This hotel is a unique concept in Paradores as it is the only golf hotel in the chain. A comfortable, modern and cosy facility with banquet facilities and a lovely dining room, this Parador is right on the edge of the Costa del Sol with an undeveloped stretch of beach right in front of the hotel and a beachside promenade to the right (if you are looking at the hotel towards the sea) that now provides a thoroughly enjoyable walk to nearby Torremolinos.

There is no better way to see Málaga than from the Gibralfaro Castle Parador. Built on a hilltop, next to the Alcazaba fortress and overlooking the city, the port and especially the bullring.

The Parador in Cadiz, known as the Hotel Atlantico, is probably Cadiz's slickest hotel, and also the most vanguard of the state-owned Parador chain. A recently-opened fabulous contemporary building with one entire wall of glass, it makes the most of the breathtaking location and sea views across the bay to Rota.

Between Marbella and Puerto Banús, set in a stunning 2,000 m2 of lush subtropical gardens on the famous Golden Mile, is the five-star NH Alanda Hotel, where you will find the Elysium Spa.

This four-star hotel in a traditional 17th-century Cordoban house, one street away from the Mezquita, is classic-contemporary in style. Its 10 rooms and suites, over two floors, are tastefully decorated in soothing, muted tones of cream and beige, with marble columns and comfortable beds. Some rooms have wooden shutters and vaulted rooves; windows open onto the street, or to interior patios.