In the middle of August, the best plan to combat the sweltering heat in Spain is to spend a day at the beach. From the morning you can place the umbrella, take a cold drink and sunbathe on the sun lounger to enjoy a fun day with your family, your couple, with friends or alone.

That's why in this donQuijote article you will find the 10 best beaches in southern Spain for a perfect vacation plan. There is nothing better than spending a summer day in the sun, soaking in the water, reading a Spanish novel or playing in the sand. Do you know any of these beaches in southern Spain?

Read this article also in Spanish or French.

If there is one thing southern Spain is known for, it is its beautiful beaches, offering a combination of crystal-clear waters, golden sands and breathtaking scenery. Here is a list of the 10 best beaches in the south of Spain to spend an ideal vacation while improving your level and learning Spanish in Spain.

Playa de Bolonia, Cadiz

Let’s start with the province of Cadiz, where you can find several beaches on this list. The first one is Playa de Bolonia (Bolonia Beach), known for its fine white sand and its impressive dune of Bolonia. A natural paradise that houses the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia.

Playa de la Caleta, Cadiz

Located in the old town of Cadiz, Playa de la Caleta is famous for its picturesque beauty and spectacular sunsets. It has been the setting for several movies and has been mentioned in Spanish songs to learn Spanish.

Playa de los Genoveses, Almería

Let’s change province and go to Almeria. La Playa de los Genoveses is in the Natural Park of Cabo de Gata-Níjar, this beach has an incredible natural environment, with crystal-clear waters and sand dunes, you will love it!

Playa de Matalascañas, Huelva

In the province of Huelva, you will find a long beach with fine sand, ideal for families. Playa de Matalascañas offers a unique natural environment, near the Doñana National Park, so the little ones will have a great time.

Playa de Valdevaqueros, Tarifa

Back to Cadiz, specifically in Tarifa, the popular Playa de Valdevaqueros is well known among windsurfers and kitesurfers. This beach offers strong winds and a vibrant atmosphere, surrounded by dunes and nature, perfect to practice water sports and give your vacations a different touch.

Playa de la Malagueta, Malaga

Located in the center of Malaga, the Malagueta Beach is very urban and is one of the best-known beaches in the south of Spain in the city. It has a great offer of services and leisure that makes it perfect to enjoy the city and the sea at the same time. In addition, in Malaga you can find one of the best rated donQuijote schools for an intensive Spanish course.

Playa de Zahara de los Atunes, Cadiz

Also, in Cadiz you will find the Playa de Zahara de los Atunes, with clean waters and golden sand. An ideal place for those seeking tranquility during their vacations. The beach is very extensive, has its own natural beauty and a local cuisine to scrumptious.

Playa de Maro, Nerja

The Playa de Maro, in Malaga, is known for its hidden coves, clear waters and cliffs. An ideal place to practice scuba diving and snorkeling during your stay.

Playa de la Barrosa, Chiclana de la Frontera

With 8 kilometers of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, Playa de la Barrosa in Chiclana de la Frontera, is one of the most impressive beaches in the south of Cadiz. But the best thing about this beach is that it has an excellent offer of beach bars so that, after a tiring day at the beach, you can have a cold drink in them (without forgetting the typical dishes of the south).

Playa de El Palmar, Vejer de la Frontera

Finally, the Playa de El Palmar in Cadiz. Very popular with surfers, this beach offers a relaxed experience, a bohemian atmosphere and spectacular sunsets by the sea.

These are just some of the best beaches in southern Spain, especially for their quality, environment and services. Although there are thousands of options that will make your vacation in Spain a unique adventure.

Spain has become one of the most demanded destinations to learn Spanish by thousands of international students. No matter your age or level, coming to take a Spanish course in Spain will allow you not only to improve your knowledge of Spanish but also to discover a country that is rich in many aspects.

But what do you need to come and study in Spain? In this article you will find a general guide on how to obtain a student visa for Spain, and you will have to follow several steps to do so.

Read this article in Spanish in this link.

What is a student visa?

A student visa is a type of visa that allows a person to study in a foreign country for a specific period, with conditions established by the laws and regulations of the country. It is usually required for those who wish to pursue academic studies, Spanish courses or other forms of education abroad.

