A language trip to Valencia is an enriching experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. Traveling to learn Spanish allows you to improve your language skills, immerse yourself in the culture, make new friends, and open your mind to other ways of seeing the world.

That's why, in this article, we'll tell you why choosing a language trip to Valencia is an opportunity you can't miss. A city located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea; Valencia is emerging as one of the most attractive destinations for studying Spanish in Spain. No matter your age, background, or level, a language trip to Valencia is perfect for all students who want to discover the city and improve their Spanish.

Language trip to Valencia: a city that has it all

Valencia is the third largest city in Spain, but it maintains a welcoming and accessible atmosphere. A language trip to Valencia is ideal if you are looking to escape the big cities, as its size makes it easy to get around on foot or by bike, allowing you to visit its neighborhoods, squares, monuments, and parks. What's more, the people are warm, hospitable, and used to living with international students, creating an ideal environment for practicing Spanish in everyday situations.

Its Mediterranean climate, with over 300 days of sunshine a year, will make your language trip to Valencia a unique and enjoyable experience, no matter what time of year you visit. Spring, summer, fall, or winter, you will always find activities, cultural events, and charming places to discover. In addition, the connection to other cities in Spain and Europe is excellent. Thanks to its international airport and high-speed rail network, you can discover Spanish cities such as Madrid, Alicante, and Castellón.

Language trip to Valencia for adults

Taking a language trip to Valencia as an adult is the perfect opportunity to combine learning Spanish with an authentic and enriching cultural experience. Valencia offers a welcoming atmosphere and an excellent quality of life, as well as an ideal environment for learning the language in real-life contexts. Chat in markets, take part in cultural activities, or enjoy an afternoon on a local terrace.

The don Quijote Spanish school in Valencia offers programs specially designed for adults aged 30+ and 50+, with classes tailored to each person's pace and goals.

After class, Valencia invites you to discover its rich traditions, such as the spectacular Fallas. Experiencing these festivities allows you to better understand the history and character of the city. In addition, its delicious cuisine—led by authentic Valencian paella, horchata de chufa, and pumpkin fritters—makes every meal a cultural and linguistic experience.

This type of trip has no age limit and is ideal for both those looking to get started in Spanish and those who want to perfect their skills. A language trip to Valencia for adults will improve your language skills and offer you a transformative personal experience, full of discoveries, new friends, and unforgettable moments by the sea.

Total immersion in language trip to Valencia

One of the main reasons for choosing a language trip to Valencia is the opportunity to learn Spanish in a real-life setting, where every moment becomes an opportunity to practice. Unlike traditional classroom learning, living in a Spanish-speaking country allows you to encounter the language in real-life contexts: shopping, asking for directions, participating in conversations, or understanding street signs.

Festivals during your language trip to Valencia

One of the most exciting ways to learn a language is through its traditions and celebrations. In Valencia, culture is lived intensely, and participating in local festivals is a unique opportunity to connect with the essence of the Valencian people.

The most famous of all, Las Fallas, is celebrated every March. This festival combines art, satire, gunpowder, music, and fire in a spectacle that leaves no one indifferent. The streets are filled with cardboard monuments known as ninots, there are parades, mascletás (loud concerts of firecrackers), Valencians dress up in traditional costumes, and everything is filled with contagious energy.

Experiencing Las Fallas is also experiencing Spanish culture, learning vocabulary related to the festival, interacting with locals, and understanding the history behind each tradition.

Other notable festivals in Valencia include the Night of San Juan, when bonfires are lit on the beach on June 24, and the festival of the Virgen de los Desamparados, patron saint of the city, which is celebrated in May with floral offerings, processions, and emotional religious ceremonies.

Gastronomy during your language trip to Valencia

Gastronomy is another of Valencia's great attractions. What better way to learn Spanish than by trying its cuisine, a delicious way to explore the local culture while expanding your culinary vocabulary. This city is the birthplace of the famous paella, an iconic dish known by locals and international visitors alike.

