Best Paradores in Spain for Wine Touring

Perched on the clifftop of La Punta d’es Mutsover and overlooking the crystalline Costa Brava beach of Aiguablava, the Parador de Aiguablava could not have a dreamier location. Perched amid pine trees with views from every turn of the turquoise waters and the sweet little cove below, this Parador was recently renovated and looks terrific. The atmosphere is “casual chic,” with an airy and breezy feel. Most rooms have a sea-facing balcony or terrace and have been updated and freshened up; the decor is beachy, with relaxing tones of grey, cream, turquoise, and mustard. The interior design carries through to the public areas, with sophisticated furnishings and Miró-inspired artwork. The facilities include a spa (with sea views), indoor and outdoor pools, and a stellar restaurant (which, we hate to be repetitive, has views to die for).

This part of the Empordà region is renowned for its exceptional food and wine, with local delicacies like delicate anchovies from L’Escala, vibrant red prawns from Palamós, and scenic vineyards that nearly spill into the sea. This is also a fabulous base for exploring southern DO Empordà. Just inland, around Pals and the medieval villages of the Baix Empordà, you’ll find charming wineries producing some wonderful wines from local grapes like Garnatxa and Carinyena (known locally as Samsó), along with delicious Garnatxa Blanca whites.

A morning tasting in the vineyards followed by a leisurely seafood lunch overlooking the Mediterranean is our idea of heaven! If you can peel yourself away from the relaxing, verdant poolside (with those views!) and wine-soaked summer lunches at the elegant Mar i Vent restaurant, there is soooo much to see and do in this area. The adorable, artsy, hill-topped village of Begur is only a few kilometers down the road and has fantastic upmarket shops and dining options.

Apart from Aiguablava Beach, Sa Tuna Beach and Las Calas de Fornells are nearly Caribbean-like, with transparent, sparkling, clean waters, white sand, and an intimate, small scale. While staying here, you MUST have lunch at Toc al Mar (in the cove below). After a life-affirming seafront lunch of grilled rock octopus, lobster rice, and their ridiculously delicious house rosé, kick off your shoes and have a siesta on the warm sand, bliss!

North of the Rioja Alavesa wine country and just a few miles east of the super foodie town of Vitoria, the Parador de Argómaniz is a perfectly preserved Renaissance palace. Set in the pristine Basque countryside next to the Parque Natural de Garaio, it’s a haven for wine-loving gourmets seeking a relaxing retreat. Vitoria, just a 15-minute drive from this Parador, is one of Spain’s coolest, most under-the-radar cities. It offers a cornucopia of cultural events and gastronomic treats. The Vitoria summer jazz festival is a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar and regularly attracts internationally renowned musicians and jazz legends. Over the last four decades, the festival has hosted brilliant performers like Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, Muddy Waters, Oscar Peterson, Sarah Vaughan, and Earth, Wind, and Fire. While San Sebastian’s pintxos bars attract tourists from all over the globe, Vitoria is a lesser-known food nirvana- without the crowds.

This Parador is desirable because it has the best of both worlds—a peaceful, tucked-away location in the Basque countryside, just a hop, skip, and a jump from lively Vitoria, with the celebrated wineries of Rioja Alavesa an easy drive to the south. You won’t be staying among the vineyards themselves, but it’s a wonderfully relaxing base for exploring Rioja’s wine country, returning after a day of winery visits to enjoy a glass of Rioja on the terrace and a fabulous dinner.

Dinner, then, is the highlight here. The restaurant is hugely popular with the locals, and the dining room is warm and friendly, with high ceilings lined with original wood beams, and feels like a luxe farmhouse. Chef Sergio Lacalzada is well respected for his “cocina de autor”- skilled, creative, and inspired Basque cuisine. Using exceptional local ingredients like Idiazábal cheese, Guernica peppers, fresh anchovies from Bermeo, ultra-fresh fish like sea bass and hake, smoked river trout, and of course high-welfare local beef, Sergio has created a faithful clientèle who keep coming back and spreading the word- that includes us! Everything on the menu is delicious; what a revelation. Stay a few nights here so you can do pintxos one night in Vitoria, and visit the nearby Rioja wine country, with its medieval villages and castles.

