Official UK partner to the Paradors, Pousadas, Pestana Hotels & Resorts,
Teritoria, and European Hotels Collection. Keytours International,
formerly Keytel International, your agent in the UK.
15th century castle (4*)
The Parador de Zafra, set in the medieval quarter of this beautiful city, offers an ideal base in which to explore the impressive historic surroundings. Appearances can be deceiving and, at first glance, the Parador seems to be a fortress, but journeying inside this magnificent building unveils a perfectly preserved palace. In 1437, a member of the Suarez de Figueroa family of Galicia, Lorenzo, chartered the building of a magnificent fortress, which during the 16th and 17th centuries was converted to a palace and now houses the spectacular Parador de Zafra.
This Parador, which is steeped in history, still maintains the original nine towers which were built in Moorish style and throughout the property, elements can be found from the Baroque and Renaissance styles of the 16th and 17th centuries. If you look up when you enter the Parador, you will see there is still a reminder of the Suarez de Figueroa family present, in the shape of coats of arms which decorate the hallway. Parador de Zafra’s bedrooms are spacious and elegant, and decorated in a classical style fit for royalty. The Parador's interiors offer throwbacks to its ducal history with coffered ceilings, ironworks, and large chests adorning many communal areas. These areas, such as the beautifully arcaded courtyard, constructed by the famous Spanish architect Herrera, well-tended garden, and seasonal outdoor swimming pool provide the perfect place to unwind after a day's exploring. The Parador de Zafra's restaurant features many regional dishes which can be enjoyed in the spectacular interior courtyard.
Keytours Tips
Zafra, or Little Sevilla as it is known by the locals, is situated in the heart of Baja Extremadura at the foot of the Sierra de Castellar mountain range between Caceres and Seville. Zafra’s fortified town walls were constructed under the orders of Lorenzo Suarez de Figueroa and each of the eight gates in these walls will take you through to the picturesque city of Zafra. The most beautiful of these gates is the Jerez Gate which takes you through to Clavel Street where you are greeted with a sight of picture postcard proportions as small traditional balconies decorated with flowers line the street. Meandering further along this path will take you towards the Grande and Chica squares, with the palm-tree filled Plaza Grande situated at the very heart of the city. These two squares are connected by a historic archway named ”Arquillo del Pan” which translates as “Small Arch of Bread”. Buildings within this beautiful city are very much in keeping with the architecture from the 16th century and a walk through Zafra will lead you to the church of La Candelaria, the parish church of San Jose, several convents and many homes, many of which date back to the 16th century all the way through to the 19th century.
If you visit Zafra in the summer months you may be lucky enough to catch the ‘De La Luna Al Fuego’ festival. This is held yearly within the town walls and celebrates both the Corpus Christi and San Juan, which we know as Summer Solstice. Flowers are strewn throughout the street forming a floral carpet display and the event aims to take the visitor back to the street markets held during the 16th and 18th centuries whilst showcasing traditional rituals using fire and water. Zafra is also one of the towns on the 'Via de la Plata Route', one of the Camino pilgrimages which makes its way north to Santiago from Seville.
For seasonal Parador pool opening times please visit our information on pools page.
Restaurant opening times:
Breakfast: 7.30 to 11.00
Lunch: 13.30 to 16.00
Dinner: 20.30 to 23.00. It may be possible to arrive up to 22.30 and still enjoy a meal.
Cafe bar is open from 11.00 to midnight
The Parador is located in the centre of the town, next to the Santa Marina church and close to Calle Sevilla. Zafra is between Seville and Mérida along the 'Ruta de la Plata' (Silver Route), via the main N-630 road, 141 km from Sevilla and 60 km from Mérida; and 73 km from Badajoz along the N-432 from Badajoz-Granada.
Parking spaces are available directly by the Parador in the square (Plaza Corazon de Maria).
The western region of Extremadura is a home to jamón, medieval cities, Roman ruins and excellent bird-watching opportunities. The historic Paradors here are beautifully preserved and well placed to explore this region at a leisurely pace.
