Spain, also known as the “Iberian Peninsula” or the “Pyrenean Peninsula”, gives access to the Atlantic Ocean on the west and south-and to the Mediterranean Sea in the east and south-east.

In total eleven islands are part of Spain, seven bigger islands that belong to the region of Canaries and four Balearic islands. The seven islands of Canaries are Fuertaventura, La Gomera, Gran Canaries, El Hierro, Lanzarote and Teneriffa. The Balearic islands are Formentera, Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca. Furthermore, there are smaller islands that belong to the Balearics and where a small amount of Spanish people lives. They are called “Perejil Island” and are located close to Gibraltar and Morocco.

Among all of these destinations and parts of Spain there are several beaches but we selected the 10 best hidden beaches for you.

1) Viveiro in Galicia

The beach on the north-west coast of Spain in Galicia is all about people of all ages just enjoying the holiday vibe with their family.

2) Llafranc in Costa Brava

The area in the north-east of Spain around Llafranc, about 2 hours drive from Barcelona, was frequented by filmstars and artists throughout the 20th century. Nowadays it is a resort town for families, couples or groups of friends who are looking for a relaxed and uncrowded beach scene.

3) Mónsul in Andalusia

The beach area close to the Cabo de Gata national park in the south of Spain offer an endless-fascinating landscape experience for nature lovers and hiking passionates. It is about 2 hours drive from Granada and 3 hours from Malaga. Best to come by car.

4) Cies Island in Galicia

Locals call the Cies Island in the north-west of Spain the “Galician Caribbean” or “Galician Seychelles”. The ambiance with the white beach, the turquoise water and the beautiful view on the mountains in the horizon seems tropical and invites you to start dreaming.

5) Ribadesella in Asturias

The beach area on the north coast of Spain is ideal for strolling, surfing, sunbathing, kayaking on the river Sella. Close to Ribadesella there is the World-Heritage-listed Cueva de Tito Bustillo, where you can find one the most magnificient perhistoric cave art in Spain. It’s about 3 hours drive from San Sebastián and 4 hours from Salamanca.

6) Es Grau in Menorca

The beach is in the north-east coast of the island Menora and it is part of the S’Albufera des Grau nature reserve in order to protect it from overdevelopment. Es Grau seems like a gigantic spa pool with turquoise water, where you can stroll along the shore or wade through the sea. Get to Menorca by plane or by boat from Barcelona or Valencia.

7) Cala Macarelleta in Menorca

Among locals Cala Macarelleta is one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. In compare to its sibbling Cala Macarella the beach in Cala Macarelleta is less crowded and more charming. You can get there when you hike through the pine forests from Cala Macarella. Get to Menorca by plane or by boat from Barcelona or Valencia.

The obvious reason to come to Granada would be our Spanish language school of course :-). Though if you are still doubting whether to come to Granada or somewhere else in Spain, may this article help you in your choice.

History

The first settlements in Granada dated back to 1500-2000 BC, where small tribes lived close to Granada. At this time, the region was inhabited by the Phoenicians and subsequently the Carthaginians. From the 5th century, when Visigoths conquered the city, establishing it as a military stronghold. It was from that time that Granada started to become a more significant city. During the same period, a small Jewish community lived in the region, calling it “Garnata al-Yahut”, which was probably the origin of the city’s name.

In 711 the Moors took over the city of Granada and developed it during the next 300 years. At the beginning of the second millennium, the city was almost completely destroyed, because of fights between the ruling clans. Finally, in 1013, the dynasty of Ziries came to power converting the region into an independent kingdom. The expansion of Granada was sustained under the regime of Nazari dynasty, one of it’s greatest   periods. The Nazari family controlled Granada until 1492, when it was incorporated to Castilla by Ferdinand and Isabel which marked the end of the last Muslim kingdom in Spain.  During the next centuries the Moorish population was baptized by force and all the signs of the Arabian culture were prohibited. This led to rebellions and riots and as a consequence, most of the Moorish were expatriated.

Until the middle of 20th century, Granada was in economic depression. Some years after that it became an important Spanish university city and also artistic center, with Federico García Lorca and Manuel de Falla living here. Now Granada is a thriving and growing modern city which enjoys a wonderfully rich history and great atmosphere as Spain’s third largest university city.

1) Weather

The weather in Granada is seasonal and can be extreme. Winter can be cold with temperatures below zero, although there is generally more sun and brighter cold days than rain and snow. December and January are the coldest months. During summer, temperatures can rise to over 40 degrees centigrade, into the 100s Fahrenheit. July and August are the hottest months. You can normally guarantee good weather from June to the end of September. October is  great but it can rain also, generally “winter” starts in November and ends in March. Spring is short here and the heat comes quickly!! Granada has a dry climate and there are many options to enjoy Granada and the beautiful countryside that surrounds it,  such as mountain climbing, biking, trekking, horse riding or rafting.

• Winter: The obvious sport in winter is Skiing and during your stay in Granada you can make the most  of having the Sierra Nevada ski resort just 45 minutes away. The skiing is fantastic, with some great slopes and runs for ski or boards. The Sierra Nevada has been voted one of the top ten ski resorts in Europe by Conde Nast Traveller. Skiing is not the only sport that you can enjoy in Winter, due to the dry climate, there are many sunny winter days where the temperature hits 15­‐20 degrees easily. Mountain biking, trekking and mountain climbing are very popular with locals and  visitors  alike. It’s a good way to meet people and get to know the surrounds of the city.
• Summer: During the summer in Granada, temperatures can rise into the 40s. The city is generally quieter as the schools and Universities are on holiday from June through to at least September.   August is the quietest month when a lot of people choose to take their summer holidays also. The Tropical coast (Granada’s coast line) is a popular resort for those wishing to escape the heat in July and August. However, city life continues, albeit at a slightly slower pace! Granada always comes to life at night and summer nights are no different. People enjoy evening strolls, city bars with terraces and of course the wonderful Albaicín which has many open air restaurants with the most spectacular views imaginable.

2) The Alhambra & Generalife Gardens

Dating back to the 9th Century and soaked in history, the Alhambra is a world famous monument and is a must see during your stay in Granada. Spring is a fantastic time as the Generalife Gardens are spectacular at this time of year. The Alhambra offers a summer program of theater, music and dance – all at night in the amazing surrounds of the Generalife gardens. It is a wonderful experience and as you would expect, tickets sell out extremely quickly.

