Spanish in Classical Spain - Granada and Sierra Nevada

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.

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.

A typical itinerary...

Price Guide
Based on 20 students

LS: Summer/Autumn (hotel, tuition and activities)
HS: Winter/Spring (hotel, tuition and ski costs)