Castle of Charles V, Parador de Hondarribia.

Enjoy the Castle of Charles V of Hondarribia, current Parador of the Basque coast.

 

The Castle of Charles V in Hondarribia has been converted into a hotel. In parador to be more exact. This fortification located in the heart of Hondarribia, is considered by many as one of the architectural and historical jewels of the municipality. A building, that, thanks to its location, in the center of the historical helmet, in the high zone of Hondarribia, intramural, allows us to know the locality with total comfort. This fortress of defensive character, has been rehabilitated to lodge between its impressive walls to a select group of travelers. And it is that, the high established tariffs and the reduced capacity that grants its structure, make that only a reduced number of travelers can lodge in this wonderful Basque hotel. In short, to the high cost of staying in one of its rooms (more than 200 € on average per night) we must add that it has only 36 rooms (32 double rooms and 4 singles). A number of stays, which reduces to 68 people who can stay in this parador. A somewhat exclusive service. The magnificent views with which it surprises us are one of its great attractions, and its orientation allows us to enjoy the Bay of Txingudi and the neighboring town of Hendaye with total clarity. A panoramic view of luxury. On the other hand, the interior of the Castle of Carlos V, today rehabilitated, fuses modern and ancient elements offering practical and elegant rooms. In this sense, we can say with complete confidence that the Parador de Hondarribia follows the same line as all the Paradors in which we have stayed. Quality and comfort. Unfortunately, not everyone can enjoy its colorful lounges and terraces. Although the parador has a small bar that can be visited without staying at the hotel, the rest of the castle is reserved exclusively for guests of the parador. Therefore, if you want to visit the Castle of Charles V in Hondarribia, you will have to choose between being content with appreciating its exterior beauty or staying in one of its rooms. A pity. Respecting to the maximum the structure and the original elements of the Castle of Carlos V, the Parador of Hondarribia has been adapting to the new times. An effort, which has made this parador has an elevator, terrace, parking, conference room, bar and some other comfort more. Of course, all the places mentioned have just the right amount of space, as if they had been placed with a shoehorn. No wonder. We imagine that it will not be easy to adapt each of the rooms of a castle of the tenth century to the needs and comforts of today. However, we could spend hours admiring each of the halls, dining rooms and other nooks and crannies found throughout the castle. A delight. During our stay at the Parador of Hondarribia, we toured each and every one of the corners that make up the Castle of Charles V. Undoubtedly, a building full of charm. A hotel that stole our hearts. We encourage you to continue reading this report to discover with us this incredible place. Shall we continue?

As you can see, the Parador de Hondarribia, also known as the “Parador El Embajador”, allows us to stay in one of the most striking architectural structures of the municipality, in a castle. And is that the building that was key in the defense of Hondarribia, has been hosting travelers from around the world for over 50 years. This castle created by the Navarrese King Sancho Abarca in the tenth century, has become on its own merits one of the most demanded and striking inns in the north of the peninsula. A list in which we also find the Parador de Olite, a majestic hotel that we enjoyed during our last stay in Navarre. Two paradors that transport us directly to another era. A real pleasure.

 

History of the Charles V Castle.

To know the origin of the Castle of Charles V, we must go back to the end of the tenth century. At that time, Hondarribia, like much of the Basque Country, was part of the Kingdom of Navarre. A kingdom that was led by King Sancho de Abarca. It was the latter who ordered the construction of the primitive fortress of Hondarribia, the original castle. A structure of military character and quadrangular plant, which, 200 years later was strengthened by Sancho VII the Strong. Its strategic location made this castle of great military importance for centuries. Witness to this is the fact that the Catholic Monarchs, the Emperor Charles V, Philip IV and Philip V among others have passed through this enclave. Historically speaking, this castle has been the bastion of Hondarribia’s resistance. The great protagonist of the then walled city. One of the great protagonists of the French siege of 1638.

