Best Budget Tips for Barcelona and Madrid (and the rest of Spain)
Jun 10th, 2008, 11:31 AM
#21
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If you are planning to travel by train, remember that Renfe begins selling their tickets two months prior, and that they have two special fares called WEB and ESTRELLA. If you manage to get a WEB fare, you can get a 60% discount on the normal fare.
As Isabel mentions, buses can be more convenient and cheaper than the train. Check if they have a VIP or SUPRA service on the route you want to take. A bit more expensive than the normal bus, but extremely comfortable (and depending on the route you get free snacks).
Looking for hotels in Madrid, think outside of the tourist center. Instead of looking for a hotel near the caotic Puerta del Sol, look for an offer at the 4 stars located at the top of the Castellana (quite usual). Far away from the Plaza Mayor, yes. Well communicated with metro lines (25 minutes from Barajas T4) and buses, yes. A few normal supermarkets around (Mercadona, Caprabo-Eroski), a wonderful grocery market inside a big shopping mall (La Vaguada), the very, very yummy La Garriga nearby, free exhibitions at Fundación Canal and a glimpse into the way normal people live.
Bye, Cova
As Isabel mentions, buses can be more convenient and cheaper than the train. Check if they have a VIP or SUPRA service on the route you want to take. A bit more expensive than the normal bus, but extremely comfortable (and depending on the route you get free snacks).
Looking for hotels in Madrid, think outside of the tourist center. Instead of looking for a hotel near the caotic Puerta del Sol, look for an offer at the 4 stars located at the top of the Castellana (quite usual). Far away from the Plaza Mayor, yes. Well communicated with metro lines (25 minutes from Barajas T4) and buses, yes. A few normal supermarkets around (Mercadona, Caprabo-Eroski), a wonderful grocery market inside a big shopping mall (La Vaguada), the very, very yummy La Garriga nearby, free exhibitions at Fundación Canal and a glimpse into the way normal people live.
Bye, Cova
Jun 10th, 2008, 11:37 AM
#22
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And take into account that Spaniards (or locals, as in any other country) can´t afford to spend as much as tourists do in their everyday life, they don´t usually eat or drink at the places tourists do and there´s a life just a few hundred metres from the tourist spots.
Easy to say, hard to follow, this advice may need some time to adapt and a better knowledge of the place.
Easy to say, hard to follow, this advice may need some time to adapt and a better knowledge of the place.
Jun 10th, 2008, 11:57 AM
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Last: if thirsty, a glass of tap water is free in any bar!! (tap water is very good in Madrid and in all the northern part of Spain, maybe not that good in Barcelona). You don´t have to buy a bottle of water at inflated prices, just ask for a vaso de agua, por favor. Or refill it with tap water in the wc, perfectly good and safe and an accepted custom.
Jun 10th, 2008, 12:59 PM
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Mikel, bad news. At least in Madrid they are planning on charging for the tap water.
It was in the news a month ago or so, and most of the places that were planning on doing it were the very, very tourist places in the center. The only problem is that they should put it in the drink list, and the town council hasn´t allowed it yet.
Mind you, I wouldn´t enter into a bar and simply order a glass of water. Get something else plus the water.
Bye, Cova
Ps. How was the rain last Sunday? Dear brother still complains about it. It seems that Getxo hasn´t dried up
It was in the news a month ago or so, and most of the places that were planning on doing it were the very, very tourist places in the center. The only problem is that they should put it in the drink list, and the town council hasn´t allowed it yet.
Mind you, I wouldn´t enter into a bar and simply order a glass of water. Get something else plus the water.
Bye, Cova
Ps. How was the rain last Sunday? Dear brother still complains about it. It seems that Getxo hasn´t dried up
Jun 10th, 2008, 02:35 PM
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For good hotel prices in the cities, try sol-melia.com, or bancotel coupons which can be purchased from bancotel.com or through petrabax.com.
Cova,
If you think you've been getting alot of rain in Spain, you should only know what we're having here in Seattle!
Cova,
If you think you've been getting alot of rain in Spain, you should only know what we're having here in Seattle!
