One of the great things about studying Spanish in Spain is the usefulness of learning one of the world’s most important languages while experiencing the country’s culture and lifestyle. A great way to take advantage of your time as a student in Spain is to make weekend or even day trips to nearby sites of cultural and historical significance to enjoy yourself and enrich your cultural experience.
Following is a list of weekend trip suggestions near a few of Spain’s most popular study abroad destinations. Keep in mind that domestic flights can be extremely cheap if purchased ahead of time, making it quick and affordable to move around virtually anywhere within the country.
Madrid & Salamanca
- Toledo: One of Spain’s richest city in monuments, Toledo is known as the “city of the three cultures” due to the convergence during many centuries of Arab, Christian and Jewish cultures. The city offers a historical treasure of churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques and synagogues.
- Segovia: Only 90 kilometers north of Madrid, Segovia is best known for its magnificent Roman aqueduct of nearly one kilometer in length and thirty meters at its highest point. An impressive 16th Century cathedral that also draws visitors stands in the main city square.
- Ávila: Surrounded by an ancient protective walls, Ávila is a charming historical town replete with historic churches in all styles, palaces, convents, monasteries, bridges, windmills, Roman and Arab ruins…
- Oporto or Coinbra in Portugal: Both of these Portuguese cities are at an acceptable drive from Salamanca or Madrid. Oporto, known as the “city of bridges,” is Portugal’s second-largest city and was recognized as the European Capital of Culture in 2001. Coinbra, Portugal’s third-largest, is an ancient university town famous for its winding streets and hanging houses.
Barcelona
- Sitges: South of Barcelona on the Costa Dorada lies this charming town nestled between sea and mountain. Besides its rich cultural-historical heritage, Sitges offers plenty of leisure opportunities and beautiful scenery.
- Cadaqués: Cadaqués is one of the Costa Brava’s most emblematic sites. Its rocky coast lined with beautiful beaches and coves is one of its main attractions.
- Figueras: To the northeast of the province of Girona lies Figuera, perhaps best known for its Dalí museum. The surrealist painter was born here and Figuera’s is the most important of the three Dali museums in Catalonia.
- The Pyrenees: The Vall de Núria ski station in the Pyrenees offers comfort in the midst of the mountains. At an altitude of 2,000 meters and surrounded by peaks reaching the 3,000’s, this cozy retreat is packed during the winter, so be sure to book with plenty of time if skiing is your thing.
