Of course, most of the modern popular music in Mexico is what you might expect… the same sorts of contemporary pop music found throughout the rest of the world. The pop streaming in Mexico comes from all over the world (and in particular the U.S. and the rest of Latin America) but some of the big, internationally recognized Mexican pop stars, most celebrated in their native country and in the rest of the world include Thalía, Paulina Rubio, Maná and Luis Miguel. And although pop is what you may hear popularly in restaurants, stores or on the bus, people in Mexico, just like people everywhere else in the world of course, listen to all different kinds of music.

That being said, each region in Mexico does have its own particular musical past and present. So, take a look at some of the most popular travel destinations in Mexico, the traditional music that comes from those regions and the kinds of music you might hear there today:

Playa del Carmen:

Playa del Carmen is famous for lovely beaches and an exciting nightlife, and is found in the state of Yucatan, in the south east of Mexico. The Yucatan has an interesting musical history with influences from Cuba (the bolero) and Colombia (the bambuco). But the region is most well known for the famous “Trova Yucateca.” The trova became popular in the late 19^th century and mixes Caribbean rhythms, sweet sounding guitar and poetic vocals to create lovely duets and a true folk tradition from the region.

Of course, if you go to Playa del Carmen today, you might not find as many places to listen to a trova. Now, Playa is known for its many live music venues and for the possibility of seeing almost any kind of music you want right up close and personal. From rock to electronic, to traditional, to punk, to indie, to everything in between, and with venues on the beach to the city center and beyond, there is an eclectic mix of almost every type of music imaginable playing live almost any night of the week in Playa del Carmen.

Oaxaca:

Because of the mix of many cultures in Oaxaca, traditional music from the area is filled with diverse influences and different sounds. While a huge percentage of Oaxacans are indigenous, Spanish and African cultures have also been very influential in the region throughout history. The danzón, a style of music that began in Cuba, and which integrates influences from Spanish, British and African beats and rhythms, became very popular in Oaxaca and is still commonly played in plazas for dancing. Oaxaca is also known for its variation of the Son, the Son Istmeño, sung in both Zapotec (an indigenous language from the region) and Spanish, with both indigenous and Spanish rhythms. The area is also known for the marimba along with its famous brass bands beginning with German immigrants and later developing their own distinct Oaxacan flavor.

Modern day Oaxaca is still teaming with musicians and buzzing with music. You’ll hear street musicians wherever you go – mariachi bands might play in the city’s main square (the Zocolo) blowing trumpets and strumming guitars, or you may hear accordions, mandolins, and more guitars as you wander through the city’s old town. If you’re looking for some live music, you will find excellent venues with everything from jazz to rock n’ roll, to salsa to the famous and traditional brass bands Tambora Oaxaqueña throughout the city.

Guanajuato:

Traditionally, Guanajuato is known for wind bands. Brass instruments like trumpets, trombones and tubas along with woodwinds like clarinets and saxophones, and percussion instruments come together to create this kind of music. Wind bands in Guanajuato play a diverse range of music including popular folk music, sones and danzones.

Today in Guanajuato, you can see an interesting mix of traditional and contemporary music. The city is particularly famous for its callejoneadas, informal street processions in which musicians put on traditional dress from the region and walk through the town’s narrow streets, serenading anyone who happens to be around. Most commonly, callejoneadas are led by student minstrels who perform Mexican folk music that tells stories and shares the city’s history with people throughout the old town and city center. Catching a callejoneada en route is a great way to experience Guanajuato’s history reinterpreted today.

In Mexico the range and diversity of culture to be found is exciting and inspiring. Music is just a little piece of the cultural and historical pie, but it is a tasty way to experience the country and to understand the different regions that make it up. What is your favorite kind of Mexican music? Where do you go to enjoy it?

Toledo

View of Toledo

Toledo will bring you back in time. Its winding cobblestone streets will lead you through the history of three different cultures elegantly woven together to create an ancient Christian, Muslim and Jewish town with Visigoth and Roman roots. Toledo is known for having been a space where these three cultures coexisted peacefully, making it a city brimming with interest and history. Explore the Cathedral and tip your head back in awe at the Gothic architecture and the stunning works of art by greats like El Greco and Velazquez; then take a tour of the Sinagoga del Tránsito for a look into Spain’s Jewish heritage, or the Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz to see the remains of a mosque from the time of Arabic rule. Don’t miss the famous El Greco Museum to see works by one of Spain’s most recognized artists (and a native of Toledo), then wander up to the Alcázar fortress, overlooking the city and the mote-like Río Tajo that surrounds it for a little lesson in history. Try the city’s famous marzipan and maybe even buy a handcrafted knife or sword commemorating Toledo’s artisanal past.

