as well as the maintenance of the buildings it operates, many of them monuments of high historical-artistic value declared Bien de Interés Cultural.[6]

According to Brand Finance, Paradores was the brand with the highest reputation in Spain in 2019–20 and the second in 2021. It was also the world's leading hotel company in reputation in 2019–21, and the only Spanish company in the global top 10.[7][8]

Network

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Paradores' network in 2015

As of 2025, Paradores operates a hotel network of ninety-eight state-owned establishments in Spain and one franchised establishment in Portugal, with 6,010 rooms in total. Paradors are located all around Spain, and have a presence in all its provinces except for the Balearic Islands, where a parador in Ibiza is under construction, and Biscay. The provinces with the most paradors are Cáceres and Málaga, with five each. In addition to the paradors located in castles, palaces, fortresses, convents, monasteries and other historic buildings, there are also other located in modern buildings in nature areas with a special appeal and/or with panoramic views of historical and monumental cities. The paradors are divided in Esentia - monumental and historic hotels, Civia - urban hotels, and Naturia - hotels close to the coast and nature. Prices vary according to category, room, region and season.

One of the oldest continuously operating hotels in the world, the Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos in Santiago de Compostela (A Coruña), founded in 1499 by the Catholic Monarchs as a hostelry and hospital for pilgrims at the very end of the Way of St James, and transferred to the network on 24 February 1986, is the finest parador,[9] and with its 137 rooms for 262 guests is also the largest by capacity.[10] The Parador de El Saler and its golf course in Valencia, occupying 71.2889 hectares (176.159 acres) of land, is the largest by area.[11] The Parador Castillo de Monterrei in Monterrei (Ourense) with 12 rooms for 24 guests, and occupying 994 square metres (10,700 sq ft) of land, is the smallest.[10][11] The Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide in La Orotava (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), located at 2,146 metres (7,041 ft) above sea level, is the highest.[12] The Parador in Molina de Aragón (Guadalajara), opened on 13 May 2025, is the newest.[13]

In addition to the aforementioned Parador de Ibiza, Turespaña is building new paradors in Morella (Castellón) and Vera de Moncayo (Zaragoza). Paradores will furnish, operate and maintain them once completed.[14]

List of paradors

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Ninety-eight paradors are located in Spain (listed below) and one, Parador Casa da Ínsua, in Penalva do Castelo, Portugal.

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Legacy

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Pousadas de Portugal

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A Portuguese equivalent, Pousadas de Portugal, were founded on 1 May 1941, following the Spanish model, by the Estado Novo at the initiative of António Ferro. The first pousada opened on 19 April 1942 in Elvas.[20]

Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Paradores de España are a network of luxury hotels owned and operated by the Spanish government, housed in historic buildings such as castles, monasteries, palaces, and convents throughout , blending modern comforts with cultural preservation. Initiated in the early under King through the Royal Tourism Commission to address the lack of hotel infrastructure and boost in remote and scenic areas, the Paradores system officially launched with its first establishment, the Parador de Gredos, in 1928. The initiative aimed to revitalize local economies, promote Spain's artistic and , and provide high-quality accommodations in underutilized historic sites, preventing their decay while encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known regions. The network expanded rapidly during the . As of 2025, Paradores de Turismo de España, S.A., a state-owned , manages 99 properties across , including the recently opened Parador de Molina de Aragón, emphasizing , regional cuisine using local ingredients, and experiences that highlight 's diverse landscapes from the to the . Notable examples include the Parador de (Hostal dos Reis Católicos), the oldest hotel in dating to the 16th century as a pilgrims' adjacent to the city's , and the Parador de , offering views of the palace complex. These establishments not only serve as lodging but also as cultural ambassadors, featuring art collections, guided tours, and events that immerse guests in Spain's rich history and traditions.

