Hiking in Granada whilst learning Spanish in Spain

Posted on 12/08/2015 by Delengua | Permalink 0

It cannot be denied that Andalucía (especially the province of Granada) is one of the most beautiful areas of natural beauty in all of Spain. So when learning Spanish in Granada with our Spanish language school, it goes without saying that you have to take advantage of the stunning scenery and go hiking. There are many places that are easily reached from the city using local bus routes, all of which will cost you less than couples of euros!

 

1. Sierra Nevada

Views over the Sierra Nevada

As our Spanish courses run from Monday to Friday, you can make the most of the weekends by climbing to the highest peak of the Sierra Nevada, which is also the highest peak in mainland Spain at 3497m! Or you could go for a hike in the Alpujarras, an area of incredible natural beauty and the typical whitewashed mountain villages of Granada. Like every student has a different level of Spainsh, the Sierra Nevada also offers routes for people of all different hiking abilities. Granada is a paradise to learn Spanish and go hiking!

 

 

2. Los Cahorros

Suspension bridge at Los Cahorros

Suspension bridge at Los Cahorros

During the summer months our Spanish language school organises hikes to Los Cahorros, a walking route from the nearby town of Monachíl. The route winds alongside a river of the same name (el Río Monachil) and across bridges that appear to float over the rushing waters below. There are also a series of little waterfalls where you can paddle- if you´re brave enough! Climbing up towards the peaks of the mountains, you are rewarded with amazing views of the area that you won’t soon forget; of both the valleys and the cherry groves which the area is known for. Don’t worry about losing your way- our Spanish teachers are experts at navigating the valleys and peaks!

 

 

3. Güejar Sierra

Beautiful landscapes in Güejar Sierra

Beautiful landscapes in Güejar Sierra

What better way to learn Spanish in Spain than chatting with your classmates in the great outdoors? Along with the Cahorros, you can also enjoy the beautiful Güejar Sierra as part of the activities our Spanish language school puts on. A popular trip with our students, even the bus ride is enjoyable, offering panoramas across the sparkling blue waters of the Embalse de Canales reservoir. We walk along the banks of the river Genil (which also runs through the city of Granada, where our language school is located!), enjoying the stunning scenery and picturesque views. If you keep an eye out you may even spot the one of the few remaining Osborne bulls: the black silhouette of a bull standing atop one of the mountain peaks.

 

 

 

 

4. Dehesa del Generalife

Students go hiking in the Dehesa del Generalife

Students go hiking in the Dehesa del Generalife

During your time learning Spanish in Granada, you have no excuse not to explore the Dehesa del Generalife, which is located on the mountains surrounding the city, just behind the Alhambra. By Walking up to the Silla Del Moro viewpoint with your classmates, you can survey Granada from above: the terracotta roofs of the city; the rolling green hills; the whitewashed caves of the Sacromonte; and even the Sacromonte Abbey (which you can also visit as part of an organized trip with our Spanish language school). Don’t miss the sundial at the top!

Students go hiking in the Dehesa del Generalife

Feeling adventurous? Book a course with us today to come and explore all the beautiful places Granada has to offer! If you want to learn more about our Spanish language school, remember to like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

 

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actividades de la escuela / out-of-school activities, Cultura española y andaluza, Cursos de español / Spanish courses, Granada, Los alrededores de Granada/ The surrounding area of Gra, Lugares míticos de Granada / Beautiful places in Granada , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Nightlife whilst learning Spanish in Granada, Spain

Posted on 14/07/2015 by Delengua | Permalink 0

So you´ve booked your Spanish course with Escuela Delengua and now you´re impatiently awaiting all the things you’ll experience in Granada outside of class, like where you´ll go with your new friends from the language school.

First things first: when it comes to nightlife, Spanish time is very different to what you can expect in other countries like the US or European countries like the UK, Germany, Holland and Russia. It can be quite a culture shock when you realise that many clubs won’t fill up until around 3am! Nonetheless, once you get into the rhythm of it, there is something for everyone.

Most nights begin at around 9pm with tapas, as a lot of kitchens don´t reopen until 8pm. There are many tapas bars located less than a minute from the language school on and around Calle Elvira, such as Rivieria which offers large portions to get you ready for your night out.