How to get there:

High Speed Train (AVE):

Take the fast train and get to Toledo from Madrid in only 35 minutes (approximately).

Where to buy tickets: http://www.renfe.com/ or at Atocha Train Station

Depart from: Madrid, Puerta de Atocha Station

Duration: 35 min. (approx.)

Arrive: Toledo Station

Approximate return trip cost: €20.60

Bus:

The bus is a great option for those on a budget who don’t mind a slightly longer ride. It takes about an hour and a half from Madrid to Toledo.

Where to buy tickets: https://www.alsa.es/en

Depart from: Madrid, Plaza Elíptica (metro station/intercambiador)

Arrive: Toledo Bus Station

Approximate return trip cost: €9.40-€12.00

**Keep in mind that both the bus station and the train station are a little outside of the city center. Take buses 5, 5D, 51, 61, and 62 from the train station or lines 5 or 12 from the bus station to the center (or take a walk – it’s about 15 minutes on foot).

Segovia

Segovia’s Roman Aqueduct

Segovia with its famous cochinilo (roasted suckling pig), the incredible Roman Aqueduct that might just make your neck ache as you gaze up at all its glory, the views of the arid Castilian landscape from the incredibly Disney-princessesque, stunning Alcázar, the absolutely beautiful Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, the Palacio Real… the list goes on and on. All of the sights to see and the great food to enjoy will leave you with a full day in Segovia. But even if you feel more like lounging, the city’s small town charm will enchant you from the moment you get there until the time when you grudgingly have to leave. This small city is definitely worth the short trip from Madrid.

How to get there:

High Speed Train (AVE):

Take the fast train from Madrid and get to Segovia in only about 30 minutes.

Where to buy tickets: http://www.renfe.com/ or at Chamartín Train Station

Depart from: Madrid, Chamartín Station

Duration: 30 min. (approx.)

Arrive: Segovia Station

Approximate return trip cost: €13.20 (prices vary, it’s best to check out the Renfe website for accurate prices)

Bus:

The bus from Madrid takes about an hour and fifteen minutes.

Where to buy tickets: http://lasepulvedana.es/index.php

Depart from: Madrid, Moncloa (metro station/intercambiador)

Arrive: Segovia Bus Station

Approximate return trip cost: €14.24

*Make sure to choose a direct bus for an easier and faster trip.

El Escorial

Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

El Escorial is a spectacular small city to explore. The main attraction is the incredible monastery and for very good reason. The enormous building complex that holds the monastery is also used as a burial place (its incredible Royal Pantheon) for royalty beginning with Charles V in the 16^th century when it was constructed, a royal palace, college and breathtaking library. Not to mention the grounds around the giant complex are filled with gardens, pools and plazas to explore. However, after you’ve finished the grand tour of the monastery, the rest of the city is filled with great restaurants for excellent Spanish (and other international) cuisine, little shops to stroll through and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Since it only takes about an hour to get there and is in the beautiful Guadarrama Mountains of Madrid, San Lorenzo de El Escorial is definitely a day trip from Madrid that’s worth making.

How to get there:

Cercanías (Train):

Taking the train from Madrid to El Escorial is easy and leaves often from many stations throughout Madrid. It is a stop on the C-3 line of Cercanías (the close-to-Madrid train lines).

Where to buy tickets: At the following metro stations where you can also get on the train:

Chamartín, Nuevos Ministerios, Atocha

Use the ticket machines or buy at the stations’ ticket offices.

Depart from: Madrid, Chamartín, Nuevos Ministerios or Atocha stations (look for signs for Cercanías)

Duration: 50 min. – 1 hr. 10 min. (approx.)

Arrive: El Escorial Station

Approximate return trip cost: €6.80 (prices may vary)

Bus:

Buses #661 or #664 take about an hour from Madrid.

Where to buy tickets: On the bus or at an estanco (tobacco kiosk) close to the bus station. There is a tobacco kiosk inside the Intercambiador de Moncloa metro/bus station (make sure to have cash to pay at the estanco – sometimes they don’t accept credit cards – and close to exact change to pay on the bus).