Authentic Valencian paella is made with chicken, rabbit, green beans, and garrofó (a variety of white beans), cooked in a paella pan over a wood fire. Dare to try it!

But the gastronomic offerings don't end there. During your language stay in Valencia, you can discover dishes such as arroz al horno (baked rice), fideuà (a kind of paella with noodles), esgarraet (roasted red peppers with cod), and typical sweets such as pumpkin fritters. Don't forget to try horchata de chufa, a refreshing and nutritious vegetable drink, accompanied by fartons.

Eating in Valencia is also a learning experience, from reading a restaurant menu to shopping at the supermarket.

What to see during your language trip to Valencia?

Valencia is a city with a thousand-year history and an innovative spirit. As a student, you can stroll through the old town, admire the Cathedral and the Silk Exchange during your free time. But you can also lose yourself in the narrow streets of the Carmen district and, in a matter of minutes, find yourself in front of the impressive City of Arts and Sciences, one of the most impressive cultural complexes in the country.

This blend of past and future is also reflected in its cultural offerings: museums, theaters, film festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and workshops fill the calendar of events throughout the year. Many of these activities offer discounts or free admission for students, making them an excellent way to improve your listening skills and learn more about Spanish society.

Valencia is much more than a tourist destination. It is a city full of life, history, flavor, and opportunities to learn and grow. Taking a language trip to Valencia is opening a door to learning Spanish from the inside out.

Experience an exciting time during your educational leave in Valencia and immerse yourself in traditions and innovations while improving your Spanish skills. Located on the Mediterranean coast, the city of Valencia surprises visitors with its welcoming atmosphere, perfect size, pleasant pace, and festive spirit.

Every corner of the city invites you to live the language, and every day becomes an educational adventure. An educational vacation in Valencia allows you to get to know an authentic, modern, and lively city with a character that will inspire you and give you an unforgettable experience.

The sun, culture, and gastronomy are also in abundance, and you will learn a lot of Spanish during your educational vacation in Valencia. These are just some of the reasons why students choose to discover the city of arts and sciences.

An educational vacation in Valencia steeped in history

One of the most fascinating features of the city of Valencia is its harmonious blend of past and future. An educational vacation in Valencia allows you to discover the Barrio del Carmen district with its medieval streets, Arab walls, and squares full of orange trees. During your educational vacation in Valencia, you should also visit the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, a symbol of Valencia's modernity.

Other places of interest in Valencia include:

• The Silk Exchange, a World Heritage Site and testimony to the city's economic prosperity
• Valencia Cathedral and its bell tower, El Micalet, from which you can see the whole city
• The Central Market, one of the largest markets in Europe, is full of fresh produce and local atmosphere
• The Jardín del Turia, a 9 km long city park that runs through the city

Learning Spanish in Valencia means that every place tells a story, that every conversation is real practice, and that every visit expands your vocabulary a little.

Las Fallas: a cultural explosion

Few cities have a festival as intense and unique as Valencia and Las Fallas. Every year in March, the city of Valencia is transformed into a spectacle of fireworks, music, satire, and community. The ninots (Fallas figures) are huge sculptures made of cardboard and wood that fill the squares everywhere. During this festival, mascletás (very loud fireworks displays) take place every day, and the whole city proudly participates in the burning of the ninots.

So don't miss out on this exciting and enriching experience during your educational vacation in Valencia. A 100% immersion in the culture so you can learn the language.

However, if you prefer to visit Valencia in the summer, don't miss the Feria de Julio, with concerts, fireworks, and activities throughout the city. Learning during your educational vacation in Valencia doesn't end with the lessons but continues in the streets.

Educational vacation in Valencia, full of paella and horchata

You've probably noticed that an educational vacation in Valencia is the perfect place to try one of Spain's most famous dishes: paella. Here you can discover authentic paella with ingredients such as chicken, rabbit, green beans, and garrofó (a local bean variety). However, Valencia is not only known for its paella; here you can also try the legendary horchata de chufa with fartons, agua de Valencia, esgarraet, or fideuà.

