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If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable way to spend a holiday in southern Spain, check out the extensive network of Paradores – the Spanish government’s publicly run chain of top class 4 or 5 star hotels, mostly occupying historical buildings.

There are sixteen paradores across Andalucía, ranging from one in an old fortification overlooking the olive groves in Carmona near Seville, to a modern hotel overlooking the Mediterranean in Nerja and the iconic Parador de Ronda, a 4 star hotel in the former Town Hall, overlooking Ronda’s famous bridge and spectacular gorge. Even though you’re staying in buildings that are often hundreds of years old, the hotels have all the mod cons including wi-fi and satellite TV.

The best way to experience the Paradores chain is on an independent holiday. The company offer a great value 5 day card, allowing you to use one night per hotel, five nights in the same hotel, or any other combination you choose. The cost for 5 nights is €525, which represents a huge saving off the room rates for these luxurious hotels. You should book ahead to ensure that the hotels have availability for when you want to stay as they are extremely popular and during the summer get booked up quickly. Pick up a cheap internet flight to Malaga, then organize your car hire in Malaga airport too and you are free to set off and explore the best of what Andalucía has to offer.

One of the very nicest paradores is in Carmona, about 20 miles to the east of Seville. The hotel is housed in a former fortress right at the top of the hill which leads up through the town, and the views from the bedrooms are truly spectacular. The hotel public areas are arranged round a central courtyard with Moorish tiles, bubbling fountains and beautiful flowers and this gives it a air of relaxation and tranquility that is miles away from the bustling city of Seville which is so close by. If you want to see all that Seville has to offer but want a bit of solitude, Carmona is the place to head.

If you don’t want to drive too far after you’ve picked up your transport from the car hire in Malaga airport, start your holiday Malaga Gibralfaro parador, alongside the castle. The hotel is high in the hills and surrounded by pine trees. From the terraces and rooms there are stunning views down over the town and to the sea. With the addition of great catering and a lovely outdoor pool, it’s quite possible that you’ll decide to go no further and spend your holiday relaxing with a good book and a few cocktails.