Depart from: Madrid’s Intercambiador de Moncloa metro/bus station

Arrive: El Escorial Bus Station

Approximate return trip cost: €8.40

Ávila

Wall of Ávila

Ávila is a gorgeous little medieval town and the perfect place to feel like you have wandered into a fairytale or at least back to the Spain of old, where castles, walled cities, kings and cathedrals dominated the landscape. It is home to Santa Teresa de Ávila and has an astounding number of churches, monasteries and convents exhibiting beautiful Romanesque and Gothic architecture. But the city wall, the most intact and complete in Spain, is the real stunner, and especially at night when it is illuminated with golden lights. Don’t miss the Puerta del Alcázar to experience the wall in all its glory. And after getting your fill of walking to see all of this UNESCO World Heritage city’s sights, don’t forget to try some of its traditional treats like yemas de Santa Teresa, a sweet made with egg yolks and sugar, or the many recipes made with judías de El Barco de Ávila (beans from the region).

How to get there:

Train:

The train from Madrid to Ávila takes between an hour and forty minutes and a little over two hours.

Where to buy tickets: http://www.renfe.com/ or at Chamartín Train Station

Depart from: Madrid, Chamartín Train Station

Duration: 1 hr. 40 min. – 2 hrs. 3 min. (approx.)

Arrive: Ávila Station

Approximate return trip cost: from about €17 to €20

Bus:

The bus to Ávila from Madrid can take anywhere from about an hour and twenty minutes to two hours.

Where to buy tickets: https://regular.autobusing.com/venta?empresa=jimenezdorado or at Madrid’s Estación Sur de Autobuses Méndez Álvaro

Depart from: Estación Sur de Autobuses Méndez Álvaro

Arrive: Avila bus station

Approximate return trip cost: €14

Of course the capital of Spain is an incredible city to explore and could keep you entertained for as long as you’re in the country. But some of these day trips from Madrid are not only easy, they are to some of the most beautiful small cities and towns in Spain, they can be made easily in a day and they will inspire you with their beauty, history and culture.

City Slickers Unite:

Madrid (Spain):

Madrid is one of those magical cities that woos you with its old fashioned traditions and keeps you enthralled and excited for more with non-stop energy. This is a great city for urbanites. It is filled with cultural attractions, it is high-class and grunge all at the same time, there is never a dull moment (except maybe Sunday afternoons when most madrileños are resting after their big Sunday lunch), and it is full of surprises around every corner. Madrid is a city where it is easy to experience all of the latest trends and get lost in tradition all in the same day. Its architecture, restaurants, parks, museums and city streets will make you happy you went with a city for your Spanish abroad experience.

Buenos Aires (Argentina):

Buenos Aires is full of old world charm and new world fire. It is a place to enjoy the deep, slow, romantic sights and sounds of tango, then jump into the fast paced streets and experience a diversity of cultures that will keep you entertained days on end. It is a city that many people visit and then make their permanent home, inspired by its creativity, excellent cuisine, great shopping, exciting night life and surprises around every corner.

Barcelona (Spain):

Barcelona is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe. It is filled with modern ideas, people from around the world, a rich mix of cultures and the latest in cuisine and fashion. It is the perfect place to get blown away by the gaudy Gaudi architecture, go out for new age tapas, see live music at night and stroll through the exciting streets. You can wander through history in the Gothic Quarter, experience Catalonian transformative cuisine, then get back to the basics with a simple stroll under the Spanish sun along the boardwalk or the Mediterranean Sea.

Nature Lovers (throw caution to the wind):

Tenerife (Spain):

Tenerife is a tropical paradise. But its long sandy beaches and crystal clear waters are only part of its magnetism for nature lovers. Many of the island’s diverse and interesting landscapes are protected, keeping them beautiful and pristine for those who want to get down and dirty with nature. The most eye catching and impressive of its natural stunners (including dark volcanic rock, and misty tropics alongside stretches of soft sand and splashing waves) is Mount Teide, a still active (although the last activity was at the turn of the 20th century) volcano and the site of some of the best hiking in Spain. There are plenty of ways to get off the beaten path in Tenerife.