Because if Spain is known for anything, it's its gastronomy, and Valencia is no exception. We recommend eating tapas, shopping at local markets, reading menus, and talking to waiters to practice your Spanish and immerse yourself in the city's culture.

A city of the perfect size

Valencia is the ideal size. It is large enough to offer an active cultural life but compact enough to be easily explored on foot or by bike. It has a relaxed atmosphere, affordable prices and, above all, an open and welcoming population that invites you to strike up conversations, exchange ideas and learn Spanish during your educational vacation in Valencia.

If you also want to escape everyday life for a weekend, you can discover small medieval villages, mountain trails, or wild beaches on the Costa Blanca in less than an hour. The city is perfectly connected to making your educational vacation in Valencia a unique and unforgettable experience.

Why choose an educational vacation in Valencia?

Valencia is a place where you can feel at home, develop personally and professionally, and at the same time get to know a city that appeals to all the senses. So why choose a study vacation in Valencia? Here are a few reasons:

• Mild climate all year round, ideal for learning with daylight and energy
• Delicious and authentic cuisine for every taste
• Rich culture with unique traditions such as Las Fallas
• Beach and nature, perfect for relaxing after class
• Student and international atmosphere with local flair

In Valencia, you won't feel like a tourist. The atmosphere at our Spanish school is friendly, personal, and dynamic. Our teachers are welcoming and emphasize communication so that you feel comfortable in class and start learning from day one.

Are you ready for your educational vacation to be more than just a training course? In Valencia, the language, the sun, and an unforgettable experience await you.

Valencia is a city that never gets old, but for those moments when you’re yearning for a change of scenery, check out these can’t-miss day trips.

For our students studying in Valencia, we have two words for you: lucky you! Valencia has everything you could ever desire: beautiful beaches, perfect climate, bustling metropolitan life, and a unique charm that’s part contemporary, part traditional, but all Mediterranean. And for when you’re yearning to step out of city life for an exciting day trip, you’re only a quick car or train ride away from some amazing sites, impressive naturescapes and idyllic towns. Here are some of our recommendations for some of the best day trips from Valencia.

Altea

Looking for that super quaint, charming village to remind yourself why you fell in love with Spain in the first place? If so, Altea is a must-see. This adorable town, located on the Costa Brava approximately 1.5 hours south of Valencia (by car), is known for its labyrinthine cobblestone streets and picturesque white-washed houses. In the heart of the historic center is the beautiful La Mare de Déu del Consol Cathedral, topped with its iconic dome of bright blue-and-white tiles. Take a walk through Altea’s streets and narrow alleyways, and you’ll catch breath-taking glimpses of dazzling blue: the sparkling clear waters of the Bay of Altea. The town is also known as an increasingly popular destination for artists; their presence can be felt in the bursts of bright color that adorn pristine white facades and the quirky, artisan boutiques.

While Alsa Bus Company does have direct trips from Valencia to Altea (3 hours and 15 minutes), a shorter bus trip would require you to make a transfer in Benidorm. The quickest option just might be renting a car with some friends, rolling down the windows and enjoying the ride!

Elche

Elche is Spain’s incredible gift to lovers of palm trees and pre-Roman history. This city, considered the third largest in the Valencian Community (after Valencia and Alicante), is a true trove of hidden treasures. On arriving to the city, Elche looks a bit like a godforsaken desert -- but enter the city and you’ll find a vibrant green oasis. Be dazzled with its lush overgrowth of palmeras, or palm trees. In fact, Elche has to so many palm trees and orchards that it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The Palmeral de Elche is a must-see palm orchard, and the Huerto del Cura Garden is home to lovely tropical plants, peacocks and the main attraction: the Imperial Palm, a striking one-of-a-kind palm tree with seven branches growing out of one trunk!