Jun 10th, 2008, 08:49 PM
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I can´t believe how much rain we are getting on May and June, Cova, hard to believe...and not getting better
Also, I can´t believe they are charging the tap water!! Water from the tap must remain free by all means
Also, I can´t believe they are charging the tap water!! Water from the tap must remain free by all means
Jun 10th, 2008, 09:21 PM
#28
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About charging tap water, that was an idea by some restaurants, but didn't heard of it again. If it's not in the list of prices, sealed by CAM, they can't charge you.
Last week i was in a Vips, drink tap water as usual and wasn't charged for it.
Many good advices for saving euros here, some come handy even for me. I agree one of the best ways to save money is eating in cheap restaurants, menu of the day, buying in supermarkets and even fast food.
If eating local food in a many-stars restaurant isn't a must, all these options are perfect.
Last week i was in a Vips, drink tap water as usual and wasn't charged for it.
Many good advices for saving euros here, some come handy even for me. I agree one of the best ways to save money is eating in cheap restaurants, menu of the day, buying in supermarkets and even fast food.
If eating local food in a many-stars restaurant isn't a must, all these options are perfect.
Jun 11th, 2008, 02:51 AM
#29
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Hola
The following Madrid info is largely plagiarised so apologies and thanks to the authors. I can't vouch for how up to date it is or for its accuracy.
Flamenco:
Arco de Cuchilleros (Calle Cuchilleros 7. Tel. 914 295 675. Metro Sol). Open since 1961, the best Flamenco singers and dancers have performed here. The show lasts from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Closed Mondays.
Candela (Calle del Olmo 2. Tel. 914 673 382. Metro Tirso de Molina). This one of the most famous and frequented Flamenco bars in Madrid. Art professionals and aficionados usually go there. There are Flamenco shows almost every day, and it is not uncommon to pull someone up to sing, play or dance. Pure Flamenco in an authentic environment.
Cardamomo (Calle Echegaray 15. Tel. 913 690 757. Metro Sevilla). This is one of the most traditional Flamenco bars. The shows start after 10:30 p.m. every day. The weekends are especially full. The “jam session” every Wednesday starting after 10:30 p.m. is recommended.
Clan (Ronda de Toledo 20. Tel. 915 288 401. Metro Embajadores). Located in the Rastro area of Madrid, this is a picturesque restaurant by day specializing in appetizers: beers, wines and tapas, enlivened with good music. Around midnight it transforms into a bar with live shows from Wednesday to Saturday. Flamenco is the main genre, but they also have jazz, canción de autor (singer-songwriter), belly dancing, tango… Closed Mondays.
La Soleá (Cava Baja 27. Tel. 913 653 308. Metro La Latina). This is not a locale usually frequented by tourists because the Flamenco shows are very authentic. The show starts in the evening and lasts until the first hours of the morning.
Peña Flamenca Chaquetón (Calle Canarias 9. Tel. 916 712 777. Metro Palos de la Frontera). This is the meeting place for the most demanding Flamenco public. Shows are held every day, starting at 11:30 p.m. and going until dawn. The name of the bar pays homage to the deceased singer Chaquetón.
Gabrieles (Los) : free live shows every Tuesday night, starting after 10.30 p.m
Echegaray, 17 Metro Sevilla Madrid 28014 Tel: +34 91 4296261 One of Madrid's long-established flamenco clubs that exudes character, it has always attracted celebrities. The bullfighter Manolete was a regular, and film star Ava Gardner used to come here a lot searching for excitement whenever Sinatra wasn't looking. Flamenco shows start at 10pm. The interior decor alone is worth visiting for and features painted ceramic tiles depicting bullfighting scenes and excellent copies of famous paintings. As for the music, it's an up-to-date mix of flamenco, funk and salsa. If you come during the afternoon and early evening, you'll find the place to be relaxed and welcoming, as it doesn't really get going until after 10pm. It opens at 1 p.m. and closes at 2:30 a.m., except for Fridays and Saturdays when the hours are extended until 3:30 a.m. There are live shows every Tuesday.
