Limpias Parador - Located midway between Bilbao and Santander, just inland of Laredo on the river

[wessie]

I used 3 Paradors on my recent trip. The one in Limpias is the only one I can recommend. https://maps.app.goo.gl/DBr5esdTLkkbmAwZ9 - located midway between Bilbao and Santander just inland of Laredo on the river. The small town is quite nice, formerly an inland port. A few bars to choose from.

3 levels of parking to choose from: pleb level near the bottom of the hill by the entrance off the road for free; top of the drive near reception 5 euros; garage for the anxious 20 euros. I chose mid level.

Food was okay but is no longer what I would be expecting for the price. There are far too many items on the menu that are not included in the half board rate so involve a supplement if you want them.

Loads of great roads nearby such as Puerto del Sia

The other paradors used were the big castles at Siguenza and Alarcon. Attractive buildings but the service and food in these places was not great.

 

[Ectopic]

I used 3 Paradors on my recent trip. The one in Limpias is the only one I can recommend. https://maps.app.goo.gl/DBr5esdTLkkbmAwZ9 - located midway between Bilbao and Santander just inland of Laredo on the river. The small town is quite nice, formerly an inland port. A few bars to choose from.

3 levels of parking to choose from: pleb level near the bottom of the hill by the entrance off the road for free; top of the drive near reception 5 euros; garage for the anxious 20 euros. I chose mid level.

Food was okay but is no longer what I would be expecting for the price. There are far too many items on the menu that are not included in the half board rate so involve a supplement if you want them.

Loads of great roads nearby such as Puerto del Sia

The other paradors used were the big castles at Siguenza and Alarcon. Attractive buildings but the service and food in these places was not great.

We've stayed in Limpias twice, and will be again this year, purely because of its proximity to the ports. I've always found the restaurant very good and recall a starter of fried battered seafood that was absolutely delicious.

I agree that the prevalence of "supplement" items is increasing slightly, but I'd rather that than the whole price increase to cover the expensive things.

Siguenza had cranes all over it when we stayed there. In Alarcon we splashed out and booked the memorable suite (or whatever it's called) - the top floor on the tower with private access to the roof terrace and a walkway around the outside of the tower that I couldn't do because I'm a wuss with heights, but my wife enjoyed it. I wouldn't stay there again because we've done it, but I'd say it was worth it. Although the breakfast was disappointing - no buffet, just a prepared tray with a selection of stuff on it whether you liked it or not. This might have been a post-covid thing as it was in 2022.

 

[wessie]

We've stayed in Limpias twice, and will be again this year, purely because of its proximity to the ports. I've always found the restaurant very good and recall a starter of fried battered seafood that was absolutely delicious.

I agree that the prevalence of "supplement" items is increasing slightly, but I'd rather that than the whole price increase to cover the expensive things.

Siguenza had cranes all over it when we stayed there. In Alarcon we splashed out and booked the memorable suite (or whatever it's called) - the top floor on the tower with private access to the roof terrace and a walkway around the outside of the tower that I couldn't do because I'm a wuss with heights, but my wife enjoyed it. I wouldn't stay there again because we've done it, but I'd say it was worth it. Although the breakfast was disappointing - no buffet, just a prepared tray with a selection of stuff on it whether you liked it or not. This might have been a post-covid thing as it was in 2022.

no, still get a tray of stuff at Alarcon rather than the usual buffet, but you can also choose from the hot menu. I had the tortilla which was nice.

 

[Ectopic]

Summer 2025 we again stayed at Limpias on the last night of our trip.

One of the supplement starters was local anchovies. When they were served, they came in the tin with the lid half opened. Really not what I was expecting, and a bit disappointing.

However, they were absolutely amazing. Possibly the nicest fish starter I've ever had. They sold the tins at reception but they were 19 Euros a pop. Bugger that, I thought, I'll get some online. Unfortunately, they were a bit more online!

Having read up a bit on them, it turns out they are a renowned delicacy, with the fish boned by hand on virgins' thighs (or something). Whatever, they were truly memorable. Beautiful flavour, not too salty, melt in the mouth.

 

[wessie]

I had that can of anchovies as a starter on one of my Parador stays. Can't remember which one but it was good. Served with bread sticks. Would have been better with a bit of salad like cherry toms, peppers etc

 

[Ectopic]

I had that can of anchovies as a starter on one of my Parador stays. Can't remember which one but it was good. Served with bread sticks. Would have been better with a bit of salad like cherry toms, peppers etc

The thing that would have made it even better is another can of anchovies!

Yes, it was with breadsticks but I asked for some more fresh bread.