The regulations and processes for obtaining a student visa may vary depending on the country to which you are applying. It is important to research and comply with all specific requirements of the host country before applying for a student visa.

Who should apply for a student visa?

As an international student who wants to visit the country for educational purposes you may be wondering: should I apply for a student visa for Spain? The answer is it depends.

Anyone who is not a citizen of a country of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, and who wishes to study in Spain for a period of more than 90 days, will generally need to apply for a student visa.

This visa will be necessary to carry out your studies in recognized educational institutions in Spain, whether they are universities, language schools or other centers of higher education.

In contrast, if you are a citizen of the European Union, the EEA or Switzerland, you do not need a student visa to stay in Spain during your study period. However, if you are not a citizen of any of these places, you do need to apply for a student visa for Spain.

Apply for your student visa for Spain

It is important to keep in mind that student visa regulations may vary depending on your country of origin and the type of study program you wish to pursue. Therefore, it is advisable to check the specific Spanish student visa requirements at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country.

In addition, there are two types: short term student visa, for those who wish to study between 91 and 180 days in the country: and long-term student visa, for those who are going to study more than 6 months in Spain.

Choosing the study program

Before applying for a student visa, you must have been accepted into a study program at a recognized educational institution in Spain such as don Quijote Spanish schools.

Gather the necessary documents

Once you have been accepted into the study program, you must gather the required documents for your visa application. These documents may vary depending on your country of origin, but usually include:

• Valid passport
• Completed and signed visa application form
• Admission letter from the educational institution in Spain
• Proof of financial means to cover your expenses during your stay in Spain.
• Medical insurance with full coverage in Spain
• Details of the accommodation or place where you will live in Spain.
• Medical certificate proving that you do not suffer from diseases that could have a negative impact on the public health of the country, in this case, Spain.

Paying the application fee

You will be required to pay a visa application fee when you submit your application. The amount of this fee may vary depending on the country and type of visa you are applying for.

Make an appointment

Once you have all the necessary documents, you must schedule an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country. During this appointment, you will present your documents and be fingerprinted.

Consular interview

In some cases, you may be required to attend a consular interview as part of the visa application process. During the interview, you will be asked questions about your plans to study in Spain and your reasons for studying there.

Waiting for approval

Once you have submitted all documents and completed the interview (if required), you must wait for your student visa application to be processed. The processing time can vary, but usually takes several weeks.

Picking up your student visa

Once your student visa for Spain is approved, you will be able to pick up your passport with the student visa at the Spanish consulate or embassy. Be sure to check the visa to make sure all the information is correct, and the dates are accurate.

These are just a few facts about the Spanish student visa application process, so it is important that you consult the official website of the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country for specific information about application requirements and procedures.

If you are thinking of studying Spanish as a second language, surely you have considered travelling to Spain to improve your level. Since embarking on a language can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

And if you've chosen Spanish, what better place to do it than in the birthplace of the language. Spain has a vibrant history and culture, picturesque landscapes, and a unique environment to immerse yourself in the language. Here are 10 reasons to study abroad in Spain.

If you prefer to read this article in Spanish, click here.

1. Language immersion in Spain

What better way to learn Spanish than to be surrounded by native Spanish speakers. That's why Spain offers you total language immersion in Spanish 24 hours a day.

Here you can sign up for Spanish classes, chat with people daily, overhear conversations in Spanish on the street or interact in stores and supermarkets in Spanish. Every moment will be an opportunity to improve your language skills.

2. International recognition

Spain is home to some of the oldest and most respected universities in the world. Therefore, studying at a Spanish educational institution will offer you a quality education with international recognition.

From universities to business schools to language schools, Spain offers you an ideal educational system to learn in any area you desire.

3. Lively and vibrant culture

Studying abroad in Spain is not just about learning the language. Studying in Spain is about immersing yourself in a rich and diverse culture. Each province has its own traditions, gastronomy, and unique places to visit.

Travel and discover the festivities of Valencia, Andalusia or Aragon and let yourself be surprised by the delicious gastronomy of the north of the country. Every corner of Spain breathes history and tradition, a key factor that will help you internalize the language.

