These castles have great historical and cultural importance in the history of Spain and Portugal. They have often been used as royal residences in the turbulent times of the past.

	Pousada do Castelo	Obidos Portugal	On the top of a hill, this hotel Pousada makes part of the castle which is within the old centuries walls that surround the beautiful and typical town of Obidos. This fine hotel is nowadays considered a monument of national interest.
	Pousada Estremoz	Estremoz Portugal	Overlooking the town of Estremoz, this hotel is set in a magnificent castle dating from 14th century which was ordered to be built by King D. Diniz for his wife, the Queen Santa Isabel.
	Pousada Castelo Palmela	Palmela Portugal	This pousada was constructed insithe castle of Palmela, where the cloisters of an ancient convent are still present. Its position in an imposing hill offers, from some bedrooms, one of the most impressive views of the country.
	Pousada D. Afonso II	Alcacer do Sal Portugal	Not far from Lisbon, Pousada D. Afonso II is located in the Alcacer do Sal castle which has more than 5000 years of history, and where a diversity of important cultural remains are still visible.
	Pousada Castelo Alvito	Alvito  Portugal	Together with the restoration of the Castelo of Alvito dating from XV century, this luxury hotel was created insiand the agricultural land of the medieval castle was converted into a superb surrounding garden.
	Hotel Solar do Castelo	Lisbon Portugal	During the second half of the XVIII century, This mansion was built within St. Jorge's Castle walls on the site of the former Alcacova Palacete Kitchens. This house is still known as the Palacete das Cozinhas (Kitchens Mansion).
	Parador Vilalba	Vilalba Spain	This impressive XV century tower dominates the landscape of Vilalba. Inside, 6 bedrooms together with the Salon los Andrades retain the Galicia medieval style, with mural paintings and coats of arms. The new building has been built in stone in the style of a typical Galician country mansion.
	Parador Hondarribia	Hondarribia Spain	The imponent walls of this X century castle, built by the King Sancho Albarca, hithe magnificient interior of this parador. The perfect combination of the Middle Age decoration with modern comfort will certainly catch your eyes, together with the splendid views over the French coast.
	Parador Olite	Olite Spain	This castle was founded by King Carlos the III of Navarra in the early 1500s. The Principe Viana hotel takes place in a wing of the castle which is nowadays considered a National Monument. The decor of the interior maintains the atmosphere of the medieval period, especially in the dining room.
	Parador Benavente	Benavente Spain	This four-star hotel is the result of the restoration of a XII century castle which was built by the King Fernando II of Leon and then destroyed in the Napoleonic War. The coffered ceilings are a special feature in this parador, especially the Mudejar one in the beautiful bedroom located in the old tower of the castle.
	Parador Cardona	Cardona Spain	On an imposing position over the fortified town, this luxury hotel is set in a IX century castle with a tower dating from the second century and a XI century church. The solid stone walls are decorated with tapestries and wrought iron torch holders. The furniture is inspired from medieval times.
	Parador Siguenza	Siguenza Spain	The original castle was founded in the 5th century but was then destroyed by the Moors. In 1123, it was retaken by Fernando I and El Cid.Since then and until late 1800's, it was the residence of bishops and cardinals. After years of unuse, it was converted into this welcoming four-star hotel surrounded by natural beautiful sceneries.
	Parador Alcaniz	Alcaniz Spain	On the hill-top of Pui-Pinos, this 12th century castle-convent of the Order of Calatrava dominates the landscape of the Maestrazgo region. In the XVIII century, part of the castle was converted into a palace where now stands this imponent parador. The main tower and the bell-tower sacristy have been originally preserved.
	Parador Tortosa	Tortosa Spain	This X century castle, strategically set in the upper part of the town, was converted into this four-star hotel. The fortification keeps Moorish elements on its walls, together with four splendid large Catalan Gothic windows. The insidecoration reflects its history along the times, especially royal and Christian features.
	Parador Ciudad Rodrigo	Ciudad Rodrigo Spain	On a cleft on a fertile plain of the River Agueda, this luxury hotel stands in a 14th century restored castle, ivy covered. The Torre del Homenaje offers unforgettable sceneries. Cosy details in the interior elegant decoration together with some wonderful views evokes a 14th century atmosphere.
	Parador Jarandilla de la Vera	Jarandilla la Vera Spain	Embraced by natural and unique beautiful landscapes, this hotel takes place in an ancient castle dating from XV century which was later on transformed into a palace. It was for several months the home of Emperor Charles V. Inside, grand halls with fireplaces and the cozy bedrooms reflects a peaceful and intimate atmosphere.
	Parador Alarcon	Alarcon Spain	On a promotory overlooking the River Jucar, this castle was built in the 8th century by the Muslims.Converted into this four star hotel, it has been perfectly preserved and maintains its Arabic influences.13s centuries of history are reflected in the interior decor, emphasizing a military theme. The most romantic legends are recreated in the bedrooms.
	Parador Jaen	Jaen Spain	Offering panoramic views over Jaen and the Andalusia region, this castle converted into a luxury hotel dates from 13th century. The exterior grandiosity remains in the interior, especially in the main lounge with its 20 metres high crossed arches and the dining room decorated in an Arabic style.