Neighbourhood: Huertas & Santa Ana
Tablao Flamenco Arco de Cuchilleros on Calle Cuchilleros on your left and just south of the well renowned Arco de Cuchilleros. There is no entrance fee, just a 700 peseta. (approx. $4) per person minimum on spending inside.
Prado Museum: Free on Sundays 9:00am - 14:00pm
El Rastro Flea Market: Free and operates every Sunday. One of the largest flea markets in the world. Spread over several blocks. Lots of cheap unusual items, clothing and accessories, gifts etc. This was cool! Just watch out for pickpockets.
Retiro Park: Lovely green respite all for free!
Museo Naval: Paseo del Prado, 5. If you’re into naval stuff this is fantastic. I loved it! Admission: free. 9am-2pm Mon-Fri.
Palacio Real (Royal Palace): If your visit falls on the first Wednesday of the month, look for the changing of the guard ceremony, which occurs at noon and is free to the public.
Alhambra Tapas Bar: Victoria 9. I loved this place. It had so much authentic Spanish atmosphere. Keep buying beer and the tapas seem to get larger in portions
San Ginés Chocolateria: Calle de Coloreros. Chocolateria San Gines is at the end of the street and serves hot chocolate and churros (sticks of fried dough). Death by chocolate! 3 or 4E each.
Museo Municipal: Fuencarral 78. The museum inside displays the city's history through a combination of archaeological remains, drawings, photos, coins, stamps, postcards, furniture and other decorative objects. Wed & Sun: free
Museo del Ejercito: The museum is located in the Buen Retiro Palace and is home to some outstanding exhibitions from military history. One of the particular highlights is the original sword which was used by El Cid. Visitors will also get the opportunity to view the tent which was used by Carlos V in Tunisia, a spectacular collection of relics of Pizarro and Cortes, as well as an exceptional collection of armour. Open Tue - Sun 10am - 2 pm and admission cost is $1 for adults. Children under 18yrs and Seniors over 65 go in free of charge.
Museo Taurino (Bullfighting Museum): Plaza de Toros de las Ventas, Alcalá 237. Mar-Oct Tues-Fri and Sun 9:30am-2:30pm; Nov-Feb Mon-Fri 9:30am-2:30pm. Free admission
Museo Arqueológico Nacional: Serrano 13. Tues-Sat 9:30am-8:30pm; Sun 9:30am-2:30pm. FREE for everyone Sat 2:30-8:30pm and all day Sun. This stately mansion is a storehouse of artifacts from the prehistoric to the baroque.
Museo de San Isidro: Plaza de San Andrés 2. Mon-Fri 9:30am-8pm, Sat-Sun 1am-2pm; Aug Mon-Sat 9:30am-2:30pm Free admission. contains interesting perspectives on the city's progress through the ages.
Museo Reina Sofía: Free after 2:30pm on Sat and all day Sun. Free guided tours Mon and Wed at 5pm, Sat at 11am
Walking Tours: DIY tours for free! There is plenty of online info. Eg. http://www.aboutmadrid.com/madrid/itineraries.asp
Audio Guides: There is heaps of free audio guides available from the net that you can download to your mobile or iPod.
The following Madrid info is largely plagiarised so apologies and thanks to the authors. I can't vouch for how up to date it is or for its accuracy.
Flamenco:
Arco de Cuchilleros (Calle Cuchilleros 7. Tel. 914 295 675. Metro Sol). Open since 1961, the best Flamenco singers and dancers have performed here. The show lasts from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Closed Mondays.
Candela (Calle del Olmo 2. Tel. 914 673 382. Metro Tirso de Molina). This one of the most famous and frequented Flamenco bars in Madrid. Art professionals and aficionados usually go there. There are Flamenco shows almost every day, and it is not uncommon to pull someone up to sing, play or dance. Pure Flamenco in an authentic environment.
Cardamomo (Calle Echegaray 15. Tel. 913 690 757. Metro Sevilla). This is one of the most traditional Flamenco bars. The shows start after 10:30 p.m. every day. The weekends are especially full. The “jam session” every Wednesday starting after 10:30 p.m. is recommended.
