THE FACTS ABOUT PARADOR DE ALMAGRO

Spain

More of the genuine convent spirit has been preserved at the Parador de Almagro, in a sleepy Manchegan town steeped in its 17th-century past. The Franciscan convent dates back to 1596, and its grounds include 14 enchanting courtyards, each with its own arrangement of trees, flowers and fountains. The maze-like interior has been adapted in a way that respects the rooms' original functions; bedrooms with wood-beam ceilings are wholly in keeping with their former incarnation as monks' cells. The marvellous blending of past and present is furthered by the daily presence of an old woman who valiantly maintains the drying local lace-making tradition. ROOMS Doubles from £56 CONTACT Parador de Almagro, Ronda San Francisco 31, 13270 Almagro Ciudad Real (00 34 9 26 86 01 00; fax: 86 01 50; email:almagro@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.