3) The district Albaicín

The Albaicín isn’t just Granada’s oldest district, it’s also the largest and most characteristic of Spain’s surviving Islamic quarters! The rambling  white-­washed web of intertwining cobbled streets will take you back to  the years of Islamic splendor. Practically unchanged, the Albaicín, which is also a World Heritage Site, emanates Arabic culture from every street! Amongst the intimate squares and original Islamic fountains, you’ll find Arab baths, Islamic palaces, and many interesting places to pass the day or night.

4) Cuesta de los Chinos

Located at the end of the Paseo de los Tristes and looking up to the Alhambra Palace, this place is a meeting point to relax, read a book, sell artifacts, watch the world go by or paint.

5)The parc García Lorca

What was once the countryside surrounding the home of famed poet,   author, and playwright Federico García Lorca is now an enchanting park named after him. Perfect for a lazy late afternoon stroll or a relaxed picnic lunch, or a pit stop at the bar. Perfect for strolling, walking or jogging. Take the opportunity to revel in its footpaths lined with trees, bushes and blossoms. Be sure to head to the García Lorca Park’s “rosaleda”, where hundreds of species of roses come together for unbeatable visual and aromatic pleasure. It is a great place to chill out in the middle of the city.

6) The mountain range Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada is a dramatic, rugged and extensive mountain range, the highest in Europe after the Alps. The protected area encompasses torrential rivers, sheer-­sided gorges, stony slopes, glacial lakes between snowy summits and, in the foothills of the Alpujarras, cultivated terraces of almond trees and vegetables. Designated a national park in 1998, it is one of only two in Andalucía. It was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1986, in recognition of its exceptionally diverse plant, bird and animal species. As we mentioned before, in the Sierra Nevada you can enjoy a wide range of activities such as skiing, mountain climbing, hiking, mountain biking and horse riding to name a few. Any activity can be arranged by the school with qualified professionals.

7) The valleys of Las Alpujarras

Las  Alpujarras is a 70km long collection of valleys along the   southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. It is a mixture of dramatic mountains, deep ravines, sloping  hillsides, huge gorges, and the  most breath-­taking views. It is full of many clusters of beautiful white villages, often seemingly clinging together on the side of a steep mountainside, which are a traditional feature of this area. Las Alpujarras has often been  described  as ‘oddball’, ‘kooky’ or ‘strange’ due to its uniqueness,  and old‐world quality. It has a sense of timelessness and its own pace of life.  It is extremely picturesque and beautiful and once seen, never forgotten. The Alpujarran people are very welcoming; everywhere you go you are greeted with a friendly ‘Hola’ and are soon made to feel part of the community. There is a strong emphasis placed on family life; you will often see several generations of the same family sat down enjoying a meal together. It is a particularly delightful area to explore on foot and there are many well-­signposted walking routes, ranging from a short stroll, to day long hikes into the Sierra  Nevada. For the really serious walker there are two famous long-distance foot paths that cross Las Alpujarras. One is the GR-7, which begins in Tarifa in Cádiz province and crosses Europe all the way to Greece. The other is the GR-­142, which runs from Lanjarón to Fiñana on the northern side of the Sierra Nevada in Almeria province. Las Alpujarras, and in particular Granada, is famous for its delicious tapas. These are small snacks served (free) with an alcoholic drink and cover a wide range of imaginative dishes. The town of Trevélez is famous for its ‘jamón serrano’ (cured  ham). The well known ‘Alpujarras’ or ‘Costa’ wine can also be sampled.

8) Granada Beaches and Coastline  
The Costa Tropical, situated between the Costa del Sol in Málaga and the Costa de Almería, is a rich strip of coastline, which hosts the very best conditions and attractions necessary to provide an excellent holiday. Its situation on the Mediterranean, its closeness to Africa and to the Sierra Nevada, with the highest peaks on the Península, protect the Costa Tropical from the cold northerly winds. The result is a subtropical micro-­climate, with 320 days of sunshine a year and an average temperature of around 20ºC, where all kinds of tropical fruit is grown, such as  Kiwis, avocados, bananas. Winter temperatures are usually between 15-18ºC and in Summer between  25-30ºC.  With  six  tourist  centres: La  Herradura, Almuñécar, Salobreña, Motril, Castell de Ferro and La  Rábita – the Costa Tropical boasts a good tourist network where countless sports can be practiced: windsurfing, surfing, scuba diving, fishing, sailing, waterskiing, golf, tennis, squash and horse-­riding.

9) Semana Santa (Easter Week) in April
Holy Week takes place in the last week of Lent. It is a religious  festival  which  began in the early days of the Church, when the faithful traveled to Jerusalem at Passover to  re-enact the events leading up to Christ’s resurrection. In towns and cities throughout Spain and especially in Andalusia, it is a week of great celebrations, processions, masses and displays of religious fervor. In Granada, some of the particular events include a procession known as ‘Christ of the Gypsies’ or ‘Christ of Sacromonte’ on the Wednesday of Holy Week and a ‘Procession of Silence’ from midnight on Thursday, from the Church of San Pedro on the Carrera del Darro. There is also the ‘Procession of Las Angustias’, on Easter Saturday. The processions are held all around the city of Granada starting from either the cathedral or various churches.

10) Dia de la Cruz (Cross Day) in May

Each year, various brotherhoods and organisations enter into a competition for the best-decorated cross. The size is large and the theme is generally floral and elaborate. The crosses are erected at different locations throughout the historic center, and in the adjoining neighborhoods of Albaicin and Realejo. Public squares and courtyards are usually chosen, and each participating group seeks to boost their chances of winning by laying on music and flamenco dancing. In addition, the streets and squares in which the crosses are installed are beautified for the occasion, because there are cash prizes to be won in this category too. The festival is very popular and many people tour from one cross to another to enjoy the festivities,   which often continue until late at night.

11) Feria de Corpus Christi in June

Granada lets its hair down with huge fairgrounds, lots of music and dancing, puppet shows, fun activities for children, processions, balcony decoration competitions, plant and pot exhibitions, flamenco performances in casetas (huge  tents) in the fairground on the outskirts of the city and in the city center. There are two major processions. The first is the Tarasca (Tarasque), where a figure of a woman on a dragon, accompanied by giants and other characters wearing big paper maché heads, walks through the streets of Granada. The other procession, which is named after the feast of Corpus Christi itself, is solemn and religious and leads out on the Thursday, which is a feast day in Granada.

12) International Dance and Music Festival in June and July

This prestigious and long-running festival is one of the musical highlights of early summer that’s distinguished by the extraordinary combinations of great music in fantastic settings. Musicians such as Rubinstein, Victoria de los Angeles and Andres Segovia have performed in the beautiful Arab courtyards of the Alhambra and other evocative venues, in front of enraptured audiences. Schuricht, Karajan and Celibidache have conducted at the Palace of Charles V;  Margot Fonteyn and Nureyev have danced in the Gardens of the Generalife. The festival program is based on classical music, ballet and Spanish dancing but also includes flamenco and ancient and contemporary  music.

