Archive for category: Destinations for you

Seville is a city that entices thousands of Spanish learners each year, and one which rarely disappoints. There is plenty to see and do in the city outside of lessons, and the good news is that much of it is totally free of charge. Here are our top ten recommendations for free things to do during your time in Seville.

1. Explore the Santa Cruz district

With its winding alleys, pretty lime-washed houses and intimate squares this formerly Jewish district is undoubtedly one of the loveliest in Seville. Wandering through the tiny streets will give you a real sense of the Seville of times gone by, and some much-needed shelter from the searing sun if you visit in summer!

Much of the legend of Don Juan, plays out in the Santa Cruz Quarter, and you can visit the Plaza de los Venerables, where Don Juan Tenorio is supposed to have been born, and the Plaza de Doña Elvira, where Doña Ines, the object of Don Juan’s desire, is supposed to have been born.

2. Visit the Real Fabrica de Tabacos

The Real Fabrica de Tabacos is now the main building for the University of Seville. Built in the 18th century, the building was initially constructed for the production of tobacco products from the New World, and was made famous by the Bizet’s opera Carmen. At one time this was the largest industrial building in all of Europe, complete with moats, fountains, a chapel and even a prison.

3. Go up the Giralda

The Giralda in Seville is one of the only three remaining Almohad minarets in the world (the others are both in Morocco). The beautiful structure became the bell tower of Seville Cathedral after the Reconquista and still dominates the city’s skyline. The Giralda was the minaret of the mosque that was replaced by Seville Cathedral.

Entrance to the tower is from inside the cathedral, and entry to both is free every Sunday.

4. Enjoy a fantastic view of Seville from the ‘mushroom’

Ok, first we need to admit that this isn’t entirely free…but it’s only a Euro or two and the view that you get from this new structure is well worth it. It might look like a mushroom, and is referred to as that by locals, but its proper name is the Espacio Metropol Parasol, and it was specifically designed as a viewing tower.

5. Take a stroll through the Triana district

The Triana district of Seville was traditionally known as the ‘gypsy’ quarter, famous for its bull fighters and flamenco. Its paved streets and ceramic shops give you a taste of authentic Seville, and one that may not be experienced by most tourists. Visitors to Triana can buy traditional ceramics, walk through the town during the day and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the bars and in the evening.

6. Visit the Parque de María Luisa and Plaza de España

Built in 1929 for the Ibero-American fair, this beautiful garden and lovely plaza sit next to each other to the south-east of Seville. You can explore the botanical trail and exhibition buildings in the park, and take in the Art Deco and Mudejar architecture of the plaza. Visiting the plaza during the evening is especially nice as the fountain and building are illuminated.

7. Spend an afternnon in the in the Archive de Indias

Included on USESCO’s World Heritage List, the Archive de Indias was commissioned by Phillip II and built during the 16th Century. It contains a library of historical documentation of Spain’s American empire, including Christopher Colombus’ journal. Entrance is free on Sunday afternoons.

8. Visit the Reial Alcázar

The Reial Alcázar (Royal Palace) was originally a Moorish fortress but was later re-developed by King Pedro of Castille in the 14th century as a palace. Although the King used Moorish workers specifically to continue its Islamic features, subsequent rulers made additions in a variety of other styles. It’s a fantastically well-preserved building with courtyards, patios and chapels, all of which are beautifully decorated. Entrance is free for anyone living in Seville (and able to show proof), and also for disabled people and under 16s. Pensioners pay just 2 Euro, as do students between 17-25. Find out more.

9. Walk down the Calle Parras

This street is probably the best place to see the Macarena procession in Semana Santa, but no matter what time of year you visit you’ll be left with little doubt as to the devotion to this procession and to the church. Nearly all of the houses on the street have tile paintings related to the Virgin or the Señor.

10. See the Torre del Oro

One of Seville’s most iconic landmarks, the Torre del Oro was built by Moors in the 13th century as a watchtower to help safeguard the city from Christian invaders. It was built with stone and decorated with golden tiles, which explains its name, and now represents a lasting reminder of the Moorish walls which once enclosed the city. Inside you can visit a maritime museum which documents the history of the navy and the ships that docked at this old port. It is free to visit on Tuesdays.



Cactus offers a range of Spanish courses in Seville at a variety of levels. For full listings and to book please visit the Cactus Language website.

The course in the Bavarian city of Regensburg gives students a unique opportunity to gain an authentic experience of Germany at Christmas time, and learn German in the process. Students learn German during the week (6 days language tuition between 21 and 30 December) and also take part in the festive social programme that includes tasting gastronomic Christmas delights!

Accommodation in a single room in the student residence is available to book between 20 December and 2 January (or from 13 if you take a 3 week course and start a week earlier).

Lessons will not take place on public holidays over Christmas, including Friday 24th and 31st.

For more information please visit the Cactus Language website

As winter takes its hold, with winter woollies regular attire and lights on by 4pm, far-flung destinations where the sun shines all day and you can enjoy being outdoors without piling on the layers become increasingly inviting!

The Southern Hemisphere is the perfect destination at this time of year, and here’s our pick of the top 5 getaways in Latin America:

1. Colombia – Cartagena

At nearly 500 years old, Cartagena is a real jewel of the Caribbean. Steeped in colonial history, its old walled city, a UNESCO heritage site, is a charming trove of narrow streets, shaded courtyards and balconies spilling out bright flowers. The infectious beat of salsa and the sweet smell of fruit vendors’ carts fill the streets, just enough to tempt you before the warm waters lapping at its shores lure you away from the city and towards the beautiful beaches of the northern Caribbean coast.

