Laura Harrison

TEFL Course Advisor

Cactus Worldwide Ltd

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By Laura Harrison - Tue 20th Sep 2011

 

Tumbit Approved Partner

Located in the region of Andalusia, in the south of Spain, and situated in a province of the same name, the city of Granada is a historic and attractive city that is hugely popular with students and tourists alike.

There are plenty of reasons why Granada makes a great place to visit and study Spanish, of which the following are just five of them :

1. It has a fascinating history to explore

Just one look at Granada’s incredible architecture will tell you that the city’s history is long and complex. Of course, the best known building in Granada is the magnificent Alhambra, whose palaces, patios, and gardens cant fail to impress. Now officially a World Heritage Site, the Alhambra gives anyone who visits a great insight into Granada’s Islamic history. Wandering through the former Arab quarter of the Albayzín, a maze of steep, narrow alleys will also give you a glimpse into the Granada of centuries gone by, and, incedentally, a fantastic view over the Alhambra.

Also well worth a visit is the Capilla Real - constructed as a mausoleum for Spain’s most famous monarchs. The gothic Capilla Real (Royal Chapel) is even more impressive than Granada’s much larger adjoining Cathedral and holds the elaborate marble tombs of Fernando and Isabel along with their daughter and son-in-law.

2. It benefits from a fantastic location

Situated between Spain’s highest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada, and the glistening Mediterranean sea, Granada really does have the best of both worlds. Not only does its location make Granada a very attractive location in which to study, it also means that students can enjoy a range of pursuits in the surrounding areas in their free time - that is, if they can bring themselves to leave the city itself! Granada is well linked to the surrounding places by train and bus, making it very easy to get around.

3. You can enjoy Flamenco and tapas at their finest, and arguably, most original

A dance that was born out of Andalucía’s gypsy population, flamenco is one of Spain’s most famous exports and Andalucía is still the place to see flamenco in its most genuine form. Many of Spain’s most famous flamenco performers have come from Granada’s traditional gypsy quarter, Sacromonte, where it’s still possible to catch an impromptu performance or two!

Another of Spain‘s most popular exports is tapas, and Granada remains one of the few cities where you get free tapas when you order a drink.

4. It has great nightlife

People from Granada, including the thousands of students who go to university there, are well known for their liveliness and love of life, which ensures that the nightlife in the city is second to none. Whether you like sipping sangría in an outdoor café, enjoying Granada’s vibrant bars, or dancing at the many nightclubs in the Sacromonte district Granada will have plenty to offer.

5. Granada is a very affordable city

Andalusía is one of the cheapest regions in Spain, not only when it comes to daily life but also in terms of travel. For anyone on a budget, this makes it a fantastic place to study, with an affordable lifestyle but endless options for entertainment outside of lessons, ensuring that you get the most possible out of your time there.

For full course listings or to make your reservation, please click the link HERE.