Next on the agenda is a trip to one of the many bars in the city. Don´t worry if you don´t know where to go when you first arrive in Spain to learn Spanish: one of the activities with our language school in Granada is a drinks night, where a teacher will show you round some of the best places to have a few beers or the popular “gintonics”. This activity is also a great opportunity to get to know your classmates and to speak Spanish outside of classes, which may seem daunting at first!

Students go out for drinks with the school

Students go out for drinks with the school

 

In terms of bars, there are many charming wine bars in Granada such as La Tana. Or you could also try the nearby Bronx Speakeasy if you prefer a more modern ambience. If you’re craving a mojito then look no further than Casa Cubana, a couple of minutes walk from Escuela Delengua, which has a great range of cocktails at a student friendly price! An area also popular with students learning Spanish in Granada is Calle Pedro Antonio de Alarcon. There you will find a variety of bars, many promoting a gimmick such as the changing drink prices at Wall Street or a vast menu of chupitos (shots) at Chupitería 69.

For those interested in experiencing Spanish and Latin American culture, there are a number of options in Granada to cater for this. Every few weeks our Spanish school organises Flamenco nights, where students can watch live Flamenco singing, dancing and guitar. There are also a few bars in Granada, such as Barrio Latino, which put on Salsa night! It provides the perfect opportunity to get together with new friends and learn a few moves.

Salsa Night

Salsa Night

 

Next we move on to the final stop of the night: clubs. In this respect, Granada has a little of everything. At Booga you can enjoy live music throughout the week, showcasing established reggae, blues and jazz bands alongside new groups from the area. With a more laid back vibe, Booga is perfect for students of all ages learning Spanish in Granada. For those looking for clubs favoured by the university students, Mae West, Vogue and Camborio are the go to choices. Camborio is always a good option at weekends, playing a mixture of chart toppers from the US, as well as cheesy Spanish pop with simple lyrics- a great way to improve your Spanish.  It also boasts a beautiful terrace with stunning views over the illuminated Alhambra.

Students enjoying the nightlife in Granada!

Students enjoying the nightlife in Granada!

 

A great thing about Granada is the abundance of late night food, especially on Calle Elvira, next to Escuela Delengua. A tortilla (Spanish omelette) sandwich is the perfect way to end your night and get ready for your next day of classes!

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actividades de la escuela / out-of-school activities, Cultura española y andaluza, Cursos de español / Spanish courses, Ferias y Fiestas/ Parties and Celebrations, Granada, Salir en Granada/ To go out in Granada , , , , , , , , ,

How to learn Spanish through film at Escuela Delengua

Posted on 17/06/2015 by Delengua | Permalink 0

One of the best ways to learn Spanish (along with our Spanish courses of course!) is to watch Spanish and Latin American films. Luckily with Escuela Delengua this is easy! With film viewings at the school, trips to open air cinemas and an extensive Spanish film library, our language school in Granada is the perfect place to learn Spanish through cinema.

Although most language students associate Spanish cinema with teachers who put DVDs on in class so they can mark homework in peace, Spanish films are actually a fantastic learning tool. Watching Hispanic films can help you to get used to the rhythm and speed of Spanish speech, in an environment that can be more comfortable initially than having a conversation with a native Spaniard. Not only this, it is a great way to improve your vocabulary, with words and phrases that may not appear in course books, like slang or idioms.

Watching Spanish films can also help you to learn a little about the different cultures of the Spanish speaking world, whether it be the south of Spain or the Caribbean coast of Mexico. Themes of identity and societal issues are frequent in many popular Spanish language films; they allow you to take a glimpse into the history and current issues of the Hispanic world.

There are three ways to learn Spanish through film with our Spanish school, Escuela Delengua:

  1. Cinema at the school: Film nights are one of the activities our Spanish language school holds every few weeks and are always an enjoyable opportunity to get together with friends and learn Spanish. The variety of films carefully selected by our teachers not only means that there’s something for everyone, it also allows for a wider understanding of the Hispanic world as a whole and a greater comprehension of different accents and linguistic changes. Recent films have included the fantasy Pan’s Labyrinth (El Laberinto del Fauno), the comedy Eight Basque Surnames (Ocho Apellidos Vascos) and police thriller Marshland (La Isla Mínima). Films are subtitled in Spanish to help students learn vocabulary effectively, regardless of whether the actors may be speaking rapidly or with an unfamiliar accent.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    películas
  2. Film Library: Another way to learn Spanish through film at our language school is by borrowing DVDs from our fully stocked library. Alone or with a small group of friends, taking a film home is useful as it allows you to watch at your own pace. It means you can rewind certain parts as many times as you like to really get to grips with the vocabulary. If you want a recommendation or have any questions about certain phrases in a film, our dynamic team of teachers are always here to help. The library at our Spanish school contains a variety of films: from the works of Almodóvar, to cartoons! Why not take advantage of such a valuable resource?                                                                                                                                                                                 11303565_10153892186014097_1504567262_n logo
  3. Open Air Cinema: A final way to learn Spanish through film is by visiting an open air cinema, which are open to the public in Granada during the summer months. Showing current releases from the Spanish speaking world and dubbed blockbuster hits, even those who aren’t enchanted by Hispanic cinema will enjoy the visit. And there isn’t a better place to watch a film than outside amongst the warm summer breezes of Granada! If the timetable confuses you or you’re not sure how to organise your visit- relax! Our Spanish school organises visits during the summer as part of our daily activity programme.

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Sound good to you? For those who are interested in learning more about Hispanic culture, alongside Spanish grammar and speaking classes, take a look at our specific courses such as ‘Spanish and Latin American History and Art’ and ‘Spanish and Latin American Literature’.

Happy watching!

 

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actividades de la escuela / out-of-school activities, Arte/ Art, Cine/ Cinema, Cultura española y andaluza, Cursos de español / Spanish courses, Ferias y Fiestas/ Parties and Celebrations, Granada, Salir en Granada/ To go out in Granada , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

10 things to do in Granada when studying Spanish with Escuela Delengua

Posted on 20/05/2015 by Delengua | Permalink 0

Granada is a city so jam packed with things to do that sometimes it can feel overwhelming! When learning Spanish in Spain with Escuela Delengua we offer daily activities to try and help you to make the most out of your stay. Here are my top 10 things to do in Granada in addition to your Spanish course…

1. Visit the Sierra Nevada: The impressive white peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range are not just for skiing! They are also home to the charming whitewashed villages and farmlands of the Alpujarras. A step back into the rural past of Spain, there you can sample delicious Spanish hams, creamy cheeses and salty olives whilst admiring the picturesque views over the clay roofs of the house onto the slopes below. It is also a great spot for any enthusiastic hikers, as it offers a wide array of terrains and a unique mini-ecology.

2. The Costa Tropical: If the mountains just aren´t for you, you could always join us on our trips to the Costa Tropical! It is one of the most varied coastlines in Spain, ranging from rugged cliffs to sandy coves and beaches. On a sunny day, it can´t be beaten! One thing not to miss is the Balcon de Europa found in Nerja, which offers panoramic views across the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean. Soak up the sun, enjoy the food and take pleasure in towns and cities that still have a certain Spanish charm, in comparison to some of the more touristic cities on the Costa del Sol.

Beach at Nerja

Beach at Nerja

3. The Alhambra: If you only visit one place in Granada it has to be the Alhambra. An UNESCO world heritage site, it is truly an icon of Granada. Along with the adjoining gardens of the Generalife, the Alhambra offers exquisite views over the city and Sierra Nevada, as well as beautiful Arabic architecture and decoration such as ceramics and plasterwork. Preserved by the Reyes Católicos, they also added to it, such as the Palacio de Carlos V creating an interesting and varied experience. The school organises trips every few weeks, but you can also buy tickets online, at the various Librería de la Alhambra shops, at the Caixca ATM on Gran Vía and of course at the Alhambra itself. Just be sure to book ahead of time!

4. Religious Monuments: Besides the Alhambra, Granada is home to a wealth of culture and history. Just a couple of minutes from the school you will find yourself at the stunning Granada cathedral and the Capilla Real, the final resting place of the Reyes Católicos. Granada is also home to numerous monasteries, such as the Monasterio de San Jerónimo, some 12 minutes walk from Delengua. And if you really feel like a good walk (granted, there is also a bus), why not explore up to the Sacromonte Abbey?