13) Jazz festival in the Costa Tropical in July, August and September

Taking the international Jazz festival to the Granada Tropical Coast. Enjoy a host of Spanish and International Jazz artists performing in a wonderful coastal setting. Flamenco Summer Concerts held through out the summer months of July to September, the evening are held in different areas of Granada, such as the well know “Cuevas” (caves) of Sacromonte or in the various indoor and open air theaters in Granada city center.

https://youtu.be/ElmtFAjlYxI 

14) Jazz  Festival in Granada in September
The Granada International Jazz Festival is one of Europe’s longest-running and is a Spanish member of the Europe Jazz Network, which  organizes jazz festivals in Europe. The event has been held since 1980, with the participation of prestigious international figures from the world of modern jazz. This festival is aimed at jazz lovers. Apart from the concerts on the official program, there are also unofficial sessions at a range of venues around the city, as well as other activities related to the event.

15) The Festival de Otoño (Autumn Flamenco Festival) in December

December in Granada is dedicated to flamenco music and dance and takes place in the first week of December every year. The best-known and most talented flamenco artists from all over Spain come together to perform in the atmospheric Teatro Isabela Católica. Performances are also held at various other locations around the city, mainly in the Sacromonte district.

This happens twice each year, at which times the Sun reaches its highest position in the sky as seen from the north or the south pole. The summer solstice day has the longest period of daylight – except in the polar regions, where daylight is continuous, from a few days to six months around the summer solstice.

During the Nit de Sant Joan, as the fiesta is known in Catalan, the people celebrate the longest period of daylight during the year with fire, which is an old symbol for the sun and Christ. The ceremony is named after John the Baptist, who said that Jesus would be baptized with “fire and spirit”. The Sant Joan festival or often called night of fire is a special event in some parts of Spain (especially Catalonia) that celebrates the midsummer eve during the evening of 23rd of June every year. This night is one of the biggest, noisiest and craziest parties in Barcelona and is celebrated by the Catalans with fire, fireworks, Cava and cakes.

Oh yes at Linguaschools Barcelona we have celebrated San Juan over the years, as you can see on the photos below. We sit in the sand, enjoy the music from the DJ at the chiringuito, watch the fireworks and have a pica pica. When the time was there, we went to the dance floor and showed some great dance moves. So, it’s official now, let the summer begin!!!!

Spain is the 4th biggest countries by geographical area in Europe with 506.000 km2. Due to the size there is so much to see and do in this vast and diverse country. One of this beautiful places is called Valencia, a large city on Spain’s eastern coast, located 320 km south-east from Spain’s capital Madrid.

Valencia has a mix of old and new buildings, giving it a real special feel of it’s own. From medieval castles and towers, to modernist and art decor architecture and plenty of beautiful places to eat and drink. It is the 3rd biggest city in Spain with nearly 800.000 inhabitants and is situated at the Mediterranean coast. The city has the largest inner city urban park in whole Europe, three beaches (Playa de las Arenas, Playa de Malvarrosa and Playa de la Patacona) and is packed full of culture and history, for example the holy grail. Historians worldwide believe La Catedral de Valencia is home to the last cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper. The Holy Grail is made of agate stone and displayed in a decorative – gold and pearls – structure in the city’s imposing cathedral. Legend says the Holy Grail, which features in the cult novel The Da Vinci Code, possesses miraculous powers and crowds gather to pray in its presence.

1) La ciudad de las artes y las ciencias – The city of arts and sciences

The city of arts and sciences is a cultural and architectural building and park complex. It represents the modern town’s landmark and is located in the drained channel of the river Turia which is 280 km long, rises in Montes Universals and ends in Valencia. The complex was designed by the Spanish architectures Santiage Calatrava and Félix Candela and includes five buildings:

• L’Hemisferic (an IMAX cinema): The building has the shape of and eye that reflects 24.000 square meters lake. The cover of the cinema looks like the eye lips of the eye, and can be closed or opened. (ticket prices: 8.80 € adults, 6.85 € reduced, 4.70 € school groups, 6.40 € adult groups)
• Prince Felipe Museo de las Ciencias (science museum): The construction of the building reminds a whale skeleton. The museum is orientated to learning the sciences through experience and it is perfect to go with kids, because everything is graphically diplayed with huge texts and pics, experiments, button to touch and experience. The museum is open from Monday to Sunday from 8.00am till 00.30 am. (ticket prices: 8.00 € adultes, 6.20 € reduced, 4.30 € school groups, 5.80 € adult groups)
• Oceanographic (a giant marine par or aquarium): The Oceanografic is Europe’s biggest Aquarium and it invites you to travel around the planet’s main seas and oceans. More than 45,000 examples of 500 different marine species – amongst which can be found sharks, Beluga whales, walruses, sea lions, penguins and manta rays – inhabit nine underwater towers that, structured in two levels, represent the most emblematic ecosystems of the planet. The oceanographic park, created as a great leisure, training and research centre, is structured into ten great areas. (ticket prices: 27.90 € adults, 21.00 € reduced, 12.55 € school groups, 18.65 € adult groups)
• Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia: The spectacular building promotes the performing arts. It has an extension of 55.000 square meters and is one of the finest international venues for theatre, dance, opera and music concerts. Measuring over 70 meters in height, the Palau de les Arts is divided into four separate halls, all boasting the latest technological advances conceived to stage all kinds of opera, musical and theatrical performances. Perfomances start normally at 8pm, during Sundays and bank holidays at 7pm. The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia is divided into the following rooms:
  • Sala Principal: This concert hall, which seats 1,412, principally serves as an opera house, but it is also used for ballet and other performing arts.
  • Auditorio: With a seating capacity of 1,490 people, this auditorium is equipped with advanced sound, cinema, and video installations.
  • Aula Magistral: This space, which can seat up to 378 people, is especially designed for performances by small music ensembles and it is also used for recitals, conferences, and educational events.
  • Teatre Martín i Soler: This theatre, located next to the Palau de les Arts, forms the south-west boundary of the complex. With a seating capacity of 400 people, the backstage installations and orchestra pit of this space are perfect for small and medium format opera performances.

• Agora (multi-functional space): The Agora in the City of Arts and Sciences is a versatile space that will allow the holding of varied events. A multi-functional setting has been planned for the staging of congresses, conventions, concerts, and performances; it can also be converted into an exhibition area. This building hosted successfully the Valencia Open 500 Tennis Tournament, one of the most important international sports meetings.