History

Origins and Founding

The Paradores network originated in the early as a strategic initiative to bolster Spain's underdeveloped sector and safeguard its . In , under José Canalejas, the Spanish government commissioned Marquis Benigno de la Vega-Inclán, a prominent painter and historian known for restoring sites like the Museum in Toledo, to develop a plan for promoting tourism nationwide. The Marquis proposed establishing a chain of state-run luxury hotels in historic monuments and scenic areas, drawing inspiration from Europe's grand hotels to provide high-quality accommodations that would attract international visitors and generate economic revenue. This vision received strong royal endorsement from King , who actively supported the project to address Spain's economic stagnation in the , exacerbated by global post-World War I disruptions such as trade declines and the 1918 , despite the country's neutrality in the conflict. The inaugural Parador de Gredos opened on October 9, 1928, in the mountain range near , personally selected by King as a hunting lodge-style retreat amid stunning natural landscapes. Designed as an elegant, rustic to highlight Spain's appeal, it marked the practical realization of the Marquis's concepts for blending luxury with environmental immersion. The venture's immediate success prompted swift follow-up developments, including the Parador de Ciudad Rodrigo in in 1929, which repurposed a historic , demonstrating the initiative's focus on rapid establishment to capitalize on growing interest ahead of the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition in . These early openings established Paradores as a of sophisticated, heritage-driven hospitality. From the outset, Paradores operated under a government-funded, state-owned model administered by the newly formed Junta de Paradores y Hosterías del Reino in 1929, aimed at revitalizing neglected architectural treasures like castles, monasteries, and palaces that faced deterioration due to lack of use. This approach ensured public investment in restoration projects while generating income through , creating a sustainable framework for preserving Spain's built heritage without private commercialization. By prioritizing sites of national significance, the founding principles emphasized cultural stewardship alongside economic stimulus, setting Paradores apart as a rather than a purely commercial enterprise.

Expansion and Key Milestones

The (1936–1939) severely disrupted the nascent Paradores network, halting all expansion efforts amid a broader collapse in across . By the outbreak of the war, only nine Paradores had been established. Several early properties sustained damage from conflict or were repurposed for wartime needs, including use as hospitals and, in at least one case, a concentration camp for political prisoners. Post-war revival began under the Franco regime, which embraced the Paradores as a tool for economic recovery and national prestige, leading to accelerated development in the and . This era saw the addition of over 50 new establishments, expanding the network to 80 properties by 1970 through renovations of historic sites and construction of purpose-built hotels. During the , the focus shifted toward nature-oriented locations to attract international visitors, incorporating coastal, mountainous, and rural sites that highlighted Spain's diverse landscapes alongside its heritage buildings. Expansion persisted into the late , with the network achieving 90 properties by 1990 amid ongoing efforts to balance preservation with modernization. A pivotal organizational step occurred in 1991 with the formal incorporation of Paradores de Turismo de España, S.A., which streamlined management as a .

Organization

Company Structure

Paradores de Turismo de España, S.M.E., S.A. is a fully state-owned public limited company with 100% of its capital held by the Spanish government through the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, operating as a key instrument of national tourism policy to promote cultural and natural heritage. The governance structure is led by a Board of Directors comprising 15 members, appointed by the General Meeting and designated primarily by the Directorate General of State Heritage, ensuring alignment with public objectives in tourism and heritage preservation. The President and CEO, currently Raquel Sánchez Jiménez, oversees strategic direction, supported by key executives such as the General Secretary and Financial Director, with decision-making guided by statutes that emphasize ethical governance, transparency, and sustainability. Financially, Paradores relies on a mixed model combining state support with commercial revenues, including allocations for maintenance and sustainability initiatives, such as the 56.2 million euros invested in the 2025–2028 Sustainability Plan to advance environmental, social, and governance goals. Primary revenue streams derive from room bookings (accounting for the majority of occupancy), restaurant services featuring regional cuisine, and event hosting, generating over 346 million euros in 2024. The employee structure includes approximately 5,206 staff members, with a balanced gender distribution of 60% women and 40% men, and a strong focus on local hiring to support regional economies and integration. Training programs emphasize skills in and heritage preservation, aligning with the company's strategic plan to enhance and cultural stewardship through internal development initiatives.

Management and Operations

Paradores operates as a network of luxury accommodations, predominantly classified as 4-star hotels with select properties achieving 5-star status, such as Parador de La Granja, Parador de , and Parador de Santo Estevo. These establishments emphasize high-end services including regionally sourced cuisine featuring local ingredients and traditional recipes, wellness facilities like spas in properties such as Parador de Aiguablava, and organized guided tours to nearby cultural and natural sites. The network maintains an average annual occupancy rate of approximately 74% as of 2024, with peaks reaching 85.9% during the summer months of 2025, reflecting robust demand for its unique offerings. Maintenance protocols ensure the preservation of historic authenticity while integrating modern amenities across its 98 properties as of 2025, through ongoing renovations funded by public investments exceeding €250 million. These efforts involve close collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Tourism and Turespaña, which oversee restoration projects on 39 historic buildings using funds to balance with contemporary comforts like energy-efficient systems and accessible facilities. The 2025–2028 Sustainability Plan positions responsible as a core operational pillar, aligning with through initiatives like achieving 100% renewable electricity consumption, eliminating single-use plastics, and implementing energy efficiency measures to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030. Waste reduction strategies include refillable dispensers and compostable packaging, while broader efforts promote via the "Nature for the Senses" program and local sourcing to minimize environmental impact. Digital operations are streamlined through the official paradores.es platform, enabling seamless bookings, availability checks, and personalized reservations for all . During the , Paradores adapted by following national health protocols from the Spanish Tourism Quality Institute, including enhanced sanitation, in communal areas, and temporary repurposing of select properties as medical facilities. Post-pandemic recovery has been supported by targeted international marketing campaigns emphasizing safety certifications like EcoStars and sustainable practices, contributing to a rebound in occupancy and revenue to record levels by 2023.