Playa Jacó (Costa Rica):

Surf lovers get ready for your destination. If you like to catch a wave, Playa Jacó will not let you down. It is famous for being one of the best surf destinations in the world. There are also plenty of underwater delights to explore with snorkeling, so those who aren’t quite ready to catch the big ones will still have plenty of fun in the water. And when you come up for air you will discover an incredible medley of both black and white sand beaches, exciting jungles with rare species and a diversity of biology (both plant and animal life) that won’t leave any room on your camera for pictures with friends. Playa Jacó is the perfect place to get back to basics and nature while at the same time having the chance to enjoy a vibrant and lively beach town.

Oaxaca (Mexico):

Oaxaca is a place to get overwhelmed by nature. The city is filled with creative artisans, indigenous traditions, yummy Mexican cuisine specific to Oaxaca, markets and festivals. But outside of the city is where you will really be inspired if what you’re looking for is to breathe in fresh mountain air and stumble upon an incredible amount of biodiversity. As one of the five highest ranking locations in the world for endangered species and the region in Mexico with the most diversity in animals and plants, there is never a dull moment in Oaxaca for nature lovers. Venture out into the small towns around the city and then a little further, into the mountains for incredible hikes, horseback riding and biking.

So where do you fall on city-country spectrum? Or maybe you like both equally well! If so no need to fret, study Spanish in more than one destination this summer and get a little of everything on your Spanish adventure.

2015 has been a noteworthy year for the Balearic Island of Mallorca (Spain), since it was officially considered, the best place to live in the world by the publication The Times. It certainly has enviable weather, an exquisite quality of life and many cultural and leisure activities that make it a preferred tourist destination for people from around the world. But is it good enough to want to live there year-round? We’ll take a look at the five main reasons why Mallorca is the best place to live in the world.

Based on the analysis completed by The Times for considering Mallorca the best place to live in the world, the first thing to take into consideration is the climate. The average temperature on the island is 65ºF; with an average low of 46ºF and on very few occasions it drops below 41ºF. Or in other words, it has a mild climate all year, with highs in the summer that don’t exceed 86ºF except on hot Mediterranean days. This allows for very agreeable visits at any time of year, without the dreaded cold winters of other coastal areas, or the suffocating, hot summers of some of the other most famous tourist destinations.

Another one of the most important characteristics according to The Times is its international connectedness. It is important to take transportation into consideration when looking for a new place to live, and the Palma de Mallorca Airport connects the island with a large number of countries year-round. This means that both receiving visitors as well as traveling to other destinations is cheaper and easier than in other places in the world; something to take into consideration, most of all on an island where mobility is a vital factor.

The diverse social atmosphere is another aspect of Mallorca that stands out. Almost half a million people live on the island and the expat community, far from being mere visitors, has established itself.  With stores and businesses of their own they have grown both the economy and the cosmopolitan diversity of the island.

We should also value the island’s historic center which is just as impressive as those in other Spanish and Mediterranean cities. Its history has been perfectly conserved since the 13^th century. Although they display more recent history, it is also recommendable to see fishing areas with architecture that is typical of Mallorca, and exclusive to this area of the world.

Finally, Mallorca stands out for its cultural character. Because people from so many different places visit the island, the multicultural influence there is like no other in the world. This fact has made Mallorca an international place of interest for art without precedent. Museums, art exhibitions, theater, concerts… There are cultural activities to highlight on Mallorca almost every day of the year, making the island an irresistible place of interest for art lovers in general.

Menorca is known as one of the most relaxed islands in the Balearic Island chain. But in reality, this notion comes from comparing it with the louder, neighboring island of Ibiza. La isla blanca (the white island) is known internationally as one of the epicenters of electronic music in the summer, and by comparison, the almost nil party atmosphere on Menorca may make it seem “boring.” But it definitely is not.

Menorca offers many different exciting activities. The most well known among them, without a doubt, is snorkeling, a sport that anyone can take part in, and which can be enjoyed anywhere on the island. You can explore the underwater world with the help of a snorkel (although you can’t dive very deep) while you take in the rich abundance of sea creatures living close to Menorca’s beaches. Snorkeling anywhere on the island makes for an absolute visual spectacle, even if you’re only a few feet from shore. Many tourists have only had to get half of their bodies wet and dunk their heads under water to see huge shoals of fish swimming all around them.

