Learn Spanish in Granada - Spanish courses in Granada

Granada, Spain

Minimum Age : 16 (students under 18 need a parental authorization); Average Age : 25-28

Granada

Learn Spanish in Granada, Spain - Take a language course in Spain and study Spanish at our partner school in Granada, Spain

Olive trees, small green dots against a red background, form geometric patterns over the hilly landscape. Whitewashed villages emerge as islands beneath the glare of sunlight so intense it makes you blink. The warm air carries the scent of rosemary while in the distance Sierra Nevada's eternal snow reaches the horizon. At the foot of the mountains lies the ultimate goal of a poetic journey: Granada.

The narrow streets of the old Arabic quarter wind their way from one small square to the next as old men doze in the shade of orange and cypress trees. The blue sky stretches to the Alhambra on its rocky hilltop overlooking the town and the plains beyond. Red walls enclose a fairy tale-like palace set within a blooming rose garden.

Rivulets of water meander through the ivy clinging gently to its surroundings. The whispering fountains transport us back to the reign of the Moors and remind us of the nearness of the sea.

The school is located in Granada; a university town with 60.000 students and the intellectual centre of Andalusia. Granada's rich culture and lively nightlife make it the ideal place for both studying and having a holiday.

A few days at the beach, 35 miles from the city, skiing and rock-climbing in Sierra Nevada, hiking in the Alpujarras and visits to Córdoba, Sevilla or Almería (the nature park of «Cabo de Gata»), are only a few of the excursions available for enjoying Granada and its surroundings.

Alhambra Generalife, Learn Spanish in Granada, Spain

Language School

The school, with its modern classrooms and pleasant Andalusian patio, is situated in a quiet location just ten minutes away from the city center. Since 1986, a variety of intensive Spanish language courses have been provided to students from all over the world.

The language courses are always complemented by an extensive cultural program.

Our aim is to create a lively and stimulating relationship between teachers and students. We encourage students to talk and interact both inside and outside the classroom and to have a good time in general. This atmosphere of warmth and sharing ensures rapid progress in a short time.

The school is composed of 6 classrooms with modern equipment (multimedia facilities, central heating, fan); a teachers room; library and videolibary; a multimedia room with 8 computers and free Internet access; WIFI and a courtyard.

The school receives approx. 600 students per year.

Spanish language students on terrace, Spanish language school in Granada, Spain

For more information about the Spanish language school and Granada, please go to Spanish language courses in Granada

Spanish Courses

The school will send a written level test and a self-assessment oral test together with the course documents. Students have to return the test and the questionnaire at least one week before the course begins. On the first day of the course all students start immediately with the classes. The beginner course starts on the first day. There are 6 different levels, from courses for beginners to those designed for perfecting language skills, each with a maximum of 8 students per class; the average number during the year is 2 to 6 students per level. Classes are held Monday to Friday from 9.00 a.m. to 12.30 or 2.30 p.m. There are 4, 5 or 6 hours of language lessons each day, with classes lasting 45 minutes.
IMPORTANT NOTE: During high season (spring/autumn) classes may be held in the afternoons from 03.00 p.m.
A certificate of attendance will be given at the end of each Spanish course and is included in the course price. If they so wish, students are also able to participate in a final, internal examination to obtain the «Certificado de Nivel de Español como Lengua Extranjera». (Price: 30 €). The teachers have been selected for their professional qualifications in teaching Spanish as a foreign language and have extensive teaching experience. All are native speakers of Spanish. Courses take place throughout the year. Students can enroll in courses lasting from 1 week to several months. They may choose the classes which most correspond to their needs from a variety of different course types.
For example, an Intensive Spanish Course allows students to complement their holidays with language study, while a Super-Intensive Spanish Course guarantees maximum progress during a short period of time. Combination courses, such as group study and private lessons, are also available. Learning Materials: The educational materials are included. Students must bring a dictionary.

Standard Spanish Course (20 lessons per week)

A Standard Spanish Course of 4 lessons per day allows students to complement holidays with language learning. The Spanish course is recommended for those students who wish to combine a relaxed language course with the study of Spanish culture in real life situations. They are able to begin learning Spanish, or to improve their linguistic competence.

Details :

Duration : 1 to 24 weeks
20 lessons per week
1 lesson = 45 minutes
Timetable : 09.00-12.15 or 12.30-15.45
Course starting date : Every Monday (except for beginners)
Level : all levels from Beginner to Advanced
Minimum Age : 16
Max. 8 students per class
Student course book and materials provided

Spanish course, Learn Spanish in Granada, Spain

Intensive Spanish Course (25 lessons per week)

The Intensive Spanish Course with 5 lessons per day guarantees maximum progress during a short period of time. Through 1 additional Spanish class per day (in small group) to the Standard Spanish Course, students put into practice the communicative techniques they have learnt in the morning sessions.

Note : In the event of there only being 1 student per level, these 5 extra lessons will be substituted by 2 private lessons per week.

Details :

Duration : 1 to 24 weeks
25 lessons per week
1 lesson = 45 minutes
Timetable : 09.00-12.15 and 12.30-13.15
Course starting date : Every Monday (except for beginners)
Level : all levels from Beginner to Advanced
Minimum Age : 16
Max. 8 students per class
Student course book and materials provided

Spanish tuition, learn Spanish in language school in Granada, Spain

Super Intensive Spanish Course (30 lessons per week)

The Super Intensive Spanish Course with 6 lessons per day is ideal for people whose stay in Spain is mainly work-oriented or study-based. Through 2 additional Spanish classes to the Standard Spanish Course, students put into practice the communicative techniques they have learnt in the morning sessions.

