THE FACTS ABOUT PARADOR EL EMPERADOR

Spain

Those seeking peace in less mystical surroundings will find it at the 10th-century Parador el Emperador in the Basque frontier town of Hondaribia. Its external severity contrasts with both the cheerfulness of the surrounding houses and the wonderfully light and elegant interior. The central courtyard has been left as a partial and highly theatrical ruin, complete with crumbling masonry and great bursts of ivy. From the two terraces at the back, you can gaze towards France across the yacht-filled estuary of Bidasoa. The one problem is that some bedrooms have tunnel-like windows that make them dark. ROOMS Doubles from £63 CONTACT Parador de Hondarribia, Pza. De Armas 14, 20280 Hondarribia, Guipúzcoa (00 34 9 43 64 55 00; fax: 64 21 53; email:hondarribia@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.