Accommodation options in Spain

The most unique accommodation options in Spain are for sure the Paradores. They can typically be restored castles, monasteries, palaces, manor houses, or fortresses. There are 96 Paradores in Spain spread across the country, so you may well come across one during your trip to Spain.

Staying in a Parador in Spain is something you should try at least once during your trip, but there are so many different Paradores that you might want to visit more. From staying in a castle in Jaen to sleeping in a Moorish palace in Carmona, there are a lot of exquisite historic buildings to choose from.

One of the most unique experiences in Spain is staying in a cave hotel. They are very common throughout the region of Granada in southern Spain. Cities like Granada, Guadix, and Baza all offer exquisite cave hotel experiences.

In an inland area where temperatures get extremely high in the summer months, the cave houses are fantastic as they keep temperatures cool even on the hottest days, and in the cold winter, they do not get too cold. That said, they do have chimneys, and it is common to crack up a cozy fire in the winter months.

Travelling by campervan has become more and more popular in Spain in recent years and you can easily rent fully equipped vans and RVs from one city to another with no need for a round trip with companies like Indie Campers and Motorhome Republic.

There are plenty of RV parks throughout the country and many towns have free RV parks where you can empty your tanks and fill water. These usually let you stay for 1-3 nights.

The general rule in Spain is that camping outside designated camping areas is not allowed. This includes van life. You can park up and sleep the night but cannot set up tables and chairs outside. To do this, you must stay on a camping ground.

Airbnb is a popular option for accommodation when travelling and a great way to support the local economy in many places. But in other places, it has the opposite effect.

Locals can get driven out of their homes because landlords earn so much more on short-time rentals during the holiday season. Prices get driven, leading to locals being forced to move from their hometowns and relocate to less touristy places.

Unfortunately, this is the case in many touristy areas in Spain, like Barcelona and Malaga’s Costa del Sol. For this reason, we recommend only booking hotels in touristy areas, so that you do not contribute to a despairing situation for the locals.

In lesser touristy areas, however, where the demand is not so high, you can rent Airbnbs with a clear conscience. There is a fine balance where you might either support the local economy or work against it, so make sure you are aware of the local situation before booking.

You can find some farm stays throughout the country where you will get an eco-friendly experience while supporting the locals. A great way to find opportunities is through Workaway where you will help out on the farm for free accommodation and sometimes food. It is a great way to learn more about local agriculture and sustainability.

Country houses are usually rented out by locals that do not use the house all year round. This is sometimes through Airbnb, but not always. These are great ways to experience traditional homes while supporting the locals in rural areas.

The costs of accommodation in Spain vary a lot from region to region and between different types of accommodation. You can typically expect to pay around the following prices, but they can vary with the seasons, and places like Barcelona might be a lot more expensive.

• Hostel: 20-50 Euros

• Guest House: 40-60 Euros

• Hotel: 50-300 Euros

• Parador: 200-600 Euros

• Cave Hotel: 50-150 Euros

• Airbnb: 100-500 Euros

There are many hotel options with wheelchair access and additional accessories for people with movement impairment. Some Paradores do have facilities for disabled guests, so you should check up front to ensure the access you need. They usually have ample parking right outside the entrance too.

You can also find a few cave hotels with caves adjusted for disabled guests. However, Airbnb and other private rentals differ on a case-by-case basis and it's worth talking with your hosts about your requirements before booking.