Beach lovers will also find unique routes on Menorca. The most popular tourist beaches are accompanied by others that are less well known, or that are slightly more difficult to access since they don’t have access roads and getting to them can require long walks. Because of this, some of these beaches have maintained their status as unspoiled. Those great photos of white sand beaches surrounded by low mountains that can only be accessed by sea were taken precisely on this island.

Menorca also offers a unique cultural experience. You can visit the taulas (meaning “table” in Catalan), architectural concepts built by the Talaiotic Culture, originating on Mallorca and Menorca in approximately 2,000 B.C.E, or in other words, more than 4,000 years ago.

Lastly, Menorca, as we’ve already mentioned, is an island that has been unjustly categorized as “boring.” Its village fiestas and many tourist attractions give color to almost every day of the year. Furthermore, the disco Cova d’en Xoroi sits atop one of the islands cliffs, and offers one of the best views to tourists in a real cave in the mountains that has been climatized. There are morning, afternoon and night sessions, and music practically from Monday to Friday during the entire season. It is one of the most lively and beautiful places to see the sun set high above the sea.

Quito (Ecuador)

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is a specialized organization of the UN. Its objective is to promote world peace through education, science, culture and communication. The organization is also carrying out an ongoing plan designed to protect “World Heritage”; cultural elements that are considered to be of value to the world. The following are the Latin American sites and cities that have been accredited as World Heritage.

Quito

It was recognized as World Heritage in 1978. The city of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded in the 16^th century over the remains of an old Inca city. Located at an altitude of 2,850 meters, the city’s historic center is the best preserved in all of Latin America despite the fact that it was shook by a devastating earth quake in 1917.

The monasteries of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, along with the Church of the Society of Jesus, display an artistic example of the baroque school of Quito, in which observers can see Spanish, Italian, Mudéjar, Flemish and Indigenous influences.

Mexico City’s historic center and Xochimilco

This has been a World Heritage Site since 1987. It makes up the original base on which today’s capital city of Mexico was developed by the Spanish in the 16^th century. It houses architectural treasures such as the Metropolitan Cathedral (the biggest on the continent), the National Palace, the Zócalo and its Constitution Plaza (the third largest plaza en the world).

Just 28 kilometers from the capital, Xochimilco represents one of the most attractive sites in Mexico, with its series of canals and artificial islands built by the Aztecs in pre-Colombian times.

Oaxaca’s historic center and Monte Alban’s archeological area

The Olmecs first lived here and later the Zapotecs and the Mixtecs over 15 centuries. The canals, embankments and artificial hummocks excavated on Monte Albán’s base are a symbol of a sacred topography.

The city of Oaxaca itself represents Spanish colonial-era urban planning and is one of the richest ensembles of Mexico’s artistic heritage.

Havana’s old town and its system of fortifications

Havana was founded by the Spanish in 1519. Although today it’s a large metropolis with 2 million residents, its old town is made up of baroque and neoclassic elements. It’s a mix of historic periods and a wonderful architectural ensemble where remains of the old city wall continue to stand.

Havana’s old town is one of the most touristic areas of the city given the restoration of many churches, fortresses, and historic buildings. The most notable fortress is San Carlos de la Cabaña, a military complex that defended the city from attacks.

The historic district of the port city of Valparaíso

Given its rich architectural heritage, Valparaíso’s historical center was declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 2003.

Geographically, Valparaíso is naturally framed within something of an amphitheater that faces the Pacific Ocean. The urban fabric of the city is woven into the hills that surround it, while the flat areas follow a geometric pattern. An attractive variety of bell towers rise above the landscape. Valparaíso has also effectively preserved infrastructure from the industrial age, such as 15 cable cars.

Cova d’en Xoroi: Menorca’s most spectacular night club

The Balearic Islands of Spain are made up of four main islands: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera. They also include Cabrera and several other islets. This Mediterranean archipelago is a highly valued tourist destination and the capital, Mallorca, has recently been recognized as one of the best places in the world to live in by the British journal The Sunday Times.

If you’ve chosen these islands as your vacation destination, you may be wondering which one is the best one for you to visit. That will all depend on what you’re looking for during your Mediterranean getaway.

Mallorca, the best city in the world

The city’s ranking as “the best place in the world to live in” has attracted many tourists from around the world to see for themselves what makes it so special. In essence it’s an enormous island that encompasses all the comforts of a city with the appeal of an exotic island, which is what most attracts attention.