But Elche isn’t just about its surface beauty – beneath its city grounds are thousands of years of priceless pre-history. Elche’s roots are known to date back to the 5^th century B.C.; the territory has been occupied by Iberians, Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans. Get a history lesson in any of Elche’s various museums, or better yet, see it for yourself at the impressive and vast archaeological site, La Alcudia!

You can get from Valencia to Elche directly by bus: the trip is a little more than 2 hours and you’ll only pay around €13 roundtrip. The Renfe high-speed train will also take you from Valencia to Elche in 2.5 hours for about €22.

Xàtiva

Xàtiva is another stunning Valencian city that will amaze you with its antique charm and fascinating history. First off, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: that castle. Majestically perched atop a hill, visible for miles, the Castell de Xàtiva is second-to-none in its regal beauty… and, of course, its breath-taking views!

Make sure to allocate enough time in Xàtiva for the other sights, though: the Collegiate Basilica of Santa María is a 16^th century haven for ancient religious art; the Hospital Reial is renowned for its striking blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture; and the Iglesia de Sant Domènec for its contributions to medieval culture during the Middle Ages… and the list goes on. Located just an hour away from Valencia by car, why not hop in a Bla Bla Car? Or if you prefer public transportation, you can get there by Renfe’s high-speed train or Cercanías.

Albufera Natural Park

Albufera Natural Park is the perfect last-minute city escape; just 20 minutes away by car and under an hour by bus, the pristine tranquility of Albufera will leave you speechless. Disconnect from Valencia´s bustling urban life and come recharge your batteries; take a scenic boat ride on the largest lake in Spain, have a picnic while taking in the area’s unique bird and wildlife, or explore the sleepy nearby town of El Palmar, known for its amazing cuisine (especially paella). The park offers guided tours, bike rentals and other organized events so that visitors can take full advatange of Albufera’s splendid landscapes and rich ecosystems. What better place to relax, play and reconnect with nature? Check out Visit Albufera for more information.

Valencia is a destination that is overflowing with beauty, culture and history – both within and outside its city limits. So why not spend your day off discovering everything Valencia’s nearby towns, cities and parks have to offer? Take a day trip and have an adventure!

If you come to learn Spanish in Valencia you’ll find our new, stunning donQuijote school waiting for you. It is a beautiful new location with 18 modern and spacious classrooms, large courtyards, terraces and gardens where you can relax between and after classes.

The school is located right in the heart of the city on Calle de Cadirers. So, besides being located in an excellent area that is well conntected with the rest of the city, the beach and beautiful parks, it is also found in the most historic part of Valencia. To give you an idea of just how historic the area is our new building was a Gothic Palace built in the 15^th century and was the city's former Círculo de Bellas Arts (Fine Art Center). If its walls could talk, they would tell a thousand stories about the city, its culture, history and art!

It is an impressive, majestic building but at the same time, it is also very welcoming. You'll feel right at home while studying Spanish there... And you'll find treasures of Valencian art throughout the school! For example, if you find yourself learning Spanish with us in this beautiful school, take a good look at the stairs while you walk up to your classes. Did you know that the little column you find at the start could be the work of Pere Compte, the architect of the famous and beautiful Lonja de la seda?

Journey into Valencia's Golden Age

It’s not that far-fetched... after all the Lonja de la seda, an example of Valencian Gothic architecture, is only a three minutes' walk from the school! It’s true, as soon as you finish class you can walk to this incredible building that is as grand as a cathedral. Built between the 15^th and 16^th century, it was dedicated to the activity of the increasingly influential Valencian bourgeoisie. Its wide nave, its twisting columns, high ceilings and the hidden messages found in its reliefs will make you feel as if you've wandered into the bustling Valencia of the Golden Age.

Lonja de la seda

Another magnificent Valencian monument linked to our school through its architect Pere Compte, are the Torres de Quart, about seven minutes' walk from the school. These impressive towers were part of the ancient walls that defended the city in the Middle Ages. They are both high and dramatic... one can imagine a crowd of alert lookouts, running up and down their stairs, taking shelter in their protective walls, guarding Valencia!