Protected from the open sea by a lovely bay, the hotel is nestled away in the Monterreal Peninsula. Its medieval fortress extends along the coastline, where you will find scenic walkways to admire the breathtaking bay (famous for its sunsets). From the hotel grounds, you have gorgeous coastal walks, beaches, views of bobbing fishing boats, and luxury yachts in all directions.

The hotel’s interior is suitably maritime-themed, with oil paintings of famous naval battles, navy-and-white nautical decor, and sea views from the rooms. Breakfast is super duper here; we love it! The restaurant is good too, though only a short taxi ride away; you mustn’t miss Rocamar (a “must” for its dramatic ocean views and fresh seafood). Other facilities include an outdoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, and the wonderful village of Baiona and its famous beaches, a 5-minute walk away. Fun fact: Baiona is also known as Villa de la Arribada (Port of Entry), as it was the first town in Europe to learn of the Americas’ existence when Christopher Columbus’s Pinta arrived here with the news.

This incredible spot is also a fabulous base for exploring the southern end of DO Rías Baixas, particularly the O Rosal wine country. Here, vineyards stretch towards the River Miño and the Portuguese border, and the local Albariños are wonderful. A morning visiting wineries, followed by a long seafood lunch back in Baiona, is a pretty perfect day!

This tastefully renovated 11th-century Benedictine monastery is now one of Spain’s most stylish Parador hotels and the winner of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler awards. It’s also in the heart of Asturias’ southwestern wine country. This part of Northern Spain is often called “Green Spain” and is undoubtedly one of the country’s best-kept secrets. The region is truly an oasis, with verdant green valleys, ethereal mountains, royal blue lakes, and a heavenly coastline. Indeed, from the Parador’s bedrooms, you’ll gaze over the tranquil Narcea River and the lush surrounding hills, sprinkled with pine trees and cascading vines.

The hotel sits in a gentle, unspoiled valley a few kilometers from the town of Cangas de Narcea, and the area is a hub for walkers, with countless trails and nature reserves within easy reach. On arrival, you will marvel at the majestic facade of this artistic masterpiece, coined the “Escorial of Asturias.” Admire the cloistered gardens and the pristine halls with their vaulted ceilings and stone floors. Unwind and zen out in one of the inviting lounge areas with contemporary décor and a peaceful ambiance.

One of the real pleasures of staying here is discovering the little-known wines of DOP Cangas. You can even taste wines from Bodegas Monasterio de Corias, right next door! Look out for unusual local grapes like Albarín Blanco, Albarín Negro, Carrasquín and Verdejo Negro, along with Mencía. You’re unlikely to find these wines on every Spanish wine list!

The excellent on-site spa features a heated indoor swimming pool, a Jet and hydro-massage pool, an Aroma mist shower, Turkish and Scottish showers, and VIP private treatment rooms. The 71 rooms and five junior suites (worth it for the extra space) all offer scenic views and the usual amenities (flat-screen TVs, free wifi, roomy bathrooms, etc.).

The food is a major draw here, and the gorgeous restaurant set in the monk’s ancient refectory is a true delight. Taste tantalizing dishes like verdina beans with clams, succulent monkfish, tender Asturian beef, and of course, Asturian fabada (the famous white bean stew with chorizo and morcilla). While you’re here, don’t miss the local wine estates and the magical walking opportunities, which will help you offset the delicious cuisine!

Chinchón is one of Spain’s best-preserved medieval villages, with its irregularly shaped Plaza Mayor lined with original timber houses that have long hosted important public events, from inquisition hearings to bullfights, lively markets, and outdoor plays. This tiny little hamlet has even been featured in films with actors as wide-ranging as John Wayne, David Niven, Orson Welles, and Rita Hayworth. The entire village has been declared a “Conjunto Histórico Artístico,” celebrating and protecting its artistic heritage as patrimony. It is a popular day excursion with an easy drive of under an hour from Madrid.

