Hotel reviews

The Parador of Zafra is located on the “ruta de la plata” - which may be the oldest road in Europe. This is the way tin was brought from the mines in England and Galicia all the way down to where the Phoenician traders in Huelva and Cadiz would ship it to the markets in Egypt and Mesopotamia.

Seven hundred years ago, after being in the hands of the Romans, Zafra was controlled by one Lorenzo Suarez de Figueroa. He fortified the city by building a wall around it , and then built himself a citadel on top of (and using the stones from) a former Moorish alcazar (fortress) . This castle is now the Parador of Zafra.

Though the edifice is well fortified and austere on the outside, inside it is delicate and palatial. There is a two level arcade - each with three arches on three of its sides. You get the immediate feel of “Renaissance” as soon as you pass through the Parador Zafra’s main door. The interior has beautiful coffered ceilings, fine iron-work railings. There and decorative details that still remain form the original palace including embellishments of marble and jasper. There is also a Gothic chapel with a wonderful octagonal cupola (dome). The best dishes of the region can be found in the classic dining room, such as lamb stew, ‘migas extreme

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The Parador Ubeda sits majestically on one side of the Plaza de Vasquez Molina - a plaza with as much character as any in Spain. It is shaped rather like an “L.” Adjacent to the Parador is the wonderful chapel of El Salvador. The Palacio de Vasquez de Molina - today acting as city hall - is on one side, and the Renaissance church of Santa Maria de los Reales Alcazares is at the far end of the plaza. In other words, the Parador Ubeda sits in the exact center of the most historically important section of the city.

In addition to a marvelous main plaza, Ubeda is the town in Andalucia with perhaps the largest number of Renaissance palaces. The town has been called the “Florence of Andalucia.” Wander through the old parts of town and admire the many centuries-old structures still standing and in fine shape.
The Parador is the former palace of Don Fernando Ortega Salido. Originally a Moorish palace - he had it rebuilt to his liking - then had the chapel built right next to it. Hemingway, Pio Baroja, Garcia Lorca, and Paul Bowles have all stayed here at the Parador, so it has attracted a particularly literary crowd!

Interesting excursions from Parador Ubeda into the city:

- Don’t miss the Hospital De Santiago.

- The Isabelline style Iglesia de Santiago is well worth a visit.

- The grand Iglesia El Salvador.

- The 17th century Convento de Santa Teresa.

- The chapel of San Juan de la Cruz contains relics of Saint John of the Cross.

Interesting day trips include:

- Driving over to the “twin” town of Baeza makes for a pleasant half-day trip. For a special treat, ask around for directions to the olive press of Nunez De Prado. There are two brothers here that produce the finest hand-crafted varietal and blended olive oil in all of Spain.

- Cordoba is an easy day trip, and its many wonders are far too numerous to list here - don’t miss the awesome Mezquita, and the Barrio Juderia.
- The Cazorla Nature Preserve is very near and presents great opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.

- Jaen is an interesting town with another great Parador that sits atop a massive rocky hill. Drive over and have lunch - the views from the Parador are incredible.

Ubeda is one of those cities that most tourists pass by. For those that do visit, a very appealing blend of the 16th century and modern times awaits - as does the magnificent Parador of Ubeda.

SpainParador.com makes it easy for you to plan and arrange your next trip to Spain. This time stay in palaces, castles, and other places of great historical interest and rare beauty - the wonderful Paradors of Spain. http://www.SpainParador.com

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This Parador in Malaga is located on the famous “Costa Del Sol” of Spain. There are great views of the sea from the Parador which has a ‘look-out’ postion over the city. It sits next to an centuries-old Moorish fortress (Alcazaba) - the Gibralfaro.

In ancient times, there was kept lit a fire on this hill that guided the ships out at sea into the harbor of the city (this is how the name Gibralfaro came about; “gibral” = mountain, “faro” = light).

The Parador of Malaga is surrounded by pretty pine trees and has extensive garden areas. There is a swimming pool on the top where you can swim and lounge with the incredible views. As well, each bedroom has it’s own small balcony and views.

The restaurant at Parador Malaga offers a superb menu that specializes in sea food and typical Andalusian cuisine.

The city of Malaga is the gateway to the Costa Del Sol, but - if that’s where you’re headed - do stop awhile in this wonderful city and visit before moving on to the “sun and sand.” Malaga has one of the busiest ports in Andalucia, fine golf courses and restaurants, and a host of things to keep travelers busy and entertained during their visit.

Interesting nearby excursions from Parador Malaga:

- The Moorish Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro. These are right near the Parador of Malaga and best preserve what remains architecturally of the once-powerful Moorish controllers of this city. Climb up on the old walls of the castle and get a great view out over the city.

- The new Picasso Museum (Picasso was a native son of Malaga).

- The city’s central zone has some interesting churches and other museums worth visiting.

- The Alameda Principal is a great place to stroll and watch the busy Malague

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