Note : In the event of there only being 1 student per level, these 10 extra lessons will be substituted by 4 private lessons per week.

Details :

Duration : 1 to 24 weeks
25 lessons per week
1 lesson = 45 minutes
Timetable : 09.00-12.15 and 12.30-14.00
Course starting date : Every Monday (except for beginners)
Level : all levels from Beginner to Advanced
Minimum Age : 16
Max. 8 students per class
Student course book and materials provided

Spanish course, Learn Spanish in Spain, Language school in Granada

Standard Plus Spanish Course (20 group lessons + 5 or 10 private lessons per week)

This program combines 4 group classes with 1 or 2 private Spanish classes per day. The group classes aid interaction and help students to improve their speaking skills. The private classes allow individual students to cover areas that need extra practice or to study special topics.

Details :

Duration : 1 to 7 weeks
20 group lessons + 5 or 10 private lessons per week
1 lesson = 45 minutes
Timetable : 09.00-12.15 and 12.30-13.15 (5 private lessons per week) or 12.30-14.00 (10 private lessons per week)
Course starting date : Every Monday (except for beginners)
Level : all levels from Beginner to Advanced
Minimum Age : 16
Max. 8 students per group class
Student course book and materials provided

Spanish group course & individual tuition, Spanish language school in Granada, Spain

One-to-One Spanish Course (10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 lesson per week)
These courses are designed to adapt to the specific needs of students. Individual students plan the intensity, the length and the content of their language course (Spanish for specific purposes, business Spanish, medicine, tourism, D.E.L.E. exams). In addition, these courses allow students with special needs (no experience of second language learning, very young or more mature students, parents with children) to study Spanish with the direct and continuous help of their teacher. This option is also available for 2 students wishing to study together with the same teacher if they have the same Spanish level (two-to-one).
Details : Duration : 1 week minimum 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 private lessons per week 1 lesson = 45 minutes Timetable : to be determined upon arrival Course starting date : Every Monday Level : all levels from Beginner to Advanced Minimum Age : 16 Max. 8 students per group class Student course book and materials provided
Note : Private lessons can also be booked individually to complete another Spanish course. Price per lesson : 40 EUR

DELE Exam Preparation Courses

The internationally recognized D.E.L.E. certificates («Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera») are issued by the Spanish Ministry of Education. The school offers several courses to prepare the exam. The courses are designed for students at the intermediate or advanced levels. Students can prepare for the Certificado Inicial, Diploma Intermedio, Diploma Superior. The school is a member of FEDELE an accredited examination center for the D.E.L.E. exams. The D.E.L.E. examinations are held in each year in May, August and November.

Examination fees (not included in the course price):
Certificado Inicial: 123€
Diploma Intermedio: 148€
Diploma Superior: 168€

Spanish course, DELE exam preparation course, Spanish language school in Granada, Spain

Standard + DELE Preparation Long-Term Course (20 lessons + 4 private lessons / week)

8 week Standard Spanish Course with 4 lessons per day in a group plus 4 private lessons per week of specific D.E.L.E. preparation.

Details :

Duration : 8 weeks
20 group lessons + 4 DELE preparation private lessons per week
1 lesson = 45 minutes
Timetable : 09.00-12.15 + private lessons : 12.30-14.00 on Tuesday and Thursday
Course starting date : Specific Dates
Level : Low-Intermediate to Advanced
Minimum Age : 16
Max. 8 students per group class
Student course book and materials provided

Spanish language course, DELE preparation, Language school in Granada, Learn Spanish in Spain

Starting dates & exam dates (please click here)

Standard + DELE Preparation Short-Term Course (20 lessons + 8 private lessons / week)

4 week Standard Spanish Course with 4 lessons per day in a group plus 8 private lessons per week of specific D.E.L.E. preparation.

Details :

Duration : 4 weeks
20 group lessons + 8 DELE preparation private lessons per week
1 lesson = 45 minutes
Timetable : 09.00-12.15 + private lessons : 12.30-14.00 on Monday to Thursday
Course starting date : Specific Dates
Level : Low-Intermediate to Advanced
Minimum Age : 16
Max. 8 students per group class
Student course book and materials provided

Internet room, Spanish school in Granada, Spain

Starting dates & exam dates (please click here)

DELE Preparation Course (8 group lessons per week)

4 week Examination Course with 8 Spanish lessons per week in a small group.

Details :

Duration : 4 weeks
8 DELE preparation lessons per week
1 lesson = 45 minutes
Timetable : Monday to Thursday 15.00-16.30 or 17.00-18.30
Course starting date : Specific Dates
Level : Low-intermediate to Advanced
Minimum Age : 16
Max. 8 students per group class
Student course book and materials provided

Spanish course in Granada, Learn Spanish in Spain

Starting dates & exam dates (please click here)

Business Spanish Courses

Business Spanish Course (20 lessons + 10 Business Spanish private lessons per week)

This 2 week program combines a Standard Spanish Course with 2 private classes per day of Business Spanish. Topics covered in the private classes are general business correspondence, business negotiations and Spain's role in the international market. The Business Spanish courses are ideal for professionals working in import and export or for those who wish to work in any branch of commerce in Andalusia. The Business Spanish courses also prepare advanced students for the exams "Certificado Básico", “Certificado Superior" and "Diploma de Español de los negocios" of the Madrid Chamber of Commerce.

