The Parador in Baiona

The Parador in Baiona, Conde de Gondomar, is a magical place to stay for a few days – an elegant hotel inside the walls of the old Fortress of Monterreal, and on a promontory in a bay.

The Count of Gondomar

The Parador is named after Don Diego Sarmiento de Acuña (1567-1626) was the first Count of Gondomar and an extraordinarily able man. He was a soldier, active in repelling a raid by Sir Francis Drake on Baiona and Vigo in 1585 during the Anglo-Spanish war. Phillip II recognised the Count’s fighting abilities and appointed him Governor of Baiona and Keeper of the Fortress of Monterreal.  From 1613-22 he was the Spanish Ambassador in England and particularly close to James I.

Monterreal’s role as a military fortress ended in 1859 and in 1877 José Elduayen, Marquis of Pazo de la Merced, bought the site at public auction. The state bought back the site in 1963 and opened the Parador in 1966.

Inside the Parador at Baiona

The hotel is comfortable and, like all the paradors in Spain and pousadas in Portugal has several public rooms in addition to the bedrooms, bar and dining room. They are always wonderful buildings to explore!

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Gardens inside the walls of the Fortress

View from the Parador

The weather was good during our visit and views across the bay at the beginning and ending of the days were stunning. This is one of the ‘must-stay’ paradors in Spain, without a doubt.

I would love to return to this wonderful hotel and its magical setting in a bay – the Parador in Baiona.