It’s important to keep in mind however that Mallorca gets crowded throughout nearly the entire summer season. This makes it an ideal place for vacationers looking for a destination with many extensive beaches and many other visitors like themselves. This is reflected in the price of the accommodation, which is sensibly more economic than the rest of the islands. The entertainment options here are quite varied as they are on Ibiza.

Ibiza, the white island

Ibiza has been considered an island paradise since the mid 20^th century, where alternative social and musical trends have originated and expanded across the small surface area which is characterized by scenic white-sand coves.

The period between the end of the 20^th century and the beginning of the 21^st saw the height of Ibiza’s youth tourism, which concentrated on partying that lasted all night and all day. Despite the current legal restrictions on the opening of night clubs, and although the island also offers scenic coves and natural landscapes, it continues to be a destination recommended for those looking for a place to party.

Menorca, the wild sister

The island of Menorca is a nature paradise with many large coves where tourists can go snorkeling and diving among all types of fish and mollusks. The protection given to natural areas makes this a lush and scenic island; many coves can only be accessed after a long walk. Nightlife is not as active here as Ibiza: there’s only one large night club on the island and it’s tucked away in caves overlooking the sea, which gives it a magical ambience. This island is clearly the best destination for nature lovers.

Formentera, the little island

Finally, Formentera (like Cabrera) stands out as an ideal destination for a different type of vacation. It’s extremely small, the entire island is protected from external contamination and only naturalists and lovers of the most primitive islands find the vacation of their dreams here. If you’re one of them, this is the destination for you.

La Alhambra

A Kasbah is a type of Islamic city or fortress, which in past times was used as a defense against an attack, and as a home for the leader of the city. It was often built on a hill as a better means of defense, which is true of the Alhambra in Granada, considered the best Kasbah in Spain.

The Alhambra was first built in 889 as a fortress, and later converted into a royal palace by Yusuf I, the Sultan of Granada, in 1333. The Alhambra was the stronghold of the Muslim rulers in Spain until 1492. It had survived many attacks before it was finally surrendered to the Catholic Monarchs, Isabel and Ferdinand, after the War of Granada, marking the end of the Spanish Reconquista. The Monarchs began to change the Alhambra, as did the Christian leaders after them. That said, the Moorish architecture is evident everywhere you go and it remains to this day, very well preserved. It is in fact the best preserved medieval Islamic palace in Europe, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This Kasbah is the most visited site in Spain, and one of the most popular of the world, and you can come and visit all the different palaces and parts of this complex, built for the last Muslim rulers of Spain:

-          The Royal Palace of the Alhambra is divided into three parts; the first, the Mexuar, is fairly modest in decoration compared to other parts of the palace and was primarily used for business administration at the time. The Serallo is a collection of very beautiful rooms and courtyards; the most notable being that of Patio de los Arrayanes, Courtyard of the Myrtles. The Harem makes up the final part, and consists of the living quarters and bath for the wives and mistresses. It also contains the Hall of the Abencerrajes, with the most beautiful ceiling in the whole of the Alhambra. This room is famous, as legend has it that King Boabdil, the last Muslim emir, killed the whole of the Abencerrajes family here after inviting them for a banquet, as he found out that his favorite mistress was having an affair with the head of the family.

-          The Alcazaba is the ancient fortress of the Alhambra Palace; parts of which are in ruins, but it is still very much an important part of its history.

-          The Generalife is the Alhambra’s answer to a retreat; a place where the Muslim Kings could be surrounded by beautiful gardens, flowers and fountains. This really is a magical place and is most definitely worth the visit when going to the Alhambra.

With these different parts of the complex to offer; all so beautiful, and all so well-preserved, it’s no wonder that the Alhambra is the best Kasbah in Spain!

History

Its impressive array of Romanesque, Gothic, Moorish, Renaissance and Baroque architecture gives evidence of the city’s historical past. It was occupied by the Carthaginians in the 3^rd century B.C before becoming a Roman settlement. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the area was invaded by the Alans, and later the Visitgoths. As with much of the rest of Spain, Salamanca was taken over the Moors in 712 AD, and remained this way until the 11^th Century. The university was granted a royal charter in 1218 by King Alfonso IX, and since then has become one of the most prestigious and popular universities in Europe. Originally, most of the classes were taught in churches and other buildings, until the majority of the university was built in the 15^th and 16^th centuries.