2) La Lonja – the world heritage

Constructed between 1482 and 1548, during Valencia’s “Golden Age”,  La Lonja de la Seda (the Silk Exchange) is World Heritage-listed and described by UNESCO as “an exceptional example of a secular building in late Gothic style, which dramatically illustrates the power and wealth of one of the great Mediterranean mercantile cities”. Visitors can peruse the former trading hall, with its splendid spiral columns, and chill out in a courtyard sprinkled with orange trees.

3) The birthplace of Paella – taste the real one

Typical Valencian paella consists of white rice, green vegetables, meats that range from chicken and rabbit to snails or seafood, beans and seasoning. Many proud Valencianos say that these are the only required ingredients in a paella and therefore Valencia people proudly boasts it’s the birthplace of this iconic Spanish dish. While you can savour seafood paellas here, an authentic paella valenciana stays faithful to its peasant origins. It’s traditionally cooked on an open wooden fire with locally grown rice and only eaten at lunch. Valencians swear their mothers – and grandmothers – do the best paella, but many restaurants offer tasty version ‘menu del dias’ (fixed-price, three-course specials).

4) El Barrio del Carmen

Street art is one of the quirkiest features of El Carmen, the grittiest, but increasingly gentrified, chunk of Valencia’s historic centre. Springing south from the pretty Carmen church and plaza, a warren of alleys bulge with clothes and curio stores, tapas bars, bohemian cafes, jazz lounges and cosmopolitan restaurants.

5) The fallas festival

The festival begins in March, marking the beginning of spring, and technically lasts for 5 days. Each neighborhood has Falla houses that compete by building their own “falla” (effigy), which is usually a political pun or gag. The houses compete in different leagues, and on the last night of this lively festival, known as ‘La Crema’ (burning night), all but one effigy are destroyed. The surviving falla is called a “ninot” (small falla), and is officially pardoned. On this night, the entire city is on fire– literally and figuratively– as revelers enjoy music, parties, food, drinks and dancing in the streets. This fiesta is definitely worth experiencing at least once in your life.

6) The golden sandy Mediteranean beaches of Malvarrosa
The beaches of Las Arenas and Malvarrosa along the Mediterranean cost are beautiful sandy beaches stretching as long as the eye can see. They are noticeably clean, like the whole city and in peak summer time the beach will never be overly crowded, leaving tourists and Spanish locals with enough space to enjoy the sea. The coastal promenade is relatively undeveloped with a modest number of delicious bars and restaurants scattered along the front. For more beaches: the 7 most beautiful beaches in Spain.

7) La Tomatina in Bunol

La Tomatina is a food fight festival held on the last Wednesday of August each year in the town of Bunol 40 km direction west away from Valencia. The festival is supposed to be the ‘World’s Biggest Food Fight’ where more than one hundred metric tons of over-ripe tomatoes are thrown in the streets. The festival is in honor of the town’s patron saints, Luis Bertran and the Mare de Deu dels Desemparats (Mother of God of the Defenseless), a title of the Virgin Mary. This year La Tomatina is taking place on the 26th of August and starts at around 11am when many truck haul the bounty of tomatoes into the centre of the town at Plaza del Pueblo. Once the tomato throwing begins, the battle is generally every man for himself.

8) The Natural Park of the Albufera
The Natural Park of the Albufera just south of Valencia Region is a Mecca for bird watchers. Connected to the sea by two narrow canals, it is one of the largest lakes in the country, with a total area of 21,000 hectares, much of which is covered in thick reed beds.

9) Calpe – the beautiful village in Costa Blanca 

At the heart of the Costa Blanca, within the region of Valencia lies the ancient fishing village of Calpe. Now transformed into a tourist magnet, the town sits in an ideal location, easily accessed by the A7 motorway and the N332 that runs from Valencia to Alicante; its approximately one hour drive from the airport at Alicante. Calpe has a wonderful mixture of old Valencian culture and modern tourist facilities. It is a great base from which to explore the local area or enjoy the many local beaches. Calpe alone has three of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the coast.
 Calpe is dominated by the towering rock of Ifach which reaches an impressive 332m, rising almost sheer above the sea and is a nature reserve. The summit of the rock is reached after a tough climb up a footpath, by means of a short tunnel through the upper part of the rock. Be warned the path above the tunnel has almost no safety features and is not recommended for anybody with a fear of heights, the very young, or the remotely unfit.

10) Sagunto
Only 20 kilometres from Valencia Region and easily accessible by bus or train (30 minutes), the coastal town of Saguntois one of the most important historical locations of the entire region. Bronze Age and Iberian peoples settled here, drawn by the fertile lands and the natural fortress formed by a high crag which rears out of the plains. But Sagunto is most famous for its courageous resistance to the Carthaginian general Hannibal, who laid a siege to the fortress in 219 BC for 8 months. Rather than surrender, the citizens set fire to their city and perished in the flames. Today, the fortress and old Jewish quarter of the city of Sagunto are a popular tourist attraction, with one of the largest and most highly restored Roman theatres in existence in Spain set in a natural amphitheatre just above the town.

11) Xàtiva – the heritage of Spanish history

The city is situated 60 km away from the city Valencia and it is one of the most important cultural and historical cities in the region of Valencia. In 1150 the first paper on European ground was produced in Xàtiva by Moors. The city was founded by Iberian and Moors but in 1244 the city was conquered by Jaime I. of Aragon who created one of the most important archives in Europe. Xàtiva, especially the castle and the old town of the city, has many remains from each era of Spanish history, from the Iberians over Romains and Moors till the Gothic epoch. You can buy a train ticket for 6 € way and return (50 minutes one way) from the train station of Valencia to Xàtiva.

12) Utiel-Requena Region
Scarcely 40 miles inland from the city of Valencia, on the way to Madrid, you will find the Utiel-Requena Plateau. With a totally different climate to that of the coast, its cold, frosty winters and sunny, scorching summers make it the largest wine-producing area in the Valencia Region and one of the largest in Spain. A rural landscape of rolling hills and vineyards dotted with small towns and villages combines with mountainous, thickly wooded areas ideal for trekking or cycling. One of the most dramatic features of the area are the Hoces del Cabriel Gorges, where the Cabriel river runs swiftly among impressive stone walls and needles, an awe inspiring backdrop for sports such as canoeing or rafting. If you prefer walking around old towns and monuments, then Requena’s old town (the “Villa”) is the place to visit. Its winding streets flanked by old white houses, some impressive gothic churches and the “Cuevas del Vino”, a maze-like underground system of wine cellars with more than one mile of caves, will surprise you.

