Now that the temperatures are cooling on the Costa del Sol, it is the perfect time to explore the different regions, and discover some of the most beautiful paradors in Spain.

The hotels in the Parador Group were set up by the state to accomodate tourists and to protect the national and artistic heritage of Spain – while bringing more income to regions with fewer economic resources.
The Spanish paradors are high class hotels with luxury accommodation in castles, palaces, fortresses, convents, monasteries and other historic buildings. More modern paradors also exist, built in traditional Spanish style, in areas of outstanding beauty.

These hotels can be found from throughout Spain and the Canary Islands and some of the most beautiful hotels are situated in Andalucia.

One of the most stunning hotels in Andalucia is the Ronda Parador, which perches precariously on the side of the gorge, and offers amazing views to the countryside below. This Parador is situated  in the centre of the city next to the Puente Nuevo, and the Tagus Gorge – with its 120m drop – can be seen from most of the bedrooms.

Light, airy and spacious, the entrance and bar/restaurant areas are both colourful and comfortable, and many of the rooms and suites have superb views over the countryside and pool area.  Local dishes are speciality, including almond soup, partridge casserole, and roast rabbit.  But for fussy eaters, you will find something on the menu to suit all tastes.

Great places to visit in Ronda include the New Bridge, the Cathedral, the Minaret of San Sebastian, the Mondragon Palace, and the world famous Bullring – which is said to be the oldest in Spain.  The Grazalema and Nieves Natural parks are also within easy driving distance. Distance from Malaga Airport is approximately 120 kms, the train station is 1 km away and the nearest port is 125 kms away.

The Malaga-Golf Parador  boasts one of the oldest golf courses in the area, and was designed by Tom Simpson – the architect of Turnberry and Muirfield courses in Scotland.

Spacious and bright bedrooms offer great views of the sea, the large swimming pool and the golf course. The decoration of the living rooms, the reception area and the restaurant is typically Andalucian, with light and airy shades.

Andalucian specialities are offered in the restaurant, including fish soup, and fried fresh fish, Malaga style.  The wine list also offers some fine Malaga dessert wines – excellent with puddings and flans.
Places not to miss when visiting Malaga, include the Cathedral, the Alcazaba (fortress), the Roman Theatre, and Picasso‘s birthplace. You can also explore the local towns of Mijas, Marbella and Nerja.
This is the perfect parador for sports enthusiasts, as the hotel grounds boast two tennis courts, the superb golf course and a large outdoor swimming pool.  Also some great beaches nearby in Torremolinos and Malaga. The hotel has air conditioning and facilities for the disabled.

Distance from Malaga Airport is approximately 3 km, the train station is 18 kms away and the nearest port is 9 kms away.

The Granada Parador is Spain´s most popular hotel of its kind, and reservations normally have to be made months in advance.  The building is part of a palace and mosque built between 1332 and 1354 by the Moors, which was later converted into a Franciscan convent with a charming tiled patio and amazing architecture. Part of the building was the former chapel where the kings of Spain were buried until their remains were discovered and moved to the Royal Chapel.

The interior combines Arabic and Christian styles with classical furniture, numerous portraits, engravings, embroideries and artefacts from a bygone age. Every bedroom is decoreated differently, and offer stunning views of the Alhambra.

Local specialities in the restaurant include Gazpacho – a chilled tomato, vegetable and garlic soup, lightly cooked omelette with peas, roast chicken with local herbs and wild garlic, and typical cakes which are often eaten as dessert.

While exploring the city of Granada, the Cathedral is well worth a visit, along with The Royal Chapel and of course the Alhambra Palace. The Albaicin area also attracts visitors from all over the world. This region was once home to the Arab silk market and now hosts many small shops selling local handicrafts. La Alpujarra region is also within easy driving distance of Granada, and must-see villages include Lanjaron which has a famous spa, and Trevelez, which is the highest village in Spain.

For more information check out www.paradores-spain.com