The main plaza fills up at lunchtime with happy tourists nibbling on tapas and classic Castilian fare like roast lamb, barbecued chorizo, cocido stew, and local sheep’s cheese, washed down with big Spanish red wines and the Anis liqueur made here. By night though, Chinchón transforms as the day-trippers leave, and you are transported back to medieval times. The illuminated Gothic church looks down over the Plaza Mayor, with its over 200 turquoise balconies. And what luck: a fabulous Parador where you can sleep, located in a 17th-century Augustinian monastery no less! The courtyard and gardens are charming to wander through on a warm evening. The décor pays homage to its monastic past with frescoes, antique paintings, and painted wood saints. But the vibe is welcoming, with big armchairs in every corner and plenty of private spaces to read, enjoy a quiet drink, or chat. The rooms harmonize perfectly with the main building, with oak beams, luxurious heavy curtains, high ceilings, lithographs, maps, and Spanish-tiled floors.

Wine lovers should also explore the surrounding countryside. Chinchón is part of the Arganda subzone of DO Vinos de Madrid, and the nearby villages, including Colmenar de Oreja, have a long winemaking tradition. It’s a lovely opportunity to taste some lesser-known Madrid wines before returning to the village for a fabulous lunch.

A perfect day would begin with a long, appetite-inducing walk around Chinchón (upgrade the walk with a private guide; there is so much history), then continue with a tapas feast in Plaza Mayor at the phenomenal “La Casa del Pregonero.” This inspired restaurant, located in the last town crier’s house, offers heirloom recipes given a modern touch and presentation using as many zero-mile ingredients as possible, especially the famous garlic from Chinchón. Finish the late afternoon, then take a swim at the Parador’s large outdoor pool with views over the gardens, then chillax in the sunshine by the pool with a glass of wine. If you have room for dinner, grab an outdoor table and try the pheasant paté with raisin bread and an artisan cheese plate. On your way out of Chinchón the next day, pick up one of the super cool artistic bread creations at Panaderia Vidal.

Jarandilla de la Vera is located in the green north of the province of Cáceres in Extremadura, amid oak and chestnut forests, medieval villages, deep river gorges, waterfalls, bucolic streams, and natural swimming pools. The word Jarandilla comes from Xarandiella, an Arabic word meaning “village of green fields.” Indeed, it was a Moorish village until the Knights Templar reconquered it under King Alfonso VIII. The region is exceptionally fertile and is where Spanish paprika (Pimentón de la Vera) is made. It’s also one of the most delightful hamlets in this beautiful, rural part of southwest Spain. The village is best known for its 15th-century fairy-tale castle, once home to Holy Roman Emperor Charles V while he waited for his palace at the Monastery of Yuste to be completed. It’s no wonder he chose this serene, verdant region to spend his final years, as the landscapes are calm and soothing. Today, this castle is amazingly a Parador hotel where you can stay! You may not want to leave once you arrive, as the castle grounds, palm trees, fortified towers, orange trees, alfresco tables, fountains, and massive outdoor swimming pool are so inviting.

The décor is “Middle Ages meets Country House.” The lounges and public areas feature all the usual castle trappings: coats of arms, tapestries, crests, busts, candelabra, a few hunting trophies here and there, and homey sofas and plush armchairs to sink into. While not ultra-luxury by any means, the 50+ rooms are supremely cheerful. You’ll sleep well in the high-quality beds, and our favorite rooms have mountain views.

Jarandilla isn’t one of those Paradores where you step outside and find yourself surrounded by wineries. I’ve included it because the food is so good, and because La Vera is such a delightful place to spend a few days. Extremadura has some of the most delectable cheese and charcuterie in the whole country. Torta del Casar cheese is a flavor bomb, ¡Dios mío! We recommend two nights and two dinners here as the region has so much to see, and the Parador menu options are fab. Try the artisan cheese platter, of course, the D.O. Dehesa Iberian Bellota ham, the patatas revolconas (mashed potatoes sprinkled liberally with Pimentón and flavored with bacon- sinful and a “must”), the cod croquettes with orange and rosemary chutney, the beef cheeks cooked in excellent local wine, the creamy rice with wild mushrooms and sheep’s cheese, and finish with homemade cheesecake.

You can walk it all off on the brilliant hiking routes nearby in the enchanting Sierra de Gredos, and right from the hotel, as the Ruta del Emperador trail starts just a gentle 10-minute walk from the Parador. This is a truly excellent weekend idea for food, wine, nature, and walking lovers.

