Sunday column
5 Spanish Castles You Can Stay In
Across Spain, the countryside is filled with ancient castles and palaces that have watched over towns and villages for hundreds of years. Although kings, queens, and nobles no longer inhabit these historic buildings, many of them have been carefully restored and transformed into unique hotels. Staying in one of Spain’s Paradores offers the rare chance to step directly into history and experience life in a medieval or Renaissance setting. Here are five remarkable castle hotels where guests can enjoy a truly royal stay.
Lucas Reed
Desk editor
Editor’s note
The full column continues in quiet type below.
Section
Sunday Broadsheet
Across Spain, the countryside is filled with ancient castles and palaces that have watched over towns and villages for hundreds of years. Although kings, queens, and nobles no longer inhabit these historic buildings, many of them have been carefully restored and transformed into unique hotels. Staying in one of Spain’s Paradores offers the rare chance to step directly into history and experience life in a medieval or Renaissance setting. Here are five remarkable castle hotels where guests can enjoy a truly royal stay.
Parador de Granada
Situated inside the Alhambra complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Parador de Granada occupies a former monastery built by Catholic monarchs on the remains of a Nasrid palace. The original fortress dates back to the 13th century and reflects the rich cultural blend of Islamic and Christian Spain. Inside, rooms such as the Nasrid-style chamber showcase decorative influences from both civilizations, with ornate details, carved motifs, and traditional furnishings.
Surrounded by tranquil gardens, fountains, and historic architecture, the property offers peaceful views of the Alhambra grounds. The restaurant also highlights regional Andalusian cuisine, including specialties like chilled gazpacho, a classic local dish.
Parador de Alarcón
Perched dramatically above the Júcar River on steep cliffs in Cuenca province, Parador de Alarcón is a perfectly preserved medieval fortress dating back to the 14th century. The castle’s towers, defensive walls, and narrow corridors create an atmosphere straight out of a historical film.
Inside, the rooms blend modern comfort with medieval charm—some even feature original arrow-slit windows once used for defense. Canopy beds and rustic stone interiors add to the immersive experience. Today, instead of guarding against invaders, the castle welcomes travelers arriving via winding mountain roads who wish to experience a night in a real fortress.
Parador de León
Located on the edge of the historic city of León in northern Spain, this former monastery was commissioned in the 16th century by King Ferdinand the Catholic. Its design features an elaborate stone façade, impressive columns, and elegant cloistered courtyards created by skilled Spanish and French artisans.
Now converted into a luxury hotel, it offers refined rooms, a library containing rare historical works, and a restaurant that serves traditional regional dishes paired with wines from Bierzo and Tierra de León. The building itself is considered one of the finest examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture.
Parador de Oropesa
The Parador de Oropesa sits within a historic fortress that once belonged to the influential Álvarez de Toledo family. The site is believed to have origins dating back to the 10th century, and the surrounding town is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in Spain.
Guests can wander through the castle’s central courtyard or climb the Homenaje Tower for sweeping views of olive groves, vineyards, and the distant Sierra de Gredos mountains. The experience becomes even more immersive during local medieval festivals held each spring, when the town recreates scenes from its historical past.
Parador de Alcañiz
This impressive property combines elements of a medieval castle and a monastery, with origins reaching back to the 12th century. The building features Gothic murals, a Baroque façade, a Plateresque tomb, and peaceful gardens that reflect its long and layered history.
One of its highlights is the Alfonso el Batallador suite, located in the southern tower and spread across two levels, offering panoramic views of the town of Alcañiz and the Guadalope River. Visitors can also explore the surrounding town, known for its underground tunnels and the famous Fountain of 72 Jets, adding another layer of historical intrigue to the stay.
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