The Parador of Ibiza, the first state-run hotel of the Paradores de Turismo chain on the Balearic Islands, is finally set to open its doors in early 2025. The project involves an investment of over €27 million and will be located in Ibiza Town (Eivissa).
This prestigious project, which has been stalled for many years, took nearly two decades to come to fruition and marks the 100th Parador hotel in Spain. Moreover, the Almudaima Castle, which overlooks the city, will be the new location.
Municipal Collaboration
The Mayor of Ibiza, Rafa Triguero, recently met with Raquel Sánchez, the president of Paradores de Turismo. Triguero emphasised the municipality’s willingness and cooperation to promote joint projects that benefit the residents and the island community. “The Parador must be part of the city of Ibiza. A place that is open to the residents,” Triguero stated.
Location and facilities
The new Parador hotel will feature 66 rooms and will be open year-round. Furthermore, the project included the renovation of the historic castle, one of the most iconic locations in Ibiza. The construction contract was awarded to the contractor Acciona in 2019. Recently, the construction crane was removed, revealing the restored profile of the location.
Historical and archaeological significance
The construction site, a 16th-century fortress crowning the upper town Dalt Vila, was designated as the Parador hotel location in 2004. The fortress had been closed since the 1980s. Renovation work began in 2008 but was halted in 2012 due to the discovery of archaeological remains. These findings led to modifications of the original project and significant budget overruns. The work resumed in December 2019.
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Archaeological discoveries
One of the positive outcomes of the Parador’s construction at this site is the thorough investigation of the complex, the musealisation of many findings, and the documentation and preservation of other remains. The aim is to make these archaeological discoveries accessible to residents, researchers, and tourists, allowing everyone to appreciate the rich history of the location.
With the opening of the Parador of Ibiza, the city gains a new tourist attraction that not only offers luxurious accommodation but also provides a window into the city’s past. The project aims to boost tourism and enrich the local community by making historical treasures accessible.
Background of the castle
La Almudaina was originally the administrative and military headquarters of the Muslim ‘wali’ (guardian or Islamic saint). The building has a long, rectangular layout with nine square towers. Archaeological excavations have uncovered construction remains from the 12th and 13th centuries, although the current structure mainly dates from the 16th and 18th centuries.
King Felipe II commissioned the construction of the fortress in the 16th century, initially featuring six bastions, including the prominent San Jorge and Santiago. Later, Antonio Jaime led further construction, and in a third phase, the Santa Lucía bastion was added. The final phase, designed by architect Alfonso Rubián, completed the castle and citadel. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, La Almudaina underwent various restructurings, including the addition of kitchens and a gymnasium.
Dalt Vila
Literally meaning “upper town,” Dalt Vila is a beautiful old town centre that has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999. Situated on a hill and surrounded by impressive 16th-century city walls, it was historically used for protection against external attacks. The views over the city and the sea are stunning.
The opening early next year is a setback for the mayor. If it had been up to him, the Parador would have opened on December 4, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the city centre as a World Heritage site.
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