La Granja is the perfect Parador if you are looking for a gastronomic spa break in an idyllic small town close to Madrid. Just a few miles from Segovia, this darling village is most famous for its 18th-century Royal Palace and extensive, manicured, French-style gardens decorated with Egyptian and Greek mythological sculptures and fountains. The palace was built for King Philip V (the first Spanish king in the French Bourbon dynasty, hence the French influence) in the early 1700s. Versailles heavily influenced the palace and gardens, and it served as a summer retreat for the court. It was a popular base for nobles on hunting excursions in the nearby Guadarrama mountains. The village of La Granja is also famous for the 18th-century Royal Glass factory, now a working museum where you can buy the prized, expensive La Granja crystal (the decanters and wine glasses are timeless). Finally, the third most famous location in this tiny town is your Parador hotel! Constructed in the late 1700s under King Charles III, this palace was a gift to his sons, the Infantes Gabriel and Antonio.

Renovated into a luxury hotel in 2007, it’s the perfect weekend getaway for enjoying simple pleasures like long lunches, spa time, and garden walks. The Royal Palace and gardens are only a few minutes’ walk away. While monumental and majestic, this Parador still feels like an intimate, cozy townhouse thanks to its polished decor and furniture. Contemporary art rubs shoulders with Greek-inspired sculptures, La Granja glass chandeliers, and bubbling fountains. The bedrooms are huge, with high ceilings, king-sized beds, and subdued beige, gray, cream, salmon, and terracotta hues. An outdoor swimming pool complements the indoor pool and spa, and various candlelit lounges are just perfect for relaxing with an aperitif and a magazine before dinner. Speaking of dinner, this is a highlight at this Parador!

You can’t leave without trying the “judiones de la Granja” (giant butter beans, considered to be the jewel in the crown of Segovian cuisine and served in a hearty stew). Another regional specialty is mouthwatering suckling pig, roasted in wood-fired clay ovens and served with confit potatoes. And their version of the Basque dish bacalao al pil-pil is a winner in warmer months.

The Paradores of Spain are well-loved and well-known as hotels in charming historic buildings or places of truly unique beauty. The Parador of León ticks both of these boxes. Quite simply, this flawlessly converted 16th-century monastery-hospital complex is jaw-dropping. It is one of Spain’s most magical and iconic Renaissance jewels! On arrival, admire the whimsical Spanish Plateresque façade. Take a tour through Spain’s antiquity as you study portraits of famous (real and legendary) personalities who left their imprint here, including Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Hannibal, Hercules, El Cid, Charlemagne, and, of course, Isabel and Ferdinand. Step inside and step back in history. Exquisite tapestries and period oil paintings adorn the whitewashed and ancient stone walls. Arched ceilings feature moody, intimate lighting, and a multitude of cozy lounge areas invite you to flop down with a huge novel and a glass of Bierzo wine on a lazy afternoon.

We love the chic, classic décor, and the renovation was completed in 2020. The 51 rooms are all distinctive, spacious, and elegant, with soothing gray, beige, white, burgundy, and hardwood color schemes. Heirloom furniture is throughout, with some unique headboards. The facilities here include an enchanting cloister with gardens, a café, and the refined Rey Don Sancho restaurant, specializing in traditional products and dishes like dry-cured beef cecina and the comforting Cocido Maragato- all presented with flair and a light touch.

And if you fancy getting out into wine country, the vineyards around Valdevimbre are only a short trip south of León. This is DO León territory, famous for its Prieto Picudo wines and traditional underground wine cellars. Bierzo is another favorite, but that’s a longer excursion further west.

Do enjoy a meal here, but whatever you do, don’t miss the fabulous Michelin-starred restaurant just next door—Cocinandos. León is one of our favorite cities in Spain and still a bit of a best-kept secret, with a wide array of “musts” like visiting the cathedral with its outstanding stained-glass windows and spending an afternoon in the Barrio Romántico grazing on tapas and enjoying the good life.

