"Granada is not just the Alhambra, the Albaicín or the royal chapel: Granada is a road which brings us to the history of the Arabs, the Romans, the discovery of America. It brings us to a dynamic, modern and youthful present (more then 60.000 students). Granada is color: the blue of the skies and the sea, the white of the snow and the green of the fertile plain. But Granada is especially people: a lively, simple and hospitable city. "He or she who has not seen Granada has seen nothing", is the popular saying and I, who have seen the city now for 36 years, discover every day a little more of her witchcraft. Those who want to experience her charm must come and stay". Antonio Illescas Head of Studies of don Quijote Granada

The City

  Granada is a wonderful city with 260.000 inhabitants, which lies 700 meters above sea level. The famous Alhambra dominates the cityscape. This part fortress, part palace gets its name from the hill on which it stands, the "Al-Hambra" or the "Red One". The old city walls guard the rich heritage from the time of the moors, which gives the city its individual character. El Albaicín, the old Moorish district at the foot of the fortress, has been declared a national monument. The district is a web of narrow alleys where there is so much to see.

Granada is a typical Andalusian city. You learn the Flamenco in the streets by - like everyone else - joining in with the touring dance groups. The many students in Granada play an important role in the lively and youthful atmosphere of the city. International contacts are easily made here. The area surrounding Granada is extraordinarily diverse. On one hand there are the peaks of the Sierra Nevada, more than 3000 meters high with snow until well into the Spring, and on the other hand, a little further away, the desert landscape in the area of Tabernes. In the neighborhood of Granada there is also the beautiful coast where you can sunbathe, swim and eat freshly caught sardines at one of the many beach stands.

The School

  don Quijote Granada occupies an entire 5 story building. The school is light and airy, with lot of windows and balconies overlooking the street. The ground floor houses the secretariat, a staff room, one class room and the director of studies' office. The first and second floor each hold three very spacious class rooms. the third and fourth floor are dedicated to student accommodation.
The atmosphere at the school is intimate and relaxed. Above all, the building is centrally heated and air-conditioned: both indispensable features in Granada, where summer and winter temperatures can be extreme. Just like all other don Quijote schools, don Quijote Granada is equipped with modern teaching aids such as computers and audio-visual equipment. The recreation room is based on the lower level. Here, you can watch TV or a video, listen music, read books or newspapers, play board games or darts, etc.
The school resides in a safe and quiet are in the city center. Its location is at stone's throw from the Cathedral and with-in walking distance of the Alhambra, El Albaicín and the Conference Center. Buses depart not far from the school almost every hour in the direction of the Sierra Nevada or the Mediterranean.

Celebrations and festivals

  Granada starts the year with the celebration of the city's surrender to the Catholic King on January 2nd (the day it was recaptured). On February 1st, San Cecilio, the patron saint of the city is honored. The inhabitants of Granada walk in a great procession, often in carnival clothing, up to Mount Sacromonte.
The Semana Santa is extensively celebrated in the Spring. The traditional festivities and precessions during the Semana Santa are among the most famous in all of Spain.
Spring is traditionally heralded during the Día de La Cruz on May 3rd. On this day, the streets of Granada transform into one big, colorful mass of people.
In June there is Corpus Christi, an annual market which lasts a whole week and marks the beginning of celebrations in the various districts of the city and the villages around Granada.

Our Opinion

  You meet the Flamenco dancers and guitarists in the streets just like thousands of other students. That makes the city especially lively.
Granada is an excellent choice if you want to get to know Spanish student life and real Spanish traditions.
Because of its location, Granada is also a real paradise for lovers of nature, those who like sports (skiing!) and for sun-worshippers.