Details :

Duration : 2 weeks
20 group lessons + 10 Business Spanish private lessons per week
1 lesson = 45 minutes
Timetable : 09.00-12.15 + private lessons : 12.30-14.00
Course starting date : Every Monday
Level : Intermediate to Advanced
Minimum Age : 16
Max. 8 students per group class
Student course book and materials provided

Spanish language school in Granada, Learn Spanish in Spain

Package: Spanish for Executives (30 Business Spanish private lessons per week)
This course is designed to provide business professionals with Spanish language skills so that they can effectively communicate with their Spanish-speaking colleagues and clients within a short period of time. Our Executive Spanish Course offers you high quality Spanish classes tailored to your individual needs, with our expert instructors and dedicated One-to-One teaching. Your Spanish teachers will advise you from beginning to end, analysing your goals and creating a personalized programme of content. The Executive Spanish Course is designed for all levels from beginners to advanced.
Details : Duration : 1 or 2 weeks 30 Business Spanish private lessons per week 1 lesson = 45 minutes Timetable : 09.00-14.00 Course starting date : Every Monday Level : all levels from Beginner to Advanced Minimum Age : 16 Max. 8 students per group class Student course book and materials provided
Prices: 1 week 1700 EUR / 2 weeks 3280 EUR Note : The school can also design tailor-made programms for small groups in close cooperation with partner companies.

What's included (please click here)

Spanish in Granada + Work Experience in Madrid

This work experience programme gives you the opportunity to learn Spanish and to learn about the Spanish working environment.

A 4-week Standard Spanish Course in Granada is followed by an unpaid internship of 3 to 6 months with a company in Madrid. The programme is designed for advanced level Spanish students and enables them to become more confident and comfortable using Spanish in a professional working environment. In addition to sufficient knowledge of Spanish, most of our companies in Madrid generally require an advanced stage of study with regard to university career, and a firm knowledge of personal interests and orientation in relation to specific areas of work. In order to fully integrate students into the company business environment, computer skills and team-working abilities are also appreciated.

Internships are available in the following sectors of activities : administration, IT, customer service, education, finance, graphic design, sales and marketing, public relations, journalism, tourism, translation.

Requirements:

The student must have an advanced level of Spanish at the «Diploma Intermedio» (B1/B2) level from Instituto Cervantes.
Minimum Age : 18
Book the program at least 3 months before starting the Internship Program

Details :

Duration : 4 weeks Standard Course in Granada + 3 to 6 months Internship in Madrid
Course period : 20 lessons per week
1 lesson = 45 minutes
Course Timetable : 09.00-12.15 or 12.30-15.45
Course starting date : Every Monday
Level : Advanced Level
Minimum Age : 18
Max. 8 students per class
Student course book and materials provided

Price :
Standard Course in Granada : 590 EUR
Internship Placement Fee : 720 EUR
The placement fee includes administration costs, monitoring and accommodation placement in Madrid (in host families or shared apartments).

Albaicin, Spanish course in Granada, Internship in Madrid, Learn Spanish in Spain

Junior Program

Junior Program (14-15 years old)
In July the school offers a special Spanish course for young students in Granada. This 2 week program combines 20 Spanish lessons per week with a program of cultural activities and visits supervised by the school staff. Example of activities/visits : visit to the Albayzin, flamenco show, visit to the Science Park Museum, Arab baths, excursion in the weekend to another city of Andalusia (Sevilla, Cordoba, Alpujarras or Costa Tropical). Accommodation is offered at host families (double or single room) on a full board basis. Laundry service is included. Please note that double rooms are only reserved for 2 students travelling together.
Details : Duration : 2 weeks 20 lessons per week 1 lesson = 45 minutes Course Timetable : 09.00-12.15 Course starting date : Specific Date Level : Intermediate to Advanced Level Minimum Age : 14 Max. 8 students per class Student course book and materials provided
Program Price: 2 weeks Double Room (only 2 students travelling together): 1030 EUR / Single Room: 1075 EUR

More details & starting date (please click here)

Spanish + Activities

Spanish + Writing Workshop

The writing workshop is an add-on option that can be combined with any general Spanish course. Working in small groups, intermediate and advanced students practice written Spanish through writing and editing texts, using extracts from literature, poetry and other sources according to individual interests. Students learn to express themselves in writing, create different styles and to draw up longer and more complex texts.

Details :

Duration : 1 to 24 weeks
2 lessons per week
1 lesson = 45 minutes
Course Timetable : to be determined upon arrival
Course starting date : Every Monday
Level : Intermediate to Advanced Level
Minimum Age : 16
Max. 8 students per class
Student course book and materials provided

Price: 30 EUR per week + Spanish course price

Ronda, Learn Spanish in Granada, Language school in Spain

Spanish + Culture

This Spanish culture course of 5 private lessons per week combined with a general Spanish course is designed for intermediate and advanced students to practice the Spanish language through discussing historical, social and cultural themes. We include topics from Spanish culture and society, such as recent history and Moorish tradition in Andalusia, Spanish and Latin American art and literature, new Spanish film directors, Flamenco and contemporary music.

Details :

Duration : 1 or 2 weeks
Spanish Course + 5 private lessons per week
1 lesson = 45 minutes
Course Timetable : Spanish course timetable + private lessons to be determined upon arrival
Course starting date : Every Monday
Level : Intermediate to Advanced Level
Minimum Age : 16
Student course book and materials provided

Price :
1 week : 125 EUR + Spanish course price
2 weeks : 250 EUR + Spanish course price

Spanish and culture class, Learn Spanish in Granada, Spain

Spanish + Flamenco Dance

The programme Spanish course & Flamenco allows participants to discover the artistic phenomenon of Flamenco in its natural environment. The school offers you the chance to experience and learn both the practical skills of the Flamenco dance art and the Spanish language. Students have the opportunity to complement a Spanish Course with Flamenco dance classes given in collaboration with a recognized and qualified dance teacher. There are classes at all levels, starting with beginners (rumbas) up to the more advanced levels (alegrías, tangos, bulerías, soleá).