Granada Cathedral

5. Tapas: Obviously when in Granada you have to do as the Granadinos do and ‘tapear’. When tapas come free with every drink, you´ll find that you decide you can´t be bothered to cook most nights! If you want to find out more about our tapas nights, take a look at our last post: Learn Spanish through Tapas Nights with our Spanish School.

6. Flamenco: Another thing Granada is famous for is flamenco. Once you arrive here you´ll find that there are many different places offering live flamenco shows- but don´t fret! Every few weeks the school goes to the Alborea. Why not come with us?

7. Carmen de los Mártires: A somewhat overlooked beauty of Granada, the gardens of the Carmen de los Mátires are the perfect place for a sunny afternoon stroll (and its free to visit!). Including Arabic, Roman and Romantic styles, the enchanting gardens feel like a walk through time.

Carmen de los Mártires

Carmen de los Mártires

8. Miradores: When visiting Granada you have to take advantage of the miradores or viewpoints. Night or day the views of the city are unbeatable! Wander around the barrio Albayzín for the best spots and make sure you visit the Mirador de San Nicolas for an unrivalled view of the Alhambra.

9. El Parque de las Ciencias: If the old isn´t your thing, why not try the Parque de las Ciencias? They offer exciting exhibitions every day, branching from science to history to astronomy.

10. Arabic Baths: Mix the old and the new, starting with a trip to the historic Bañuelos (free to explore) to see one of the best preserved Arabic bathhouse in Spain. Afterwards visit the more modern Arabic baths for a massage, a soak in the hot and cold pools, a trip to the sauna and lots of sweet Arabic tea! And why not visit one of the Albayzín teterías to finish off your day?

If you’d like to try out some of these suggestions with us, take at look at the activities we are offering this week. And make sure to keep up to date with events at the school on Facebook and Twitter!

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actividades de la escuela / out-of-school activities, Cultura española y andaluza, Cursos de español / Spanish courses, eventos, Ferias y Fiestas/ Parties and Celebrations, Granada, Los alrededores de Granada/ The surrounding area of Gra, Monumentos/ Monuments, Salir en Granada/ To go out in Granada, Spanish Courses Blog (english-spanish), Uncategorized , , , , , , , , , ,

Learn Spanish through Tapas Nights with our Spanish School

Posted on 15/04/2015 by Delengua | Permalink 0

The astounding availability of varied, good quality and best of all FREE tapas in Granada is just one of the things which make the city so inviting for students wanting to learn Spanish in Spain on a budget. Nonetheless, if you attempt to navigate the side streets of the Albayzín or the Realejo in your first few days, the sheer amount of different tapas bars can make it a fairly daunting experience. Luckily our Spanish school in Granada, Escuela Delengua, offers tapas tours every Monday night led by our experienced team of tapas experts (namely, the teachers from the school).

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These tapas nights give you the chance to try some of the best and most varied dishes that Granada has to offer. From typically Spanish tortilla, meatballs or ham to mini hamburgers, sushi and Arabic shawarma, Granada has it all. Normally on tapas nights with our Spanish school we visit three different tapas bars, giving you the opportunity to try a bit of everything. And all for free with your €2 glass of beer or wine or juice. Going out for dinner has never been cheaper!

Learn from each other!

Learn from each other!

However eating delicious food is not the sole aim of the tapas nights put on by our Spanish school- although it is a perk!  As it takes places every Monday when our Spanish courses begin, it is an opportunity to get to know your classmates and become settled into life in Granada. In many cases you will get to know people who have been learning Spanish at the school longer than you, who will be able to give you some great tips and insights into things to do in Granada and beyond during your Spanish course in Spain. Not only this, it gives you the chance to practice your Spanish with other students and so learn from each other in a relaxed and laid back environment. It truly is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the Spanish language, a perfect addition to your course at the Spanish school.

Tapas nights with the school

Tapas nights with the school

Food, friends and fun- what more could you ask for? Visit our Facebook and Twitter pages to check out photos of previous tapas nights and whet your appetite! And why not check out the other activities our Spanish school in Granada has to offer?

Buen provecho!

 

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actividades de la escuela / out-of-school activities, Cultura española y andaluza, Cursos de español / Spanish courses, eventos, Granada, Salir en Granada/ To go out in Granada, Spanish Courses Blog (english-spanish), Uncategorized , , , , , , , , ,