It was at that time, when the Castle of Charles V became the great figure of this Basque town. One of the most emblematic spaces of the town. This scene of historical events and home of illustrious characters, was left in a deplorable state after the wars of 1794 and 1808. The castle, of private property, was bought by the city council at the beginning of the 20th century. Once in the hands of this public entity, the building was almost completely renovated in 1959, and later, in 1968, it was adapted for the current project, the Parador de Turismo of Hondarribia. This is just a summary of the history of the Castle of Charles V, if you are passionate about history, we recommend you to investigate more about it, you will love it.

 

Hondarribia Parador.

The Hondarribia Parador is one of the most demanded paradors in the Basque Country. And it is not surprising. Its strategic location, its imposing presence and its charm are solid arguments for its success. As for its location, we can say that it offers us the possibility of knowing practically all Euskal Herria without wasting a lot of time in displacements. An aspect to take into account if we plan to visit different areas of Euskadi. In turn, its aesthetics is closely related to the function for which it was designed. The Castle of Carlos V, has always had an essential function in the region of Bidasoa, to protect the people. A defensive function, which is evident in its aesthetics. And it is that this enormous mass of solid masonry, without holes or windows, of clear defensive character, has a very curious exterior aesthetics. Very dark, imposing. This structure, classified as a fortress-house and listed as a monument, was converted in 1968 into a Parador by the architect Manuel Sainz de Vicuña. Since then, the Castle of Carlos V, has turned out to be one of the axes of tourism in Hondarribia. This Parador is the main protagonist of the noble historic center of the town. A space formed by narrow cobbled streets, which guide us inside the walls while we know some of the most important buildings of the place. On the other hand, its interior still keeps a beautiful collection of tapestries from 1630 that tell the story of Achilles, undoubtedly one of the most important works found in the parador.

 

Rooms Castillo Carlos V.

The rooms of the Parador de Hondarribia, follow the same line as the rest of the hotels of the “chain”. Spacious, quiet and simple. Without great boasts. No luxuries. With charm. Protected by huge stone walls, cannons, armor and other historical elements, this hotel transports us to the Middle Ages.

Practically all the rooms of the castle are located around a large inner courtyard. A bright, spacious and somewhat idyllic space that allows us to contemplate the past, present and future of the Castle of Charles V just by looking at its walls. If you are looking for a special place where you can enjoy a getaway to escape from the hustle and bustle, the Parador de Hondarribia can be a great option. We recommend you to take it into account in any trip to Euskadi.

 

Opinion of the Hondarribia Parador.

The Parador de Hondarribia seduced us with its impressive exterior aesthetics and made us fall in love with the tranquility we breathed inside. A cumulus of sensations that we will remember fondly. A nice memory for the future. A hotel, which contributed its small grain of sand to make our last stay in Hondarribia was simply impressive. If we take into account both the services and the attention offered by this establishment, we can say that practically everything was up to the conditions, just a couple of notes. First, it is somewhat uncomfortable that the employees control access to certain areas of the hotel by repeatedly asking whether or not we are guests of the hotel. Second, the TV, shower and other elements of the rooms are not up to the standard expected of this type of establishment. Otherwise, perfect, to repeat. Above all, the breakfast, complete, local and quality.

 

Price of the Hondarribia Parador.

Like most Paradors, the price of the Parador de Hondarribia is not suitable for everyone. The average price of a double room is over 200€ per night on bed and breakfast basis. A rate, to which we must add other expenses such as parking (16 € per night) in case of making use of them. Now, the million dollar question, is it worth paying this rate for the services offered? In our opinion, it all depends on the point of view with which we face this question. Staying among canvases, carpets and historic walls is not an aspect that many hotels can boast of. It is therefore a unique, special hotel. And like all services of this type, the price to pay is usually high. On the other hand, if we value the services we enjoyed, the room and the breakfast, we can determine that they are high quality products. The room, spacious and quiet, the quality and local breakfast (such as the Basque cake), left us with a very good taste in our mouths. Now, if all these issues are indifferent to you, the answer is clear, NO. It is not worth paying more than 200€ to stay at the Parador de Hondarribia.

