- Zafra Parador
Zafra. The very name of the place intrigued me, so I was hoping for something different, something exciting and the Parador de Zafra didn’t disappoint.
Paradors are state-subsidized hotels found across Spain, many of which are actually refurbished historical buildings.
In fact, the full name of the parador in question is “Parador de Zafra, Alcazar de los Duques de Feria,” reflecting the Dukes who used to own this castle.
That’s right, it’s a castle, a “fortress built on the orders of the noble knight Lorenzo Suárez de Figueroa …in the year 1443.” Men of great historical, if controversial, prominence such as Hernán Cortés stayed here before sailing off to conquer the New World.
Today, battlements still overlook the entrance, chiselled coats of arms guard the door and curved lantern holders shield modern lightbulbs.
Inside, however, provides a wonderful refuge from the windswept heat of Extremadura. An arched stone courtyard surrounds a central fountain and there are plenty of cream sofas and chairs to relax in, have an aperitivo in and (even!) write a blog post in.
Pewter tankards and plates sit on polished wooden tables throughout the angled, twisting and confusing corridors of the castle. So, too, do gloomy portraits of Christ and sombre embroidered curtains that evoke the spirit of the past.
Zafra Parador – Facilities
Central Courtyard, Zafra Parador
The hotel itself, however, functions as a modern hotel should: powerful hot running water, wifi in almost every room, room service, a television, and a sparkling, if small, swimming pool at the back.
Zafra Parador – Food
The restaurant’s menu features traditional food from the region: stewed lamb, fish, apricots and dates with honey, migas (fried breadcrumbs), chorizo and more. Breakfast, a pricey extra if not included with your booking, has a great selection of local hams, cereals and fresh fruit as well as churros, juice and scrambled eggs. Service is friendly for southern Spain.
Zafra Parador – Price
Parador hotels are not budget options, that’s for sure, but they do offer fantastic value for money. We booked using their young person’s discount (which, flatteringly, extends to the ripe old age of 35) for around £100 a night. For excellent food in a luxury castle in the centre of town, I think that’s pretty good.
More on Zafra soon…
Entrance to Zafra Parador
