THE FACTS ABOUT PARADOR MARQUéS DE VILLENA ALARCóN

Spain

When seen at sunset, with its crenulated walls and turrets rising above the gorge in the Júcar river, the isolated Parador Marqués de Villena Alarcón appears as a quixotic vision. Built by the Moors in the early eighth century, the castle displays its strength in the massive chimney that dominates the dining room, formerly the great hall. The five best rooms are at the top of the enormous keep, which fortunately can be reached by lift today. Arrow-slit windows, stone ceilings and heavy Castilian furniture encourage dreams of the knights of old. Room 105 is particularly impressive, with its own staircase leading out onto the ramparts. ROOMS Doubles from £70 CONTACT Parador de Alarcón, Avda. Amigos de los Castillos 3, 16213 Alercón, Cuenca (00 34 9 69 33 03 15; fax: 33 03 03; email:alarcon@parador.es; www.parador.es) WHO TO GO WITH To book from the UK call Keytel International (020 7 402 8182). Other tour operators offering parador trips include Castaways (01737 812255), Magic of Spain (020 8939 5452), Abreu Travel (020 7 229 9905) and Traveller's Way (01527 559000). It is worth asking about special offers such as the Go As You Please (Tarjeta Cinquo Noches) deal, a booklet of five vouchers costing £240 which entitles you to five nights' accommodation (for two people sharing) in one or more paradors, subject to conditions and availability.