HARG1, Argomaniz, North Spain
Situated in a quiet village with lovely views, just 15 minutes’ drive from Vitoria-Gasteiz this delightful Parador, set in a renaissance style building dating back to 1712, is the perfect base from which to discover this lesser-known yet fascinating part of the Basque Country.
Set on the plains of Alava yet with magnificent mountains in every direction, the hotel is a haven of peace and relaxation and boasts a rich history. Originally a Carmelite convent before the Larrea family (whose arms still grace the walls) made it their palace, the hotel was later used by Napoleonic troops during the Peninsular War.
Rooms are spacious, quiet and comfortable with modern décor in natural tones and lovely views of the garden and surrounding area.
The hotel’s restaurant is set in the old palace barn with its original beamed ceiling and there’s also a café/bar and a delightful terrace to relax and take in the views. The helpful staff will go out of their way to make sure you get the most out of your visit.
The hotel has 41 en-suite rooms including standard double and twin rooms, superior double and twin rooms and junior suites. Some rooms are adapted for guests with reduced mobility.
Peaceful village setting
On-site parking
Located on the top floor of the Parador, in what was the palace’s old barn, the Aletegui Restaurant offers fine Basque Cuisine with an emphasis on the meat and vegetables local to Alava. There is also a bar / cafe with a delightful terrace.
Breakfast is an extensive buffet with freshly made and locally sourced products as well as hot goods (bacon, eggs, churros) served to table. It is served in the restaurant.
Set on the high plains of Alava, just 10km east of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Basque Country’s elegant administrative capital, and with access to the mountainous nature parks of Gorbeia, Aitzkorri-Aratz and Izki as well as the beautiful reservoir of Ulíbarri-Gamboa, Argomaniz is the ideal spot to combine a city visit with outdoor pursuits in stunning landscapes.
For cyclists, walkers and runners there’s a pathway running right around the reservoir as well as Vitoria’s ‘green belt’ pathway which circles the city (the two are even linked if you’re feeling very energetic!).
In Vitoria you can visit the Cathedral de Santa María, which served as Ken Follet’s muse for the Pillars of the Earth series, or just explore the lovely old town with its elegant gallery windows and its many tapas bars and restaurants (good for a true taste of Basque Cuisine, away from the tourists).
Nearby there are the Roman remains at Iruña-Veleia (which is right next to the site of the battle of Vitoria, decisive in Wellington’s Peninsular campaign). You can also visit the fascinating salt pans a little further on at Salinas de Añana where they’ve been extracting salt from the natural spring for over 900 years.
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