They have been royal palaces, castles, manor houses, monasteries and convents but now government-owned paradors, iconic and often historic buildings, are the perfect places to experience Spanish culture. 

Here are some of the best…

Grand in Granada

Ancient: Parador San Francisco, pictured, is set within the ground of Alhambra palace in Andalucia

Parador San Francisco is in a splendid setting within the Alhambra, the Moorish hilltop palace constructed in the Andalusian city of Granada between 1238 and 1358.

Originally part of a 14th century palace, it was later converted into a Franciscan convent.

Don’t miss: Exploring the parador’s tower and serene courtyard – plus enjoying an evening drink in the gardens.

Details: From £390; fly to Malaga, 78 miles away.

WORLD’S OLDEST HOTEL?

A room at Santiago de Compostela, which has Gothic and Baroque touches and has provided lodging for pilgrims since the 15th century

Said to be the oldest hotel in the world, Parador de Santiago de Compostela has provided lodging for pilgrims since the 15th century, and guests who have completed the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage are offered free meals. 

This luxurious parador has lovely Gothic and Baroque architectural touches.

Don’t miss: Visiting the wonderful next-door cathedral.

Details: From £165; fly to Santiago, eight miles away.

FORTRESS WITH ROOMS

In a Galician manor house within a medieval fortress close to the Portuguese border, Parador de Baiona features vaulted ceilings, lovely secluded gardens and a pool.

Over the years, the fortress fought off pirates as well as one of our own: Sir Francis Drake, repelled in 1585.

Don’t miss: A stroll through the old town and along the waterfront and port.

Details: From £139; fly to Vigo in Portugal, 13 miles away.

FOODIES’ DREAM

Parador de Alcala de Henares is within the Unesco World Heritage Site town of Alcala de Henares, birthplace of famed writer Miguel de Cervantes. It retains many original features and also has a pool and spa. Rooms are across two buildings.

Don’t miss: Its two excellent restaurants: San Tomas and Hosteria.

Details: From £165; fly to Madrid, 17 miles away.

MOORISH AND MOREISH

Elegant: Parador de Carmona boasts a fabulous Moorish-style tiled courtyard, above

Set within a medieval fortress that dominates the town of Carmona, with views across the Andalusian plains, Parador de Carmona has a Moorish-style tiled inner courtyard complete with a fountain.

Don’t miss: A trip to see the nearby Roman amphitheatre and necropolis.

Details: From £138; fly to Seville, 18 miles away.

CADIZ IN STYLE

Also known as Hotel Atlantico, Parador de Cadiz is stylish and modern, located on the seafront. The hotel, just a few minutes’ walk from Cadiz’s atmospheric old town, features a swanky spa.

Don’t miss: A visit to the walls and fortresses of Puertas Tierra.

Details: From £139; fly to Seville, 87 miles away.

WONDER OF RONDA

Historic: Parador de Ronda on El Tago gorge, pictured, offers spectacular views 

Spectacularly located by the 120m El Tago gorge, Parador de Ronda has wonderful views across the Andalusian hilltop town of Ronda – and plush rooms. 

Its restaurant serves local dishes such as perdiz de la serrania (partridge braised in wine).

Don’t miss: A visit to the museum at the nearby bullring.

Details: From £165; fly to Malaga, 75 miles away.

LUXURIOUS MONASTERY

Within a former monastery with vaulted ceilings and a spectacular freestanding staircase, Parador de Plasencia has luxurious rooms with smart ensuite bathrooms. Plasencia is a pleasant market town in the province of Extremadura.

Don’t miss: An early-evening drink on the terrace as you soak in the surroundings.

Details: From £115; fly to Madrid, 162 miles away.

CLASSY CASTLE

Parador de Sigüenza is within a magnificent 12th century castle in the city of Siguenza. Don’t be put off by the forbidding battlements – the interior is lavish. The old banqueting hall is now a huge lounge decorated with suits of armour.

Don’t miss: The 13th century Romanesque chapel.

Details: From £119; fly to Madrid, 75 miles away.

LIVELY LEON

Parador de Leon houses an impressive collection of paintings and tapestries

Parador de Leon is in one of Leon’s most prominent and distinguished buildings, a former monastery dating from the 16th century. The interior is packed with works of art from Flemish school paintings to tapestries and contemporary works.

Don’t miss: A drink and tapas in the town’s lively Humedo district.

Details: From £164; fly to Leon via Barcelona.

BRAVO IN COSTA BRAVA

Overlooking the Mediterranean on a rocky cliff by a Costa Brava beach, Parador de Aiguablava is a modern four-star hotel. There’s an excellent outdoor pool and well-regarded restaurants nearby.

Don’t miss: A trip to nearby Figueras to visit the Dali museum.

Details: From £138; fly to Girona, 30 miles away.

CULTURED CANARIES

In San Sebastian, the capital of Canary island La Gomera, Parador de La Gomera is in a manor house. 

It enjoys outstanding views of Tenerife and its mountain, the volcanic Teide, and is surrounded by spectacular sub-tropical gardens. Rooms are smart with traditional decor and fans.

Don’t miss: A visit to Garajonay National Park, a prehistoric rainforest.

Details: From £155 to £263; fly to Tenerife and catch a ferry.

COUNTRYSIDE CALM

Parador de Santo Estevo is a converted monastery with a remote feel 

In a former Benedictine monastery, parts of which date from 6th century, Parador de Santo Estevo is set in remote, wonderfully peaceful countryside – plus it has an excellent restaurant.

Don’t miss: A pre-dinner drink in the parador’s unusual bar within a cloister.

Details: From £123; fly to Santiago de Compostela, 75 miles away.

DRAMATIC MOUNTAINS

By the dramatic Picos de Europa, Parador de Cangas de Onis is another former monastery dating from the 12th century. Standard rooms are in a modern wing, while the best are in the old monastery.

Don’t miss: A stroll through town to see the nearby five-arched Roman bridge.

Details: From £123; fly to Asturias Airport, 60 miles away

BASQUE TREAT

Dominating the Basque town of Hondarribia on Spain’s border with France, Parador de Hondarribia is within a magnificent 10th century castle. Its highlight is a superb terrace for sunset drinks looking across to France.

Don’t miss: A trip to the nearby beach.

Details: From £138; fly to Oviedo, 40 miles away.

BEST OF MALAGA

On a hill above the old quarter of Malaga, Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro is far enough away from the beaches to be crowd free. It’s in a small traditional stone mansion next to a castle with great city views from the terrace.

Don’t miss: The nearby Picasso Museum.

Details: From £133; fly to Malaga.

Prices quoted are B&B per night for two people. Paradors can be booked in the UK through Keytours International (keytoursinternational.co.uk).