The state-run network combines historic buildings with modern hospitality, offering travelers the chance to stay in castles, royal residences and stately homes while supporting heritage preservation and sustainable tourism.
Paradores has 99 operating properties in Spain in 2026, plus one in Portugal, for a total network of 100. The official Paradores site currently describes the network as 100 establishments, while the 2026 provincial listing confirms the 99 Spanish properties.
The two provinces with the largest concentration are Cáceres and Málaga, with five Paradores each. Cantabria, Lleida, Pontevedra and Santa Cruz de Tenerife follow with four each.
Parador de Santillana Altamira
The Parador de Santillana Altamira in Cantabria reopened June 11 following an €8 million ($9.3 million) renovation.
The four-star property has been renamed to strengthen its connection with the nearby Altamira UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its interiors now combine traditional Cantabrian architecture with contemporary design, restored furnishings, artisan details and natural materials.
The project also introduced improved accessibility and new sustainability technologies that could reduce the property’s carbon footprint by as much as 85%.
Paradores describes the transformation as a model for combining heritage preservation with responsible tourism.
Parador de Santillana Gil Blas
Also in Santillana del Mar, the Parador de Santillana Gil Blas has reopened following a €900,000 ($1 million) refurbishment.
The historic villa has retained its traditional character while guest rooms and public areas have been updated with new furnishings, warm textures and contemporary design elements.
The project aims to improve comfort without compromising the property’s heritage appeal, reinforcing Santillana del Mar’s position as a destination for cultural and heritage tourism.
Parador de Olite-Erriberri
In Navarra, the Parador de Olite-Erriberri has completed an €8.6 million ($10 million) renovation inside the Old Royal Palace of Olite.
The project included a complete refurbishment of guest rooms and restoration of historic stonework, arches and passageways. The building reflects a blend of Navarrese, French and Mudéjar influences and is considered one of Europe’s finest examples of Gothic civil architecture.
The reopening also introduces a contemporary art program inspired by the medieval court of King Charles III. Works by Spanish artists including Estela de Castro, Nacho Martín Silva and Álvaro de la Vega reference the exotic animals that once fascinated visitors to the royal court.
Parador de Sos del Rey Católico
The Parador de Sos del Rey Católico in Aragón has completed a €2.5 million ($2.9 million) investment following its 50th anniversary in 2025.
The project upgraded bathrooms, improved energy efficiency and refreshed communal areas and interior design. Operational improvements also support the property’s sustainability goals.
Located in the medieval town where Ferdinand II of Aragón was born, the Parador provides access to the cobbled streets, historic architecture and landscapes of the Cinco Villas region.
Paradores is positioning its historic hotels as an alternative to conventional accommodation, combining cultural tourism, local architecture and modern hospitality as the group approaches its 100th anniversary.
Tags: Spain Paradores hotel network