Details :

Duration : 1 to 24 weeks
Spanish Course + 6 flamenco dance lessons per week
1 lesson = 45 minutes
Course Timetable : Spanish course timetable + flamenco lessons to be determined upon arrival
Course starting date : Every Monday (except for beginners in Spanish)
Level : All Spanish and Dance Levels from Beginner to Advanced
Minimum Age : 16
Max. 8 students per class
Student course book and materials provided

Price : 100 EUR per week + Spanish course price

Flamenco dance & spanish course in Granada, Learn Spanish in Spain

Spanish + Flamenco Guitar

The school offers lessons in Flamenco guitar. In these classes the students can learn the Flamenco guitar style. They will work on the technical and theoretical aspects of playing Flamenco guitar. However, the teacher lays emphasis on practising.

These lessons are suitable for all guitar players with an interest in Flamenco. The course is taught by a professional Flamenco guitar player. Students can bring their own guitar or rent it with the teacher or a music shop. The Flamenco guitar course is offered in combination with a general Spanish course.

Price : 1 private lesson of 45 minutes: 30 EUR + Spanish course price

Market in granada, Spanish & flamenco guitar course, language school in Spain

Spanish + horse-riding in Sierra Nevada

Our students can do a general Spanish course in the morning and participate in a horse-riding program in the Sierra Nevada, 3 afternoons per week. Through these “paseos y rutas”, they are able to experience the impressive natural environment of the Sierra Nevada National Park. This protected area was declared a National Park in 1999 and, with its lakes and glaciers, is a region full of contrasts. Here you will find the highest peaks on the Iberian Peninsula: Mulhacén (3482 m) and Veleta (3392 m).

Details :

Duration : 1 week
Spanish course + 3 afternoons horse riding (approximately 9 hours in total)
1 lesson = 45 minutes
Course Timetable : Spanish course timetable + horse riding on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday (times to be determined upon arrival )
Course starting date : Every Monday (except for beginners in Spanish)
Level : All Spanish and Horse riding Levels from Beginner to Advanced
Minimum Age : 16
Max. 8 students per class
Student course book and materials provided

Price : 1 week: 130 EUR + Spanish course price

Horse riding in the Sierra Nevada, Spanish language course in Granada, Learn Spanish in Spain

Spanish + Cooking

Learn about the Arabic legacy still present in the succulent cuisine of this beautiful Eastern Andalusian region. Spanish cuisine owes a large part of its riches to the Arabs. You will learn how to prepare some of the most exquisite recipes coming from Al-Andalous times. Our teacher, Javier Vilchez, is a professional cook with many years experience in catering. He will demonstrate either special dishes or a selection of tapas. This program includes 6 cooking classes per week in addition to a general Spanish course.

Details :

Duration : 1 to 24 weeks
Spanish course + 6 cooking lessons per week (in the evening)
1 lesson = 45 minutes
Course Timetable : Spanish course timetable + cooking classes times to be determined upon arrival
Course starting date : Every Monday (except for beginners in Spanish)
Level : All Spanish Levels from Beginner to Advanced
Minimum Age : 16
Max. 8 students per class
Student course book and materials provided

Price : 110 EUR per week + Spanish course price

Note : This program can also be organized for closed groups.

spanish & cooking course, learn spanish in Granada, Spain

Spanish + Hiking in the Alpujarra
The Alpujarra is a region of mountain villages to the south of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which nestle in sheltered valleys and gorges running down towards the Mediterranean Sea. Its terraced farmlands have a year-round supply of water from melting snow above, giving the area the appearance of a high-altitude oasis. The school invites students to enjoy 6 days of easy-intermediate level hiking staying in peaceful family run hotels in three different villages.
Details : Duration : 1 week after the end of your Spanish course in Granada 20 Spanish group lessons 1 lesson = 45 minutes Course Timetable : 09.00-12.15 Course starting date : Every Monday Level : All Spanish Levels from Beginner to Advanced Minimum Age : 18 Max. 8 students per class - Min. 2 pers. traveling together for Hiking in the Alpujarra Student course book and materials provided
Price : 1 week 420 EUR per person + Spanish course price The price includes : Journey Granada – Alpujarra – Granada in public busses 5 nights accommodation/double room / breakfast Luggage transfer during the week Documentation (cultural information and description of the routes with detailed information and original maps). * Supplements: single room 90 € / half board per person: 95 € Note : If the tour is booked just by 1 person, than the price is 630 € (including the single room supplement).

Spanish + Tango

This programme allows participants to experience and learn both the practical skills of the Tango and the Spanish language. The school provides the opportunity to complement a Spanish Course with 4 Tango dance classes per week in collaboration with recognized and qualified dance teachers from Uruguay. There are classes at all levels, starting with beginners to more advanced levels.

Details :

Duration : 1 to 24 weeks
Spanish course + 4 tango dance lessons per week+ dance sessions in a ballroom every Monday evening and a «Milonga» every Friday evening.
1 Spanish lesson = 45 minutes – 1 Tango lesson = 60 minutes
Course Timetable : Spanish course timetable + Tango lessons 20.00- 22.00 on Tuesday and Thursday
Course starting date : Every Monday (except for beginners in Spanish)
Level : All Spanish and Tango dance Levels from Beginner to Advanced
Minimum Age : 16
Max. 8 students per class
Student course book and materials provided

Price : 100 EUR per week + Spanish course price

Musicians, Tango & spanish course in Granada, Learn Spanish in Spain

Dates

The classes take place from Monday to Friday (except holidays)
Students on General Spanish course and Private lessons can begin their course every week (except 100% beginners)
Arrival day: Sunday (you can arrive on before by booking extra nights)
Departure day: Saturday, after the end of the course

Starting Dates for 100% Beginners in 2009
	Jan	Feb	March	April	May	June	July	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
	05	02	02	13	11	08	06	03	14	13	09	07
	19	16	16	27	25	22	20	17	28	26	23	21
			30					31

Holidays in 2009

Jan

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March

April

May

June

July

Aug

Sept

Oct

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Dec

On holidays the school is closed, courses are neither recuperated nor refunded (except in the case of 1 week courses and individual courses). The school does not close for Christmas.

