9 Quirky and Unusual Places to Stay in Spain

 

1. Cave rentals in Granada Andalucia

Cave House Granada
Cave House Granada

Who would have thought, old abandoned caves in the province of Granada are now becoming used as popular alternative holiday accommodation for discerning travelers looking for a place to stay away from the norm.

Once inhabited by the Gypsy population who could not afford better homes to live in, many of these bijou caves dwellings have been lovingly restored and rented to adventurous holidaymakers.

These unusual cave dwellings are found mostly in the Sacromonte neighborhood of Granada just a stone's throw away from the Alhambra Palace, Guadix, and El Marquesado in Baza.

Cave owners have rebuilt and refurbished the interiors without destroying the traditional layout, walls a typical Andalucian feel that makes these properties so unique.

There is now a good selection of refurbished caves to suit everyone from one to four bedrooms, lounges, kitchen area and some even have their own swimming pool, sauna, gardens and barbeque area.

Due to the position of the cave within the hillside and underground you are guaranteed a peaceful stay, and the interior remains an ideal 18 degrees Celsius throughout the year, even when outside temperatures in July and August may reach 40C.

The location of the caves makes them an ideal base for nature lovers who can enjoy walks along many prepared trails through the local parks such as the Sierra Nevada, Sierra de Baza and the Sierra de Cazorla.

2. Converted Palaces, Castles and Convents

Parador de Santo Estevo
Parador de Santo Estevo

Spain boasts a range of historical sites of national interest that have been converted into high-end accommodation. Referred to as “ Paradors” they are located throughout Spain and offer travelers the chance to stay in truly historic luxury hotels without paying a fortune.

The first luxury Parador hotel was built in 1926, the brainchild of King Alfonso X111 in a bid to use quality tourism as a guardian of the national and artistic heritage and to assist the poorer regions of Spain. They are still run and administered by a state-owned company.

Today there are around 90 Paradors scattered which can be found within 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.

One such Parador is located in the picturesque town of Villanueva de Cangas de Onis within the stunning region of Asturias in Northern Spain
There is an air of tranquillity at this beautiful Parador surrounded by the lush green Asturian countryside where the ambiance and service are second to none.

For dining, you can indulge yourself in the famous Asturian dishes which are cooked with a twist and include seafood, game and beef dishes.

 

3. Stunning Landscape Hotel Alicante

Landscape Hotel Alicante
Landscape Hotel Alicante

The award-winning Vivood Landscape Hotel is located in the heart of the spectacular Guadalest Valley in the province of Alicante just a 20-minute drive from the coastline and Mediterranean sea.

The Vivood Landscape Hotel is simply stunning offering guests a chance to enjoy luxury eco-friendly and sustainable accommodation in superb peaceful surroundings.

For nature lovers, this is the perfect destination to enjoy breathtaking views, long walks on nature trails, pure clean air, and a healthy living environment.

The Vivood Landscape Hotel is fast collecting eco and sustainable tourism awards from the likes of Fuera de Serie, Camara, GeoSaison and Alicante University.

 

4. Amazing Tree Cabins in the Basque Country

Tree Cabins Asturias
Tree Cabins Asturias

Who hasn’t dreamt of staying in a cabin on top of the trees, well here is your chance as Cabanas en Los Arboles offers just that.
Located within the picturesque region of Viscaya in the Basque Country of Northern Spain.

Cabana en los Arboles offers four enchanting log cabins, each one slightly different in location and size, some offer water and electricity and others not.
If you are happy staying close to nature then these amazing tree cabins are for you.

A hearty Basque country breakfast is included and the owners also provide, candles, lights, bottled water, heaters and even free wifi.

The Basque country is well known for its hospitality, great food and superb countryside so this is a perfect family destination if you are looking to explore authentic Spain whilst living in raw natural surroundings.

The nearest airport is in Bilbao, around a two-hour flight from the UK. The drive to the cabins from the airport is fairly straightforward and takes around 45 minutes.

 

5. Luxury Yacht Living Tenerife

Luxury Yacht Tenerife
Luxury Yacht Tenerife

 

Staying on a luxury yacht on a paradise island is probably a holiday that is on most people’s bucket lists. Here is your chance to live like a millionaire and book an unforgettable holiday on the Lanzarote Yacht Hotel.

The luxury Yacht Hotel is moored at the picturesque Rubicon Marina in Playa Blanca and is rented out as a whole boat which means that only you and your family will be residents during your stay.

There are two well-appointed rooms with double beds, a smaller cabin with two single beds, and two bathrooms with hot water. Bed linen and towels are also provided. There is also a fully equipped kitchenette with a fridge, microwave and hob top.

When you are not lounging around on the top deck sipping champagne and working on your tan, there are plenty of opportunities to dine and enjoy a night out. The marina offers a good selection of bars, restaurants and a supermarket for all the essentials.

Recommended attractions on the Island to visit include the Timanfaya national park, Puerto de Carmen, Caleton Blanco and the Casa Jose Saramago.

Lanzarote is famous for its superb beaches and there are several white-sand beaches and charming coves within a 10-minute drive of Lanzarote Yacht Hotel. Lanzarote Airport is just 19 miles away.

 

6. Bio-Climatic Properties Tenerife

Casas Bioclimaticas Iter
Casas Bioclimaticas Iter

If you are looking for eco-friendly sustainable accommodation, then Casas Bioclimaticas Iter is the place for you.  They offer various properties near Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the Canary Islands.

A beautiful rural retreat away from the madding crowds located close to the Montana Pelada Natural Monument. The homes are set within a bioclimatic urbanization that boasts zero CO2 emissions.

All the facilities and services have been developed respecting the natural environment and local customs. The homes maximise comfort with minimal impact to the environment.

 

7. Transparent Bubble Pods

Bubble Pods Accommodation
Bubble Pods

These unique Bubble-Pods are located near the picturesque village of Banyoles in the heart of Catalonia.

Girona-Costa Brava International Airport is just a 30-minute drive away.

Mil Estrellas means a thousand stars in Spanish, a perfect name as your night sky view is simply stunning without even getting out of bed!

The Mil Estrella Bubble Pods are fitted out with all the amenities to ensure maximum comfort during your stay including large comfy beds, free wifi, there is even a sauna and swimming pool onsite.

 

8. Glass Pavillions

Cols Pavellons
Cols Pavellons

Another unusual place to stay close to the town of Olot in the heart of Catalonia are the stunning Les Cols Pavellons - Glass-Walled Pavilions.

The inspiring use of glass places at one with nature offering guests a type of Japanese Riorcan stay experience.

There are 5 pavilions available to guests whilst each room includes a heated onsen ( hot natural bath ) a private bathroom and a comfortable futon mat.

Guests can even enjoy the amazing 2-Michelin-star Restaurant Les Cols located right next door.

This is a perfect romantic getaway par excellence.

 

9. Bodegas Marques de Riscal

Hotel Marques De Riscal
Hotel Marques De Riscal

If you're a big fan of wine, how about staying at the home of Marques de Riscal, one of Spain's most famous winemakers.

Located in the heart of the Rioja wine country, the hotel is nestled within the renowned vineyards of the Marques De Riscal´s near the medieval village of El Ciego.

The stunning twenty-first-century avant-garde Hotel Marques de Riscal was designed by renowned architect Frank O. Gehry.

 

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