Granada
Spain
Granada was once the stronghold of the Moorish rule in present Southern Spain. After over 800 years, the Spanish Catholic Kings finished the Reconquista with the last battle in Granada in 1492, and then shifted their focus for a large landmass recently “discovered” by Columbus. Its Arab past glory left the modern city dotted with fabulous and exquisite examples of their architecture, making Granada a cultural and architectural beacon in Southern Spain. However, the city has also been the home of Jews and Berbers, and each of the cultures that inhabited Granada left a mark than endures until today, from bazaars to monasteries and from Arab baths to bullfighting arenas.
By far, the main reason visitors arrive to Granada is to visit the famous and impressive Moorish Alhambra complex. However, the city is a destination of its own, combining museum and palaces with a thriving student-driven nightlife. And, unlike other southern cities, offers a milder weather during the summer, making it a year-around place to visit. Sierra Nevada ski resort, the southernmost one in Europe, and the sunny Mediterranean Sea are both located less than an hour away.
Why learn Spanish in Granada?
Milder weather than any of the big cities in Andalusia.
University-driven economy makes nightlife prices a breeze.
Short distance from Sierra Nevada, the southernmost ski resort in Europe.
Easy access to magnificent beaches in nearby Motril and Malaga.
Language Schools in Granada:
Escuela Delengua is one of the few schools inside the historic center of Granada. On top of that, it offers a wide array of specific courses, location around the corner from the main bar street, and accommodation in the same building.
Escuela Montalbán, a member of Tandem International, focuses on conversational learning, in and outside of the classroom, and offers language meetup exchanges and a long list of activities in Granada and beyond.
Linguaschools Granada is an institution within the city. It has taught over 10,000 students over 20 years. However, the team is still small enough to ensure a personalized experience and help you discover the best of beautiful Granada.
INMSOL Instituto Mediterráneo Sol is a highly specialized school that offers one of the widest arrays of specific courses to enhance the student’s learning experience, including sports lessons and business and medical Spanish.
Travel
tips
When
Best time to go is during Spring and Fall.
FYI
Cristopher Columbus was granted royal endorsement for his first expedition in 1492 at the Alhambra, something that would later solidify Spanish power in the Americas.
Meet
Get to see Romani (i.e. gipsy) traditions up close at their old neighborhood in Sacromonte, full of white-washed caves used as residences and flamenco performers.
Granada’s most famous author, Federico Garcia Lorca, was born, lived, and was assassinated around the city. Today, a museum, a park and a cultural center are named after him, keeping his legacy alive.
See
The Alhambra is by far of the best example of Islamic architecture in Spain, which along Catholic additions during the Renaissance, make it one of the country’s most visited attractions.
Get lost in the Albayzin, the old Muslim neighborhood, full of winding alleys, fabulous restaurants and shops and fantastic views of Granada and the Alhambra.
Granada’s Cathedral is the second-largest in Spain and it is a Renaissance and Baroque jewel, with massive interiors and endless picture opportunities.
Do
If endless Flamenco and a dressed-up mannequin being paraded throughout the city on a dragon sounds fun, do not miss Corpus Christi (May or June each year) in Granada!
On May 3rd, thousands of visitors fill the streets as locals decorate every inch of the city with red crosses, flowers and pottery, while women and children wear their traditional Andalusian clothes, making it one of the most visually impacting celebrations.
On the last Sunday of September Granada celebrates its patron virgin, Virgin Angustias (Our Lady of Sorrows). Buildings covered in flowers and procession around the city bring both locals and visitors for a festival that kick-starts Fall.
Eat
Granada’s bars and restaurants tend to offer a free tapa with every drink, making drinking their famed tinto de Verano (red wine mixed with lemonade) so much easier.
Buy
The two souvenirs no one can leave Granada without are ceramics decorated with green tones and any wood product finely decorated with marquetry.