Should you prefer to focus on cuisine and wines, you will find a good array of restaurants in the area, together with some of the oldest wine cellars and wineries in Spain. Utiel-Requena is a Spanish Denominación de Origen (DO) for wines with the area being renowned for the predominant use of the Bobal grape variety. Archaeological finds in ancient Iberian settlements, such as the one at Villares, show that viticulture and wine production in the area dates to at least the 7th century BC.

13) Montanejos – the hot springs

The Castellón town Montanejos is famous for its health contribution and it is situated 90 km north west from Valencia. The water has health properties and is highly recommended for cases of digestive and kidney-related illnesses. When you walk through the beautiful nature of Montanejos you can find crystal clear water spots with cliffs to jump off.

The Basque beauty at the Atlantic Ocean

When you visit San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) you will realize that there is much more to discover than just beach and sun. The capital of the province Guipúzcoais in the autonomous Basque region is located 20 km away from the French border and offers various exhibitions, concerts, popular fiestas, sports and international events during the whole year. During the night the city is seperated into three main late-night areas. The most popular one is the Old Town. During the day this part is ruled by “txhikiteros” (groups of men and women who drink glasses of wine with pintxos) and at night it turns into a lively bar scene. The Calle Reyes Católicos is the chic area of the city, because there are modern bars with all sorts of different atmospheres and daring music. The relaxing area of San Sebastián you will find at the district of Gros, where bars are more spread out.

SPORT, CULTURE AND ART

1) La semana Grande

The title tells it already. La semana Grande signifies the big week of San Sebastián, where the whole region celebrates annually during one week. The fiestas that are also an annual activity at our language school start at the 15th of August and during this week the entire region changes into a huge party destination with hundreds of activities all around town. The rite of this special is that the locals put on their party clothes and tie a red kerchief round their neck.

The most important event during “la semana grande” is the fireworks competition. This year it celebrates its 50th edition and the est place to join it is La Concha beach.

2) Surffilm Festival 

San Sebastián is not only the surf center of Spain, the city also hosts one of the most important film festivals in world. The event with the name Surfilm Festibal Donostia is the world’s finest surf-film festival and has a major influence on the worldwide film industry and showcased the best in surf cinema, from the major global releases to obscure indie shorts and local flavours. The Surfilm Festibal invites the audience to take a virtual tour to one of Europe’s coolest coastal cities, with great vibes and legendary late night revelry. The festival has been non operative for the last few years, maybe this year it will be hosted again.

3) Jazzaldia Festival

In 2022 the Jazzaldia Festival celebrates its 57th anniversary from the 20nd till 25th July. The annual music event invites “la-crème-de-la-crème” of the Jazz music genre to the Basque city and turns the whole city and region into the Jazz center of Europe. The musical performances take place on different terraces and spaces in the city center as well as on the beach of San Sebastián.

4) San Sebastián – the European capital of cultures 2016

In 1985, former actress Melina Mercouri, then Greece’s Minister of Culture, and her French counterpart Jack Lang came up with the idea of designating an annual Capital of Culture to bring Europeans closer together by highlighting the richness and diversity of European cultures and raising awareness of their common history and values. The celebration of the European capital of culture started with Athens in 1985. Since then more than 50 cities have followed the Greek capital.

The Commission of the European Union manages the title and each year the Council of Ministers of the European Union formally designates European Capitals of Culture. Every year the selected cities receive support from the fund “Creative Europe” of the European Union to add wealth, diversity and community to the cultural heritage of Europe.

This year the European Union celebrates the 30th anniversary of the capital of culture with the representative cities Mons in Belgium and Pilsen in Czech Repbulic. Since 2004 the European Union has voted every year for two European capitals of culture, although every three years non-member and potential states of the European Union can apply for the vote in order to announce a representative city.

San Sebastián in Spain was named European Capital of culture 2016. After Salamanca and 12 years of absence the Basques city brings back the capital of culture to Spain. This project is enormously important for Spain and it is an opportunity  to boost culture and education in values in the Basques region. The city of San Sebastián publishes a program preview with thirty cultural projects for the upcoming year.

5) Surfing in San Sebastián

Surfing play a major role in the city of San Sebastián. Even though the birthplace of European surfing is Biarritz in France, the region around San Sebastián is widely regarded as the best urban surfing spot in all of Europe nowadays. As the popularity in the water sport grows, more surfers are coming to this region and surfing schools are open all year round.  Thousands of surfers are coming every year to the Guipúzcoais region to experience the best surfing spots in that area. You have also the possibility at our language school in San Sebastián to attend an individual surfing course in order to surf the waves of the marvelous Zurriola beaches.

DISCOVER THE NATURE OF THE BASQUE REGION

1) Geoparque de la Costa Vasca

Only a few kilometers away from San Sebastián you find some of Europe’s most important geological sites. The geoparc located between the cities of Mutriku, Deba and Zumaia connects the local population and visitors to the natural heritage of the area. When you talk a walk from Mutriku to Zumaia you can experience a trip of 50 million years of history and the flysch provides an insight on how our world has been shaped.

2) Goierri

For lovers of the countryside and mountain landscape the region Gioerri offers everything you need. The area of Ordizia, Ormaiztegi, Zerain and Ataun is perfect for hiking and visiting historical sites of interest, such as the Roman mines in the nature reserves of Aralar and Aiako Harria, just 30 minutes away from San Sebastián. If you are a fan of tradition and local products, don’t miss out the markets in Ordizia and Tolosa that take place every week and where the farmers of the region present and sell their products.

Sebastian lives in Düsseldorf, Germany, is 30 years old and came to Linguaschools Barcelona to do an intensive course (20 hours per week) for 8 weeks. Before he came to Barcelona he had worked in the Marketing sector in Germany, although he had decided to quit his job a couple of months ago to change his life and to be able to go on a world trip with his girlfriend to gain new life experience.

1) What was the reason for you to learn a foreign language abroad and why did you choose the city Barcelona as destination? 

I always wanted to learn Spanish with pleasure. I did a beginner course in Germany and saw that it takes really long to learn the basics of the language if you don’t use the language daily. Since that I am planning to go on a world trip with my girlfriend, during which we will also visit South America, I wanted to learn Spanish as quickly as possible to reach a level that enables me to have a conversation in Spanish with locals in order to travel without any problem and to create friendships. Therefore, I decided to make a language trip abroad, because I think that it is easier and faster to learn Spanish in a native country, where I am forced to speak the language every day.

