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Teritoria, and European Hotels Collection. Keytours International,
formerly Keytel International, your agent in the UK.
16th century convent (4*)
Overlooking the sheer-sided Huécar Gorge and the famous “casas colgadas” (houses hanging from the rockface), the Parador de Cuenca is spectacularly located in the former Dominican convent of San Pablo opposite the old town and connected by an impressive iron footbridge. The building forms part of the World Heritage Site that takes in the old quarter of Cuenca. This is one of Spain's gems, a historic cathedral city situated half way between Madrid and the Mediterranean coast. From here you can tremendous views up and down the valley and across onto the hanging houses opposite. For most of the year a river slowly snakes down the gorge.
With its pale walls, pantiled roofs, its peaceful cloister and its old chapel, the former convent building of the Parador de Cuenca provides an atmospheric stay for its guests. You cannot fail to sense the authentic ambience of this wonderful, religious monument. The rooms within the Parador are very comfortable, cosy and traditional in style – often with small windows and tiled floors. The bar and restaurant offer splendid service and great local cuisine, the perfect place to spend a relaxing evening. Soak up the atmosphere here and take in the majesty and elegance of this lovely Parador.
The Parador's restaurant - the original refectory - specializes in the local Cuenca cuisine. The Parador de Cuenca is fully equipped with modern facilities which include a gym, sauna, tennis court and a seasonal open-air swimming pool.
Keytours Tips
The city of Cuenca has become a very popular attraction in the region of Castilla La Mancha due to it being declared a World Heritage site and the abundance of architecture and nature that can be found there. The city is divided into two parts; the old town and the modern town. The upper is the old historic town, the heart of the city of Cuenca, where the main historical focal points such as the impressive gothic Cathedral and the Plaza Mayor can be found. We recommend catching a taxi to the very top of the town, the Mirador de Cuenca, and taking a leisurely stroll down through the Old Town via cobbled streets that snake between beautiful historical buildings. There are several Mirador viewing points in the Old Town from which you can enjoy beautiful views over the the Parador and the surrounding valley. The Cathedral of Cuenca, whose giant façade dominates the main square is not to be missed, you can marvel at the kaleidoscope of colours which light up the nave thanks to the unique and well-placed stained-glass windows. The town's most famous attraction is without doubt the 'Casas Colgadas' or 'Hanging Houses' which is a complex of dwellings which is suspended over the gorge and whose origins date back to the 15th century.
In Cuenca's new town you can find a number of cafes and bakeries selling traditional pastries and sweets, such as the town's very own Alájú dessert made with almonds, spices and honey, as well as some independent shops. You can also find the Museum of Paleontology in the new town.
What makes this location special is the combination of rivers, valleys, the gorge and the mountain ranges- creating some wonderful panoramic viewpoints of the surrounding areas. For those wanting to explore a little further afield, the ‘Ciudad Encantada’ or Enchanted City is a must-see for visitors, located outside the city (35km) it showcases some extraordinary rock formations created by a combination of weather and river erosion.
For seasonal Parador pool opening times please visit our information on pools page.
Breakfast is served from 8.00 to 11.00
Lunch is served from 13.30 to 16.00
Dinner is served from 20.30 to 23.00. It may be possible to arrive up to 22.30 and still enjoy a meal.
Café/bar is open from 11.00 until midnight offering drinks and light snacks.
The Parador is located in the middle of the Hoz del Huecar gorge, opposite Cuenca's Suspended Houses, whose access, like that of the old centre, is the extraordinary metal bridge. The N-III is the reference road from Madrid, at the turn-off from Tarancón, or from Valencia through Motilla del Palancar.
Garage parking at €25 per day (as of July 2024). Some spaces are available just in front of the Parador. Otherwise you can park along the public street if the garage parking is not preferred or has no space available. Electric vehicle charging is available for a fee.
Castilla La Mancha, just south of Madrid, is perhaps best known for its Manchego cheese and its depiction in Don Quixote. The region has a number of World Heritage Cities and some lovely Paradors, both historic hotels and ones with fabulous views.
