Take advantage of your study abroad experience and
TRAVEL SPAIN!
Most’s college students who study abroad hope to experience new cultures, improve their skills in a second language, and learn about history firsthand by walking the narrow cobble stone streets – admiring all there is to see. Whichever city you choose as yourstudy abroad destination, be sure to take advantage of travel opportunities throughout Spain.
Here is a list of must-see cities and towns for your trip to Spain!
1. Madrid
On your trip to Spain, youll most likely fly into Madrid, the country’s capital. Dont pass up the opportunity to experience big-city Spain, with crowded streets, endless places to shop, magnificent architecture, stunning plazas, and world-renowned museums! There are neighborhoods of every style to explore, bustling with tapas bars. And of course, dont miss the famous Spanish nightlife, the parties last all night!
2. Salamanca
Home to the oldest university in Spain, and one of the oldest in the world, Salamanca is an ideal destination to spend a semester abroad! Students from all over Spain come to Salamanca to study, as do international students hoping to learn Spanish. The Plaza Mayor is considered the most beautiful in all of Spain, and the historical center is filled with stunning buildings, all made of matching golden Villamayor stone. This inexpensive student city is small, yet comforting and never boring. It is the ideal place to learn Spanish in its purest form.
3. Barcelona
Another big, metropolitan city, Barcelona has a more international feel than Madrid. As the capital of Cataluńa, Barcelona is less Spanish, and more Cataln. This means that in addition to Spanish, natives speak their own language, and dont you dare call it a dialect! Barcelona attracts individuals from all over the world for its universities, beaches, nightlife and unique style. Modernist architecture by Gaud, as well as the famous cathedral La Sagrada Familia are just a few of the many attractions to be discovered.
4. Sevilla
Another fairly large city, with yet another distinct cultural feel from those of Castilla y Lon Madrid and Salamanca, Sevilla is the largest city in the region of Anadulca. It is home to the worlds largest cathedral, the stunning Plaza of Spainand tons of architecture with notable Moorish influence. Sevilla is also home to the stereotypical Spanish culture including flamenco. This is most notable during the April Fair, an incredible party in the streets, which is quite a contrast to the solemn and intense Holy Week processions.
5. Granada
Last but not least, on the list of typical study abroad destinations, Granada is home to the astonishing Alhambra and nestled close to the Sierra Nevada Mountains and just a short trip away from the sea. This small city provides a breath-taking backdrop for cultural immersion, free tapas and intricate Moorish architecture. The rich history in this city can be felt in the Albaícn, and the views are spectacular.
A bit off the beaten path, but worth the adventure, while you’re in Spain be sure to check out these 5 smaller cities for a different perspective on Spanish life!
1. León
Representing the north, León is a small city, bustling with pilgrims completing the Camino de Santiago. León is quaint, clean and polished and provides a great weekend getaway. It’s stained glass ordained cathedral, and city center are ideal for sitting on a terraza and enjoying a few cortos, or small beers, which come with free tapas.
2. Pamplona
Another northern city, located almost at the border of France, Pamplona is home to the San Fermn Festival and the Running of the Bulls! But if you’re not ready to be overwhelmed by enormous crowds and dangerous bulls, visit Pamplona in the off-season and enjoy the colorful plazas, gastronomy and the culture of Navarra.
3. Cádiz
Almost as far south as you can get, Cádiz is a magnificent city, made up of white houses, bordered by extensive beaches and known for its golden, round-topped, totally unique cathedral. Take a walk along the boardwalk, and climb to the top of the towers for a birds eye view of the city and sea.
4. Santander
Santander is a surprisingly large city, filled with busy hilly streets and surrounded by the ocean. It is located in the north of Spain, and the ocean views are spectacular. The cathedral, the boardwalk, the beaches, islands and lighthouses and especially the Magdalena Palace are sights not to be missed while visiting this stunning city.
5. Galicia
Galicia is not a city, but rather a region in northwestern Spain. It is located north of Portugal and it maintains its own unique culture and also has its own language. With Celtic roots, it is said to be the little Ireland of Spain. With green rolling hills, a lot of rain, red-haired people, bagpipes and a dance style similar to Irish step dancing, Galicia provides a great get-away that’s not too far. The best beer in the country and amazing seafood, Galicia is a hidden treasure to be discovered! Make sure to try pulpo, octopus, the most well known dish in the region.
All of these destinations are accessible by bus, train, car or plane! Plus, with international airports all over the country, more extensive European travel is at your fingertips!
What are your must-see destinations during your study abroad experience?