Clan (Ronda de Toledo 20. Tel. 915 288 401. Metro Embajadores). Located in the Rastro area of Madrid, this is a picturesque restaurant by day specializing in appetizers: beers, wines and tapas, enlivened with good music. Around midnight it transforms into a bar with live shows from Wednesday to Saturday. Flamenco is the main genre, but they also have jazz, canción de autor (singer-songwriter), belly dancing, tango… Closed Mondays.
La Soleá (Cava Baja 27. Tel. 913 653 308. Metro La Latina). This is not a locale usually frequented by tourists because the Flamenco shows are very authentic. The show starts in the evening and lasts until the first hours of the morning.
Peña Flamenca Chaquetón (Calle Canarias 9. Tel. 916 712 777. Metro Palos de la Frontera). This is the meeting place for the most demanding Flamenco public. Shows are held every day, starting at 11:30 p.m. and going until dawn. The name of the bar pays homage to the deceased singer Chaquetón.
Gabrieles (Los) : free live shows every Tuesday night, starting after 10.30 p.m
Echegaray, 17 Metro Sevilla Madrid 28014 Tel: +34 91 4296261 One of Madrid's long-established flamenco clubs that exudes character, it has always attracted celebrities. The bullfighter Manolete was a regular, and film star Ava Gardner used to come here a lot searching for excitement whenever Sinatra wasn't looking. Flamenco shows start at 10pm. The interior decor alone is worth visiting for and features painted ceramic tiles depicting bullfighting scenes and excellent copies of famous paintings. As for the music, it's an up-to-date mix of flamenco, funk and salsa. If you come during the afternoon and early evening, you'll find the place to be relaxed and welcoming, as it doesn't really get going until after 10pm. It opens at 1 p.m. and closes at 2:30 a.m., except for Fridays and Saturdays when the hours are extended until 3:30 a.m. There are live shows every Tuesday.
Neighbourhood: Huertas & Santa Ana
Tablao Flamenco Arco de Cuchilleros on Calle Cuchilleros on your left and just south of the well renowned Arco de Cuchilleros. There is no entrance fee, just a 700 peseta. (approx. $4) per person minimum on spending inside.
Prado Museum: Free on Sundays 9:00am - 14:00pm
El Rastro Flea Market: Free and operates every Sunday. One of the largest flea markets in the world. Spread over several blocks. Lots of cheap unusual items, clothing and accessories, gifts etc. This was cool! Just watch out for pickpockets.
Retiro Park: Lovely green respite all for free!
Museo Naval: Paseo del Prado, 5. If you’re into naval stuff this is fantastic. I loved it! Admission: free. 9am-2pm Mon-Fri.
Palacio Real (Royal Palace): If your visit falls on the first Wednesday of the month, look for the changing of the guard ceremony, which occurs at noon and is free to the public.
Alhambra Tapas Bar: Victoria 9. I loved this place. It had so much authentic Spanish atmosphere. Keep buying beer and the tapas seem to get larger in portions
San Ginés Chocolateria: Calle de Coloreros. Chocolateria San Gines is at the end of the street and serves hot chocolate and churros (sticks of fried dough). Death by chocolate! 3 or 4E each.
Museo Municipal: Fuencarral 78. The museum inside displays the city's history through a combination of archaeological remains, drawings, photos, coins, stamps, postcards, furniture and other decorative objects. Wed & Sun: free
Museo del Ejercito: The museum is located in the Buen Retiro Palace and is home to some outstanding exhibitions from military history. One of the particular highlights is the original sword which was used by El Cid. Visitors will also get the opportunity to view the tent which was used by Carlos V in Tunisia, a spectacular collection of relics of Pizarro and Cortes, as well as an exceptional collection of armour. Open Tue - Sun 10am - 2 pm and admission cost is $1 for adults. Children under 18yrs and Seniors over 65 go in free of charge.
