Malaga, Cordoba and Granada by train

The Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro enjoys a fabulous view, over the city of Málaga and its bay, from its position high up on the hill from which it takes its name, Mount Gibralfaro. Built next to the Gibralfaro Castle, the Parador offers a location where you are within easy reach of the city and from where you can admire the beauty of the Mediterranean. Modern in style and built out of stone, the property provides comfortable rooms and common areas, a rooftop swimming pool and a restaurant offering a cuisine featuring fish, vegetables and fruit from the Axarquia region of the province of Malaga.

Highlights of the city not to be missed include the Moorish fortress, the Alcazaba, situated on the hillside below the Parador; La Encarnacion Cathedral, built on the site where a mosque once stood during eight centuries of Muslim rule; Museum Picasso Malaga, where work by the famous Spanish painter is on show and Casa Natal de Picasso, the building in which he was born in 1881. Travelling away from the city, head to the nearby town of Rincon de la Victoria (c.6km), originally a small fishing village and home to the Cuevas del Tesoro (Treasure Caves), a marine cave system dating from the Jurassic era whilst the traditional Spanish white towns of Mijas (c.25km) and Ardales (c.40km) are also within easy reach.

In the 10th century Córdoba had a population of half a million and was considered the largest, opulent and most cultured capital in the world. The city has been a melting pot of cultures that have influenced its history; Jews, Christians and Muslims have contributed to its multicultural history.

Within the walls of this 64 room, city centre (old town), 4-star hotel are archaeological remains which reflect this cultural melting pot. Roman tombs, fountains, part of an Almohad wall and a caliphate cistern have been preserved within its five Andalusian patios.

Furnishings are modern, crisp and easy on the eye.  Wooden floors predominate.  The patios are used as common areas to provide seating areas.  The wine bar serves as a bar for Spanish wines, cocktails and snacks. 

A very good, comfortable, conveniently located hotel with helpful staff and an ideal base from which to explore this city of all cities.

Accommodation

• 64 air-conditioned rooms, hidden between fabulous patios, including standard rooms and premium rooms

Amenities/Leisure

• Buffet breakfast
• Cafe-bar
• Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
• Andalusian patios
• Meeting room for events
• Public parking nearby c.20 Euros per day
• 168km (c.110-minutes’ drive) to Malaga Airport
• 4.5km (c.20-minutes’ walk) to Córdoba Train Station
• A few minutes’ walk of the Roman Temple, Plaza de las Tendillas and Plaza de la Corredera, in the northeastern corner of Córdoba’s old town and within 15-minutes’ walk to the Mezquita, the Roman Bridge, the 13th-century Alcázar, the archaeological museum and the Judería.
• The Palacio de Viana - a 12-patio, flower-festooned Renaissance palace, is a 10-minute walk away.
• The festival of Patios de Córdoba, which is celebrated every year in May, promotes the value of the patio as an intercultural meeting point and as a way of life based on the establishment of strong social bonds among neighbours

The elegant 5-star Palacio with alabaster white interiors is centrally located in the historical and financial heart of Granada with shops and restaurants in the immediate vicinity.  The Alhambra Palace which is on the edge of the city is a 25 minute walk.  The hotel is composed of two buildings, the 19th century Patos Palace, a majestic, historical and cultural building which has been sensitively restored and an elegant new building opposite, set behind alabaster latticework.

This is a true grand hotel, with elegant gardens, a very sophisticated spa with thermal bath, a fine dining restaurant with terrace and a peaceful and relaxing environment in spite of being in the centre of a city.

Accommodation

• 42 air-conditioned rooms (split between the Palace and the new wing) including dreamer rooms, deluxe rooms, junior suites and suites