 

Location of the Charles V Castle.

Undoubtedly, one of the strengths of the Parador de Hondarribia. Located in the upper area of Hondarribia, in the historic center, the location of the Castle of Charles V allows us to enjoy all the charms offered by this charming town. A proximity that allows us to visit practically any point of Hondarribia without wasting time in displacements. On the other hand, its location is strategic to visit the towns of the French Basque Country, as well as the towns of Gipuzkoa or the capital of the province, Donostia San Sebastian. A series of spaces that we are sure you will love, not a bad plan, right?

 

Views of the Charles V Castle.

The Bay of Txingudi, bathes with its waters the picturesque towns of Hondarribia, Irun and Hendaye. Thus creating one of the most beautiful environments of our coast. A loving bond between the human being and nature, which gives us a place of dreams. The Bidasoa river, contributes to this idyll its small grain of sand, flowing its waters into this impressive place. Sailing, swimming, fishing or simply strolling along the shore of the Bay of Txingudi is a must. We recommend you to enjoy this place, it always transmits us a lot of peace and harmony, we hope you do too. For its part, the Castle of Charles V, offers us to enjoy this environment from its own terrace. And each of the elements mentioned above, can be appreciated to perfection from most of the terraces and windows of this parador. A vantage point from which to contemplate this fantastic place on the Basque coast.

 

Where to park.

Although the Parador has its own parking, there are many other options to park your vehicle free of charge in the vicinity of the Castle of Charles V. In this sense, we can park our vehicle next to the Barrio de la Marina or in the vicinity of the Baluarte de la Reina, next to the wall. In both cases, the access to the historic center is perfectly signposted and rehabilitated. This aspect is perfectly seen in the street “Sabin Arana Goiri” where years ago an elevator was built that connects the upper and lower part of the town in just a few seconds. A real marvel, and free! By the way, there are several areas in Hondarribia where the OTA service (traffic and parking ordinance) is established, make sure before parking.

 

Where to eat in Hondarribia.

Although many do not know it, the Parador de Hondarribia does not have its own restaurant, it only offers breakfast service. It is not a restaurant. However, in its bar, they offer cakes that are worth tasting. Or at least, we enjoyed them very much. Among the options to eat that we found in the municipality of Hondarribia, we emphasize 3 restaurants of great quality. 3 establishments, which we are sure you will not be disappointed. Gastronomic variety for different profiles of travelers, covering a nice range of tastes and preferences.

 

What to see in Hondarribia.

Hondarribia is one of the most beautiful towns in Euskadi. An urban nucleus, that counts between its limits with spaces and services of all type. It could not be more complete. The walled old town (Monumental Site), the colorful neighborhood of the Marina, the Jaizkibel mountain or the beach, are some of the most representative spaces of the town, but they are not the only ones. Here’s a summary of everything you can see and do in Hondarribia and its surroundings, we hope you like it!

 

Video of the Charles V Castle.

As usual, we have accompanied the words and images of this report with a small audiovisual. A video that we have uploaded to our YouTube channel to show you the exterior and interior of the Castle of Charles V, Parador de Hondarribia. We hope that through this video you can get an idea of what awaits you in this incredible castle of Hondarribia. If you like this kind of videos about Euskadi, we recommend you to subscribe to our YouTube channel, sure you will find more than one video that catches your attention.

As you have been able to see, the Castle of Carlos V, is a building of unique architectural value. A place where you can rest like a king. Staying at the Parador de Hondarribia is a luxury and its buffet breakfast, a treat for the senses. Undoubtedly, an unforgettable experience. If you have any questions or suggestions, we recommend you to use the comment system of this article to let us know. We will try to respond as soon as possible. Ondo pass!