Student life

University

Salamanca is one of the top universities in Spain. As it is such a famous university, as well as attracting Spaniards, Salamanca draws international students from all over the world, as a popular Erasmus destination. It was also the first university to offer Spanish courses, so it now has the most prestigious language courses on offer, which attracts a great number of foreign students. Salamanca has over 30,000 students.

This gives the city an international and vibrant feel. It is quite a small city, with a small town feel, so it is easy to get to grips with the city straight away. It is possible to walk pretty much everywhere, which is an enjoyable experience in itself, as the city is extremely pretty with all its cobbled streets and beautiful buildings; there’s always something new to see. The biggest bonus of Salamanca is that it’s cheap, which is ideal for students; not only for accommodation, but for nights out as well! You could spend just 150 euros a month on renting a room in a shared flat!

Nights out

Salamanca is a great night out for students. You can expect to be surrounded by other students, and to have a good time without spending a fortune. It has a lot of bars that you can go to first, to enjoy a few drinks and some tapas; “ir de pinchos” as it’s known here. The best places for this are around Gran Via, or around Plaza Mayor, which would be a bit more expensive. Plaza Mayor is a common meeting place for students, located in the center of the town, with a good atmosphere. Calle Van Dyck in the north of the city also offers tapas bars, with very good prices and good sized pinchos!

If you’re looking for a night out clubbing, Salamanca can also give you what you’re after. Going out is possible every night of the week, although the students normally go out Thursday- Saturday. Nightclubs don’t get started until about 1am and can go on well into the early hours, which takes a bit of getting used to! There are many clubs you can choose from depending on the sort of music you’re looking for. The majority of the nightclubs are in the old town, and music can be divided between these zones.

You can find live music haunts around the Bordadores disctrict, often with medieval style décor. The area around Gran Via is full of places popular among foreign students with a range of bars and nightclubs of different music styles. More alternative music can be found around Plaza de San Justo. Most places offer some sort of special offer, such as a free second drink, but there are some other places you can look out for it you’re on a tight budget like most students. Liter bars are popular, and you pay a lot less than you would if you were in a club; around €3.50 for a liter of beer! There is also a bar dedicated solely to the one and only Michael Jackson, called “Jacko’s”, which has reasonably cheap prices too! Other popular places among foreign students involve “The Irish Rover” (a nightclub), and the “Chupitería” (a shot bar!).

A world of possibilities…

How to choose your Latin American destination? Perhaps a place where you can relax on the warm sand under sunny skies while surrounded by stunning beach scenery, or maybe within chilly Andean mountain landscapes, or how about in a big cosmopolitan city such as Buenos Aires? Here are three general categories you may want to think about to help you choose the perfect school in Latin America:  coastal, mountain, and big city.

Coastal destinations

The advantages of choosing a coastal destination are as clear as the sunny blue skies that hang over beach paradises along many Latin American coastlines. Schools in these destinations often offer the luxury of being able to walk to the beach after class, where you can spend the afternoon doing little more than listening to the soft sea breeze and the waves gently breaking on golden sands. Some schools even offer exciting coastal extracurricular activities such as kite surfing and scuba diving.

Mexico: Playa Del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta; Costa Rica: Tamarindo, Jaco Beach; Dominican Republic: Sosua;

Mountain destinations

Hot temperatures are not for everyone, so you may prefer a cool weather destination. Consider tossing on a new handmade, traditional, brightly colored wooly sweater that you just picked up from a local open air market high in the Andes. Visit nearby villages huddled between the summits of the vast Andean mountain range, places where the Inca Empire once flourished and continues to influence the region’s rich culture.  Mountain destinations are often decidedly less touristic than coastal ones, a factor many students looking forward to immersing themselves in a new language and culture find appealing.

Ecuador: Quito; Bolivia: Sucre; Peru: Cusco ;

Big city destinations

Want an exciting study destination where there is always something happening? A big city may be what you are looking for and there are many Spanish schools located right in the heart of all the action where after class you can step outside and explore vibrant urban landscapes. Big cities often offer an exciting and modern variety of restaurants, art galleries, museums and shopping possibilities.

Argentina: Buenos Aires, Córdoba; Chile: Santiago; Colombia: Bogotá; Dominican Republic: Santo Domingo;