There’s a side of Spain that you’ll never reach if you stay close to the surface. For those looking to venture deeper into a country so vast the options are almost overwhelming, these are experiences that will focus your attention on what really matters. One-of-a-kind accommodations, called paradores; culinary excursions that go beyond your basic food tours; and authentic cultural immersions are all part of Spain’s Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel program, which maps out highly exclusive yet responsible expereinces for the curious explorer, many of which are highlighted below.
This story was created in partnership with the Tourist Office of Spain.
Paradores in Spain
What are Paradores?
Spain’s paradores are a network of nearly 100 government-managed accommodations where the goal is to intersect history and tourism. These heritage monuments across Spain, which include castles, monasteries, and historic estates, have been converted into luxury accommodations that focus on wellness, gastronomy, sustainability, and supporting local economies. By repurposing this infrastructure, Spain provides visitors the opportunity to not only become one with living history but to build a deeper understanding and appreciation of Spanish culture.
Parador Hotels
Parador de Limpias is a nature enthusiast’s dream come true. Stroll nearby beaches and lush on-site gardens or wander into the nearby village of Liminas, situated on the estuary of the river Asón.
Parador de Lerma was built by the Duke of Lerma in the 17th century over the site of a medieval castle. History lovers relish the ornate architecture and the fact that the palace once hosted royalty such as Napoleon Bonaparte.
Parador de Corias is the only one of Spain’s paradores still actively hosting guests alongside original inhabitants. This Benedictine monastery is still home to a small convent of monks, and visitors can enjoy activities ranging from treatments in the new spa to traditional beekeeping.
Parador Sos del Rey Católico is nestled atop the cobbled streets of the birthplace of King Ferdinand. The surrounding Aragonese countryside is the perfect backdrop for a hike or wine tasting.
More Extraordinary Accommodations
Spain’s rural interior is home to a handful of working farms and agritourism stays where the land shapes the experience. Nature Space Jabugo is an Adalusia-based farm stay in Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park. Guests sleep in remote cottages built with local stone and clay, surrounded by wildlife and organic agricultural practices. In the town of Salem in Valendia, Granja San Miguel is lovingly operated by the owner, Jesú, on her grandparents’ farm, with modern appeal ranging from pet-friendly policies to nearby canyoneering and rock climbing. Up north in the Basque country, Casa Rural Etxegorri is a family-owned country house in Gorbeia Natural Park that pledges the Natura 2000 Sustainable Tourism Recognition program.
For travelers who want history built into the walls around them, restored heritage properties like La Casa de los Moyas provide refurbished bespoke homes full of cozy corners. This particular property sleeps up to 19 — ideal for a group retreat. Alternatively, book in to the family-run bed and breakfast of Hotel Rural La Puebla. Reconstructed stone by stone to honor the village’s architectural legacy, it’s perched above the Ebro Canyon within a UNESCO Global Geopark. In Catalonia, Mas Pineda Oix is a reimagined rural farmhouse where incredible seasonal activities like mushroom foraging and horseback riding tie guests to the rhythms of the surrounding landscape.
Then there are the stays built for pure escape. Cabanyes Entre Valls in Catalonia offers treehouses and Passivhaus-certified cabins for the ultimate glamping retreat, where sweeping panoramic views from hot-tub-adorned balconies make a compelling case for leaving your phone behind.
Go Beyond Your Typical Tour
Forget traipsing around in a horde of people. If you want to try some of the best things to do in Spain, look no further than these exceptional tour experiences led by local stewards who care.
Walking Tours
In Barcelona, Migrantour is showing the world’s capital of culture through the eyes of the centuries of immigrants who made it so. The local guides help widen perspectives through multi-cultural understanding and provide a deeper look into the global influence that shaped Barcelona, Catalonia, and all of Spain.
Gastronomy & Culinary Experiences
Similar to Migrantour, Mescladís is demonstrating Spain’s multi-cultural dimensions through food. For more than twenty years, cooking workshops open to all (an ethos of welcome they stand firmly behind) have opened minds of curious culinary enthusiasts in working test and training kitchens. South in Valencia, Casa Montana serves up tapas with a focus on sustainably sourcing directly from sea to fork. In the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere, Bodega Txakola offers regenerative viticultural wine tours at their family-owned vineyard. Try a boat tour through the surrounding biosphere, spotting wildlife and learning about local maritime traditions.
Discover “Green” Spain
The green side of Spain isn’t just a reference to the surprisingly lush landscapes of the Basque country in the north. It’s also a nod to the extraordinary sustainability efforts across the country. Seeing green Spain means embarking on ecotours in Sierra Nevada, Valencia, or the Ebro Delta. Responsible operators curate small-group excursions in all three of these areas for curated nature-forward experiences.
