Spanish Paradores with 1000 years of history

Spanish Parador Hotels with over 1000 years of history

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Spanish Parador Hotels in existence for more than a millenium

Spain is a country full of historical heritage. And part of it has been recovered by the state-owned company Paradores, which has obtained and reinvented many historical properties turning them into hotels distributed throughout the country. Of course, always endeavouring to preserve the original essence of the building. In total, there are 97 Spanish Parador hotels throughout Spain of differing styles and settings.

The Spanish Parador network of hotels (Paradores) were officially established in 1928 during the reign of King Alfonso XIII to give a boost to tourism: the first Spanish Parador was the one located in Gredos, but many of them are located in much older buildings, whether castles, monasteries or palaces from medieval times. Three of them stand out for having more than 1,000 years of history behind them:

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northern spain parador tour

Northern Spain Parador Tour | 10 Days Self-Drive

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Totally Spain has paired up with Spanish Paradores, one of our favourite Spanish hotel chains, to bring you this unique 10-night Self-Drive Northern Spain Parador Tour of one of our favourite parts of the Iberian Peninsula – Northern Spain and the stunning regions of Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia. Experience some of the best food in Spain along with some of the finest beaches and coastal scenery. As well as dramatic mountain areas and charming towns and cities such as Bilbao, San Sebastian, Santander and Santiago de Compostela. And best of all? No crowds. This tour provides a terrific overview of the area and will no doubt leave you wanting to return for more.

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beach hopping in Northern Spain

Beach Hopping in Northern Spain

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What do you think of when you think of Northern Spain?  Is it the 40 shades of green? Is it the majestic mountains? Might it be the amazing gastronomy? Or could it be the beaches? Do you even associate Northern Spain with having amazing beaches? If not, then you really should. Northern Spain is a beach lovers paradise. The quantity, quality and variety of splendid beaches to be found in the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia is hard to match. If you fancy a swim or a barefooted stroll along a soft sandy beach, here are a few of our Totally Spain favourites. Beaches we love and know you will too – from buzzing iconic city beaches to little known crowd-free gems. So, let’s dive in and go beach hopping in Northern Spain.

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short road trips in spain

Short Roadtrips in Spain to Charming Villages & Towns

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If you are in Spain over a long weekend or a significant holiday, expect to see a huge exodus from the large towns and cities as the locals make the trip back to their ancestral villages in the mountains and along the coast. It’s a time for fresh air, elaborate family meals and spending quality time with relations and old friends. If you’d like to experience this too, why not embark on one of our suggested Short Roadtrips in Spain and discover rural life in Spain’s charming villages.
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fishing villages in northern spain

12 of the Prettiest Ports & Fishing Villages in Northern Spain

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Totally Spain has been based in Northern Spain since we set up back in the year 2000 and we can attest to the fact that few things are more pleasurable than discovering the seafaring villages on the coast of Northern Spain. Of course, the coastal cities such as Bilbao, San Sebastian, Santander, Gijon, Coruña and Vigo are amazing too – but we recommend combining these with some of the charming little maritime jewels of Green Spain that are so perfect for bracing walks, indulgent seafood lunches and the authentic flavour of real Spain. Read on to find out which are our favourite fishing villages in Northern Spain

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