In addition, each city has historical monuments, medieval castles and cobblestone streets that will transport you back in time. Imagine learning Spanish while strolling through these streets surrounded by history and culture.

4. Diversity of accents

Spain is a country where several Spanish dialects and accents coexist, so this variety will enrich your learning. Your understanding of Spanish will increase as you interact with people from all over Spain.

From the Andalusian accent to the melodic tone of Canarian Spanish, each region has its own charm and linguistic peculiarities. Enjoy a unique trip and study Spanish abroad in Spain while learning about the linguistic diversity of the country.

5. Quality of life

One of the safest European countries with a very low crime rate. Spain offers you a high quality of life, with a welcoming character and a favorable climate. All these factors make it one of the most desirable European countries for students.

Spain welcomes more than 60 million foreign students a year, making it the ideal place to develop your language skills and immerse yourself in the language.

6. Travel opportunities

Spain has thousands of places for you to explore. It is a country full of culture, richness, and perfect cities to get lost in for a weekend. Whether you are studying in Madrid or Barcelona, you can easily travel by train, bus, or plane to different parts of the country. Explore the north or the south or let yourself fall in love with the Spanish islands while learning Spanish.

Also, if you prefer to discover other countries, Spain is perfect for visiting other cities in Europe. This translates into a unique opportunity to explore other countries and immerse yourself in different cultures without having to travel long distances.

7. Multicultural environment

Studying abroad in Spain means being surrounded by a multicultural environment that will allow you to develop intercultural skills. Because you will share classrooms with students from all over the world, which will enrich your experience and prepare you for a globalized world.

For example, at don Quijote language schools, you will find a wide variety of nationalities. From students from the United States, China, or Germany, to Brazil, Italy, or Russia. All of them with the same goal as you: to learn Spanish in Spain and improve their level.

8. Networking

Studying in Spain will expand your knowledge of Spanish, but it will also provide you with a perfect opportunity to make international connections. You will meet people from different parts of the world, creating a network of contacts that could open doors to future job opportunities.

9. Cultural events

Spain is well known for all its cultural and artistic events. Throughout the year you can enjoy film festivals, art exhibitions and live music concerts. Even gastronomic events and theater shows, all the variety you can imagine can be found here.

A cultural scene that will inspire you and enrich your understanding of the language, because learning Spanish doesn't have to be boring. Don't just focus on your Spanish course, go out and explore the city and its wide range of musicals, plays or concerts that will make your Spanish improve completely.

10. Varied climate and landscapes

If there is one thing Spain stands out for, it is for being a diverse country of climate and landscapes. You can choose to study in a cosmopolitan city like Barcelona, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, or in a historic city like Salamanca with its medieval architecture.

Wherever it is, you will be surrounded by sun, beach, or mountains. Explore and experience different environments as you advance in your Spanish language learning.

In summary, studying abroad in Spain is an academic journey and a life-changing adventure. The combination of language, culture, history, and experiences will give you an excellent perspective and make you a Spanish speaker.

Don't hesitate any longer! Embark on this exciting journey and discover why studying Spanish abroad in Spain with don Quijote is the best way to improve your Spanish language skills.

Have you started studying Spanish? If you want to immerse yourself more in the language and learn interesting facts, here you will find 10 curiosities about Spain that you didn't know. A country full of history, culture and traditions that will not leave you indifferent.

Knowing curiosities about the country whose language you are studying can be a fun and educational way to improve your cultural understanding. So, here are 10 facts about Spain that you probably didn't know.

If you prefer to read this article in Spanish, click here.

1. Spanish, a global language

Did you know that Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world in terms of native speakers and as a second language? With more than 460 million native speakers and millions more who study it as a foreign language, Spanish has become a cultural bridge that unites people from different parts of the planet.

2. It has a land border with Africa

Spain is the only European country that shares a land border with an African country. That country is Morocco, thanks to the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla.

These two cities are located on the north coast of Africa, so they border Morocco. Thus, a unique connection is established between two different continents.

3. It is the country with the highest number of organ donations

Another fact that you probably did not know is that Spain is the world leader in organ donation. Thanks to its efficient donation system, the country has achieved exceptional rates of donation and transplants. Solidarity and awareness of the importance of donation have made Spain a benchmark in this field.