Activities/Excursions

In the evenings a whole variety of activities are available such as: conferences, film sessions, guided tours of the Alhambra or the arabic quarter Albaicín, Flamenco, trips to the beach in summer or hiking in Sierra Nevada.

Please don‘t forget trekking shoes and a bathing suit! Also bring warm clothes with you, as it can be cold in Granada from October to April.

During the weekends we offer trips to Seville, Córdoba, Ronda, Nerja, Antequera, Alpujarras or Morocco.

On the first course day we present the weekly cultural program and students can enrol on it. Most of the activities are not included in the course fee.

Hiking in Alpujarra, Learn Spanish in Granada, Spain

Sample activity programme (please click here)

Further Information

More info on transfers (please click here)

Visa information (please click here)

More on Spain (please click here)

Spain
Spain has many different faces and is one of the most visited countries in Europe. Beautiful beaches, cultural richness, excellent food, dramatic contrasts in people, landscape and culture are only a few excitements that makes so many visitors come to enjoy Spain. Also it is one of the more affordable countries in Europe. StudyGlobal offers more language programs in Spain than in any other country, because of the many different faces Spain has to offer. Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Alicante, Granada and Almuñecar give you the opportunity to pick the location in Spain that fits your needs the best. Carefully review all programs and locations before you make your decision. But don't worry no matter where you choose to go, you can never go wrong with Spain. Please email us about our combination programs between Madrid, Cadiz, Alicante or the combination Granada and Almuñecar.
Geography
Spain, together with Portugal, forms the westernmost of the three major peninsulas of southern Europe, an enormous octagonal promontory, at the extreme southwest of the continent. It is situated in a temperate area, between latitudes 43 47' 24''N. (Estaca de Bares) and 36 00' '3'' S. (Punta de Tarifa) and between longitudes 7 00' 29'' E. (Cabo de Creus) and 5 36' 40'' W. (Cabo Tourinan). Out of a total of 580,825 square kilometres, Espagne occupies four fifths of the Peninsula. It borders to the North on the Bay of Biscay, France and Andorra; to the East, on the Mediterranean; to the South, on the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, and to the West on the Atlantic and Portugal. Ancient historians gave Spain different names in the remote past. For some it was Ophiusa, for others Edetania, Sacania, Tartessos, Hesperia. It was the Romans who hit on the name of Hispania, a word which is apparently of Phoenician origin, derived from shepham which probably means 'coast or island of rabbits'. Professor Garcia y Bellido believes that the name of Hispania dates from two centuries B.C. Strabo considered the terms Iberia and Hispania to be synonymous. 'The Romans have called this whole region', he wrote, 'Iberia or Hispania, dividing it into two parts, Ulterior and Citerior, and reserving the right to change them yet again, should circumstances call for a further administrative division' (subsequently the division would be Baetica, Lusitania and Tarraconense). Peninsular Spain has a total area of 493,486 sq kilometres, to which must be added 4,992 sq km for the Balearics, 7,447 for the Canary archipelago and 32 for the Spanish towns situated in North Africa: Ceuta, with 18 sq km, and Melilla, with 14 sq km. The perimeter of peninsular Spain totals 5,849 kilometres. Of this distance, 3,904 are coastline and 1,945 land frontiers. The French and Andorran frontier account for 712 kilometres; the Portuguese frontier extends for 1,232 kilometres, while the border with Gibraltar is just a kilometre. The most important part of insular Spain is the Balearic and Canary archipelagoes. The first of these, situated at one side of the Peninsula, in the western Mediterranean, consists of the islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera, Cabrera and other similar ones, while the Canary Islands to the south in the Atlantic, off the African coast, comprise Lanzarote, Ferteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Gomera, Palma, Hierro and a few islets.
Population
The population estimated to July 2008 was 40,491,052.
Language
Spanish is the official language of Spain. There are several regional dialects of Spanish. Dialects can include Catalan, which is usually spoken in eastern Spain, and Gallegos, which is popular in the northwest. Each dialect has different pronunciations and spellings. Additionally, the native language of the Basque region is called Euskera. It is not a form of Spanish, and its origins are unknown.
Currency
The Euro is the official currency of Spain. Check Currency Converter
Time Zone
Spain is exactly one hour behind of Greenwich Mean Time
Climate
Although Spain lies in the temperate zone, its rugged relief gives rise to a great diversity of climates. The Cantabrian mountains mark the first well-defined climatological dividing zone. To the north of this range, i.e. in the narrow northern strip, where the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia are situated, lies what we may call rainy Spain, with a maritime climate par excellence, with only slight variations in temperature, mild winters and cool summers, an almost constantly cloudy sky and frequent rainfall, although less so during the summer. This climate, which is typical of western Europe, favours a northern European type of vegetation. To the south of the Cantabrian range lies dry Spain, which has extremely varied climates, always characterized by scarce rainfall and a pitiless burning sun in an intensely blue sky, occasionally crossed by short-lived, fierce local thunderstorms. In terms of surface area, rainy Spain accounts for about a third of the country, while the other two thirds make up dry Spain.
Economy
Spain's mixed capitalist economy supports a GDP that on a per capita basis is 80% that of the four leading West European economies. Its center-right government successfully worked to gain admission to the first group of countries launching the European single currency on the 1st of January 1999. The Aznar administration has continued to advocate liberalization, privatization, and deregulation of the economy and has introduced some tax reforms to that end. Unemployment has been steadily falling under the Aznar administration but remains the highest in the EU at 14%. The government intends to make further progress in changing labor laws and reforming pension schemes, which are key to the sustainability of both Spain's internal economic advances and its competitiveness in a single currency area. Adjusting to the monetary and other economic policies of an integrated Europe - and further reducing unemployment - will pose challenges to Spain in the next few years.
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Food
Tapas While most people have heard of tapas, and they're available in most Spanish bars, it's not always clear to everyone how to go about finding and ordering them. Part of the problem is that the word tapas usually doesn't appear on menus or billboards, and that many bars don't adhere to the real tradition of tapas. The word tapas comes from the Spanish verb 'tapar' (which means to cover). A tapa was meant as a free snack to be placed on top of a drink to keep flies and other what-nots out. While many bars in Madrid provide a tapa with a glass of beer or wine (which in some cases is delicious and in others hardly worth eating), it's by no means the norm. More typically, going out for tapas implies ordering a plate of food called a ración, if it is to be shared among a few people, or a perhaps a canapé, which is something on a small piece of bread. Also common in tapas bars are bocadillos (or bocatas) which are sandwiches made with a bread roll or baguette. Just about any manner of Spanish food comes in the form of tapas, and as such it's a very good way to go about trying the huge variety of Spanish dishes. Don't worry if you don't understand the menu, most tapas bars have their goods on display at the bar so you can simply point at what looks appealing to you. "La tapa" so as to be considered, has to be eaten between main meals as food that allows the body to hold until lunch or dinnertime. Some authors assure that „the tapa" was born when, and due to an illness, the Spanish king Alfonso the 10th, the Wise, had to take small bites of food with some wine between meals. Once recovered from the disease, the wise king ordered that in all inns of Castile's land, wine was not to be served if not with something to eat. This royal providence has to be considered convenient and wise in order to avoid the alcoholic disturbances in the body to the ones that drunk the wine, those that, hadn't enough money to pay themselves mostly a regular and full of proteins appropriate meal. The story of the royal disease can be left apart if we rather consider the theory that „the tapa" first appeared, because of the need of farmers and workers of other unions to take a small amount of food during their working time, that allowed them to continue the job until the main meal's time.

