Parador de Segovia 4*

In a quiet location and with panoramic views over the city (3km), Segovia's Parador has been purpose built reflecting the local style and although its interior is modern it is not without character. There are plenty of comfortable areas to sit and relax with a coffee or pre-dinner drink and good facilities include both an indoor pool (weekends only) and an outdoor pool (mid June-Sept), a sauna and gym as well as a tennis court. Contemporary bedrooms are spacious and air conditioned.

Beautiful Segovia is an old Castilian city that stands on a rocky ridge, perched at an altitude of 1000m, and actually appears triangular when approached from the east. Originally a cluster of villages, it was conquered first by the Romans and then by the Arabs before eventually being taken back by Spain in 1088 by Alfonso VI, king of Castile. Nowadays, having been acknowledged as a World Heritage City by UNESCO in 1985, it is nicknamed the Stone Ship because of the Alcázar which, in profile, resembles the prow of a ship and the cathedral tower looks like the mast. It is now one of the richest cities in Spain for historical monuments and its three main sites are the fairytale Alcázar, which is said to be the inspiration behind Disney's castle, the 15th century cathedral and the elevated Roman Aqueduct, which stands at the entrance to the old town. At the bottom by the aqueduct you will find the very old and famous Mesón de Candido restaurant that serves excellent suckling pig and other typical dishes of the region.