No. 9 in the province of Toledo · Cork Valley guide
Oropesa castle: the first historic parador in Spain
In 1930 the castle of the Álvarez de Toledo family became the first parador in Spain housed in a historic building. Almost a century later it is under full restoration, with more than 12 million euros invested.
92 km from Cork Valley · Montes de Toledo · ★ 4.9 · 1,311 Google reviewsReviews
What guests who have already been say
★★★★★4,9 · 1,311 Google reviews
«They have been magnificent days of rest and disconnection as a family, in a wonderful setting, with every care from the owners. We will be back.»
María GonzálezGoogle review
«The place is a dream! The views, the mirror house, the customer service, the staff, the details, the food offering and the pool.»
Marina Agüero MayoGoogle review
«We wanted a romantic getaway and everything came together, even the night joined in with its clear sky showing the stars and that moon lighting us up while we enjoyed the hot tub.»
Shadia Jaramillo betancurGoogle review
- What it is
- Castle and seigneurial palace in the Campana de Oropesa
- Milestone
- First parador in Spain in a historic building (1930)
- From Cork Valley
- 92 km by road
- Status
- Parador closed since March 2025; reopening expected 31/12/2026
Why Oropesa is worth the trip
Oropesa stands on a hill commanding the Tagus plain, with the Sierra de Gredos behind. The complex brings together the medieval castle and the Renaissance palace of the counts of Oropesa, the Álvarez de Toledo, inside a single enclosure.
Its place in the history of Spanish tourism is a singular one: in 1930 the first national parador housed in a historic building was set up here, the model later repeated across Spain. That milestone is why Oropesa’s name comes up whenever the parador network is discussed.
Since 1 March 2025 the parador has been closed for a full restoration with an investment of more than 12.3 million euros — 3.8 million from Paradores and 8.5 million from Turespaña with European funds — which also aims to cut heating use by 20% and avoid 87 tonnes of CO₂ a year. Reopening is expected on 31 December 2026.
What to see
The medieval castle
Keep and wall-walk with views over the Tagus plain and the Sierra de Gredos.
The Álvarez de Toledo palace
The Renaissance wing attached to the fortress, the part that houses the parador.
The old town of Oropesa
Streets with coats of arms, the collegiate church and the group of convents around the castle.
La Campana de Oropesa
The surrounding district, with Lagartera and its embroidery a few kilometres away.
The views to Gredos
On clear days the whole range is visible from the top of the hill.
In pictures
Getting there from Cork Valley
From Cork Valley it is 92 km by road heading west. It is a full day, and the natural combination is with Talavera de la Reina, which is on the way, 63 km from the estate.
When to go
Any time of year works for seeing the complex from outside and walking the village, but bear in mind that the parador is closed for works and that this affects part of the enclosure. Before you go, check with the Oropesa tourist office which parts of the castle are open that day. Spring and autumn give the best light over Gredos.
Where to stay nearby: Cork Valley
A 70-hectare estate in the Montes de Toledo, 92 km from Oropesa castle and 130 km from Madrid. Timber cabins and mirror houses for adults only, all pet friendly, with a saltwater infinity pool open 24 hours.
Timber cabins
From €149 a night. Timber, a private wood-fired hot tub in some units and woodland all around.
See the timber cabinsMirror Houses
From €239 a night. Mirrored façades that disappear into the landscape, angled so neighbours never see each other.
See the mirror housesAdults only and pet friendly
Your dog sleeps inside the accommodation and has a pool of its own. Supplement of €15 in cabins and €25 in mirror houses.
Getaway with your dogStarlight Destination
Cork Valley is a certified Starlight Destination and a Singular Rural Accommodation of Castilla-La Mancha.
StargazingFrequently asked questions
Is the Oropesa parador open?
No. It closed on 1 March 2025 for a full restoration and reopening is expected on 31 December 2026.
Why is Oropesa castle famous?
Because in 1930 it housed the first parador in Spain set up in a historic building, the model that later spread across the country.
How much does the restoration cost?
More than 12.3 million euros: 3.8 million from Paradores and 8.5 million from Turespaña with European funds.
What else is nearby?
Lagartera, known for its embroidery, and the district of La Campana de Oropesa. Talavera de la Reina is on the way.
How far is it from Cork Valley?
92 km by road from Hontanar.
Keep exploring the province of Toledo
- Toledo old town
- Primate Cathedral of Toledo
- Alcázar of Toledo
- Puy du Fou Spain
- Things to do in Toledo
- Things to do near Toledo
- Nature escapes from Madrid
- The deer rut
- All the guides
Updated 5 September 2026
Sleep in the woods and explore the province by day
Timber cabins and mirror houses for adults only on a 70-hectare estate, 92 km from here and 130 km from Madrid.
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