Torres de Quart

Our school is also found about four minutes from one of Valencia's greatest monuments, the Cathedral of Santa Maria. It is the pride of the city, a cathedral built in the 13^th century, which despite being a great example of Gothic architecture, includes other peculiarities, influences and add-ons from other centuries as well. And, if you didn't already know, it is said that none other than the Holy Grail is guarded within its walls. You can see this mythical relic without ever having to suffer the hardships or adventure of Indiana Jones!

Catedral de Valencia

A prosperous city filled with color

All of these magnificent works of art will give you an understanding of how rich and powerful Valencia has been for centuries. In fact, to prove it, you can travel through time, walking only four minutes from the school and visiting the Mercado Central, a Modernist building built in 1914 but still active and filled with life. We assure you it is an inspiring experience to admire the iron architecture while you do your shopping, feasting on the color and aromas of the freshest produce, meat, fish, cheese and more.

Mercado Central

Found right next to the market, but many times unnoticed, is the Church of Santos Juanes, a temple that was a mosque in the time of Al-Andalus, but which became a Gothic parish. It burned down and was reconstructed various times throughout the 14^th and 16^th centuries. As it stands, it is an example of many different architectural styles. It is a visual walk through the history of art!

Church of Santos Juanes

Ah! And we can't forget that just 10 minutes away, you'll find the city hall, a large Neoclassical building that is well known because every year, during las Fallas the famous mascletá, the biggest firecrackers you've ever heard, errupt in celebration in the city hall's beautiful plaza.

Valencia City Hall

There are many more things to enjoy while you're in Valencia and we could add them all to this list. But we think we’ll leave it to you to discover all of the city’s art and treasures for yourself! There's nothing like finishing class, going to any of the wonderful nearby restaurants or bars, and after having a refreshing glass of horchata, choosing a street and saying, "I'm sure there's something interesting down there", before you make your way to discover what it may be. In Valencia you're sure to be right! There are hidden treasures in this beautiful city everywhere you look.

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Citytrip Valencia

Arriving early in the morning at the airport of Valencia, I can't wait to start my day with a freshly squeezed zumo de naranja á la Valencia. Instead of a hotel in Valencia, we opted for a hostal right in the center. Drop your bags and then quickly into town! From the airport you can very easily take the metro to the center of Valencia. So we did. The subway takes us straight to our hostal. This hostal is located at the "Plaza Ayuntamiento" from where you can easily walk to the other two squares of Valencia (Plaza de la Reina and Plaza de la Virgen). The temperature gauge in the square reads 34 degrees. Fortunately, there is a constant wind blowing through Valencia, so it is perfectly bearable. Valencia is the^3rd largest city in Spain, but this does not feel like it at all. It has a quiet center with not too much traffic, where you can stroll through the many narrow streets.

Thinking about tasty snacks for tonight, the so-called pinchos, we first have breakfast. As we walk towards the first square we see that you can sit on the terrace of Horchatería El Siglo in the sun. This is definitely the place where we want to have breakfast and catch the first rays of the Spanish sun. On the menu is horchata de chufa (almond drink). According to the camarero, this is something typically Valencian you must have tried. You drink this local thirst quencher ice cold and eat fartons (stems of croissant dough) with it. The waiter manages to seduce me anyway so, in addition to the zumo de naranja, I order the horchata with fartons. The horchata tastes like a slightly sweet milky drink and is wonderfully refreshing. The combination with the fartons completes it!

To explore Valencia properly we´all Dutch´re going to explore the city by bike. Everywhere you can rent bikes, but on the recommendation of our hostal we rent them at ´Solution Bike rental´ at a great price. Very nice is to cycle through the 10 kilometer(!) long city park ´Jardines del Turia´ in the old river bed of the Turia. This park runs right through the city like a green strip. I have never seen such a versatile park with playgrounds, work-out machines, playing fields and beautiful picnic areas!