With an average of 47 donors per million in 2022, Spain remains the country with the highest donation activity worldwide, as of 2019. The United States follows with 44.5 donors per million population.

4. UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Spain holds the title of third country with the third largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With 49 recognized sites, it is in the top 5 countries with places of greatest historical interest.

Among these 49 sites are: the Alhambra, the Sagrada Familia or the Camino de Santiago. Therefore, Spain has great cultural and architectural treasures that will surprise you.

5. It has the oldest restaurant in the world

If you ever travel to Madrid and want to enjoy a unique experience, you cannot miss El Botin. This restaurant has been recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest in the world, with more than 300 years of history.

Savor traditional dishes in a place full of history in the heart of the capital.

6. It receives more tourists than the number of residents

Spain is a magnet for tourists from all over the world thanks to its climate and gastronomy. But surprisingly it receives more annual visitors than the number of people living in the country.

With a population of around 47 million inhabitants, Spain attracts more than 80 million tourists a year. Amazing figures that make Spain a country loved by people who can't resist visiting it again and again.

7. Historical presence on all continents

Spain's history is marked by the expansion of its territory over the centuries. At its peak, the Spanish empire had territories on every inhabited continent, from the Americas to Asia. This historical legacy has left a lasting imprint on the country's culture and diversity.

8. The anthem of Spain has no lyrics

Another curious fact that you may not know is that Spain's anthem has no lyrics. Unlike other national anthems, Spain, whose anthem is known as the “Marcha Real”, has no official lyrics.

Although various lyrics have been proposed over the years, none have been officially adopted. This makes Spain's anthem unique and, in a way, universal, as it is recognizable by all.

9. It has almost 8,000 km of coastline

With an extensive coastline bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Spain has approximately 8,000 kilometres of coastline. From golden beaches to breathtaking cliffs, the variety of coastal landscapes offers a paradise for sun and sea lovers.

Visit coastal towns all over the country and be amazed by unique beaches in Galicia, Valencia, or Malaga.

10. It has the most famous festivals and celebrations

Spain is known for its festivals and regional festivals that are celebrated in the country. The cultural diversity extends to many places, from the April Fair in Seville to the Wine Battle in Haro. Not to mention the Fallas in Valencia or the Sanfermines in Navarra. All these festivals are an explosion of colour, music, and traditions that you can't miss.

Immerse yourself in the joy, passion and Spanish traditions that are spread throughout the country. Be amazed by the variety of celebrations that take place in every city in Spain.

These 10 curiosities make Spain a unique and exciting place to live or visit. Although the list could go on and on as there are many more curiosities about the country that you may not know.

If these facts have increased your enthusiasm for exploring the Spanish language and culture, don't hesitate to continue learning Spanish and improving your level. For that, don Quijote offers you intensive Spanish courses in Spain. Explore the country and discover our 11 destinations in the country.

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.

Today, we begin our post with a beautiful quote by Henry David Thoreau. The excuse, the arrival of autumn. Can you think of a better place than a forest in the middle of nature to enjoy this season? For this reason, we present a compilation with the top 8 forests to visit in autumn in Spain. We hope you enjoy them.

Read this post in Spanish.

1. Irati Forest (Navarra)

Irati Forest is the largest forest mass in the Foral Community of Navarra and the second largest beech-fir forest in Europe (after the Black Forest in Germany). It is a beautiful forest whose soil is covered with a reddish mantle when the leaves fall. Trees and vegetation turn the same color, giving rise to an idyllic autumnal scene. In addition, in the Irati Forest we can find 16 marked paths for hiking enthusiasts. Just don't forget to wear hiking boots and bring a camera to immortalize the landscape.

2. Muniellos Forest (Asturias)

Located within Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña and Ibias Natural Park in Asturias, Muniellos Forest is the largest oak grove in Spain and one of the best preserved in all of Europe. Stroll into the Muniellos Forest and discover one of the best outdoor settings to visit in autumn. The environment, home to many legends of Astur mythology, maintains a very intense green color (thanks to the holly) that mixes with the gold and reddish tones from the fallen leaves of beeches, chestnut trees, and oaks. Keep in mind that only a limited number of people are allowed into the forest each day, so you’ll need to request permission before you go using the Principality of Asturias website.

