The capital of Granada Province, Granada itself is situated right next to the
Sierra Nevada mountains, some 70 km from the coast. The city is famous
for the Alhambra, its Arabic heritage and also the caves of Sacromonte. Set
inland, one and a half hours north east of Malaga, it appeals to language
students of all ages. The narrow, cobble stoned streets and white washed
houses of the Albaícin, the old Arabic quarter of the city, are home to
numerous squares with terazas, perfect for sitting and watching the world
go by. With a summer temperature that can reach the mid 40°Cs and mild
winter temperature, Granada bathes its visitors in sunshine for most of the
year. As the heat is dry rather than humid, summer heat is more bearable
here, than in most of Spain.
The School
The school was established in 1987 and is located just of a cobbled street, in a self contained house with a
private garden and wonderful views across the hills to the Alhambra Palace. With 7 classrooms, internet access,
a library and a cafeteria the college offers a relaxed, informal environment for language learning and specialises
in offering small group classes and private tuition. It is within easy reach of the city centre by foot. In the
summer the city offers a fantastic variety of places to visit. The atmospheric old Moorish city centre, the Albaícin
is a network of narrow streets, artisans houses and pavement cafes. The city is dominated by the Alhambra
Palace, whilst the coast is just an hour away. A short distance outside the city is the Sierra de Huetor National
Park which includes spectacular limestone scenery and Gaudix, with numerous cave dwellings.
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The Skiing
The Sierra Nevada is part of the mountain range of the Betic Cordilleras. The
mountain Mulhacén (3477 m) is the highest summit of continental Spain.
Since 1999 the main part of the Sierra Nevada is protected by a National
Park with an area of 86.208 hectare. The resort town itself, basically a
sparse cluster of hotels and apartments at the base of the first series of
lifts, is modern with a hint of traditional charm. It is purpose-built but what
Sierra Neveda does exude is the Spanish love of the good life. There are
lively tapas bars, quaint shops and elegant hotels climbing the mountainside.
Sierra Nevada is not a traditionally Spanish enclave and is in no sense
Alpine; but it does offer skiing at 3000m just half an hour from the language
school and a wonderful contrast to the historic city.
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