kbikofsk

Hi there,
My husband and I are going to celebrate our 20th anniversary and are planning a trip to Barcelona and want to spend two nights in the country at one or two Paradors. My first question is, should we stay in one Parador for two nights or two different Paradors, one night each? Also, what are your top two Paradors in the Catalonia region? Looking for advise!
Thanks!
kbikofsk

kdappleton

Hi and congrats on anniversary. We were fortunate on our trip to stay in several paradors. The most spectacular to me was the oldest hotel in the world (maybe) in Santiago de Compostela. However, paradors are basically hotels, and I think it might be more important to figure out what you want to see in Spain and then find a parador close to the site. Generally for any trip people are warned not to spend too much time on packing, traveling, unpacking. Also, I don't know what your lead time is for this, but the tour groups fill many parador rooms from year to year so availability could be an issue. Spain surprised us by being one of the best countries we've ever visited. Wherever you stay, I think you'll love it.

Robert2533

The top two in Catalunya would depend on what you are looking for. The Parador de Cadrona, a medieval castle, 45 km from Montserrat, is very nice, but isolated in the countryside. Parador Vic-Sau, located a few minutes drive from the city of Vic, has a spectacular setting overlooking the San reservoir. From there you can visit Ripoll and Garrotxa. The Parador La Seu d'Urgell is one of the best situated for exploring the inland region. And of course Aiguablava is hard to beat for views along the coast. It's also close to the village of Begur.

kbikofsk

thanks so much! I am thinking that we will land in Barcelona and rent a car at the airport and start to venture out of the city. We have a week and I thought we would tour the area for three days and then stay in Barcelona for four.If you had three days to explore, where would you go and where would you travel to? What are the musts and what towns would be fun to visit along the way?

Robert2533

I would head for the Parador Vic-Sau or the Parador La Seu d'Urgell. You should check the Parador web site to see what specials are available, 3-night, etc. We always use the specials because they can’t be beat.

You should also join the Amigos club when you first check in. It gives you free parking and a welcoming drink when you check into your next Parador, and is good forever, but you have to use your points about every three years.

kbikofsk

You have given me great advise. Thanks so much.Any other suggestions out there for our trip is greatly appreciated! Keep them coming!

fall06

I'd check into Vic and make it a point to visit the historic city of Vic if you like architecture. Plus, the museum there is fantastic.

louanne

Avoid the Parador de Nerja - overpriced, and very poor service. Rooms are modern, very little cachet or historical interest.

artlover

We just celebrated our 25th anniversary in Spain and stayed at the Paradores. By far my favorite parador and area was Aiguablava in Begur--we stayed there 3 nights and I could have stayed longer. Vic was a bit disappointing to me--felt institutional, and while Cardona was rather amazing, after staying in Leon it didn't hold up. You don't say what time of year you're going, but Begur was a great place for many day trips and it had a lovely beach nearby. Also, food was very good in Pardor restaurant.