Top 5 language and activity courses in Spain

There are scores of language and activity courses on offer throughout Spain, but here five of the best around:

1. Spanish and gastronomy in Valencia

There is plenty of delicious food to be had in Spain, but spending time in Valencia will give you access to even more than usual. The city’s position on the coast makes seafood a particular specialty of the area, and in fact, Spain’s most iconic dish – paella – originates from the Valencia region.

This course is aimed at people who want to learn how to cook famous Spanish dishes such as this and combines practical cooking classes with gastronomic cultural activities such as visits to museums, restaurants and bars – always under the guidance of the resident chef. The course can be taken at all levels and will be conducted in Spanish and English- for many years, the school’s chef has been an English and Spanish teacher, which makes the course accessible to students who do not yet have a very high level of Spanish.

More about Spanish and gastronomy in Valencia

2. Spanish and surfing in San Sebastian

A long-time favourite with Cactus staff, the Spanish and surfing course in San Sebastian provides a great way to better your language skills and enjoy the golden beaches of Spain’s Atlantic coast.

San Sebastian is a laid-back, friendly and compact city that offers you ample opportunity to practise your Spanish in the local tapas bars as well as on the beach. Students are offered five hour-long surfing lessons each week, with a maximum of 6 students per instructor. Board, wetsuit, insurance & a hot shower are included in the price!

More about Spanish and surfing in San Sebastian

3. Spanish and beginners’ diving in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife

The Canary Islands are famous for their year-round warm weather, and Tenerife will not disappoint in this regard. There are lots of places where you can learn to dive, but doing so in warm, blue waters of Puerto de la Cruz will certainly boost the enjoyment factor!

The diving course there consists of 2 weeks of half-day lessons, and is aimed at people with no previous diving experience. Under the supervision of a professional PADI instructor, the course will prepare you for the PADI open water diver certificate, and once you have this under your belt, the diving world will be your oyster…

*Please note that a diving course for experienced divers is also available in Puerto de la Cruz

More about Spanish and diving in Tenerife

4. Spanish and flamenco in Seville

One of the most iconic aspects of Spanish culture, flamenco dancing is as mesmerizing as it is vibrant. The Andalucian city of Seville in particular has become synonymous with the dance, and here, you can learn from the best. Students learning Spanish in Seville can supplement their language studies with either 4 or 8 hours on Flamenco classes per week in the famous Museo del Baile Flamenco.

Taking Flamenco lessons will give you chance to practise your Spanish with native speakers and to get a great insight into this important cultural aspect of Spanish life. And what better place to do so? One of Spain’s most famous, attractive and historic cities, Seville cannot fail to impress as a Spanish and dance study destination.

More about Spanish and flamenco in Seville

5. Spanish and guitar in Cadiz

If you want to get to grips with Spanish culture but don’t fancy putting on your dancing shoes, there’s always the option to try your hand at Spanish guitar. Based in the historic university city of Cadiz, the Spanish and guitar course will enable you to learn about one of Andalucia’s longest-standing traditions.

It doesn’t matter if you have never played the guitar before – lessons are offered to both beginner and experienced students. You’ll need your own guitar for the course, but your teacher can recommend where to buy one in Cadiz if necessary. 

Outside of lessons you’ll be able to practise your Spanish in Cadiz’s lively bars and restaurants, soak up the sun on one of the city’s beaches and enjoy the relaxed pace of life that this sunny part of the world is so famous for. You’ll also be inspired by watching some of Andalucia’s best ‘guitarristas’ in action at venues around the city…

More about Spanish and guitar in Cadiz