Museo Taurino (Bullfighting Museum): Plaza de Toros de las Ventas, Alcalá 237. Mar-Oct Tues-Fri and Sun 9:30am-2:30pm; Nov-Feb Mon-Fri 9:30am-2:30pm. Free admission
Museo Arqueológico Nacional: Serrano 13. Tues-Sat 9:30am-8:30pm; Sun 9:30am-2:30pm. FREE for everyone Sat 2:30-8:30pm and all day Sun. This stately mansion is a storehouse of artifacts from the prehistoric to the baroque.
Museo de San Isidro: Plaza de San Andrés 2. Mon-Fri 9:30am-8pm, Sat-Sun 1am-2pm; Aug Mon-Sat 9:30am-2:30pm Free admission. contains interesting perspectives on the city's progress through the ages.
Museo Reina Sofía: Free after 2:30pm on Sat and all day Sun. Free guided tours Mon and Wed at 5pm, Sat at 11am
Walking Tours: DIY tours for free! There is plenty of online info. Eg. http://www.aboutmadrid.com/madrid/itineraries.asp
Audio Guides: There is heaps of free audio guides available from the net that you can download to your mobile or iPod.
Jun 11th, 2008, 04:42 AM
#30
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Absolutely ask for places that the locals eat...much cheaper, and you can mingle with the locals as well, which is part of the experience in a country where people are so lively and friendly.
*I second the recommendation for the chain "Montaditos Cerveceria". Crusty bread with great little sandwiches. Each order gets a pile of homemade potato chips, so order your items separately if you have several people, and you'll get more of the yummy chips. Each small sandwich is only 1-3 euros each.
*Don't pay the 10+ euros for your hotel breakfast, which is usually not very substantial anyway. We ate at Cafe Indias while in Seville, and got wonderful fresh orange juice,coffee and pastries, as well as tasty sub sandwiches "para llevar" (to go)for our train trips, and I believe we paid about 3 euros for those substantial subs.
*Explore different ways to book your room, such as booking on their website or through a booking agency. In Barcelona, we booked our wonderful hotel, Villa Emilia (in the Eixample district) through otels.com and got our room for 40 euros less per night, plus we got their fabulous champagne brunch thrown in for free.
*If you have several people in your party, consider the cost/benefit of public transport vs. taxis. You will pay per taxi, not per person, so sometimes that is a cheaper option and gets you there faster, esp. in a big city like Barcelona or Madrid, where you may have several connections via Metro.
*No tipping required in Spain for restaurants or taxis.
*I second the recommendation for the chain "Montaditos Cerveceria". Crusty bread with great little sandwiches. Each order gets a pile of homemade potato chips, so order your items separately if you have several people, and you'll get more of the yummy chips. Each small sandwich is only 1-3 euros each.
*Don't pay the 10+ euros for your hotel breakfast, which is usually not very substantial anyway. We ate at Cafe Indias while in Seville, and got wonderful fresh orange juice,coffee and pastries, as well as tasty sub sandwiches "para llevar" (to go)for our train trips, and I believe we paid about 3 euros for those substantial subs.
*Explore different ways to book your room, such as booking on their website or through a booking agency. In Barcelona, we booked our wonderful hotel, Villa Emilia (in the Eixample district) through otels.com and got our room for 40 euros less per night, plus we got their fabulous champagne brunch thrown in for free.
*If you have several people in your party, consider the cost/benefit of public transport vs. taxis. You will pay per taxi, not per person, so sometimes that is a cheaper option and gets you there faster, esp. in a big city like Barcelona or Madrid, where you may have several connections via Metro.
*No tipping required in Spain for restaurants or taxis.
Jun 11th, 2008, 07:55 AM
#32
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One way to economize is to plan your day so that you do not have to backtrack and if you’re in the city, use the metro pass only when needed. Walking is good for the soul and the budget, and you get to see things from a different perspective.
Jun 11th, 2008, 12:24 PM
#34
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Wow, all this information is fabulous, thanks everyone, keep it up! I especially appreciate the tips about drinking house wine -- yes, it’s Spain, you’re not going to go to far wrong with the house wine. The same has always been true for my trips to France as well.
I’m curious about your experiences at the paradores; they are such a unique aspect of traveling in Spain. Are there any paradors that anyone would especially recommend? Do you find that you plan your trips around certain paradors, or do you decide where you want to go first, and then choose your parador?