I chose Barcelona as my language trip destination, because I visited the city for holidays and I always wanted to come back here to spend more time in this breathtaking city. I also wanted to stay longer in this beautiful city to live the Spanish life very close, so it was the perfect choice for me to combine a cultural experience with my intention to attend a Spanish course abroad.

2) What were your expectations of your language travel? 

I wanted to lose my fear of speaking the language in public. Therefore, I wanted to leave Barcelona with a level in Spanish that I can use to make myself understood in a Spanish spoken country. Another expectation was that I wanted to get to know a lot of people with whom I can discover the Spanish culture. I was studying 4 years in Maastricht, Holland, and I also spent 1 year in the US, where I went to High school and studied at the University. So from these experiences I can recommend that spending time abroad can help you to learn a lot about your own culture and you meet a lot of international people

3) Do you think that Spanish as a foreign language can help you in your business and private life? 

I am of the opinion that Spanish as a foreign language can help a lot in business and private life, because the language is spoken by more than 400 million people and therefore it is the 4^th most spoken language worldwide. A few years ago I had contact with Spanish companies and it would have been useful for me, the company and the business relationships if I had spoken Spanish at this time. I think that these are important reasons why Spanish as a foreign language can be a huge advantage for you, because it makes it possible for you to deal with Spanish business clients and also offers you the chance to travel through Spanish spoken countries to experience the culture and get in touch with locals in order to widen your personal horizon.

4) How was your first day at Linguaschools?

When I arrived at the school, I had to do an entry-level test that subdivided me into a specific group. The atmosphere at the language school was very nice and also for my colleagues it was the first day at school that made it easy for us to bond, because everybody was eager to get to know one another.

5) How was your time at Linguaschools? Which impressions and experiences did you collect and did your expectations become true?

I went really often for lunch with other students of my course after school and they became really good friends in the end. The school also offered a lot of after school activities that made it easy for me to get in touch with students from other courses. I really enjoyed the time at Linguaschools, because I was really productive in the mornings and used the rest of the day to discover the city with my new friends. The time at Linguaschools was really amazing and it had a tremendous impact on my level of Spanish. I will always remember about these 8 weeks and can only recommend it, because at the school there is a nice atmosphere with open-minded employees and students.

6) How did you find the level of the language courses and the teachers? 

The language courses were consistently on a high level. The teachers used different education methods, responded to the level of every student individually and motivated as well as supported us during the courses. I found the balance between group work, individual works as well as classes based on studying grammar and more oriented towards practicing to talk very good and I am of the opinion that the courses helped me a lot for my Spanish.

7) What did you experience during your time in Barcelona? Can you give me some examples? 

During the 8 weeks in Barcelona I was visiting a lot of different bars, restaurants and sights of Barcelona and Catalonia. On my days off I went on a day trips to Sant Pol, Sitges, etc. or after school  I visited different sights (Sagrada Familia, Picasso Museum, Parc Guell) of Barcelona. In the evening, I was running or relaxing at the beach and I also didn’t miss out on the parties or highlights of Barcelona during my stay.

I was celebrating San Juan and the Primavera Sound festival with other students and I also watched the champions league match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich live in the Camp Nou stadium. Furthermore, I got introduced through student colleagues to Spanish and Catalan locals with whom I could get to know the Spanish and Catalan life.

8) Do you think that the duration of your stay was long enough? You had a beginner level (A2) before you came to Barcelona, right? How did your level of Spanish change during your stay in Spain? 

Yes, I think so. I had previous but little knowledge in Spanish but now after a 8 weeks course in Barcelona I am of the opinion that I can express myself without any problem in order to have a conversation only in Spanish. At the beginning I was happy simply buying a new backpack in Spanish and towards the end I was able to have basic conversations in Spanish with locals.

9) If a person walks up to asking for your advice and you only had a few minutes to give him or her your best tip to learn Spanish, what would it be? 

I would give the person the advice to learn Spanish in a Spanish speaking country, because you are obliged to speak or use the language every day. At the beginning it is useful to make an intensive course to arrive as fast as possible at a certain level of Spanish. As soon as you have the basics you should do a language exchange with locals or Spanish speaking people to practice the language. In addition it is important that you try to speak only in Spanish with your schoolmates after school!

Read more Linguaschools Barcelona student reviews here.

Interview mit Monika

Monika is 33 years old and she lives close to Zurich in Switzerland. She was living for a couple of years in Hawaii and she worked as a remedial teacher before she came to Barcelona. Finally, she quit her job to take a break in order to have more time to enjoy her life. Spanish was one of her major subjects at secondary school. Therefore she already had the level A2 before she came to Barcelona. After an intensive Spanish course (20 hours per week) from the 18^th of April till the 03^rd of July she successfully graduated level B1.

Why did you decide to learn Spanish during a language course abroad? 

I really love traveling and realized how important the Spanish language is to make myself understood in several parts around the world, especially in Central and South America. So primary I wanted to be able to speak Spanish on a certain level to be able to have more than just basic conversations. In addition the sound of the language suits me really well and I also like being with international people. So secondary I wanted to use the language travel to refresh or improve my Spanish skills and to bond with international people.

Why did you decide to learn Spanish in Barcelona? 

Barcelona has always been interesting for me as a holiday destination, because the city is alternative and situated at the sea and you can find a well-established creative and cultural scene. For that reason I had the possibility to visit several art courses and sights. Furthermore I got to know many international and creative people, who helped me to expand my ken and improved my creativity.

How did you experience the time at Linguaschools?

My time at Linguaschools was great, the staff was really friendly and the atmosphere in common was always open, personal and familiar. The activity program after school varied every week and it was the perfect possibility to meet up and bond with other students. I knew already people in city before coming to Barcelona, because of traveling. However, due to Linguaschools and the activities I was spending much more time with my new colleagues of the school than with my other friends in Barcelona. The life at the language school was diversified based on the accompanying school activities and the creative teaching methods of the teachers. I have to admit that I am a big fan of Liesbet, who is responsible for the school activities. In my opinion she is able to make easily people happy and smile with her personable and friendly behavior.

What was the overall impression of your stay? Due to my language travel to Barcelona I found out what “pura vida” signifies for me and how it helps me to enjoy my life to the full. During my time in Spain I realized that it is useful that I don’t have to plan my life too much in advance and that sometimes I shouldn’t take life always to serious. Therefore, I discovered that the attitude of living the moment and being spontaneous as well as undergoing of a change have a very positive effect on my personality development. During the time at Linguaschools I was having so much fun and I gained a lot of positive inputs that gave me a lot of new energy and creative ideas. The stay in Barcelona enabled it to immerse into the art scene and I made new useful contacts. And finally, I build many new friendships with people from all over the world and I am already looking forward to meeting up with them in the future.