More on culture - Spain Fiestas (please click here)

Spain has an incredible amount of popular and traditional fiestas also called ferias. Some of them have become famous all over the world such as The Running of the Bulls (Los San Fermines), The Tomato Battle (La Tomatina in Buñol) and Feria in Sevilla. Most fiestas are based on religious events such as Semana Santa (Holy Week) or various Saints like San Juan, San Fermin etc. However over time the typical ferias have evolved from something only regious into popular and excessive celebration events. Some of them can last up to a week, others usually last at least 2 days. Most towns shut completely down during feria, that means shops and stores are closed and everybody, young and old, participates in the festivities. Usually fireworks, heavy drinking and eating go along with most ferias. If you want to experience Spanish culture at its finest you have to participate in one of the many fiestas.
San Fermines - Running of the Bulls
Origins of the Fiesta The current San Fermines can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Three different events converged at approximately the same time to form the present day fiesta. San Fermin religious celebrations honoring San Fermin were held on October 10th Trade fairs, the Feria del Toro, and bullfights which took place in July since the 14th century . the Fiesta of San Juan on June 24th which lasted 20 days. These events led the Town Hall to ask the bishop to change the date of the San Fermin celebration to July 7th. This was done in the year 1590. The Running of the Bulls Or the "Encierro" as it is known in Spain, was born out of a necessity to transfer the bulls from outside the town to the bullring. Before the bullring was built, the Plaza del Castillo was used for the bullfights. Although the "encierro" has changed over the centuries, the spirit remains the same. At 7:55am, the runners some 70 meters beyond the bulls corrals, sing to a statue of San Fermin in a niche, asking him to protect them. The Running of the Bulls begins when the San Saturnino church clock strikes 8am. Then 2 rockets are shot off announcing the exit of the bulls from their corrals. The first rocket announces that the gate to the corral is opened. The second rocket announces that the bulls preceded by eight oxen are now in the streets running towards the runners. The "encierro" usually lasts about 2 minutes. The entire route of the bullrun is about 790 meters long. Tips for Running Access: If you want to participate in the running, you should enter the track before 7:30am through the gates in the Plaza Consistorial and stay there until the municipal barriers in the stretch between the Square and the Old Military hospital. After 7:30 the accesses are closed and you are not allowed to leave the track. Most dangerous stretches: Callejon-Plaza de Toros. (eight deaths) and the end of the Cuesta de Santo Domingo (three deaths). Garments: Use comfortable clothes and sneakers or sport shoes. Do not carry any other items (backpacks, cameras, etc.)with you. Ask experts runners for advice: The running is neither a joke nor an opportunity for media coverage. The risks are enormous, and the mass attendance of runners makes it even more dangerous. It takes many years of practice to become a good runner. Getting in and out of the flow: Getting into the flow of runners is as important as getting out of the way. Get in gradually, as the other runners get out. Or get straight in, from a standing start. Beware of falling: Bulls are not the only danger. Mainly, it's the number of runners. The chances of stumbling and falling are very high. In fact, most of the people who are injured during the run have fallen and been trampled over by other runners. You have to look in front of you, behind you and on the ground. Once you are in the herd, it's safest to remain close to the bulls because there will be no runners in front of you. If you fall, just curl up and do not move until someone taps you on the shoulder. If you're near a bull and you fall, do not try to get up. If you curl up in a ball, the bull will evade you and continue running. Getting up will cause the bull to attack you. This is the most common mistake made by runners The Running Rules: An edict issued by the mayors office details the following rules concerning the running of the bulls: Those who are less than 18 years old are forbidden to run. Crowding the fence is not allowed. All doors along the runway must be closed. No one can remain in the runway who is drunk or drugged or who in any other way represents a danger to the rest. One cannot carry things into the runway. Runners must be dressed correctly. It is forbidden to call to the bulls or in any way attract their attention either in the runway or in the ring. Taking photos from inside the runway or from the fences during the encierro is not allowed without permission from the authorities.
La Tomatina - Tomato Battle
The historical origin of the festival There exist several interpretations on the origin of this popular festival. According to some historians, its origin goes back to a "practical joke" that some friends wanted to play on a man who was crossing the town square singing and playing a musical instrument but, apparently, he was doing it so badly that some of the people around decided to take some tomatoes from a fruit and vegetables stall and throw them at him. Everybody else joined in to end up in a tomato battle. However, the most reliable and historical version says that everything started in 1945. The town square (where the "tomatina" is traditionally held nowadays) was crowded with young people of that time to witness a "Gigantes y Cabezudos" parade (giant carnival figures with a grotesque head). Some of them decided to join the authority commitee and music band leading the parade and to do so they pushed the ones who were wearing the giant disguises. One of the participants fell down and when he stood up he started beating everyone around so everybody got caught up in a fight. Fate or chance, there was a vegetable stall nearby with open crates showing the goods for sale. The young people involved in the fight took the tomatoes from the crates and started throwing them at each other until the police broke up "the battle", and those responsible for the riot paid for the damages. This riot was not forgotten and the