Parador de Hondarribia El Emperador

Spain - Basque Region - Fuenterrabia - Hondarribia

This four star hotel is in a fortress dating from 980 with magnificent views over the beaches of nearby France

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.

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 fishers 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 in the lower Bidasoa river boast some wonderful views not to be missed.
Discover the "Semana Grande" (Grand Week) of San Sebastian which starts every August 14th. Enjoy the Main Feasts of Virgen de Guadalupe taking place in Hondarribia on September 8th which include 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 here. Horseback riding, playing golf, mountain biking, parapente, jeep routes, scuba diving, sailing, surfing, canoeing, fishing, and boat trips.

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..

Animals are not allowed.

There is not a restaurant at this Parador but there is an independently owned restaurant 2 minutes walk away

Directions

Dominating the town from its highest point, the Parador rises up in the beautiful Plaza de Armas next to the Nuestra Señora del Manzano church, in the old quarter of one of the most stately towns of the Basque Country. Hondarribia (formerly Fuenterrabia) is 18 km from San Sebastian/Donostia either along the main N-1 or the A-8 motorway towards the French border.