9 Best (and Beautiful) Cities to Learn Spanish in Spain
Jessica Wilkins Wondering where to learn Spanish in Spain? As the second-most spoken language in the world and the official language of 31 countries, there are a LOT of places and reasons to learn Spanish. Where else can you experience the glory of the official siesta, down tapas with jugs of sangria, and get an adorable lithp?
Your pursuit of foreign language skills will take you to incredible places!
Spain, with its sultry sway of Mediterranean beats and life-loving people, welcomes you to join the ranks of individuals who have daydreamed about building a holiday home on its soil and lost their hearts to the melodic lull of rolled r’s.
Why learn to speak Spanish in Spain?
If you want to really get down to the origins of the language, study Arabic influences, see the cathedrals and universities that gave rise to Castellano, Spain is the obvious choice for learning Spanish.
Plus, the Real Academia Española (an organization dictating the official vocabulary and grammar of the language since 1713) is in Spain, so you have the added bonus of being able to say “te dije!” when arguing grammar rules with South American amigos.
A great bus network, relatively compact country, and incentive of geographic variety means that you can pick any Spanish city as your base and explore surrounding regions to hear all the dialects and make new friends from Alicante to Zaragoza.
Furthermore, its strategic location in Europe allows for plenty of excursions to nearby countries, islands, and even Africa!
9 best cities to learn Spanish in Spain
1. Barcelona
Incredible architecture, food, and beaches await you in Barcelona.
The City of Gaudi seems to have it all: a thriving nightlife, sandy beaches, flamenco clubs, and the biggest metropolitan park in the world. There are rumors that it was founded by Hercules way before Rome; whichever god established this city, there sure is endless history and atmospheric alleyways to wander through as you discover one of the contemporary gems of Europe.
There’s a constant bustle, but also shaded plazas, nearby mountains, and lots of cafes and second-hand bookstores to host study sessions. Also, it has 68 urban parks and the biggest cruise port and soccer stadium in Europe…so no lack of cultural distractions while you learn to speak Spanish in Spain!
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2. Madrid
As the nation’s capital, Madrid boasts plenty of perks while hosting Spanish language courses in Spain for international students: elegant boulevards, the “Golden Triangle” of museums, and one of the biggest metro systems of Europe (with affordable monthly cards for students!).
It’s also the sunniest city in Europe, which might make your beach-lounging classmates a bit jealous, and boasts the world’s oldest established restaurant (with a kitchen fire that hasn’t been extinguished for almost 300 years).
As the most popular study abroad destination in Europe, you can bet that there’s endless diversity, sangria nooks, and prestigious fun. It gave birth to Penelope Cruz and Enrique Igelsias, so you’re obviously fated for success and a sexy accent if you study here!
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3. Bilbao
Eclectic Bilbao is the honorary capital of Basque Country and one of the most underrated destinations in Spain. It’s famous for its quirky Guggenheim Museum, but there are endless treasures to be found in the Old City and a museum for each rainy day of the year.
Basque pride is strong, so expect to see traditional parades and to pick up some Basque in addition to Spanish (helpful hint: there are no tapas in Basque; they are called pintxos).
Bilbao is the best place to learn Spanish in Spain for those who want an alternative city vibe, the dramatic northern coastal cliffs, an authentic experience, and Basque bliss.
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4. Cadiz
Cadiz is one of the best, and most underrated, cities to learn Spanish in Spain.
Not only is Cadiz one of the best cities to learn Spanish in Spain, but it’s one of the coolest cities in the country in general. The old town is a fortified islandesque jumble of labyrinth alleys, which accounts for an awesome fortress wall walk, with the deep blue Mediterranean waters glistening all around. There’s a gorgeous city beach in the middle of everything, a fantastic castle, and one of the most scenic walks out to another castle perched on a rock at sea.
The lifestyle is casual and fun—after 200 years of pirate raids and Cuban influences, what else would you expect? There are also over 100 watchtowers, the seafood is stellar, Lord Byron lived here, and its Carnaval is second only to Rio.
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5. Seville
With a plethora of movies shot here, it’s a no-brainer that Seville is strikingly stunning. Birthplace of flamenco, this city knows how to play a warm tune and seduce you with its smell of orange blossoms lining every street.
Be aware that summer in Seville is hot; even for Spaniards, life stops between 1:00 and 8:00 p.m. There are also several festivals (the sevillanas and Holy Week, to name a few) that shut down the city and turn up the heat even more with processions that block traffic for the day and fiestas that last until sunrise.
Seville is a great place to learn to speak Spanish in Spain for those with a sunny disposition and late bedtime. NO8DO 4ever.
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6. Granada
Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, Grenada is a gem of Andalusia. With the official city symbol the pomegranate, a strong Moorish influence, and the Alhambra towering above the city (and yet still framed by snowy peaks), Granada is a smaller city with all the fun.
After classes at an ancient university, check out the staggered beauty of the Albaicín neighbourhood and spend the weekend hiking around one of the most scenic mountain ranges of Europe. Did we mention that there’s also a beer spa? Way cooler than happy hour back home.
Definitely put Granada near the top of the list when thinking about where to learn Spanish in Spain!
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7. Valencia
Valencia is definitely one of the most colorful places to study Spanish in Spain.
Spain’s third biggest city also generates 51% of the nation’s GDP; this means life is busy and the port is a crucial part of the city’s identity. However, the long academic journey might be worth it when you reach the Holy Grail at the end of the trip. (Literally! Go check it out at Valencia’s cathedral.)
With paella and horchata standard parts of the city, the food scene is as spectacular as the city’s architectural wonders. There’s also a deep appreciation for bats and cats, and the world’s first psychiatric hospital was built here. If you’re not enticed yet, take a sip of the famed Agua de Sevilla and you’ll be hooked forever.
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8. Malaga
Just 80 miles north of Africa, Malaga is famed for its wild parties and is one of the most famous weekend destinations for Europeans needing a ray of sun. It’s also a historically-rich city though, with more than 3,000 years of Phoenician, Roman, Arabic, and Christian influences—and archaeological treasures that they left behind.
A bit later, Pablo Picasso was born here and added a splash of modernity to the city. Student life is rich and English is surprisingly common, due to the number of Brits visiting constantly. Malaga is one of the best cities to learn Spanish in Spain for those who like to have a good time and want access to an extensive expat community.
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9. Salamanca
Salamanca is a quieter option for study abroad in Spain. It has the oldest (and one of the best) universities in Europe that feels not very different from Hogwarts. Located in the heart of “old Castilla”, it’s said that the “purest” Spanish language is found here, which accounts for the abundance of Spanish language courses in Spain for international students...and for the international vibe.
Food is hearty, star gazing is possible under frescoed chapel ceilings, and there are a lot of interesting museums (hello, doll museum!). For those wishing to follow the footsteps of Miguel de Cervantes to fame, Salamanca is one of the best places to study Spanish in Spain!
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Where is the best place to learn Spanish in Spain for YOU?
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with *any* city in Spain.
Whether you’re looking for coastal tans or chic cosmopolitans, there is a nook in Spain just for you and your grammar book. Keep in mind what you are most hoping to get out of your study abroad experience and which lifestyle best fits your interests when considering where to learn Spanish in Spain. There is no bad place to call casa in Spain, so follow your corazón to new vocabulary and experiences!
