Parador at Puebla de Sanabria, Spain

Spain has a wonderful system of “Paradors,” that is hotels in every corner of the country. For some strange reason, I never stayed in one until this trip when I stopped in the town of Puebla de Sanabria, mentioned in the previous post. Many paradors are remodeled historic buildings. This one, however, is a modern facility.

Parador at Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

Parador at Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

Whether on holiday or a business meeting, you’ll find this place can accommodate you and/or your group.

Lounge at Parador in Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

Lounge at Parador in Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

I stayed in a standard room, which was comfortable and had a view of the old part of town.

Standard room at Parador Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

Standard room at Parador Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

The bathroom was just as accommodating:

Bathroom of standard room at Parador Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

Bathroom of standard room at Parador Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

And there is a closet to hang up your things if you’re staying a while:

Closet in standard room at Parador Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

Closet in standard room at Parador Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

The price was a great value to stay here as it included a lavish breakfast buffet and parking, some of which was under cover. Staff are friendly and helpful. I’d be happy to try more of the paradors in the future.

Published in: on July 15, 2014 at 10:36 am  Leave a Comment  
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Puebla de Sanabria, Spain (2014)

Puebla de Sanabria is one of many towns perched atop a hill in Spain. Every square inch is built upon with winding streets giving access to homes and businesses. Here’s one of the wider streets:

Houses in Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

Houses in Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

Eventually, these streets lead to a stately plaza mayor with a government building, castle, and a fine church:

Church in Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

Church in Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

Although the facade looks mostly blank, you’ll find some weathered carvings of interest near the door:

Carved statues at church entrance, Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

Carved statues at church entrance, Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

Many of the homes and posadas in this town are kept to a very high standard as you see in the next image:

Posada in Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

Posada in Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

It’s easy to get lost in these streets so pay attention while ambling about looking for photo opportunities.

Another narrow street in Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

Another narrow street in Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

Of course there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a snack, meal, or drinks, such as this one:

Meson Albadero in Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

Meson Abelardo in Puebla de Sanabria, Spain.

There’s a huge lake nearby where people enjoy all kinds of activities, which might be just the thing for you. Check out the small towns in Spain. There much more there than you might think.

Quinta de San Amaro, Meaño, Spain

In the village of Meaño, near Spain’s Atlantic coast, you’ll find a great little hotel called Quinta de San Amaro. This is the kind of place to get away from it all. Here’s a look at the swimming pool and main building:

Swimming pool and main building at Quinta de San Amaro, Meaño, Spain.

Swimming pool and main building at Quinta de San Amaro, Meaño, Spain.

Although in the countryside, Quinta de San Amaro is only a short drive to Santiago de Compostela and many of the interesting towns along the Atlantic Coast. I stayed in a standard room that you see next:

Standard room at Quinta de San Amaro, Meaño, Spain.

Standard room at Quinta de San Amaro, Meaño, Spain.

The bathroom was also spacious and comfortable:

Bathroom in standard room at Quinta de San Amaro, Meaño, Spain.

Bathroom in standard room at Quinta de San Amaro, Meaño, Spain.

You’ll also find a good restaurant here with seating inside as well as outside that you see in the next photo:

Outdoor seating at Quinta de San Amaro, Meaño, Spain.

Outdoor seating at Quinta de San Amaro, Meaño, Spain.

And take a look at this unique “solar sauna” as I call it:

"Solar sauna" at Quinta de San Amaro, Meaño, Spain.

“Solar sauna” at Quinta de San Amaro, Meaño, Spain.

Inside it was warm and refreshing, a comfortable place to relax, read a book, or meditate:

Inside the "solar sauna" at Quinta de San Amaro, Meaño, Spain.

Inside the “solar sauna” at Quinta de San Amaro, Meaño, Spain.

Of course then you’ll want to take another dip in the swimming pool, so here’s another view of that looking out to the vineyards:

View of the swimming pool and vineyards beyond at Quinta de San Amaro, Meaño, Spain.

View of the swimming pool and vineyards beyond at Quinta de San Amaro, Meaño, Spain.

You’ll have no trouble sleeping here. It was perfectly quiet, the way you’ll want it after a day of sightseeing or sampling the many delicious wines of the region.

An afternoon in Cambados, Spain

Cambados, Spain is a pleasant town on the Atlantic coast of Galicia. There is a stoic main square of stone buildings that you see here:

Plaza Mayor in Cambados, Spain.

Plaza Mayor in Cambados, Spain.

There are several winery shops located here, places where you might find a new favorite or a good deal by the case, especially on the local albariño. There’s also a handsome church.

Church in Cambados, Spain.

Church in Cambados, Spain.

Inside the church you’ll find some remarkable sacred artwork.

Inside the church at Cambados, Spain.

Inside the church at Cambados, Spain.

Take your time and stop in to one of those local joints for a glass of wine and a snack.

Wine and crisps in Cambados, Spain.

Wine and crisps in Cambados, Spain.

There’s also plenty of options for shopping and dining.

Shopping and dining in Cambados, Spain.

Shopping and dining in Cambados, Spain.

And then wander over to the waterfront where you’ll find all manner of boats such as these:

Fishing boats in Cambados, Spain.

Fishing boats in Cambados, Spain.

You can hire a boat to take you fishing or to just go for a sail around the bay.

More boats in Cambados, Spain.

More boats in Cambados, Spain.

Cambados is one of those pleasant towns in Spain that you’re sure to enjoy. Not a whole lot going on, but that’s the way I like it. I parked in a spot along a street and asked a couple of older gents if it was okay to leave the car there. They said, “Sure. All week if you want.” Nice guys in a nice place.

Published in: on July 12, 2014 at 1:50 pm  Comments (3)  
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