3. Ordesa Valley (Aragon)

Ordesa Valley is one of the best places for rural tourism in Huesca. Located in the Aragonese Pyrenees, Ordesa and Monteperdido National Park undergoes a beautiful transformation around this time of year: beeches, birches, maples, and ash trees give rise to a colorful spectacle when the fall arrives. A landscape dotted with yellow and reddish colors makes this area worth visiting to enjoy some of its hiking trails. Wrap up and wear appropriate footwear so you don't miss one of the ideal places to travel in the fall.

4. Gorbeia Natural Park (Basque Country)

Gorbeia is the largest Natural Park in the whole region, known for its lush vegetation. It is embedded in a magical environment, especially at this time of the year, due to the golden and copper-colored tones that paint the landscape. Prepare a getaway now and enjoy unique places like the Akaitz beech woods, the limestone pavement of Pardarri, the Arritzaga Valley, and the cirque glaciar in Pardelutz. At Gorbeia Natural Park, you will discover an idyllic site straight out of a fairy tale, the perfect place to visit in the fall.

5. Aran Valley (Lleida)

Located in the Catalan Pyrenees, the Aran Valley is one of the best destinations to travel in autumn. After the summer, the first snowfalls begin on the mountain tops, which cover some of the highest peaks in Spain with an immaculate white mantle. In addition, the yellow, maroon, and orange shades of deciduous trees (beech and centenary oaks) make the valley’s forests some of the most attractive to enjoy the cozy colors of this season. We recommend you dress warmly and bring the appropriate gear to avoid being cold and to be able to walk comfortably around these incredible landscapes.

6.  Faedo de Ciñera Beech Woods (León)

Although it is small, the Faedo de Ciñera holds the title of The Best Cared For Forest in Spain. This very special forest is located in the Central Leonese Mountains, where it is said that a witch named Haeda, guardian and protector of the place, dwells. Let your mind wander on paths surrounded by trees and stop to nap by the stream that bears the same name: you will discover one of the most charming areas to explore in autumn.

7. Ambroz Valley (Cáceres)

Located to the south of the province of Cáceres, between Las Hurdes and the Jerte Valley, we find the Ambroz River Valley. With its chestnut trees and oak woods, it is one of the best places to enjoy the colors of autumn. In fact, the locals even have a fiesta dedicated to this season: "Magic Autumn." It is a Festival of National Tourist Interest that is celebrated annually between the months of October and December with different outdoor activities: hiking trails, exhibitions, local products and food markets, craft fairs, dances, competitions, and much more make the Ambroz Valley the perfect place to have fun with family and friends.

8. Tejeda Negra Beech Forest (Guadalajara)

Tejeda Negra is the southernmost beech forest in all of Europe, located in the province of Guadalajara. Thanks to its deciduous trees, the best time to visit the Tejera Negra Beech Forest is autumn. The color variety is spectacular, and if you go with an expert, you can also enjoy the many species of mushrooms that you can find there. The hiking trails around the area are not very difficult and are truly beautiful. It is advisable to book in advance as a limited number of people are allowed entry.

We hope you enjoyed the post and, above all, that you organize a getaway very soon to experience the essence of autumn in the middle of nature.

Beaches Hall of Fame       

The best moments always happen on the beach. Hollywood has made it pretty clear in a ton of films and no one can tell us otherwise. That’s just the way it is.

It’s the place where Danny and Sandy met and spent those unforgettable Summer Nights worthy of a musical, the place that gave us that Daniel Larusso’s unmatched scene doing the “Crane Kick” under the watchful eye of Mr. Miyagi, and the place where Colonel George Taylor, on his so-called simian adventure, realizes that he actually isn’t so far from his home planet after all and can’t help but let out a few hot-headed curses making for another iconic scene.

Well, we have good news because Spain has almost 5,000 miles of coast filled with beaches lapped by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. 4911.939 miles to enjoy their geological and climatic peculiarities and, why not, just imagine running by the seashore at slow motion while you hear in your head the mythical Vangelis’s Chariots of Fire.