In Valdevimbre, you’ll find old underground wine cellars converted into wonderfully atmospheric restaurants, like Los Poinos, where you can feast on delicious lamb chops (chuletillas de lechazo) with a glass of local Prieto Picudo wine. For serious steak lovers, El Capricho in Jiménez de Jamuz serves José Gordón’s legendary aged ox steaks in a traditional underground wine cellar. It’s a little further afield, but what a treat!

This regal Ducal Palace dates back to the 17th century and was built for Francisco Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas (otherwise known as the Duke of Lerma). He was one of the most powerful and trusted nobles in King Philip (Felipe) III of Spain’s Habsburg court. Local legend says the duke ordered a network of secret, underground passageways to be built through the palace complex, linking it to the town’s religious buildings, such as the Collegiate Church of San Pedro and the convent. Scholars think he built these passageways in case he ever needed a quick escape. While this is a romantic notion, historians have not definitively proven it. What is certain, though, is that passageways exist between the underground cellars, as this is an ancient winemaking town. Underground cellars have been built under the town since time immemorial.

This atmospheric Palace is now a Parador hotel, and you can sleep like a king here! Located right in the heart of Lerma’s medieval quarter, it feels like a movie set when the Hamlet is illuminated at night. Choose from 69 rooms, plus a spacious suite, with an “updated medieval” décor of terracotta floors, four-post beds, rich gold-and-burgundy fabrics, and plenty of elegant dark wood. The hotel has a charming, central, arched courtyard with timber beams, potted palms, and period furniture.

This is a fantastic spot for an evening aperitif of local Arlanza wine before dinner. Lerma is in the heart of DO Arlanza country, with wineries dotted around the surrounding villages. Ribera del Duero is another wonderful wine region to explore if you’re traveling further south. The restaurant is set in a distinguished, graceful, vaulted dining room. You can enjoy authentic local dishes like cochinillo (suckling pig), Venison with a chestnut sauce, and convent custard desserts. A less formal, highly recommended gastronomic experience in Lerma is the mythical baby lamb dish called “lechazo,” roasted in centennial wood ovens. Our favorite tavern in town is the lively Asador Casa Brigante, right in the square and just steps from the Parador. The “lechazo” here is to die for!!

Tucked into a thick chestnut forest on a hillside overlooking the stunning Sil River gorge, the Parador Santo Estevo sits in one of the world’s most picturesque wine regions: Ribeira Sacra. Today, world-class vines hang on for dear life on the almost comically steep terraces along the Sil and Miño rivers, then are painstakingly hand-harvested. It’s no wonder the winemakers here are called heroic! This corner of Galicia is also blessed with a rich collection of historic architecture, including many extraordinary monasteries (the monks carried on winemaking traditions after the Romans). Parador Santo Estevo is located in a particularly remarkable monastery whose origins are traditionally traced to the 6th century.

Over the last 1500 years, it has been added to, improved, and indeed rebuilt, and many influences combine to make this building so exceptional. There’s a Baroque façade, a Romanesque church, a Gothic cloister (not to mention a separate Romanesque cloister and a third Renaissance cloister), and stone altarpieces thought to have been made in the 12th century. Basically, the complex is a beautiful assortment of styles. While strolling through the ethereal, stone halls at night here, for a moment, you might feel like you have stepped into Sean Connery’s “In the name of the rose” film.

That is, of course, until you walk into the classy spa, head out to your panoramic deck, settle into the outdoor jacuzzi, and crack open a bottle of Ribeira Sacra wine while soaking up the views of the surrounding woodland! Austere? This hotel is not. Flattering lighting and a handsome color scheme of white, deep red, and light pine brighten the public spaces. Most of the 77 rooms have characterful features like centuries-old granite windowsills, marble bathrooms, and hardwood floors.

Exploring the wineries here is a real adventure, with winding roads, tiny villages, and vineyards clinging to those impossibly steep hillsides. Give yourself plenty of time, as this is one wine region where you really don’t want to rush!

Dine on traditional Galician dishes like grilled octopus, Padron peppers, and baked zamburiñas (scallops) in the monastery’s converted old stables or al fresco on the terrace overlooking the forest. This is a fantastic place to stay while visiting the Ribeira Sacra wine country, and needless to say, it is featured in our Galicia wine tours.