After an active bike ride through Valencia, our stomachs begin to growl again and we look for a restaurant where locals enjoy the almuerzo. We plop down at restaurant ´Taberna Española Pasodoble´. Like the valencianos do, we order the daily menu. This is a complete 3-course meal for about 10.00 euros. Very tasty and a cheap solution that can fill you up well.

What you must have tasted when in Valencia is the paella. This cocina típica de Valencia, is available everywhere. Just outside Valencia, in Albufera, you can visit the rice fields. We decide to eat paella on the beach of Valencia in the evening. It is easily accessible by metro from the city center. We were told that the most famous restaurant is "La Pepica", but that "L'Estimat" serves the best paella and that it is surrounded by Valencians. That is the best tip: eat where the locals are sitting.

We end the evening at the ´Café de las Horas´ with Valencia´s most famous cocktail, Agua de Valencia. The alcoholic version of Valencian oranges, mixed with cava brut (Spanish champagne) and cointreau.

Before we go home again, I go to the Central Market in the morning to buy something for home. This market with its food stalls of fresh vegetables, fruit, fish and meat makes your mouth water. This is also where all the restaurants in Valencia get their fresh produce. On the side of the ´Mercado Central´ I quickly buy paella rice and a paella pan so that later I can try to make the real paella Valenciana at home.

Valencia, with about 1500 restaurants, is a delight for culinary lovers. It is a versatile city where you can fully enjoy Spanish life in all its facets. I will definitely come back here!

The school year's kicking off soon, and if you're considering the possibility of taking a course in a Spanish university, it may help to have a little information on the most interesting university locations. Remember, university life is not just about classrooms and libraries. This is a time to get out, meet people and explore the "cultural" life the city has to offer...

The following is our list, in alphabetical order (so we don't hurt any sensibilities), of the top ten Spanish university destinations, where you can enjoy a productive year… on all different levels.

1. Barcelona

The cosmopolitan center is on Las Ramblas

Ever since the mythical Hercules founded this city, Barcelona has been a Mediterranean hub, and its wide variety of universities (public and private) covers all options imaginable. The city's cultural and animated social life speaks for itself: a stroll down Las Ramblas, a vistit to Parque Guell or a drink with friends in the Puerto Olímpico area will open up the doors to an enjoyable city and a unique atmosphere in which to study Spanish.

2. Granada

Incredible tapas

Considering the size of the city in which it's located, the University of Granada is among the top schools in Spain. The city itself is a giant campus, where the students, the monuments, and the places to hang out in all come together in a unique mix of life. Granada also offers something unusual: here you can go skiing in the morning (the Sierra Nevada ski station is just 40 minutes away), have tapas in the city (they're free!), and later that afternoon go down to the tropical coast (Motril, Almuñécar or Salobreña) to take a dip in the Mediterranean. The international flavor of Granada makes it a perfect place to learn Spanish, meet people and feel at home.

3. Tenerife

Endless salsa dancing

The old capital of the island of Tenerife is set on top of the depths of the old lagoon. This is a perfect city for taking relaxing walks along its colonial style streets, where you'll find plenty of spectacular monuments. The University of La Laguna brings together many students, who come not only from the Canary Islands, but also from the rest of Spain and Latin America. La Laguna is one of the most prestigious international astrophysics centers in the world. The permanent connection between the Canary Islands and the Caribbean produces the friendliness, the sweetness of the accent and the warm musical rhythms that all invite visitors to stay and learn Spanish while Salsa dancing in the bars of the Cuadrilatero neighborhood, right in the center of town.

4. Madrid

Terraces and monuments

The capital of Spain is in the geographic center of the peninsula. It's also a place where people from around the country come together to study in its many universities and other learning centers. The Complutense University, la Autónoma, la Politécnica... Madrid is a political, economic and cultural center. The Madrid of the Austrias invites us to explore this metropolis which still retains the characteristics of a small town, where going for walks through parks and neighborhoods is still an enjoyable experience. The fact that in Madrid, almost everyone comes from somewhere else, guarantees that Madrileños will make you feel comfortable and welcome to chat in Spanish with the "gatos" in its many historical and charming cafés.

