As one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Spain is packed with all sorts of tourist attractions and sightseeing hotspots.

But there is a hidden tourist gem for visitors seeking something uniquely different.

I am talking about Spanish monasteries, palaces, convents and sanctuaries that are located right across mainland Spain and the islands.

Let me introduce you to 10 ancient monasteries you should visit during your next travels to Spain and perhaps even spend a night or two... Let’s take a look!

Staying in a Historic Parador

It is actually possible to stay in many of the historic buildings in Spain as many have been converted into the renowned Paradors of Spain.

Today there are around 90 Paradors scattered all around the country and the Islands and can be found in the most privileged locations such as castles, palaces, fortresses, convents, monasteries and other historic buildings.

There are also a few modern Paradors, built in traditional style, in areas of outstanding and captivating beauty. Below are some of the best Paradors in Spain.

The term luxury is often used when referring to the Parador chain of hotels and the ideology behind them was to offer very comfortable accommodation at a relatively attractive price, prices vary from around 95€ to 200€ for a Standard double room per night, which by international standards is very reasonable indeed.

Most of Spain’s national parks either have a Parador inside or close by and include the beautiful nature reserve of Donana in Huelva, the Picos de Europa National Parks, Cazorla Nature Preserve, Parque National del Teide on the Canary Islands, and the beautiful Sierra de Grazalema in the heart of Andalucia.

Due to the privileged locations of each Parador, you will never be more than a few hour's drive from each one.

Each Spanish Parador restaurant offers a menu based on the traditional dishes of the region where they are situated, accompanied by excellent local wines.

1. Parador de Alhambra - Granada

One of the most enchanting Paradors in Spain is the one located in the gardens of the Alhambra Palace in Granada.

A former convent built on the orders of the Catholic Monarchs, this monumental complex invites you to discover a fantasy interior mixing Moorish and Christian features.

Some of the rooms offer exceptional views of the Generalife, the Secano Gardens, and the Albaicín district.

The classical furnishings and many portraits mark the decor of interior spaces.

You can eat in at the Alhambra Parador and savour the atmosphere as well as the food. Local dishes such as Andalusian gazpacho, Sacromonte omelette, and Santa Fe Pionono cake are on offer under the coffered ceiling of the dining room, or alfresco on the picturesque summer terrace.

» Check prices & availability: Parador de Granada

2. Parador de Ronda - Andalucía

The spectacular Parador de Ronda is located in the heart of the Andalucian countryside, boasting a stunning position overlooking the magnificent Tajo de Ronda gorge.

You can enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast before setting off for a day of sightseeing in Ronda, a perfect town to walk and discover the historic sites and local attractions.  town.

There are plenty of typical local tapas bars and quaint restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.

» Parador de Ronda

3. Parador de Chinchon

The Parador de Chinchón Convent is a picture-postcard hotel, ideally located in the heart of Chinchón, close to Madrid.

Rooms at the Parador de Chinchón Convent are spacious, comfortable, and decorated in a traditional style, and the decor blends perfectly with the historic monastery building.

The immaculate gardens are perfect for a stroll with the outdoor areas all captured in the locally sourced honey-coloured stone.

» Check prices & availability: Parador de Chinchon

4. Parador de Lerma

The Parador de Lerma is housed in a stunning 17th-century building in central Lerma, near Burgos, in Northern Spain.

Rooms at the Parador de Lerma are large and comfortable, with romantic honeymoon suites available.

Some of the interesting features include a collection of medieval manuscripts, the salon of Luis I de Bourbon, and an extraordinary statue of the Coronation of the Virgin.

Burgos Airport is just a 40-minute drive away.

» Check prices & availability: Parador de Lerma

5. Parador Cangas de Onis

The Cangas de Onís Parador is located in the heart of the picturesque region of Asturias, in northern Spain, surrounded by lush green Asturian countryside.

The ambience and service are second to none. For dining, you can indulge yourself in one of the chef's creations, who is renowned for using only the best locally sourced ingredients.

Famous Asturian dishes are cooked with a twist, featuring fresh seafood, game, and local beef.

» Check prices & availability: Parador de Cangas de Onis

6. Parador de Santo Estevo

Parador de Santo Estevo is located in Nogueira de Ramuín near the city of Ourense within the stunning green lands of Galicia in North West Spain.

You can enjoy the unique historic surroundings, amazing gastronomy, and the beautiful Galician countryside all at once.

The facilities are first-class and include a spa centre, a Turkish steam bath, and a gymnasium.

The hotel offers 77 well-appointed rooms, including honeymoon suites.

Be sure to check out the in-house restaurant for a unique dining experience.

» Check prices & availability: Parador de San Estevo

7.Parador de Cuenca

The Parador de Cuenca is located in the city of Cuenca in the province of La Mancha. Situated close to Cuenca Cathedral, the hotel is an ideal base to explore the local area and attractions.

You can enjoy a superb setting with all the amenities to ensure a perfect stay within the historic surroundings.

The Cuenca Parador houses both a restaurant and a bar where you can unwind in the evening with dinner and a drink.

A wide variety of cafés, restaurants and shops can also be found close by.

» Check prices & availability:  Parador de Cuenca

8. Parador de Monforte de Lemos

If you go to the town of Lugo in Galicia, you have to spare some time and visit Parador de Monforte de Lemos. Thanks to its neoclassical style, the monastery resembles many Central European temples with high ceilings, incredible stonework, and large hallways.

» Check prices & availability: Parador de Monforte de Lemos 

9. Parador de Plasencia

Parador de Plasencia is a hotel in Extremadura, a historically important region of Spain. The hotel used to be a convent of Santo Domingo, but now it’s a place where you can stay and enjoy the remnants of monastery life with all of its charm and ancient feel.

» Check prices & availability: Parador de Plasencia

10. Parador de Alcalá de Henares

The last monastery on our list is Parador de Alcalá de Henares, a charming place on the eastern border of Madrid. Apart from being a beautiful shelter for soul-searchers, Parador de Alcalá de Henares is famous as the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, the founder of the modern novel.

» Check prices & availability: Parador de Alcalá de Henares