Else Beekman
A new Parador hotel has opened in the town of Molina de Aragón, located in Spain’s Guadalajara province. The hotel is already fully booked until mid-July. It is the 98th hotel in the Paradores network and the ninth in Castilla-La Mancha. The Spanish government funded the project with more than €22 million.
Several officials attended the opening, including Castilla-La Mancha’s regional president Emiliano García-Page, Minister of Industry and Tourism Jordi Hereu, Paradores president Raquel Sánchez, and the town’s mayor, Francisco Javier Montes. The mayor called the opening a major milestone for the area.
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The idea for the hotel dates back to 2005. That year, a large forest fire devastated the region, destroying over 13,000 hectares and taking the lives of 11 firefighters. In response, the Spanish government promised to invest in the area’s long-term recovery.
A boost for rural tourism
This new Parador joins others in locations such as Toledo, Cuenca, Albacete, and Sigüenza. These hotels are known for being situated in places of cultural or natural interest.
Located in the Molina de Aragón and Alto Tajo Geopark, the hotel blends natural surroundings with historical elements. The geopark is known for its dramatic canyons, deep river gorges, and rich biodiversity, as well as geological formations dating back hundreds of millions of years. It is recognised by UNESCO for its scientific, educational, and ecological value. The area is also a favourite among hikers, with a network of trails that pass through unspoilt landscapes, limestone cliffs, and river valleys.
And then there’s Molina de Aragón itself—a town that feels almost frozen in time. With its vast medieval castle looming over the rooftops, cobbled lanes, stone churches, and remnants of ancient walls, it offers a glimpse into centuries past. Once the capital of a Moorish taifa and later a powerful medieval lordship, Molina still retains much of its historic charm. It’s also one of the coldest inhabited places in Spain—something that surprises many visitors expecting constant sun.
Raquel Sánchez, head of Paradores, said the new site was designed to offer comfort while respecting the area’s setting.
Minister Jordi Hereu pointed out that the project forms part of a national strategy to spread tourism beyond popular urban and coastal areas.
Economic and social impact
Regional president García-Page said the Parador was a political decision aimed at strengthening the local economy. Tourism, he noted, helps create jobs and build national cohesion.
The new hotel is expected to generate about 35 direct jobs. It will also support local businesses and encourage tourism in the region.
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Designed to blend with its historic surroundings
Although this Parador hotel is not housed in a historic building, it still offers a view into the medieval past. Built with traditional stone, the hotel faces the medieval castle of Molina de Aragón. Its design matches the look of the local town and integrates with nearby historic structures.
The Parador covers 7,000 square metres within a 42,000-square-metre site. It has 24 rooms, including two suites with private lounges, and all rooms overlook the castle. Amenities include a bar, restaurant, gardens, and a 60-space car park. There are also two event halls that can host up to 500 guests, as well as a terrace for outdoor gatherings.
With its setting, architecture, and facilities, the new Parador is expected to become a focal point for visitors to inland Spain.
Sources: El Confidencial, Paradores, Turismo Castilla La Mancha