We know from our experiences that a trip across the Paradores of Northern Spain is a brilliant way of discovering the region, and have therefore planned a fascinating 2-week package! You’ll discover six different regions, each with their own charm. Enjoy the wild outdoors in Asturias or sample authentic wines in La Rioja. Our pre-made vacation package allow you to focus on the experience rather than the planning, but remember: this trip is entirely customizable to suit your needs, so you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your trip to Spain.
To receive a trip proposal for the number of days and travellers, please contact us by email info@intoasturias.com or fill in an enquiry below. ¡Hasta pronto!
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in Spanish history than by staying in a Parador. Originating from the verb parar (“to stop”), the word Parador in Spanish literally means “stopping place” or “inn”. These luxury hotels are located in historic buildings such as castles, palaces, convents, and fortresses, or in stunning natural locations, serving as a resting place for travellers and a preservation of Spanish cultural heritage. Although the concept was initiated by King Alfonso XIII way back in 1928, nowadays, there are over 90 paradores in Spain, all in beautiful and usually lesser-known locations.
Here’s a brief overview of what we have in store for you…
What We Offer
Beautiful Locations:
Castilla y León, Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country, and La Rioja
- León: Located in the historic region of Castilla y León, León is known for its stunning Gothic architecture and medieval streets. The Parador de León, set in the monumental Hostal de San Marcos, is a breathtaking Renaissance building.
- Santiago de Compostela (Galicia): The heart of pilgrimage in Spain, Santiago de Compostela marks the end of the Camino de Santiago. The Parador Hostal dos Reis Católicos, originally a pilgrims’ hospital, now serves as a luxurious parador, right next to the famous Cathedral of Santiago!
- Cangas de Onís (Asturias): Nestled in the lush landscapes of Asturias, Cangas de Onís is the gateway to the Picos de Europa National Park. The Parador de Cangas de Onís, a former monastery, is beautifully situated by the Sella River.
- Santillana del Mar (Cantabria): A perfectly preserved medieval town, Santillana del Mar is often described as the “Town of Three Lies”; it’s neither holy (santi), flat (llana), nor by the sea (mar). But don’t let its name fool you: staying at the Parador de Santillana del Mar, you can wander through cobbled streets lined with stone houses, a perfectly picturesque experience!
- Hondarribia (Basque Country): Positioned on the northern coast near the French border, Hondarribia is a fortified town with medieval walls and stunning views of the Bay of Biscay. The Parador de Hondarribia, set within a 10th-century castle, offers panoramic views over the estuary. You can easily take a day trip to San Sebastian and Bilbao to visit the capital.
- La Rioja (La Rioja): Famed for its wine culture, La Rioja is the perfect destination to explore vineyards and medieval villages. The Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada is located in a historic pilgrimage town.
Exciting Experiences
The benefit of packing six regions into one trip is that there’s always something unique to do. We have plenty of recommendations for every sort of traveller, such as…
- Cultural Immersion: Learn about the history of each place you visit. Explore León’s Gothic cathedral, the Altamira Cave, and even the Guggenheim Museum.
- Gastronomic Delights: Enjoy a variety of new flavours: from a tour of Santiago de Compostela’s Mercado de Abastos, wine tasting in La Rioja, to even an additional sidrería visit in Asturias, there’s something for everyone.
- Natural Wonders: Hike part of the Camino de Santiago in Galicia or enjoy a private birdwatching tour in the beautiful Lagos de Covadonga. What a way to reconnect with nature!
Travel Support
One of the main benefits of planning your perfect trip with us is our travel support. Don’t stress about finding hotels, or searching through an overwhelming amount of suggested activities, or wondering what to do each day! We do all the planning to ensure a hassle-free holiday.
- Curated Itinerary: We handle all the logistics—such as accommodations and guided tours—so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.
- Completely Customizable: If you’d like to change anything about the trip (the number of travellers, length of your stay, or order of the tours) we’d be more than happy to do so. Our trips are entirely customizable to suit your needs.
- Recommendations and Advice: We’re here to help you before, during and after your trip! If you have any questions, we’d be more than happy to support you and your family.
- Sustainability Guarantee: intoAsturias is part of the Proyecto Corredor de Ecoturismo, an ecotourism corridor across northern Spain. This means we ensure your trip respects the natural environment and supports local communities. Moreover, we are Travelife Certified, a guarantee that our travel agency is committed to sustainability. Read more about our commitment to sustainable travel here!
Ready to discover the Paradores of Northern Spain?
Take a break from the everyday and immerse yourself in the beauty of northern Spain. Book with us today for an unforgettable holiday experience!
Are you looking for shorter tours? We have a variety of shorter, one-day activities you can include in your holiday to northern Spain. Whether you’re looking to hike part of the Camino de Santiago, spot bears and wolves, or simply want to explore the region, take a look at our variety of activities on offer!
To receive a trip proposal for the number of days and travellers, please contact us by email info@intoasturias.com or fill in an enquiry. ¡Hasta pronto!
Itinerary
Today, you’ll travel to León from your starting location. If you’re flying into Madrid, León is only a short ride away. In the afternoon, stroll the medieval streets of the Barrio Húmedo and try sampling local tapas!
Visit the Gothic León Cathedral and its famous stained-glass windows, or tour Gaudí’s Casa Botines. To explore the culture, enjoy the archeology and fine arts displays in the Museum of León.
Today, you’ll head from León to Galicia’s capital, Santiago de Compostela, known for being the final destination in the Camino de Santiago. Wander the UNESCO Old Town, or enjoy an evening tasting of traditional Galician seafood!
Opt for a half-day market tour to sample Galician specialties at the renowned Mercado de Abastos, or, if you’re feeling active, hike part of Camino de Santiago with an English-speaking guide.
Today, you’ll travel East towards the beautiful Cangas de Onís. Admire the Roman Bridge, explore the old town, or even try the local “sidra”!
Cangas de Onís is a brilliant access point to explore the Picos de Europa and the Lagos de Covadonga. Enjoy a complete immersion into nature with a private birding excursion led by an English-speaking guide.
A short ride away is Santillana del Mar. Today, you can take in the charm of this little village and enjoy a relaxing day wandering through its cobbled streets and taking in its history. Alternatively, spend some time unwinding in the nearby beaches of Suances or Comillas.
A 10-minute ride away from Santillana del Mar lie the Altamira Caves, a cave complex housing prehistoric cave art over 14,000 years old under the World Heritage designation.
Today, you’ll head to Hondarribia. Enjoy its coastal charm, explore its Gothic and Renaissance buildings, and make sure to try the local pintxos!
Take the opportunity to visit Bilbao, where you can visit the renowned Guggenheim Museum or take a guided bike tour through the city.
Your last stop is in La Rioja, where you discover towns such as Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Arnedillo, Haro and Logroño and enjoy their beautiful scenery.
For your last day in Spain, visit the spectacular Bardenas Reales Nature Reserve in the morning and in the evening, unwind with a guided wine tour through a local vineyard.
Today, you’ll travel to the airport to head back home, after what we hope is a fun-packed trip in northern Spain!
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