Discover the best plans for your next getaway with family or friends
20 de March 2024
Texto
Alejandro Medina
Fotos
Paradores

 

Holidays provide a unique opportunity to recreate with your loved ones in an idyllic and relaxing environment. For this, it is important to have pastimes to suit all tastes. Nature for the Senses, in addition to offering routes through privileged environments, provides activities to discover the exceptional Iberian fauna, enjoy horse-riding through areas that will leave you open-mouthed or give you the chance to venture into mysterious mines. Do you like theatrical performances? They too are included in our attractive range of leisure activities. The options are as numerous as the Paradores designed for all kinds of unforgettable moments. 

 

Adventures among bears and wolves

 

The Parador de Verín awaits you on the border with Portugal. It is a welcoming Galician pazo to come with friends or family.. The unbeatable views of the fortress of Monterrei and the valley on the border with Portugal will make your imagination run wild. However, if you want to be truly fascinated, 'Visita a la Casa del Lobo' activity will not disappoint. The magic begins in the Sierra de Culebra, one of the most important reserves in Europe for wildlife watching. Although there are countless deer, roe deer and wild boar, it is famous for being the region inhabited by the largest population of wolves. That is why our aim is for you to discover the important natural value of this species together, by observing the wolves’ way of life and their curious relationship with humans in the mountains.

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"Leitariegos salvaje en el parador de corias"
Leitariegos Salvaje in the Parador de Corias

 

The Parador de Corias, in the Asturian town of Cangas del Narcea, is another perfect refuge for wildlife watching. This monastery, surrounded by the beauty of the Narcea river, offers activities to make the most of your holidays. One such activity is 'Leitariegos Salvaje', which invites you to explore the Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña and Ibias Nature Reserve, declared a Biosphere Reserve. We follow in the footsteps of the brown bear, the main species in the area. In addition, we will dedicate some time to recognising the tracks of other species that inhabit this region: how have they integrated into the environment, and what impact have humans had on the landscape? These are just some of the interesting points that you will learn and that will make you feel as if you were inside an animal documentary.

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Historical theatre and geological adventures

 

One hour from Salamanca is the Parador de Ciudad Rodrigo, the ideal place to explore culture in an amusing and entertaining way. The original activities that we have designed to combat boredom are more enjoyable if you come with a partner. For example, 'La Historia en Teatro' includes a tour around the hidden corners of our establishment led by an amusing period character. Along the way, other figures linked to the Parador's history will join in and lead you to a space in the castle where you can enjoy a delicious aperitif. And speaking of food, the products of the meadows, Guijuelo ham and roast meats are specialities that will captivate you.

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"casa del lobo en el parador de verin"
Visit to the Casa del Lobo in the Parador of Verín

 

Another great destination if looking for a cultural experience is the Parador de Guadalupe, located in the Extremadura square of Santa María. This impressive Mudejar complex evokes the magnificence of its mediaeval past and the wealth of Arab art. Within the grounds, there is a beautiful garden where you can enjoy delightful water games. Beyond our gates we have designed the activity 'Viaje al Interior del Geoparque'. In this activity, we visit the Costanaza Mines, the perfect place for satisfying the curiosity of yours. Observe the oldest rocky specimens of the Iberian Peninsula, approximately 600 million years old. The many galleries and museums are home to phosphorite, one of the main materials used in the production of fertilisers. A real natural museum that you will love.

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Fun on horseback

 

In the Leonese village of Villafranca del Bierzo lies our Parador, offering the best views of the rural and natural landscape and everything you need. The arrival of the good weather is an ideal opportunity for exploring the beauty of the town, as its houses, churches, streets and bridges have been declared Sites of Cultural Interest. However, Las Médulas, an area declared a World Heritage Site, is one of the most interesting stops. As part of the Nature for the Senses programme, we have designed a route on horseback to explore the area and find out why it is such a special place. While you contemplate one of the best panoramic views in the country, we will take the opportunity to unravel the ancestral connection that has always existed between humans and horses. 

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"herraduras al trote en el parador de gredos"
On horseback at the Parador de Gredos

 

Another destination you are sure to love if you are looking for equestrian experiences is the Gredos mountain range filled with crystal clear waters, rugged rocks and green pine forests. At the Parador ask about the 'Herraduras al Trote' experience. All the members together can explore the meadows, rivers, beautiful vegetation and exceptional fauna that inhabit this charming region. At the end of the activity, perhaps you fancy a game of tennis on our courts or why not come to the restaurant to taste the cuisine of our pastoral heritage. Are you coming with children? Ask for the children's menu which includes a starter, main course and dessert to delight the palate of the little ones in the house.

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Hiking through mountains and natural labyrinths

 

If you are looking to get into the heart of nature, there is nothing better than the Parador de Cervera de Pisuerga. The Fuentes Carrionas and Fuente Cobre Natural Park surrounds the establishment. In fact, from the moment you get up until you go to bed, the unbeatable views of the Ruesga reservoir and the mountains of Palencia will accompany you on your adventure. We also have a playground, games area, games room and football pitch to keep the whole family entertained. Another ace up our sleeve is the activity 'Calles y Ecrucijadas'. Far from being an ordinary hiking route, this walk sets out to discover a small "enchanted city" in the Laberinto de las Tuerces Natural Area. As well as encouraging outdoor sport, you will learn a little more about the fauna, flora and geology of the area. And if you come from the 5th to the 7th of April, you will have the opportunity to taste the best dishes of our restaurant, as the Parador is taking part in the 27th Gastronomic Days of the Montaña Palentina.

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"calles y encrucijadas en el parador de cervera"
Calles y Encrucijadas at the Parador de Cervera de Pisuerga

 

Another Parador that lives by and for its surroundings is the Parador de Fuente Dé. This is the destination par excellence for lovers of rural tourism, nature and adventure. In the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park, this refuge is the perfect place for embarking on a number of activities. One activity that captivates our visitors every year is 'Iniciación familiar al montañismo'. An expert mountaineer will teach you the basics of this sport so that you can put what you have learnt into practice. Some of the treasures we visit include: the source of the river Deva, the typical flora of the Picos de Europa, the shepherds' huts and the domestic and wild animals that make up the ecosystem. And if you prefer to explore the surroundings on your own, we recommend a stop in the villages of Magrovejo and Potes, both of which look like something out of a fairy tale!

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And if that's not enough...

 

The list of family plans that you can enjoy at Paradores is long. That's why we invite you to visit both the Nature for the Senses website and our Events Calendar so that you can choose your favourite experience. You may be interested in the stargazing experience recommended by the Parador de Mazagón in its activity 'Las Estrellas' or the dramatized dinners at the Parador de Almagro with typical dishes from the Golden Age, which are sure to leave you with an anecdote to remember. Children will also love something fun and entertaining, such as the Pyrenean Game Festival, where the Parador de La Seu D'Urgell is host to several of the scheduled competitions. If you like the sound of all these leisure proposals, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter to receive inspiring ideas to have fun with us.