next year on the same Wednesday of August the youths of the town met again at the square, but this time with their own tomatoes. This is how another battle started and once again was stopped by the local police. In fact, in the following years the authorities forbade the celebration of what was already popularly known as the "day of the tomatina". Nevertheless, this celebration has been held every year since them. If you come and participate, you must respect the following rules: These small civic duty tips are necessary so that the festival will go on like every year, that is without any incidents: You mustn't bring in any bottles or any kind of objects which could provoke an accident. You mustn't tear t-shirts. Tomatoes must be crushed before being thrown so they can't hurt anybody. You must be careful with the lorries which carry the tomatoes. As soon as the second banger is fired, you must stop throwing tomatoes. Try to enjoy yourself as much as possible but respect these rules and the people. In the "tomatina" festival there has never been a mishap and we would like it to stay that way so everybody around the world can have a good time.
Semana Santa and Feria in Sevilla
Religous Festivity that cannot be missed. Please be aware that it is also the most popular time to be in Sevilla and early bookings are recommended for either Spanish programs or Flamenco courses. Two weeks after the Semana Santa, Feria de Sevilla continues the festivity time in Sevilla. But here the fun and "getting drunk" part is much more emphasized rather than any religous aspects. Make sure to catch both of these events by spending April in Sevilla
Fiestas Throughout Spain
The Spanish calendar is packed with fascinating and diverse cultural events, both local and national, and the following is intended as a guideline only. As dates for specific festivals or celebrations often change from year to year it's best to check details with a local tourist office closer to the time. Whereas national and regional public holidays are set by the Spanish government during the last term of the preceding year, and therefore readily available, local events calendars and programmes are established by the cultural departments of the relevant councils and not usually published until just before the actual celebrations. Here is an alphabetical list of all events in Spain throughout the year: ALICANTE Hogueras de San Juan (mid summer day bonfires). Always around June 24. ALCOY (Alicante) Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians), traditional festival, Apr 22-24. Same dates every year. BENALMADENA Benalmadena Fair, June 24-31. Feast of the True Cross, Aug 16. Both are celebrated on the same dates every year. BENIDORM Las Fallas, Mar 15-19. Same dates every year. Moors and Christians festival, last weekend in Sept and the first weekend in Oct. November Festival, from the Sat before the second Sun in Nov to the following Wed. Same every year. BILBAO Aste Nagusia. Popular eight-day-long festival starting on the Sat following Aug 15. The city´s opera season runs Sept-March. For more information contact: ABAO, Rodriguez Arias 3,48008 Bilbao, tel: 94 415 5490/fax: 94 415 2200). BOCAIRENTE (Valencia) Moors and Christians festival, Feb 2-5. Same dates every year. BUÑOL (Valencia) The popular La Tomatina festival is normally celebrated on the last Wed of Aug. CADIZ Carnaval. Held 40 days before Easter. CAMBADOS (Pontevedra) Albariño Wine Festival takese place on the first Sun in Aug every year. CASTRO URDIALES (Cantabria) El Coso Blanco flower festival takes place on the first Fri of July every year. CONSUEGRA (Toledo) The Saffron Festival takes place over the last weekend in Oct every year. CORDOBA Festival de los Patios Cordobeses (The Courtyard Festival) takes place in May. May Fair. Guitar Festival, normally held during the first two weeks of July. For more information contact the Gran Teatro Fundación Publica Municipal on tel: 957 480644. CUENCA Religious Music week, normally held over the Easter period. ELCHE (Alicante) Traditional Palm Procession, always on Palm Sunday. August Festival, Aug 11-15. Same dates every year. FUENGIROLA (Malaga) Sea Festival, July 16. Same date every year. Fuengirola Fair, Oct 6-12. Same dates every year. FUERTEVENTURA Carnaval Puerto Rosario, 40 days before Easter. GANDIA (Valencia) Fallas, Mar 16-19. Same dates every year. Local festival, Sept 29. Same date every year. GRANADA The popular festival of Cruces de Mayo, May 3. Same date every year. Summer Fair/Corpus Christi celebrations, usually start on the Monday of Corpus Christi week. The International Music Festival takes place over the summer months, contact Internacional de Musica y Danza, tel: 958 276 200/fax: 958 286 868 for further information. JAVEA (Alicante) San Juán, June 14-24. Same dates every year. Harbour Festival, Sept 1-8. Same dates every year. A Moors and Christians festival takes place around the end of Sept. JEREZ 2000 The Feria del Caballo of Horse Fair usually takes place in May. The Autumn Festival, in Sept/Oct, includes various sub-festivals such as the flamenco and wine harvest festivals, plus horse jumping events. For further information contact the local council on tel: 956 318 829. LA ESTRADA (Pontevedra) The traditional A Rapa das Bestas festival takes place on the first Saturday in July every year. LLORET DE MAR (Gerona) The town´s traditional Santa Cristina festival takes place on July 24. Same date every year. NAVA (Asturias) The Cider Festival takes place on the second Sat of July every year. NERJA (Malaga) Nerja Fair, Oct 8-12. Same date every year. PONTEVEDRA San Beneitiño de Leire, traditional festival. On July 11 every year. PAMPLONA San Fermín, or the running of the bulls. July 6-14. Same dates every year. PUERTO DE LA CRUZ Carnaval (Mardi Gras), 40 days before Easter. RIBADAVIA (Orense) The Ribeiro Wine Festival, usually around end of April. RIBADESELLA (Asturias) Ribadesella Festival, always on the first Sat of Aug. RONDA (MALAGA) Goyesca Fair, runs for a week starting the first Mon in Sept. SAN SEBASTIAN Tamborrada festival takes place Jan 19-20. Same date every year. Aste Nagusia festival, takes place during the week of Aug 15. Jazz Festival, usually July; International Film Festival, usually Sept for more information contact: Apartado Correos 979, 280080 San Sebastian, tel: 943 481212/fax: 943 285779.