I’m sure that you´re already picturing your skin sun-kissed and the sea ​​breeze in your face. If so, then I’d say we’re on track, so don’t stop, keep reading in English, or click here to switch to Spanish and don’t miss this list with the best beaches in Spain.

Granadella Cove, Valencian Community

The first destination to enjoy your holidays in Spain is found along the Mediterranean seashore, in the province of Alicante. Located near the coastal town of Xàbia and crossing the road that meets La Granadella Forest Park, you’ll find a beach that has been elected on several occasions as the best beach in Spain. Its seabed is renowned and admired for is beauty among diving, scuba diving, and snorkel enthusiasts.

Macarella and Macarelleta Cove, Menorca, Balearic Islands

It’s time for the trendiest beach on Instagram. This virgin, isolated, and “u” shaped cove is the most photographed beach in Spain, and for good reason. You can only reach it by sea or on foot and, once you’re there, it’s as if you were in the Caribbean itself. You’ll get to walk through the soft white sand to the seashore and gaze over its turquoise waters framed by pine-covered cliffs.

Benijo Beach, Canary Islands

If you’re a person that is always looking for something different and unconventional, stop by the Canary Islands archipelago, most of its beaches have a volcanic origin. In North Tenerife you will find this incredible wild beach composed of black sand. Remote from urban centers, it is the perfect place to disconnect from all the noise and take in nature’s beauty.

El Bombo Beach, Mijas, Malaga

With 683 miles in length and 65 feet in width, this beach is characterized by its moderate waves, its dark sand, and its crystal waters, perfect for the scuba diving lovers. If this is not enough to awake your interest, imagine yourself arriving to the beach riding on the back of a traditional burrotaxi (donkey-cab).

Valdevaqueros Beach, Cadiz

When the wind blows in this little corner of ours, the Valdevaqueros’s 2.48 miles of beach becomes so much more, it transforms into a multicolor universe painted by the sails of the kitesurf and windsurf enthusiasts. If in addition, you’re looking for good company, this is the place! The beach has, as permanent residents, cows that don’t hesitate to feel at ease by the seashore while you catch up on that tan and enjoy the abundance of restaurants and chill out bars.

While the seventh art has its world-renowned Academy Awards, these Spanish beaches have received awards of their own that guarantee exceptional quality. Among them is the Blue Flag, an international classification that certifies that the beach meets and maintains environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria. Spain tops the world list of countries with Blue Flag awarded beaches. An authentic treasure of nature.

Speaking of treasures, we can’t part ways without first referring to the lucky ones that are always surrounded by sand and water, the pirates. If you want to travel the Spanish beaches in Jack Sparrow’s style, take a Spanish course and discover the treasure of learning a new language.

Be quiet for a second. If you listen carefully, you will surely be able to hear what is about to come. If you’re a music lover, we have something important to tell you.

The Spanish summer is much more than just sun and beach (although it does have a lot of both!). With the arrival of this season, Spain becomes a territory where you could hop from north to south traveling from festival to festival.

Keep reading in English or, if you’d like to change your tune, click here to switch to Spanish and discover some of the music festivals that we have ahead this 2019.

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL

On June 28^th, 29^th, and 30^th, Madrid will host one of the most important events for rock and heavy metal lovers, the Download Festival. This festival’s third edition can be enjoyed in La Caja Mágica (a multipurpose stadium) at the rhythm of some of the most legendary bands of the genre: Slipknot, Scorpions, Tool, and Sum 41, among many others.

A special meeting, without any doubt, for Slipknot and Tool fans because it will be the first time that both bands play in the Spanish capital in more than a decade.

CRUÏLLA

If you read the names Black Eyed Peas, Kylie Minogue, and Vetusta Morla and you can’t help but move your feet as you remember one of their songs, pop rock is your thing, and this is your festival. During July 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th, several special guests come together to celebrate the tenth anniversary of this festival set in Barcelona.

But Cruïlla is much more than music, it’s also all the art created offstage with different artistic offers that go from dance and theatre to painting.

