Want to stay in a centuries-old castle and other historical sites? Check out these hotels in Spain

Parador de Baiona

Ever dreamed of staying in a centuries-old castle and living like a royal? You can make that a reality by booking a room at the Parador de Baiona, a historical castle with spectacular views of the ocean.

The hotel is described to be a mix between a medieval castle and a Galician stately home, containing rooms that are every bit regal and elegant. Some exceptional features include the majestic stone stairway in the reception area as well as a large swimming pool in the garden where you can admire the entire Bay of Baiona.

To maximize your stay at the place, it's recommended that you rent a bike and explore the surrounding town, which has a medieval market and some shows on the beaches.

The rooms range from 219.30€ (PhP13,277) to 378.26€ (PhP22,918) per night.

Parador de Santiago de Compostela

The Parador de Santiago de Compostela has the distinction of being one of the oldest and most luxurious hotels in Spain. It is built in the Plaza del Obradoiro next to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, which is famous for being one of the most visited cathedrals in the world.

The hotel boasts the largest collection of Madrid School paintings among any other Paradores branches, housing works from the likes of Martínez Novillo, Álvaro Delgado, and Menchu Gal.

As it's near the city's cathedral, guests can easily take their time exploring the reputed burial place of St. James the Great, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. You also have access to food markets, parks and gardens, and a museum dedicated to pilgrimage history.

The rooms range from 205.70€ (PhP12,429) to 337.46€ (PhP20,432) per night.

Parador de Granada

For a more spiritual setting, Parador de Granada is the place to be. The hotel was established from the first Christian monastery built by the Catholic Monarchs in a Moorish palace.

On the surface, you'll instantly be charmed by its brick walls and ancient architecture, but the real gem is hidden inside where you'll get to marvel at precious works of art and furniture.

If that's not enough to excite you, you can also enjoy magnificent views of the Generalife, which was a summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers of the Emirate of Granada in Al-Andalus.

Other activities you can do is visiting the cathedral and the monasteries of San Jerónimo and La Cartuja, the Arab Baths, and the Science Park.

The rooms are priced at 558.46€ (PhP33,831) per night.

Parador de Monforte de Lemos

What could be better than staying at a Neoclassical splendor in the heart of a wine region known for steep, terraced vineyards?

The Parador de Monforte de Lemos is situated within the Monastery of San Vicente do Pino and the Palace of the Condes de Lemos, allowing it to incorporate old rooms of the palace and transform it into common areas and salons. The guestrooms are meanwhile built around the elegant covered walk of the monastery.

After you've enjoyed the hotel's gym, jacuzzi, and outdoor swimming pool with a gorgeous view of the Ribeira Sacra, you can choose to explore the region and discover its rivers, vineyards, and Romanesque architecture.

The rooms range from 75.66€ (PhP4,587) to 115.60€ (PhP7,008) per night.

Parador de Ronda

Another sought-after hotel is Parador de Ronda, which is located next to the spectacular Puente Nuevo bridge and in the old Casa Consistorial. The establishment prides itself on its balcony that allows guests to drink in the wondrous sight of the Tajo, a breathtaking gorge of 120 meters in depth.

The hotel's walls are also filled with a vast collection of art about bullfighting, with over a hundred works in different formats and styles. It also has spaces dedicated to Romanticism and Goyaesque culture, to expressionism, pop culture, and geometric abstraction.

It's ideal to stay in Parador de Ronda during September as you'll get to attend fiestas of Pedro Romero and witness colorful parade of floats and music as well as Goyaesque bullfights.

The rooms range from 238.86€ (PhP14,482) to 262.66€ (PhP15,925) per night.

Ultimately, the hotels are just the tip of the iceberg of your adventure in Spain. What's important is trying to make the most out of your travel experience by trying to explore places beyond the popular ones.

"Some of the do's [when visiting Spain] is to just blend with the culture, enjoy the culinary, the architectural, and all the history that we have in our country," said Irene Valencia, a market analyst for the Spanish Tourism Board.

"Don't just stick to the main cities like Barcelona because the rest of Spain is very, very different and has too much to offer," she highlighted.