More on culture - Bullfighting (please click here)

Each bullfight comprises six bulls and three matadors, each of whom fights two bulls. The bulls are specially bred fighting bulls, usually from the same bloodline and are not less than four years old with a weight somewhere between 500 and 800 kilos. They must never have faced a man on foot before they enter the bullring. The reason being that if this is the case, they may charge the man, instead of the cape. The selection of bulls is determined by drawing lots on the morning of the corrida. The toreros perform in order of seniority with the senior matador going first and fourth, the second-ranked matador second and fifth and the least experienced fighting third and sixth. If a matador is gored and unable to continue, the senior matador must take his place and complete the fight. Each bullfight is divided into three stages of thirds and lasts for around 20 minutes. A corrida starts with a parade of all the contestants and bailiffs dressed in 17th century costume, who salute the president of the fight. The president is an important official who controls the fight and can award trophies to a matador who performs well. A trumpet is blown to announce the first fight when the matador and his team enter the ring, and to signal the end of each stage. The bailiffs receive the key to the gate which is thrown to them by the president of the bullfight, through which the bulls enter the ring. The president then waves a white handkerchief to signal the entrance of the first bull into the ring.
Preliminary Phase
During the preliminary phase the footmen, peones or capeadores work the bull with large magenta and gold capes while carefully appraising its agility, intelligence, dangers, sight and, most importantly, its strength. It's very important for the matador to determine the animal's qualities such as whether it favours one horn or the other (eg hooks to the left) or swings its horns up at the end of each pass. Sometimes a bull is reluctant to fight in which case it will be tactfully withdrawn on the sign of a green handkerchief from the president.
First stage
This is when the picadores, mounted on padded and blindfolded horses provoke the bull to attack them. The aim is to plunge their lance into the bull's neck thus weakening its strong neck muscles. This causes it to lower its head without which the matador couldn't perform the coup de grace in the final part of the fight Second stage. When the bull has been sufficiently weakened by the picadores, the next stage commences, during which barbed darts decorated with colourful ribbons are placed in the bull's neck. The banderillero, carrying a banderilla in each hand, runs towards the charging bull at an angle and places the banderillas in its neck. These are not supposed to weaken the bull but rather correct any tendency to hook, regulate the carriage of the head and slow it down.
Final stages
The final stage of a bullfight is called the suerte/tercio del muerte and ends with the death of the bull. It begins with the matador removing his hat, saluting the president and asking for permission to perform and kill the bull. He may dedicate the bull to somebody in the crown. Sometimes the matador will toss his hat over his head, if it lands upside down, it is supposed to be bad luck. The matador creates a series of passes with his red cape (of which there are 40), bringing the animal closer to his body. The two most basic passes include the right handed pass in which the sword is used to expand the cloth and the left handed 'natural'. After each pass the crowd usually shouts Olé!.
The kill
When the matador realises the bull is weak and unable to charge much longer he will reach for his killing sword and seek to manoeuvre it directly in front of him with its head down, so that he can administer the death stroke. The matador looks down the sword to sight the target, leans over the horns and attempts to insert it between the cervical vertebra and into the bull's heart.
Finale
If the matador has performed well and made a quick, clean kill he will be applauded, do a lap of honour and be showered with flowers, hats, cushions and anything else to hand. The crowd demonstrates its approval of a fight by waving white handkerchiefs which are a signal to the president to award the matador a trophy, such as an ear or tail. If the bull has put up a good fight, its carcass will also receive a lap of honour and very occasionally if a bull is exceptionally brave or strong and the matador is unable to kill it, it may be spared and allowed to return to its stud farm to live out its life in peace.

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