From the mountains of Sierra Nevada to the coastline of Cantabria John Hillman looks at a hotel chain unlike any other.

There are few places in the world where you can enjoy the radiant luxury of a five star hotel coupled with the historical fascination of a medieval castle.

Imagine being able to book a night in a luxury sweet, complete with four-poster bed and a fine-dining restaurant, in the Tower of London or Lambeth Palace?

Welcome to the world of Los Paradores, Spain’s luxury state-owned hotels set in unique historical buildings across the country.

There are more than 85 in total, some in converted Moorish fortresses, others in medieval monasteries, 15th Century convents or fairy tale castles. Often surrounded by sweet scented gardens, and the ruggedly dramatic scenery associated with the Spanish landscape, there are very few other countries that offer visitors such a genuinely unique experience.

Paradors, meaning “stopping places”, began life when King Alfonso XIII decided to kick start the Spanish tourist industry back in 1923 by offering state sponsored luxury accommodation and since then the number has grown and grown.

The restaurants in each one offer excellent locally sourced recipes and are widely considered the height of foodie sophistication for any budding Jamie Olivers amongst you.

A true romantic driving holiday around northern Spain could feasibly consist of a short drive to a new region and a different luxury experience every night. If you take the Pride of Bilbao with P&O Ferries and drive the short distance to San Sebastian you can experience the Parador de Hondarribia, a hotel set in a 10th Century Castle built by the King of Navarre that looks out across the Atlantic from its elevated cliff-top position. Spectacular.

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image credit: wili hybrid

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