Parador de Benavente

Spain – Castilla y León – Zamora – Benavente

4-star

Benavente’s Parador is named after Ferdinand II, the 12th-century king of León who built the original castle. Much of the old castle was destroyed by Napoleon in 1808, but the 16th-century Caracol Tower, an imposing castle-palace that dominates the town, survived, and forms part of the Parador. The building is noted for its coffered ceilings and Castilian brickwork, and the historic atmosphere has been enhanced by old paintings, rugs, wooden floors and iron lamp fittings. The outside swimming pool is flanked by a grassy sun terrace. In the restaurant you may sample such dishes as Bacalao a la tranca (salt cod served with roasted red peppers), Perdiz estofada al modo de la Tierra de Campo (partridge casseroled with onion, bacon and wine) and Florón Castellano (a flower-shaped pastry).