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.
17th century Augustinian convent (4*)
An air of total tranquillity pervades every corner of this former convent with its charming cloister and gardens. Situated in the old quarter of the town, the Parador de Chinchón is a very short walk from the magnificent Plaza Mayor. This marvellous flagstone and cobbled square becomes the venue for bullfights and cultural events on some summer nights. The square is galleried by timber balconies on the surrounding houses and is particularly pretty.
Visitors will be thankful that monasticism in the 17th century was not such an austere affair. In those days the monks and nuns enjoyed comfortable living and good eating. These are qualities that may still be enjoyed by guests in this atmospheric and beautifully restored building. Chinchón’s Parador boasts richly adorned public rooms and bright, stylish bedrooms which manage to retain the authentic atmosphere of the convent. The Parador's wonderfully peaceful and ornate gardens lead to a swimming pool which is open during peak summer dates. Set in an area next to the original stables, you could easily lose yourself here with a good book. The convent's cloister is occasionally used for classical entertainment and art displays. The perfect spot to relax and enjoy the tranquility on a warm afternoon. The gardens also offer lots of quiet spots to read in or to enjoy a coffee. This is one of the smaller Paradors; its intimacy is very appealing whilst it makes very good use of the public spaces within its grounds. Some subtle modern touches help to make this a lovely place to stay with lots of atmosphere.
The town is well worth a stroll around, transporting you back in time with its original and impressive architecture. This is one of the most famous plazas in Spain and a popular tourist attraction in itself. A popular day trip from Madrid which is 50km away. Chinchon is also famous for its aniseed liqueur, a popular digestive drink served nationwide.
Recognisable from afar by its charming Castilian houses clustered together on hilltops, Chinchón is known for nobles’ mansions adorned with their coats of arms and its ancestral homes with enchanting courtyards. Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles of architecture feature throughout the city, although its castle, which you can still see, is now in ruins.
The city’s most symbolic attribute - the Plaza Mayor, a beautiful Medieval square - resides in the heart of Chinchón. Characterised by its irregular shape and formed by a number of traditional houses with colourful running balconies, on an ordinary day one can join the locals and enjoy the typical café terraces dotted around the square. Not to be missed is the transformation of the Plaza Mayor when the city showcases its major fiestas (particularly those of Nuestra Senora de Gracia y San Roque in mid August) and events throughout the year. This Plaza has witnessed the crowning of a king, executions of the Inquisition, Royal Galas, and has strong traditions in bullfighting and running of the bulls, but for most of the year you can simply appreciate the attractiveness of its architecture in relative peace and quiet.
For those who enjoy trying something local, you can do no better than to enjoy a glass of ''Anis'', a famous aniseed-flavoured liqueur from Chinchón, on the patio of the Parador. The first recorded residents of Chinchón date back as far as the Neolithic period. Throughout the city a combination of different eras are relayed, from the Roman presence reflected in the discovery of various tombstones and the carefully thought road system to traces of Arab influence in the city’s irrigation system. Two important milestones for Chinchón that have taken place in more recent years have been the award of official city status in 1916 by King Alfonso XIII and in 1974 its declaration as an Artistic-Historic Site of preservation, which reflects the significance of the main square, the clock tower, the Lope de Vega theatre, Clarisas convent, Los Condes castle and Nuestra Señora de la Asunción church.
For seasonal Parador pool opening times please visit our information on pools page.
Restaurante El Convento (main Parador restaurant)
Breakfast is served from 8.00 to 11.00
Lunch is served from 13.30 to 16.00
Dinner from 20.30 to 23.00. It may be possible to arrive up to 22.30 and still enjoy a meal.
Restaurante El Bodegón (open on weekends from October to April only)
Lunch is served from 13.30 to 16.00
This dining space focuses exclusively on traditional local dishes, primarily stews.
Cafe/bar open from 11.00 to 23.30
Chinchón is 50 km from Madrid along the N-IV, at the junction with the main 404 road, through Ciempozuelos. Another option is the A-3 dual carriageway, near the Puente de Arganda, linking up with the M-311 road.
Garage parking available for a daily charge.
At the very heart of the country, Madrid and its surrounding region have endless activities to offer visitors from world class museums, to cultural sites and delicious food. The two Paradors here are historic hotels and have excellent transport connections from the capital.
