Parador Hondarribia

Hotel El Emperador

In this Parador you will feel that you are back in the Middle Ages. Thick stone walls, arches, armour and spears adorn this castle which was founded in the 10th century by the king Sancho el Fuerte of Navarre in the early days of the Christian re-conquest.

The defensive appearance of the thick walls conceals a magnificent interior. The immense naked stone of the courtyard stands out, as do the beautiful views of the French coast and the sea which may be enjoyed from the splendid terrace or from some of the bedrooms.

Charming nooks and crannies, spaces adorned with arches, wrought iron and coffered ceilings surround the guests in an atmosphere of indescribable beauty. Lances, cannons and armour make up the interior decoration offering an air of historical elegance.

Go for a stroll around the fishing neighbourhood of Hondarribia. Also visit the City Hall and the Sanctuary of Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe only 3 miles away from the Parador.

The castle of San Telmo on the cape of Higuer and Mount Jaizquibel have some wonderful views that are not to be missed.

The religious fesival of"Semana Grande" (Grand Week) of San Sebastian starts on August 14th.The feast of Virgen de Guadalupe takes place in Hondarribia on September 8th, This feast includes a procession known as Alarde, commemorating a victory of the city over the French in 1638.

There are many activities that you can carry out near here including horse riding, playing golf, mountain biking, hang gliding, jeep routes, scuba diving, sailing, surfing, canoeing, fishing, and boat trips.

The Parador is approximately 119 kms from Bilbao and the famous Guggenheim museum, designed by the American architect Frank O. Gehry.

This Parador has twenty nine twin bedded rooms, three rooms with double beds and four single bedrooms.

All the rooms have a private bathroom and a telephone, satellite television, safe and a mini bar.

There is a bar available for guests. There is heating in the Parador but no air conditioning. Facilities include currency exchange, lift, satellite television, gift shop, piped music, parking facilities (without security and limited places), garden and a conference room.

Distance from the nearest airport is approximately 1 kms, train station is 3 kms away and the nearest port is 13 kms away.

Animals are not allowed.

There is not a restaurant at this Parador but there is an independently owned restaurant 2 minutes walk away. A buffet breakfast is included in the price of the room for guests staying at the Parador.

Parador de Hondarribia is in a fortress with views over the Atlantic beaches of nearby France.

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