I was visiting the fishing village of Cambados to sample its seafood, sip its white Albariño wines, and stay at the Parador de Cambados. Both the hotel and culinary scene were major attractions, as was the town itself. Located in the coastal area of Galicia known as the Rías Baixas, it was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 2001. Plus, it was named the European City of Wine in 2017.
I had stayed at another Parador before and was eager to see how this one differed.
Driving through a wrought iron gate, our group pulled up to a solid-looking granite building topped with a terracotta roof. It was built in the 17th century as a private manor house. The 58-room Parador was purchased by the Spanish government and transformed into a hotel in the 1960s.
I had done a little research before this trip and knew that it was once the ancestral home of the Bazán family. A prominent family of nobility, the lineage included writer and author Emilia Pardo Bazán, who was a champion of Spanish women’s rights at the turn of the last century.
Rooms at the Parador de Cambados
Taking the elevator to the second floor, I headed to my room for a little rest before exploring the town. I had booked a Double Standard. It was spacious, with gleaming hardwood floors, a floor-to-ceiling window looking out into the garden, and heavy wooden furniture.
Amenities included a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, a mini fridge, and a choice of pillows.
Other types of rooms I had seen on the Parador de Cambados’ website were Basic Doubles (a little smaller than mine), Junior Suites, and Accessible rooms.
Coming back downstairs, I noticed a group of people sitting in a lounge area near the elevator. They were drinking tea. Behind them stood a bar for anyone needing something stronger.
The inner courtyard was set up as an extension of the lounge with patio tables and umbrellas. A large fountain stood to one side. Circling the grounds, I came to the outdoor swimming pool. Darn! It was not yet open for the season since it was only May. A garden with verdant hedges and blooming camellia shrubs wrapped the property in green.
What is a Parador?
Paradores are state-run luxury hotels in converted castles, monasteries, and manor houses. Almost 100 years ago, the Spanish government created this network of tourist accommodation establishments. The goal was to help preserve the country’s historic, gastronomic, and cultural heritage. Today, 98 Paradores in Spain (plus one in Portugal) foster the local economy and are devoted to sustainability and environmental protection.
Dining at Parador de Cambados
In keeping with the network’s mandate of providing regional and local cuisine, Parador Cambados’ restaurant served coastal Galician fare. Sole, monkfish, scallops, and mussels were on the dinner menu. Also, there were empanadas, Galician blonde veal, Padrón peppers, pork-filled filloas (like a crepe), and velvety O Cebreiro cheese ice cream.
Breakfast was a joy. The buffet tables were laden with cured Galician meats and soft, mild cheeses. In addition, I loaded up on cereal, pastries, and fruits, including local mirabelle plums.
Marmalade and quince jam were available for toast. As for beverages, I opted for freshly squeezed orange juice and delicious coffee. Plus, you could order hot egg dishes from the wait staff at your table.
Exploring the Town
Although Cambados is a fishing village, it also has a heritage as a trading port. Wealthy merchants flocked there, as did the nobility. Exploring the cobbled streets near Parado de Combados, I came upon many fine old manor houses called Pazos.
I also happened upon a series of cozy Albariño wine bars. Albariño is a grape that thrives in this cool, coastal climate. Crisp and refreshing, it has hints of salinity and pairs beautifully with seafood. At the Wine Museum, I learned that 90 percent of the grapes grown here are Albariño. No wonder the town is known for its annual Festa do Albariño or Albariño Festival in August.
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The town of 13,000 is known for fostering many creative soles. Poet and social justice advocate Ramón Cabanillas was born here in 1876. Sculptors Francisco Asorey and Narciso Pérez Rey were also born in Cambados at the turn of the last century. Spanish dramatist and novelist Ramón María del Valle-Inclán (1866) spent time in the area. As did author, lawyer, and proud Galician Alfredo Branas (1859). Contemporary sculptors Francisco Leiro and Manolo Paz were born in Cambados in 1957. Paz still resides in the area and has a sculpture park just outside town.
Rates at the Parador de Cambados
A Double Basic room starts at $150 per night. A Double Standard room starts at $160 per night. A Junior Suite starts at $230 per night. Accessible rates start at $150 per night.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Hotel review by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. The Tourist Office of Spain arranged for her stay as she researched a larger piece. As always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