How did your level Spanish evolve through Linguaschools in Barcelona?

I was improving my Spanish level a lot and now I am much more self-confident in Spanish conversations. After the Spanish courses I don’t have any problem anymore to join a Spanish conversation and now it is also easier to get to know Spanish spoken people. So I recognized that speaking Spanish is the key to experience the time in a Spanish spoken country much more intensive. If I drink a glass of Cava or Sangria, I can speak Spanish nearly fluent. (*smiles) According to my trip through Central America I really fell in love with the Spanish language and I wanted to improve it, because it helps a lot when getting in touch with locals. The language makes it possible to participate, when people share life experiences. Without the language you would miss all of them and I am of the opinion that without language ability it is nearly impossible to create a narrow connection between you and the locals. That’s the reason why through the Spanish course at Linguaschools I lived how a language positively effects the way you experience life in a city and how much closer the relation is to inhabitants.

What did you do during your time in Barcelona? Pooh! I did a lot of different things. I made a list of the ones I can still remember:

• Open Air cinema at Sala Montjuic
• Shopping in Gracia, Calle Verdi and admiring the street arts
• Eating Tapas in 4Gats and feeling like in a Woody Allen Movie
• Getting inspired by the beautiful mosaics, the Palau de Musica and other marvelous art nouveau buildings
• Palo Alto Market
• Watched concerts in Apolo
• Trip to Montserrat
• Jazz concerts in Jamboree Jazzclub Plaza Reial
• Joining the Van Van Food Market
• Taking a drink in the Antic theater in El Born
• Eating in Mescladis in El Born
• Experiencing the flea market in Barceloneta
• Screen printing course at Print Academy workers at plaza John Lennon in Gracia
• Coffee and cake in La Clandestina in Barrio Gotico
• Going to my favorite restaurant in Gracia: „Quinoa“ at Travessera de Gracia
• Jewelry course at el taller de joyeria in Poble Sec
• Disovering the small backyards and gardens in Barcelona
• Walking through the small alleys in El Born
• Visiting Iglesia Santa Maria del Mar
• Trip to Girona and Sitges
• Going to my favorite beach platja de castell in Barcelona at the Costa Brava beaches
• Visiting the Dali House in Cadaques
• Celebrating at the Primavera Sound Festival

Read more Linguaschools Barcelona student reviews here.

Done with the basic travel phrases?

Quick note
Spanish has two types of “you” – the formal and informal (tú and usted). While you are unlikely to cause offence using the wrong pronoun, we’ve stuck with the formal version throughout most of these phrases. This means you’ll come across as more polite and formal than if you were to use the informal version – a safe bet when you’re not sure.

Asking permission to do stuff

A large amount of your time will be spent asking people if they’re open, whether you can sit there, if you can have this, that or the other, and so on. Fortunately, a couple of catch-all phrases will help you out here, which have quite a broad meaning, but will make sense in context.

¿Se puede?
The mother of all permission-type phrases, se puede literally means “is it possible?”, or “can I?”. You can use it in all sorts of contexts – grabbing a spare seat, entering a bar, picking something up, whatever!

¿Le importa?
Literally “do you mind”, this is another one that can be used in different contexts. “Do you mind if…” I smoke, I pick this up, I sit here, etc…

¿Me deja?
Literally, “Do you let me”. Could you let me pass, will you let me in, will you let me out… Again, another phrase with multiple uses depending on the context.

¿Está libre?
“Is it free?” Could be a chair, a table, a space, or whatever. Note that free refers to “available”, not price (that would be gratis).

Me permite, por favor
“Will you allow me?” This phrase is a polite way of saying excuse me, and is most commonly used when trying to get past someone on a packed bus, for example.

Saying sorry for your clumsy blunders

You’ve just spilled your “jarra” (carafe) of oily Rioja over one of the locals’ crisp white linen suits. Or, you accidentally slammed a door in someone’s face. Or, you jumped queue without realising. Or maybe you’ve somehow offended the locals’ sensibilities with your crass cultural blunders. Either way, Spanish speakers are a pretty forgiving lot, so try out some of these phrases to get yourself out of any sticky situation:

¡Lo siento!
“I’m sorry!”. This literally means “I feel it”, as in “I feel your pain”!

Perdóneme, no le ví
For when lo siento seems overkill, try this one. It’s closer to “parden me”, and a little softer than lo siento.

¡Discúlpe(me)!
“Forgive/pardon me”. A good alternative for lo siento.

Fue un accidente
“It was an accident”. Useful to get you out of many a bind!

Greetings and introducing yourself

Clearly, a great way to strike up any conversation is to keep it simple and introduce yourself. Why bother with fancy chat up lines? In my experience, most Spanish people respond well to a simple introduction. So be brave, and strike up a few conversations with these phrases:

Buenos días/Buenas tardes/Buenas noches
“Good morning/Good afternoon/Good night”. When in doubt about the time, you can just use buenas.

Hola
Perhaps the most famous of all the Spanish words? It means “hello”, but don’t pronounce the silent h at the start – it sounds more like ola.

Me llamo …
“My name is”. The double l is pronounced like the “y” from “yellow”.

Yo soy..
“I am”. You could say your name, or any sorts of adjectives! “I am happy”?

¿Cómo se llama?
What’s your name?

Keeping the wolf from the door – food phrases

Depending on where you are, customs can vary in restaurants. However, one commonality is table service everywhere. Almost all bars and restaurants will have table service, so don’t feel awkward to just go and grab a spare seat. Of course, more formal places will have reservations, so we’ve included a few phrases for both of these scenarios. Once you’re in your eating establishment of choice, one of your first challenges will be to get the waiter’s attention. It doesn’t really matter what you say, but how you say it. Aim for loud and confident – Spanish waiters are very good at looking right through people.

Another challenge may be the lack of menus. Waiters will often reel off a long list of that day’s dishes, so be prepared to ask them for a menu or whether they will repeat themselves. Finally, getting the bill can be a bit of a drag too – you may find yourself asking several times in some of the sleepier restaurants!

¿Tienes una mesa para uno/dos/tres/cuatro?
Do you have a table for 1/2/3/4?

Tengo una reserva para uno/dos/tres/cuatro
I have a reservation for 1/2/3/4

¡Perdone!
Excuse me! [used to get attention]

¿Tiene una carta?
Do you have a menu?

¿Disculpe, puede repetir, por favor?
“Sorry, can you repeat, please?” Useful for when you can’t quite catch what the waiter’s saying, or he’s giving a long list of dishes at lightening speed.

La cuenta, por favor
“The bill, please”. Be prepared to repeat this one a few times, as it can often be slow to arrive!