Properties

Classification and Types

Paradores de Turismo de España classifies its properties into three primary categories—Esentia, Naturia, and Civia—based on their location, thematic focus, and architectural characteristics, ensuring a balance between promoting tourism and preserving Spain's cultural and natural heritage. Esentia Paradores, the most traditional and numerous category, are housed in monumental historic buildings such as castles, monasteries, palaces, and convents, offering guests an immersive experience in Spain's architectural and cultural legacy. These properties emphasize heritage preservation, with examples including former religious sites like the Parador de Santiago de Compostela, originally a 15th-century royal hospital, and Renaissance-style palaces that highlight Spain's noble past. Sub-themes within Esentia often feature premium historic accommodations, prioritizing authenticity and historical narrative. Naturia Paradores are designed for immersion in natural environments, located in coastal regions, mountainous areas, or protected natural sites such as national parks and volcanic landscapes, promoting and outdoor activities. Criteria for this category include proximity to exceptional scenery and environmental sensitivity, with representative examples like the Parador de amid lush subtropical terrain and the Parador de within a , underscoring geological and themes. Environmental sub-themes focus on sustainable practices in protected areas to minimize ecological impact. Civia Paradores integrate into urban settings, typically in modernized historic city centers or contemporary structures, catering to cultural explorers in bustling metropolitan areas while maintaining a connection to local traditions. These properties balance city convenience with subtle historical elements, such as the Parador de Toledo in a restored urban monument. As of 2025, approximately 45% of the network's 98 properties fall into the Esentia category (45), 30% into Naturia (29), and 25% into Civia (24), reflecting a strategic distribution to appeal to diverse travelers. The classification system evolved from an initial focus on historic conversions in the network's founding decades to a more inclusive model post-1960s, incorporating Naturia and Civia types during Spain's tourism expansion to broaden visitor demographics and support . This shift was driven by the need to renovate underutilized natural and urban sites, aligning with national goals for balanced and heritage management.

Distribution and Notable Examples

As of 2025, Paradores operates 98 properties across , ensuring a presence in all 17 autonomous communities to promote nationwide . The network is concentrated in regions with rich historical and , including Andalucía with 16 establishments, Castilla y León with 15, and Galicia with 13; the host 5, while the recently added feature 1. This distribution reflects a strategic emphasis on balancing popular destinations with underdeveloped areas, fostering economic growth in rural and peripheral locales. A key aspect of the Paradores' placement is its focus on less-touristed regions to stimulate local economies and preserve cultural sites. For instance, many properties are situated in towns with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, integrating former monasteries, castles, and convents into remote landscapes. The Parador de Santo Estevo in Galicia exemplifies this approach, housed in a 7th-century Benedictine amid the Ribeira Sacra's verdant valleys, supporting community revitalization through . Among the most iconic properties, the Parador de Granada stands out for its unparalleled views of the palace, having opened in 1929 as one of the network's inaugural sites within a 15th-century convent. The Parador de , perched dramatically on the cliffs overlooking the El Tajo gorge in Andalucía, highlights the network's affinity for dramatic natural settings. In the , the Parador de Cruz de Tejeda occupies a pine-forested peak in , offering access to hiking trails and volcanic terrains. Recent expansions include the 2025 opening of the Parador de Molina de Aragón in Guadalajara's inland countryside and the coastal Parador de in the , both enhancing accessibility to emerging destinations. Most Paradores are located in scenic or historic enclaves, such as national parks, mountain ranges, and ancient villages, to immerse guests in Spain's diverse landscapes. A smaller number serve urban explorers, like those in historic centers, providing convenient bases for cultural itineraries. For a complete overview, the official directory at paradores.es lists all properties with detailed locations and amenities.