Thanks!
I’m curious about your experiences at the paradores; they are such a unique aspect of traveling in Spain. Are there any paradors that anyone would especially recommend? Do you find that you plan your trips around certain paradors, or do you decide where you want to go first, and then choose your parador?
Thanks!
Jun 11th, 2008, 12:53 PM
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We stayed at the parador in Ronda during our October 2006 trip to Spain and it was a highlight of the trip. We reserved a superior room and were given a huge top floor room with a huge balcony overlooking the gorge and the old bridge. We also liked the food in the parador's restaurant. We chose Ronda as our destination first, then picked the parador as the place we wanted to stay. In our opinion, the location, the view, the size of the rooms/bathrooms and the restaurant made the parador seem to be a good value for the price. It also has very convenient underground parking. We really enjoyed our stay there.
Jun 11th, 2008, 01:41 PM
#36
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One more for "eat where the locals eat" - out of the tourist areas. A CZ story but it makes the point: In central Prague in the early '90's there were two McDonalds. Beside the door of the one in the tourist area McD had placed a small sign in Czech. My friend interpreted for me: "We apologise for the high tourist prices. However at our restaurant on X Street, the prices are much better."
Jun 11th, 2008, 02:42 PM
#37
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Caroline,
We are frequent guests at Paradors and belong to their frequent guest program, "Amigos", which is a great euro shaver, BTW.
As Amigos, we each receive a welcome drink (beer or wine), are given free garage parking (really comes in handy when on a wkd. the Parador is full plus hosting a wedding, communion, convention), garner points for our stays and receive a quarterly bulletin. And that quarterly lists specials available only to Amigos, such as 2X1 deals, double pts., or 1/2 pt. redemptions for free nights.
A recent 4 night stay at the Fuente Dé Parador in Picos de Europa cost us only €54 per night with an Amigos only combo of specials.
For the months of April-July Paradors has been offering rates as low as €60 and bookable online.
These online offers are even better money savers than the 5, 7 night and Golden Age plans.
So yes, sometimes we do plan our vacations around paradors grouped in a specific region (Andalucía or Galicia) to enjoy great lodging at a great price.
I stayed in my first Parador in 1970 and have been happily returning to them since. Although I haven't visited all 93 (still working on that goal!), my top 10 so far are:
Baiona
Granada (renovation finished 6/15)
Cangas de Onís
León
Oropesa
Alarcón
Cuenca
Aiguablava (location!!)
Almagro
Ronda (views!!)
We are frequent guests at Paradors and belong to their frequent guest program, "Amigos", which is a great euro shaver, BTW.
As Amigos, we each receive a welcome drink (beer or wine), are given free garage parking (really comes in handy when on a wkd. the Parador is full plus hosting a wedding, communion, convention), garner points for our stays and receive a quarterly bulletin. And that quarterly lists specials available only to Amigos, such as 2X1 deals, double pts., or 1/2 pt. redemptions for free nights.
A recent 4 night stay at the Fuente Dé Parador in Picos de Europa cost us only €54 per night with an Amigos only combo of specials.
For the months of April-July Paradors has been offering rates as low as €60 and bookable online.
These online offers are even better money savers than the 5, 7 night and Golden Age plans.
So yes, sometimes we do plan our vacations around paradors grouped in a specific region (Andalucía or Galicia) to enjoy great lodging at a great price.
I stayed in my first Parador in 1970 and have been happily returning to them since. Although I haven't visited all 93 (still working on that goal!), my top 10 so far are:
Baiona
Granada (renovation finished 6/15)
Cangas de Onís
León
Oropesa
Alarcón
Cuenca
Aiguablava (location!!)
Almagro
Ronda (views!!)
Jun 11th, 2008, 06:18 PM
#39
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Hi amsdon,
Only #1-Baiona, because we had fabulous, huge sea facing rooms, and the Parador is so restful and "resort-like", plus that bogavante they serve in the restaurant was better than any we had elsewhere!
