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Renaissance palace (4*)
During the Middle Ages the town of Zamora, due to its strategic location to the west of Valladolid and close to the Portuguese border, was the focus of many battles between the Moors and Christians, it was eventually recovered from the Moors by El Cid. In 1459, long after the Moors were expelled, the Count of Alba and Aliste ordered a new palace to be built on the ruins of the old Arab fortress, and this now houses the Parador de Zamora.
Occupying this beautiful Renaissance building in centre of the town, the Parador de Zamora has retained many of the building’s original features such as the grand stone staircase and the arcaded courtyard. The historic atmosphere of the interior is enhanced by many tapestries, suits of armour and heraldic banners; its exposed wooden floors and beams add to the general air of nobility. This truly is a historical gem and its central location makes it the perfect base for exploring the city’s old town. Zamora’s Parador has spacious guestrooms decorated in the style of the historic building, but with a few contemporary touches. The central inner courtyard is surrounded by glass and is the principal feature of the Parador; in warmer months this area serves as outdoor terrace for the Parador’s restaurant. In summertime, guests can also enjoy the verdant gardens and the Parador’s seasonal swimming pool.
Despite the battles that took place here, many of Zamora’s Romanesque churches survived and today remain some of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Spain, earning the town its Historic-Artistic site status. Zamora’s important location on the banks of the Duero River and the Via de la Plata (Silver Road route) means that it has served as a crossroad for many centuries and its important role during medieval times is reflected in the town’s churches, walls and palaces. Popular tourist attractions in the city include the Cathedral of Zamora which was built during the 12th and 13th centuries and houses a museum which displays excellent examples of religious art, relics and tapestries. Zamora’s castle is another of the towns principal features, although mostly in ruins, the castle’s keep, gate, and moat have been preserved. Zamora is also a great place for nature lovers to visit the nearby Sanabria lake nature reserve, home to Spain’s largest glacial lake. The crystal clear waters and picturesque green and mountainous surroundings lend themselves well to the mystery and superstition locals attribute to the lake. There are plenty of outdoor activities on offer from walking tours, to water sports and the park hosts international kayak regattas each summer.
Staying in Zamora also gives you the perfect opportunity to sample some the region's wine, as the wine town of Toro is nearby and is well worth a visit with some great architecture and wine shops to explore.
The Parador is closed for refurbishment until 17th October 2026.
For seasonal Parador pool opening times please visit our information on pools page.
Restaurant opening times:
Breakfast: 7.45 to 10.30 (Mon - Fri) and 8.00 to 11.00 (Sat & Sun)
Lunch: 13.00 to 15.30
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 10.30 to midnight (Mon-Fri) and 11.00 to midnight (Sat & Sun)
Zamora is on the right bank of the Duero, at the beginning of the western Castilian meseta. Its historical centre adds colour to the Plaza de Viriato, in which the Parador Condes de Alba de Aliste is located. To reach the Parador, turn left when you reach the 'Puente de Piedra' (Stone Bridge). If you are on the N-122 approach road to Zamora, you will come upon a park, which you should pass on the right-hand side.
The Parador has a small garage very close by, and several well-tended public car parks in the streets surrounding it.
The largest of Spain's 17 Autonomous Communities, Castilla y León is unsurprisingly home to some of the countries most important cities, historic cultural sites and and 15 Paradors, so you can plan a leisurely itinerary across the region.