Impact and Legacy

Cultural and Economic Contributions

Paradores have played a pivotal role in the preservation of Spain's by restoring and maintaining nearly 100 historic buildings, including , , , and convents, many of which date back to the or earlier. For instance, the Parador de Santo Estevo in Galicia occupies a former 7th-century Benedictine that underwent extensive restoration to integrate original architectural elements like and stone facades, preventing decay while adapting the space for modern use. Similarly, the Parador de , housed in an 18th-century overlooking the town's famous gorge, exemplifies how Paradores revive structures at risk of deterioration through targeted renovations. These efforts are supported by significant public investments, such as the €22 million allocated for the construction of the new Parador de Molina de Aragón, located near a medieval , ensuring the ongoing conservation of artifacts and historical features within these sites. In alignment with global heritage standards, Paradores partner with UNESCO-recognized initiatives by operating in 11 of Spain's 15 World Heritage Cities, where properties like the Parador de —adjacent to the cathedral—contribute to site maintenance and visitor access without compromising authenticity. Additionally, through collaborations with Turespaña, Paradores have undertaken restoration projects on 39 buildings classified as Properties of Cultural Interest, funded by European Next Generation recovery plans, which emphasize the integration of archaeological finds and period furnishings to enhance educational value for guests. An annual maintenance budget, bolstered by these subsidies, sustains this work, allowing Paradores to serve as living museums that educate visitors on Spain's architectural and artistic legacy. Recent milestones include the opening of the Parador de Molina de Aragón in 2025, blending modern design with the preservation of the surrounding historic landscape. Economically, Paradores generate substantial revenue, reaching €328 million in 2023 and €343 million in 2024, with projections indicating continued growth into 2025 driven by increased occupancy and international demand. This financial performance supports over 4,000 direct jobs across its network of 99 properties, spanning roles in , restoration, and administration, while fostering thousands of indirect opportunities through local supply chains for food, crafts, and services. In rural areas, Paradores act as anchors for development; for example, the Parador de in Galicia has stimulated post-disaster recovery by attracting tourists to remote regions, enhancing local economies via procurement of regional products and event hosting. Paradores significantly contribute to Spain's sector, which accounts for more than 12% of the national GDP as of 2023, with expectations of sustained impact in amid record visitor numbers. By promoting cultural events such as guided historical tours, wine tastings, and festivals within their properties, and prioritizing local sourcing for —featuring regional ingredients in 99 on-site restaurants—Paradores reinforce regional identities and encourage sustainable visitor spending that benefits surrounding communities. This approach not only diversifies tourism beyond coastal hotspots but also elevates lesser-known areas, aligning with national goals to distribute economic gains more equitably. Despite these achievements, Paradores face challenges in balancing commercial profitability with non-revenue-generating preservation efforts, a tension heightened since the 1991 corporatization that ended direct state subsidies and mandated self-sufficiency. To address this, the organization relies on targeted funds, such as the €81.4 million allocated in 2022 for heritage rehabilitation across multiple sites, enabling ongoing restorations without compromising financial viability.

International Influences

The Paradores network has exerted significant influence on international hospitality models, particularly in neighboring , where the were established in the early 1940s as state-run historic hotels directly modeled after the Spanish Paradores concept. Envisioned by António Ferro, head of Portugal's National Propaganda Secretariat, the Pousadas aimed to promote by repurposing castles, palaces, monasteries, and manor houses into luxury accommodations, mirroring the Paradores' focus on heritage preservation. Today, the network comprises over 35 properties spread across , from the to the , emphasizing cultural immersion and regional authenticity. This model has inspired similar adaptations in , notably in , where the paradores system was launched in 1973 by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company to encourage off-the-beaten-path travel. These independently owned country inns, limited to small-scale operations with government certification, replicate the Paradores' emphasis on local hospitality and historic or scenic settings, resulting in a network of about 13 properties that support family-run businesses and . While direct equivalents like a national "Posadas" chain in remain more commercial and less heritage-focused, the broader Paradores approach has informed regional efforts to blend with preservation across Latin American countries. Paradores has fostered collaborations with Portuguese tourism entities, including joint initiatives through shared Iberian packages that highlight both networks to international visitors. The model's global recognition stems from its role in , with numerous Paradores properties integrated into World Heritage Sites, underscoring sustainable practices that balance economic viability with cultural conservation. In 2025, Paradores expanded its international footprint via partnerships and appearances at trade fairs in and the to promote cross-border heritage experiences. Key differences distinguish the original from its adaptations: Paradores prioritize Spain's regional diversity, showcasing varied architectural styles and cuisines from alpine fortresses to Mediterranean convents, whereas influences like Pousadas adapt to local geographies, such as Portugal's emphasis on Atlantic coastal and maritime heritage sites.

References

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