Sweet stay: Parador de Santo Estevo

I will be leaving for Spain in another two weeks--and will be staying in some paradores again. 

The paradores of Spain are lodgings that have been incorporated (in many cases) in ancient monasteries, medieval castles and palaces. One of the most beautiful that I have spent a

night at was Santo Estevo --located in the Galician region of Spain. A former Benedictine monastery, it  dates back to the 10th century (and further). 

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The road into the monastery is so narrow that our little van had to stop atop a hill and we
had to roll our suitcases down to the monastery entrance. Not an inconvenience at all when you consider the view one has before walking down the narrow lane to this parador. You overlook a grove (or is it an orchard?) of chestnut trees. And when I was there in the autumn, there were nets set up below each of the trees to make it easier to harvest all the fallen chestnuts. There was also a little chicken coop set up on the side of the lane--and all I could think was that those chickens had the best view of any chicken anywhere. Ah, to be a chicken in Galicia, Spain!

The 77 some rooms  within the monastery are set amid the three cloistered areas and all are different but lovely (with beautiful bathrooms) --I loved the little shuttered windows in this room--and the facing  window seats next to a fantastic view. Oh, to be a monk meditating while overlooking such a setting!

One of the places to have an espresso or a light lunch was in the walkway with the view
of the courtyard. Oh, to be a monk having an espresso in such a place. (Wait, did
monks have espresso?)

Or a cheese plate like this one, above, or cake like the photo below? (Were monks allowed whipped cream?)

The other best part about staying here is just exploring the entire premises. Styles from

Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance abound. The three cloisters are amazing. It's noted that its origins could date back to the 6th and 7th centuries. The monastery is located in the heart of what is called the Ribeira Sacra ("holy river bank"), which refers to the lands that border the meeting of the rivers Sil and Mino.  Along with gorgeous scenery, the area is rich with vineyards (bodegas and wine cellars have won international awards),  small picturesque villages and a haunting charm that is addictive. 

For more information check out Spain's official paradores website.