HVDB1, Villafranca del Bierzo, Madrid and Inland Spain
The Parador de Villafranca del Bierzo is one of the more modern Paradors yet enjoys a setting which is truly steeped in history - Villafranca being a historic staging point on the Camino de Santiago, and historically the capital of Galicia. Set at the confluence of two rivers and surrounded by the vineyards and hills of El Bierzo this a location sure to please nature lovers as well as foodies and history buffs. The hotel's interior offers the elegance, class and comfort of a contemporary 4-star hotel and includes a spacious modern restaurant, a cafeteria, cosy guest lounge and a sheltered terrace as well as a garden area by the pool in which to relax and unwind and enjoy the micro-climate for which El Bierzo is famous. The Parador is also equipped with all mods cons and has two swimming pools, one outdoor and the other heated, sauna and multi-purpose rooms for meetings, conferences and events.
The 51 rooms are decorated in a modern rustic style and offer magnificent views of the town and the hills around.
All rooms are en-suite and offer: Air conditioning / heating Laptop safe Handicapped facilities Minibar with a carefully selected selection of products Flat screen TV Hairdryer Room service Free Wifi Pets allowed
Elevator Bar Handicapped facilities Garden Outdoor parking Sauna Free Wifi Pets allowed
A buffet breakfast is served in the restaurant. The Parador's renowned restaurant offers authentic Bierzo cuisine with a modern twist, with botillo (a large, haggis-like sausage) being the most distinctive of the region's dishes. The local peppers are a delight and octopus dishes also feature strongly here (we're nearly in Galicia after all). Local wines made with the indigenous Mencia grape, or Godello in the case of whites, are truly not to be missed.
In a double valley at the confluence of the Valcárcel and Burbia rivers with mountains on every side stands Villafranca del Bierzo, on the French pilgrims' route to Santiago de Compostela. Known as "La Pequeña Compostela" and "La Perla del Bierzo", Villafranca is said to have been founded in 1070, and has a wealth of historical monuments dating back to those times, including La Iglesia de San Francisco, La Colegiata de Santa Maria (a Benedictine monastery built by the monks from Cluny), the 11th century La Iglesia de Santiago - its beautiful Gate of Forgiveness is a must; sick pilgrims, unable to reach Compostela, are forgiven their sins when they pass through it. "Calle del Agua" (Water Street), the city's main thoroughfare, linking the Church of Santiago to the bridge over the Burbía river, is another great attraction - and there's so much more. With plenty to explore in the region, including Celtic villages and the Medulas (the old Roman gold mines), Villafranca with its rich history and beautiful location makes an ideal base. Traditional fiestas fill the calendar and you will not be disappointed by the wine and the gastronomy.
The area has good motorway links but little direct access by air or sea and is normally visited as part of a tour, or perhaps combined with other locations nearer to the coast: Flights: Stansted to Bilbao with Easyjet or Santander with Ryanair; Gatwick to Bilbao Vueling (BA). Manchester to Bilbao with Easyjet; Bristol to Bilbao with Easyjet; Edinburgh to Santander with Ryanair or Bilbao with Easyjet; Dublin to Santander with Ryanair or Bilbao with Aer Lingus. Flights are also available from most UK airports to Madrid. NB Flights are not included but we can advise on routes and timetables Ferries: Plymouth or Portsmouth to Santander or Bilbao – 7 sailings weekly. We can include the ferry crossings as part of the package
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