5. Malaga

Internationality and pescaíto

One of the main Mediterranean port centers, Malaga has permanent connections to northern Africa, and a colorful population that joins the jet-set with less exclusive visitors. The University of Malaga offers a great variety of attractive options, most notably in marine science studies. This is the home of Picasso, whose imprint can be seen all over the city. A short walk up to the Alcazaba (Arab fortress) offers us views of the port, which gives us the perfect excuse to head right down to the port on Palo Beach to chat with Malagueños over a nice plate of fresh sea food. Later, hop over to Marbella (a drive away) to have coffee among the economic elite, and take a few Spanish classes in an international atmosphere.

6. Pamplona

Healthy and direct people

The University of Navarra is one of the most prestigious private centers in Spain for health sciences. The old town area, with the aura of Hemingway floating about its streets running ahead of a raging bull, and the good natured Pamploneses are features of this city. You'll also find a combination of studies and the perfect simplicity of the most delicious vegetables you can imagine (Lodosa peppers, asparagus, artichoke…) and wine that describes the nature of the people of Navarra: robust and tangy, with a memory not easily forgotten, like the magical beech trees of Irati.

7. Salamanca

Bars with style

Style, that's Salamanca. A city dressed in the elegance of the Villamayor stone. Here you'll find one of the most famous universities in the world, not only for its age, but also for its prestige, and its distinction of having been the home of Spanish as a second language studies that it is today. Imagine an enormous museum, where you can walk through and discover hidden gems within the surprising monumental city's detailed decoration, which remind us that we're in the city of the Tormes. Here, bars seem to have come right out of a decoration and design contest, where contact with Salmantinos is not only easy, but inevitable.

8. Santiago de Compostela

Seafood and albariño

If all roads lead to one place, that place is Santiago. For more than a thousand years, this wonderful city has been joining people on pilgrimages to different sights of interest: The Cathedral and the saint's tomb, the university and a jar of Ribeiro. The peacefulness here, along with the musical tone of the Galician way of speaking invite us to drift along the rúa Raíña and the Praza Roxa to meet these friendly people. After a long history of migration, they know how to take in outsiders better than anybody.

9. Seville

The very best flamenco and tapas

During spring time in Seville the aromas of incense and orange blossom speak of Holy Week, gardens in bloom and the Feria de abril. The University of Seville echoes the sounds of Carmen la cigarrera. The royal tobacco factory is one of the most evident buildings in the landscape of the capital of Andalusia. The benevolence of winter in Seville provides a great reason for studying Spanish in this city, which houses the Indias Archive and the main port connection with the New World. Flamenco music appears on every corner of the Triana neighborhood (almost an independent city) on the other side of the river, and in the bars in Santa Cruz. Here, cantaores fine tune their voices with a sip of fino or manzanilla while gazing out the window, taking in views of the Giralda, the magnificent bell tower of the biggest gothic cathedral in the world.

10. Valencia

The Mediterranean and modernity

This is the capital of the Turia, crossed because of the spectacular vision that R. Bofill had of the riverbed, now the heartbeat of the city and the center of a university known for its architectural and technical studies. We can admire the talent the university produces by exploring the works of Santiago Calatrava in the City of Arts and Sciences. By going to la Albufera, checking out la Malvarrosa or wandering about El Carmen we will get to know Valencia, a town that's always been open to the sea –and to other people-, where if there's anything more impressive than the raucous ringing of firecrackers during festivals, it's the friendliness and smiles of the people.

Take advantage of the options that a combination course offers Spanish students. don Quijote allows you, if you like, to enjoy an almost entirely complete panorama of the most important university cities, while experiencing the esthetic and cooking pleasures that a richly diverse country like Spain has to offer.