Granada

Your first full day in Granada we will introduce you to the main streets and central neighborhoods of the city. This is a perfect way to get acquainted with the layout of your new city and how to travel from your homestay to school on the first day of classes.

With Granada’s deep history and mix of so many cultures the city tour is a walk through time. We will visit hidden plazas and wind our way up cobblestone streets to inspiring lookouts, or miradores. There are many Islamic buildings in the central part of the city such as La Madraza, the remains of the old Muslim University. Also on the tour is the Corral del Carbón, a 14th century market place built by the moors. Plaza Nueva is arguably the center of the city. Here amongst tapas bars and cafés is the Iglesia de Santa Ana, whose bell tower was a former mosque’s minaret. We will also walk Paseo de los Tristes which curves along the Darro River and into the Albaicín. Finally making our way up to the San Nicolás mirador we’ll see striking views of the Alhambra and surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountain range.

Design your own plaster tile and learn the art of traditional design and paint used by the Moors in the time of Arabic Spain.

Granada’s historic quarter known as the Albaicín is full of exotic Arabic tea houses or "teterías". These intimate locales are cool and dimly lit with low lying tables and plush Arabic cushions. The aromas of exotic teas, brewed in the Arabic tradition, fill the rooms. This is a bohemian experience and with Granada’s large student population the teterías are always frequented with young people, both Spanish and foreign. You will definitely want to savor the famous Moroccan tea made with mint leaves and sweetened with honey, as well as snack on exquisite Arab cakes.

The Albaicín is the best-preserved Moorish quarter in all of Europe. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will explore the history and architecture of this unique neighborhood. 

Visit the historic Cathedral and Royal Chapel of Granada. The Royal Chapel is the burial place of the Catholic Kings, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. Also buried here is their daughter, Juana la Loca, and her husband Felipe el Hermoso. The Chapel is built in Gothic style. Next to the Royal Chapel is the Cathedral of Granada. It was built on top of the former Great Mosque. Construction began in the 16th century and took 181 years to finish. It is a representative of Spanish Renaissance architecture. The Cathedral contains works of art by El Greco, Jusepe de Ribera, and Alonso Cano.

Explore the historic Gypsy neighborhood of Sacromonte during the Albaicín City Tour and later complete the experience during our Flamenco Performance Night when you will see a live flamenco performance in a Gypsy cave.

We will explore the hidden points of interest of this historic neighborhood of Granada. This white-washed district is home to many plazas famous for their tapas restaurants. We will also see the "carmenes" or large mansions with intimate gardens typical of this part of the city.

This festival is one of the most important cultural events in Spain. Performers come from all over the world and the city itself turns into a theater. We will watch a performance either in one of the indoor or outdoor venues of Granada.

Flamenco is a must while in Granada. Everyone will have the opportunity to take a Flamenco dance class. Those who are interested can continue to learn about the different parts of this passionate art form, Cante, the song, and Baile, the dance. Granada is a very artistic community and visitors can typically find any type of dance instruction, from salsa and merengue to hip hop. Dance classes are a great way to improve your dance skills and get involved with local activities.

In the evenings the lively music of the gypsies, flamenco, resonates from the hillside caves of Sacromonte. This neighborhood has traditionally been home to the gypsies and the unique art form that has its origins in Southern Spain. We will enjoy an evening performance demonstrating the three forms of flamenco, Cante, the song, Baile, the dance, and Guitarra, guitar playing. The white-washed and dimly lit caves of Sacromonte provide the ideal venue for this passionate art form.

The wild mountain landscapes of Southern Spain provide the perfect locale for hiking. The valleys that lead up to the high Sierra Nevada mountains are full of infinite hiking trails. Some of the most popular areas located just outside of Granada are Los Cahorros, the Sierra de Alfaguara and the high peaks accessible via the ski slopes. Los Cahorros is an area of breathtaking scenery and deep ravines cut by the Monachil River. Trekkers might cross suspension bridges and squeeze through tight canyon walls. The high sections of the trail are rugged and full of great views of the river gorge below. Other trails found in the mountain terrain of the Sierra Nevada wind through pine forests, green meadows, and past mountain streams. Arid and rugged landscapes stretch in the distance. You will have views of impressive peaks in the area such as La Veleta, El Mulhacén, and El Caballo, among others.

We will visit one of Granada's movie theaters to watch a film in Spanish.

Granada is the most famous city in Spain for its tapas tradition. Tapas are small plates of food to be shared with friends. There are even city designated tapas trails to explore specific tapas restaurant areas. What really makes tapas special in Granada is that they are usually free with a beverage. 

Learning to cook traditional dishes while abroad is the best way to take something back from your experience. Granada is famous for its Mediterranean cuisine. Learn typical dishes such as croquetas, roasted bell pepper salad or tapas. These are all dishes you can later share with friends and family.

Learn about the culinary traditions of Southern Spain. We will taste the wide variety of olives and olive oils that come from the region. Spain produces and consumes more olive oil than anywhere else in the world. In Andalucía there are 262 varieties of olives! Also experience the fine cheeses and meat cuts that are cured in the high sierra just outside of Granada. We will also taste other delectable items such as honeys and preserves. No venture to any exotic locale is complete without enjoying and learning about the culinary delights it has to offer.

Step back into the days of the Moors and experience an Arab Bath house (or Hammam). Water was sacred to the Moors and among other things the baths served as a means of purification. You will experience the relaxing hot and cold baths while enjoying the silence and calm the bath house provides. This is a journey through the history of Arabic Granada!