sponsored travel spanish_tourist_board canaryislands 7079788 ----- # Canary Islands - Paradores: Luxuriate in the past ## Paradores are famous througout Spain for their distinctive brand of luxury accommodation - often in converted castles, palaces, fortresses, convents and other historic buildings. ![Canary Islands: La Gomera Parador ][1] Image 1 of 5 Canary Islands: La Gomera Parador ![Canary Islands: Canadas del Teide Parador in the snow][2] Image 1 of 5 Canary Islands: Canadas del Teide Parador in the snow ![Canary Islands: Gran Canaria Parador][3] Image 1 of 5 Canary Islands: Gran Canaria Parador ![Canary Islands: La Palma Parador][4] Image 1 of 5 Canary Islands: La Palma Parador ![Canary Islands: Teide volcano from Canadas del Teide Parador][5] Image 1 of 5 Canary Islands: Teide volcano from Canadas del Teide Parador 5:19PM GMT 26 Jan 2010 No visit to the Canaries would be complete without spending at least one night at one of the five hotels that are part of the Parador Group, on Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. Famous throughout Spain and the world for their distinctive brand of luxury accommodation, paradors are often converted castles, palaces, fortresses, convents, monasteries and other historic buildings. Even the modern ones are built in traditional style and are in areas of outstanding beauty. There are many reasons why it would be mad to miss out. Some relate to the brand itself, the high standards of personal service for which the paradors are famed and the gourmet local cuisine which comes as standard. But perhaps most important is the unique atmosphere of the buildings and their stunning locations with breathtaking views of each island. **_Parador Cruz de Tejeda (Gran Canaria) _** This traditional Canarian building high in the mountains in the centre of Gran Canaria is in an area which was once the crossroads of the old royal trails that criss-crossed the island. The Cruz de Tejeda gets its name from the huge stone cross carved in 1690 that stands at the entrance to the parador and which the islanders used as a reference point in the 17th century. ## Related Articles * [Food: a taste for the traditional][6] 26 Jan 2010 * [Activities: the great outdoors][7] 26 Jan 2010 * [History: land of fire and fable][8] 26 Jan 2010 * [Csar Manrique: an artist by nature][9] 26 Jan 2010 * [Canary Islands: sun, sea and truly stunning skylines][10] 26 Jan 2010 The parador is famous for its magnificent views over the island with a terrace perfectly placed to watch the sun go down over the famous Roque Nublo along with the neighbouring Nublos Fraile and the Bentayga Hills. **_Parador CaÑadas del Teide (Tenerife) _** Few hotels can boast a location inside the crater of a volcano and the views of the summit cone of nearby Mount Teide - and the Chaorra Crater and White Mountain - are perfect. At 7,200ft, the parador is the only building in the El Teide National Park and the spacious rooms and warm welcome have been designed to recreate the atmosphere of a luxury mountain lodge. One of the great advantages of staying at the parador is being able to beat the queues - even during high season - to the funicular that ferries passengers to the top of Mount Teide or, if you're planning a day's walking, to be the first into the pristine landscapes that surround the hotel. The parador also has its own telescope with regular star-watching nights for guests. **_Parador de La Palma_**_ _ The hotel was designed in accordance with traditional Canary Islands architectural principles. Perched on a hillside overlooking the sea, its 100 acres of alluring tropical gardens boast native plants, fruit trees and walkways. The hotel has superb views over the Atlantic and east towards Mount Teide on Tenerife. The rooms in the east wing are the best to catch the superb sunrise over the mount. The hotel is also close to many of La Palma's most beautiful beaches, including Bajamar and Los Cancajos. **_Parador De La Gomera _** For elegance and luxury, few hotels match the Parador de La Gomera. Converted from a manor house with an interior courtyard and fountain, the wood-panelled walls are hung with colonial-era paintings. The rest of the interior is filled with marine references and navigational instruments evoking the spirit of Columbus who made La Gomera his last port of call before departing for the New World. Furniture combining historic Castilian and Isabelline styles has been used in all the public spaces adding to the hotel's unique atmosphere. The bedrooms, the swimming pool and the garden all have views towards Mount Teide. **_Parador De El Hierro_**_ _ The location of El Hierro's parador is its distinguishing trademark. On the island that was known for centuries as the westernmost boundary of the known world, its setting, on volcanic rocks next to the sea backed by the spectacular cliffs and the Roque de la Bonanza, is particularly appropriate. Many of the rooms have elegant balconies with sea views while inside the decor has been designed to evoke the early colonial history of the island. In the garden overlooking the sea are dragon trees, coconut palms and a swimming pool. **[www.parador.es][11]** [X][12] Share & bookmark Delicious Facebook Google Messenger Reddit Twitter Digg Fark LinkedIn Google Buzz StumbleUpon Y! 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