Charming the locals

To really make the most of your time abroad, it’s always fun to try and mix it up with the locals. This is also the best way to learn as well – genuine communication with native speakers. Nevermind that you won’t understand a lot, you’ll start flexing your communicative muscles, and will be surprised at the language you pick up. Try these phrases to create a few sparks in your conversations:

¿Me puedes enseñar a bailar?
“Can you teach me to dance?” In Spain, this will be Flamenco, and throughout much of Latin America, Salsa. Always worth a try!

¿Qué piensas de los ingleses/americanos,etc?
“What do you think of the English/Americans?” Whether the response is good or bad, this is sure to be a conversation starter!

¿Pór qué me estás mirando?
Why are you looking/staring at me?

¡Me encantas!
Literally “you charm me”, or “I think you’re great”! A cheesy piropo (compliment) can get you anywhere!

Telling people you don’t understand them

And finally, perhaps the most important section! There’ll be many times when you have to explain to someone that you can’t understand them, that you’re not from that country, or simply whether they could speak a little more slowly. These are all useful Spanish phrases which could help you out in that situation:

Perdona, no le entiendo. No soy de aquí
“Sorry, I don’t understand you. I’m not from here.” Ok, a little bit of a mouthful, but this is well worth memorising.

¿Le importa hablar un poco mas despacio, por favor?
“Do you mind talking a little slower, please?”. Spanish speakers often talk at a lightening pace, so use this phrase to keep them in check and stay on top of the situation.

Lo siento, no hablo español. ¿Hablas inglés?
“I’m sorry, I don’t speak Spanish. Do you speak English?”. I would encourage you to only use this phrase as a last resort, as it’s likely to kill any Spanish conversation dead. Use only in emergency!

Starting to get the hang of it? Take your Spanish to the next level at one of our 13 Spanish schools in Spain or Latin America!

Linguaschools Valencia is based in a villa located in a unique setting where you can enjoy your classes, lounge on one of our terraces or study in our library. The high quality of our Spanish classes has been our key to success from the moment we opened. Due to our great results, many of our students recommend Linguaschools Valencia, converting it into the most popular school in Valencia. Our school offers a cosmopolitan, but at the same time homely atmosphere. Our teachers and staff will do their best to resolve any question or doubts you may have in order to make you stay as comfortable as possible. We will also help you to understand Spanish culture, and the Spanish way of life.

At our school in Valencia, we use our own teaching method based on the conversation as the way to learning language skills, where the student has the leading role in the communication. The philosophy of our method takes the error as the beginning of learning, creating a pleasant atmosphere which encourages the students to participate in the classroom without fear of making mistakes. Teachers are key to developing our method. With their professionalism and effort, we create “a la carte” Spanish courses. Our classes are weekly designed depending on the number of students attending the classes, so that all classes are profitable to each student, rather than following a manual or a specific textbook. The coordinated work of the teachers, and the fact that we always work with small groups of students, enables an evaluation of the student’s progression in class, so it is not necessary to perform frequently written examinations to determine the changes in the students’ levels.

Each class is designed so that the student reaches a linguistic objective according to his or her level. Thus, every class has a beginning and an end, so that all students make the most of all classes and so that those who attend classes fewer days per week don’t get lost. Since the learning pace of each student is different, each student will change levels individually. In this way, students can learn Spanish “at their own pace”, and won’t have to keep pace with the rest of the students.

Activities

Our school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, both cultural and recreational. It is an opportunity for knowing the cultural richness of Valencia and its surroundings, as well as the most tourist attractions. Specially in Summer, we also go on trips to other cities in Spain, like Madrid, Barcelona or Mallorca. Our activity program is also a way of making friends with other Linguaschools students that aren’t classmates, and also a way of having fun and unforgettable moments.

Some of the most frequent activities are:

• Salsa and Flamenco lessons
• Tour guided in the city of Valencia
• Football and volleyball matches
• Lessons in Spanish cookery
• Bowling
• Visits to the city’s museums
• Attendance to plays, concerts and regional dances
• Attendance to popular celebrations in towns surrounding Valencia
• International dinners
• School parties (Christmas and D.E.L.E. End of class, among others)

The most common excursions are:

• Visit to the Calpe beach
• Visit to Morella
• Excursion to Aquarama
• Weekend trips to Madrid, Barcelona and Mallorca

Spanish courses

Linguaschools Valencia offers different types of Spanish language courses which are designed to meet the needs of each one of our students.

Barcelona is a surprisingly easy city to navigate. From its medieval Gothic quarter and historic old town of narrow streets and alleys to its world famous art-nouveau buildings and futuristic Olympic Village on the harbor, Barcelona is a city of contrasts and unrivaled artistic beauty and diversity. You’re more than welcome to come to Barcelona, discover all this and learn Spanish at the same time.

Our Spanish school is located in a beautiful late 19th century house with a nice garden, only a 5 minute walk from Plaza Catalunya, right in the heart of Barcelona. Linguaschools Barcelona is located in a nice and quiet “Pasaje” without traffic where you can hear birds singing. Here you can take a virtual tour trough our school.

At our school you will meet people from all over the world. You can chill out under the palm tree in our nice garden while having a coffee, catch up with your friends or family through Internet and taste the real Barcelona. Our teachers are all native speakers and have a university degree and many years of experience in teaching Spanish to foreign language students from absolute beginners to advanced. Their enthusiasm and passion for teaching their native language is the key to our success. This combined with the latest teaching methods result in dynamic, interactive and fun Spanish classes. We have spacious and bright classrooms with natural light, a computer room, a nice lounge, a lovely garden and a school library with Spanish books and films.

Activities organised by the school

We strive to give our students the optimal balance between a good learning experience and some good fun abroad. Our school has a varied programme of activities which we offer besides the course programme. This way you have the possibility to come into contact with other students and enjoy Spanish culture. Some of the activities during the week are offered for free, others require a small contribution from the attending students. Weekend activities are usually outside Barcelona and give you a perfect insight in the region of Catalunya.

Spanish courses

Groups are formed according to a students’ level of Spanish. Therefore you will always be in a class with students who have the same Spanish level as you. Since our groups are small, teachers can give individual support and lessons are intensive. In addition to the Spanish language, the country’s culture plays an integral part of the Spanish courses in Barcelona.

We offer Spanish group courses for those students for all levels. If you don’t have any previous knowledge of Spanish, there are fixed start dates for ‘absolute beginners’. For other students it is possible to start every Monday of the year. Prior to the start of the course, you will take a written and oral level test in order to determine your level. You will be placed in a group with students of the same level.