The rest aren't necessarily in order of preference, and there are some lovely paradors that didn't make my personal top 10, but I'm sure they're included in other Parador fan's top ten list (Toledo, for example, will come out of a total renovation some time soon, if not already and the pics look great-fabulous views from room 14!
Only #1-Baiona, because we had fabulous, huge sea facing rooms, and the Parador is so restful and "resort-like", plus that bogavante they serve in the restaurant was better than any we had elsewhere!
The rest aren't necessarily in order of preference, and there are some lovely paradors that didn't make my personal top 10, but I'm sure they're included in other Parador fan's top ten list (Toledo, for example, will come out of a total renovation some time soon, if not already and the pics look great-fabulous views from room 14!
Jun 11th, 2008, 07:44 PM
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Hi Maribel,
I bet you'll make your goal!
While I haven't stayed at as many paradores as Maribel, I've enjoyed everyone I've stayed at and would go back in a heartbeat.
Leon probably tops the list, but it was so fabulous, I swear, I couldn't sleep. I felt as if I were in a fairytale and wanted to savor every minute. The restaurant was also top notch, though I thought the food was even better at Parador Aiguablava. While I didn't care for Leon itself as much as many other destinations, I felt the visit to the pardor made the trip a winner.
The Parador de Cardona is also a castle parador, though not of the same scale and magnitude of Leon, but the view from the top is breathtaking and the restaurant was fabulous.
Another historic parador, built right into the ancient wall of Avila, was spectacular, especially the outdoor garden where DH and I sat on the terrace with wine and tapas watching the "bird ballet" in the nearby towers. The room here was smaller and quite basic, but we spent most of our time exploring the wall and the town below.
I also loved Parador Aiguablava for the location--in Costa Brava right on the beach. It was modern, yet very open and comfortable and a wonderful place for day trips to such places as Pals, Girona, and other Costa Brava locations.
The Parador outside of Segovia was very modern with lots of atrium areas and a view of the cathedral and alcazar that also kept me awake at night and woke me early in the morning to an unforgetable view. We walked to town, but it wasn't a short walk, and opted to take a cab back.
I too am an "amigo"--they just sent me a certificate for 18Euros towards my next visit, but unfortunately it expires on July 30, otherwise I'd offer it to Maribel who has been such an incredible source of information on this website, but it has my name on it (sure wish I could use it!)
I really can't say enough good things about the paradores. For a government to run such a network, is truly impressive. They seem to reflect the pride and heart of the Spanish people.
I bet you'll make your goal!
While I haven't stayed at as many paradores as Maribel, I've enjoyed everyone I've stayed at and would go back in a heartbeat.
Leon probably tops the list, but it was so fabulous, I swear, I couldn't sleep. I felt as if I were in a fairytale and wanted to savor every minute. The restaurant was also top notch, though I thought the food was even better at Parador Aiguablava. While I didn't care for Leon itself as much as many other destinations, I felt the visit to the pardor made the trip a winner.
The Parador de Cardona is also a castle parador, though not of the same scale and magnitude of Leon, but the view from the top is breathtaking and the restaurant was fabulous.
Another historic parador, built right into the ancient wall of Avila, was spectacular, especially the outdoor garden where DH and I sat on the terrace with wine and tapas watching the "bird ballet" in the nearby towers. The room here was smaller and quite basic, but we spent most of our time exploring the wall and the town below.
I also loved Parador Aiguablava for the location--in Costa Brava right on the beach. It was modern, yet very open and comfortable and a wonderful place for day trips to such places as Pals, Girona, and other Costa Brava locations.
The Parador outside of Segovia was very modern with lots of atrium areas and a view of the cathedral and alcazar that also kept me awake at night and woke me early in the morning to an unforgetable view. We walked to town, but it wasn't a short walk, and opted to take a cab back.
I too am an "amigo"--they just sent me a certificate for 18Euros towards my next visit, but unfortunately it expires on July 30, otherwise I'd offer it to Maribel who has been such an incredible source of information on this website, but it has my name on it (sure wish I could use it!)
I really can't say enough good things about the paradores. For a government to run such a network, is truly impressive. They seem to reflect the pride and heart of the Spanish people.