LOW COST FESTIVAL

Don’t let its name confuse you, this festival has hosted top names like The Chemical Brothers. This year, it does not lag behind as it’s bringing groups as important as New Order, Foals, and Bastille. If you’re looking for a non-overcrowded and more affordable musical event, stop by Benidorm (Alicante) on July 26^th, 27^th, and 28^th.   

STARLITE

A stellar lineup for a luxury location. After seven editions, Starlite has become one of the world’s longest festivals with more than 46 days of concerts. This year, from July 5^th to August 23^rd, music, culture, and gastronomy unite in a single place: Marbella (Malaga). Enjoy a starlit stage: Jason Derulo, Luis Fonsi, and Sting, among many others, will be, for sure, the delight of the audience.

FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DE BENICÀSSIM (FIB)

We conclude the festival route with the season’s classic, a festival that turns 25 summers old this year. A pop, rock, indie, and electronic music parade located in Benicàsim (Castellón, Comunidad Valenciana) that will allow you to enjoy the good atmosphere, and some paella too, on July 18^th, 19^th, 20^th, and 21^st. Just in case these reasons are not enough to awake your interest, maybe the names Lana del Rey, Fatboy Slim, and Kings of Leon will change your mind.

If this is music to your ears, take a Spanish course in Spain and drop by one of these music festivals. Improve your Spanish skills and stop sounding like a broken record using the same Spanish expressions over and over again.

Last year, over 300,000 people followed the Way of Saint James to the northwest corner of Spain, keeping alive a tradition that dates back over a thousand years.

How would you like to spend a few weeks walking through Spanish towns and countryside? Keep reading in English or click here to switch to Spanish and learn what the Camino de Santiago is all about.

History

As the story goes, in the early 800s, a hermit living in the forest noticed a strange star in the sky. He decided to inform the local bishop, who followed the light of the star and found that it illuminated an ancient stone tomb containing three bodies. The bishop believed one of them to be the remains of Santiago el Mayor (James the Greater), and he quickly alerted the king.

That’s how it happened that the first person to walk El Camino de Santiago was King Alfonso II of Asturias, who traveled on foot from Oviedo to see the recently discovered tomb in Campostela (campo de estrellas — field of stars). The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela would later be built on the spot where the tomb was found.

Following in the king’s footsteps, in the Middle Ages it became common for Christians from Spain, France, and other parts of Europe to make the pilgrimage across northern Spain to visit the saint’s tomb. It’s worth noting that at this time, much of the Iberian Peninsula was under Moorish rule in Al-Andalus, and religion formed an important part of people’s identity. The golden age of the Camino lasted from the 11^th to the 13^th century, when common people and monarchs alike walked mile after mile toward Santiago.

Today

Although the Camino de Santiago was born from the Christian religion, today people from around the world find themselves drawn to the idea of walking through beautiful scenery for days on end for a variety of different reasons. Whether you’re looking for spiritual clarity, an outdoor adventure, or just want to see what it’s like to be completely disconnected from the modern world, you can find what you’re seeking on the Camino.

There are several different routes to Santiago de Compostela. The most heavily transited is the French Way, followed by the Portuguese Way, and the most popular time to do the Camino is in the summer. Therefore, those who’d like to skip the crowds and the heat may want to consider walking an alternative route in the spring or fall.

When you begin your journey, make sure to get a Pilgrim Passport and have it stamped at hostels, restaurants, and churches along with way, proving how far you’ve come. You’ve got to walk at least 100 km (62 miles) or bike at least 200 km (124 miles) if you want to earn the official Compostela (if you’ve done the Camino for religious reasons) or Certificate of Welcome (for everyone else) when you reach Santiago de Compostela.

Symbols

Along the trail, you’ll find lots of scallop shells and yellow arrows to help you find your way. The scallop shell, commonly found on the beaches of Galicia, has been a symbol of the Camino de Santiago for centuries. You will find it not just marking the path but also hanging from the backpacks, walking sticks, and necks of your fellow travelers, making them easy to identify.

Preparation

When you do the Camino de Santiago, you’ll enjoy instant camaraderie with people from Spain and all around the world. Take a Spanish course before you start your journey — that way, you’ll be able to connect more deeply with more people.

¡Buen camino!