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Travelling step by step around Spain

By Lauren Somers

Travelling step by step around SpainEver fancied whipping off that raincoat and living “la vida loca” for a little bit? Why not take the opportunity to do some Spanish travel and visit the beautifully varied regions of Spain, whilst brushing up on your Spanish knowledge at the same time? Whether your Spanish skills stop at “una cerveza por favor”, or you are already a competent student, nothing can help you improve more than being fully immersed in the Spanish society culture. Experience the language, the people, the sites, the tapas… the list is endless!

Since transport in Spain is relatively cheap compared to back home, make the most of it by visiting as many different cities as you can. Perhaps start in Salamanca, home to the world´s second oldest University and the magnificent Plaza Major. Winner of Europe´s capital city of culture in 2002, it has also been named an UNESCO world heritage site. Throughout the year the city is buzzing with university students, both Spanish and foreign, who make it a perfect place for a night out! The city boasts an incredible range of restaurants, bars and clubs so there is sure to be something that takes your fancy. There is also plenty of sightseeing to do during the day: the prestigious cathedral, the monasteries, or even the art-deco museum if you fancy something a little more modern. The city has a vibrant yet relaxed attitude which has always attracted people from all over the world. Salamanca is a city that you will want to visit again and again!

However at only 200km away, Madrid will soon start beckoning. Both by bus and train, the city is easy to reach and you will soon find yourself in the heart of the Spanish capital. This metropolitan city has everything you could wish for: museums, shops, parks and many more! It is filled with both antiquity and modernity, as its architecture achieves a perfect blend of historical monuments and contemporary designs. One sight not to miss is the renowned Museo del Prado, which is home to one of the world´s finest collections of European art. After filling up on culture it will be time to hit the shops! With over 54,000 shops, you won´t be short of things to buy! If the extensive retail therapy proves a little tiring, Madrid is home to a variety of parks where you can sit down, relax, and watch the world go by. Make sure you keep your strength up for the evening, when you are sure to find a bar that you like the look of. Each area has its own style, so why not try a few of them? Just be careful with that sangria! There´s no need to worry about a car though, since Madrid contains an extensive network of buses and metro services, which will provide you with a smooth and comfortable journey to Barajas, Madrid´s international airport, where you can catch an internal flight to your next destination.

With 971 flights every week between the two cities, a Spanish trip flying from Madrid to Barcelona will be a piece of cake. The flight takes little more than an hour, whereas the bus can take up to eight. With many budget airlines selling these flights, it would be crazy to miss out on such an incredible city! Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain, will take your breath away with its extraordinary architecture, such as Gaudi´s “La Sagrada Familia”, and its seven beaches, to name just a few of its assets.  Las Ramblas, the main street in Barcelona (it actually consists of several different streets joined together) is always lively, and a perfect place to stop for a coffee or even a cocktail! You won´t believe how much there is going on around you, from clothes stalls, to street entertainers, from fruit and veg markets to jazz bands! Then take a slow stroll down to the harbour, and tickle your taste buds with some “pan tumaca” or“Pa amb tomàquet” in Catalan. This traditional regional snack consisting of bread with Serrano ham, tomato and garlic is widely regarded as the epitome of Catalan cuisine and identity. After taking time to recuperate in one of the many bars on the beachfront, take one of the aerial cable cars up to the peak of Tibidabo for an amazing view of the entire city. The co-official language of Barcelona, Catalan, may seem strange at first, but will not hinder your learning of the traditional Castilian that is taught in the don Quijote school. In fact it is often interesting to note the differences between the two languages, as you become aware of the changes in society culture between each autonomous region of Spain.

After visiting the capital city of Cataluña, head down the coast on a train to Valencia, capital of the autonomous region of the same name. Here you will find miles and miles of beautiful sandy beaches, where you can unwind after your Spanish lessons. But Valencia has more to offer than just the sea. The city contains a dense monumental heritage, including the Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange), a late gothic style building built between 1482 and 1548 which was named a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1996. In contrast to this is the futuristic museum complex, the City of Arts and Sciences, which is undoubtedly the most important modern tourist attraction in the city of Valencia. This incredibly bizarre looking museum is also home to Europe´s largest oceanographic aquarium, and is definitely a sight worth seeing. Among the plethora of things to do and see, don´t forget to try some paella, as Valencia is the home of the traditional Spanish dish!

Valencia also has its own international airport, so take you pick from bus, train or plane to head to your next destination. How about over the Sierra Nevada mountains to Granada? The “pomegranate” city (“granada” is the Spanish word for the fruit) is a breathtaking mix of Spanish and Arab cultures, with the beautiful Alhambra as its focal point. This Moorish citadel and palace is one of the most famous items of Islamic historical legacy, making it a hot-spot for tourists. The winding narrow streets of the Albacín (the old Arab quarter) are brimming with hidden cafes, shops, churches and even the remains of an Arab bath complex… Perfect if you fancy doing some exploring! Granada is also a very popular student city, due to the presence of the prestigious University, which is reputed as being one of the best in Spain. The students add to the buzzing and welcoming atmosphere of the city, as well as its vibrant nightlife! 

After the blazing temperatures of Granada, it´s times to head to the island known as “the island of eternal spring”, Tenerife. The biggest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife has an average monthly temperature of 27 degrees Celsius, making it an excellent destination to study Spanish all year round. The island is also home to Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain, which offers incredible views that are hard to beat. Also not to be missed are the Lagos Martiánez, a series of saltwater pools designed by the Canary artist César Manrique. Tenerife is famous for its beaches, with their soft clean sand - but don´t be put off by the black sand on some of the beaches! This is just proof of its volcanic origin. Travelling around Tenerife is easy in the guaguas or local buses, and you can even catch a ferry to the nearby Gran Canaria. And if you still haven´t had your full of Spanish life, why not hop back on a plane to Seville or Malaga and continue learning, exploring and having fun!



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