2. Colombia – Medellin

Medellin may have built a reputation for the wrong reasons, but the press has neglected to sing the virtues of its renovation. Out with the cocaine cartels and in with a safe and energetic downtown, this ‘City of Eternal Spring’ has been reborn and can finally be enjoyed for what it really is. Today’s visitor will be treated to stunning mountain views, an enviable climate, bustling streets, an impressive nightlife and a city of fun-loving, generous Colombians who know how to embrace you with their warmth and make sure you’re having as good a time as they are.

3. Rio de Janeiro – Brazil

Rio is a place of dreams: it’s intriguing, exotic and fun. The picture postcard views from Sugar Loaf, the colour and chaos of Carnaval, the swinging of samba hips, the beautiful bodies on Ipanema, the tiny fio dental bikinis…there’s seemingly no end of iconic images for this captivating city on Brazil’s sparkling Atlantic coast. Time your trip with Carnaval in February and you’ll be treated to the cidade maravilhosa, as the locals proudly call it, in all its glory. You may not get much sleep, but this is one experience in life not to miss.

4. Costa Rica – Jaco Beach

Jaco Beach is an old favourite with Cactus and for good reason. This laid-back town on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is the place to go for the perfect combo of long golden beaches with a backdrop of lush, natural jungle. Unsurprisingly Jaco attracts surfers from afar, and even away from the beach you’re surrounded by rows of surf shops and surfers discussing the perfect wave over a cerveza as the sun goes down. It’s not just about the water though; nature lovers can surround themselves with wildlife in the nearby forest and those who simply want to chill out have ample opportunity.

5. Mexico – Playa del Carmen

Sun, sea, sand and more sand…don’t look further than Playa if this is your idea of paradise. It’s no surprise that over recent years tourists have begun to flock here, but beach life is still nothing but relaxed and the old Latin philosophy of mañana lives on. Indulge in some superb diving or snorkelling in the clear Caribbean waters, browse the local shops selling Mexican crafts or take a trip to the wonderful Mayan ruins at Tulum or Chichen Itza. Or simply grab a beer in one of the many seafront bars, hang out and just soak it all up.

There may be a specific language that you’d like to practise, or learn, in which case which country you choose to go to will be straightforward.

If your travel plans are purely leisure-based though, where you choose will depend on whether you’re looking for sun or snow, and (if you’re planning a trip in November or December) whether you want some festive cheer, or to avoid the chaos of Christmas!

Whatever the case, here are some recommendations for some great winter travel destinations this year.

1. Heidelberg, Germany

For anyone who embraces all things Christmas, and who pines for those festive childhood Decembers, Heidelberg is a fantastic place to go to during November and December. With its fairytale castle, beautiful setting and pretty old town, there’s no better place to take in some Christmas markets and soak up a bit of festive cheer…and gluhwein! If you’re lucky you might even get some snowfall – not unusual for this part of Germany in the run up to Christmas.

Cactus offers a range of German courses in Heidelberg, with several options for accommodation.

2. Tenerife, Canary Islands

Anyone who hates the cold and whose sole requirement from a winter trip is that it takes them somewhere hot will find that Tenerife is a great option. With average temperatures in November and December of around 15 degrees centigrade, and plenty of sunshine to enjoy, it’ll provide a very welcome respite from the grey days and frosty mornings. Tenerife is really well served by low-cost airlines, and budget accommodation is easy to find too, which means that it’s also a good destination for anyone who needs to travel on a shoestring.

Although Christmas is obviously celebrated in Tenerife, the different climate and environment will clearly remove you from the usual Christmas clichés that you are bombarded with in mainland Europe, which may be a welcome break for many!

Cactus offers Spanish courses in the town on Puerto de la Cruz in a school just 2 minutes walk from the beach.

3. Turin, Italy

Turin hosted the Winter Olympics in 2006, which gives some indication of its first-class sporting and entertainment options at this time of year. Obviously, it’s a great destination for ski and snowboard enthusiasts, but it offers a really festive atmosphere in general. The lively Turin Christmas Market is held every year in the piazzas and gardens of Borgo Dora, within the Maglio and Ciliegi courtyards. Market stalls open every day, with music, theatre and activities for children too.

Currently, students can choose between General, Individual and Combined Italian courses in Turin. Also on offer is a specialist Italian and Tango dancing course.

4. Lyon, France

As France’s gastronomic capital, Lyon is a great place to visit at any time of year. If you visit around 8th December though, you’ll experience the awesome Fête des Lumières (festival of light), when every household places candles along the outsides of all the windows and Lyon’s finest buildings are illuminated with fantastic lights, shows and music.  Lyon is also tantalisingly close to the slopes of the French Alps, which makes spending a few days skiing easy to incorporate into your trip.

Currently, General, Individual and Intensive French courses are available at a range of levels in Lyon.

5. Vienna, Austria

When it comes to crisp winter mornings and cosy cafes where you can shelter from the cold, Vienna is hard to beat. Largely because of what you’ll find in those cosy cafes! Vienna’s reputation as coffee and cake capital is richly deserved, and you’re eyes will most certainly be bigger than your belly when you select your slabs of gateau from the cabinet. If you can ever coax yourself out of the warm cake-havens though, you’ll be in for even more treats – Vienna’s architecture and history is amazing at the best of times, but when Christmas decorations are all around and you have ice rinks and Christmas markets to enjoy, Vienna will rapidly become your new favourite place.

German courses available in Vienna include General, Individual, Combined and Intensive courses. Also offered are Academic Year courses, Teacher Refresher courses, Juniors courses and German and Music courses.

Cactus has worked with GLS since 1999, soon after we first began. GLS is one of our largest partner schools, and attracts students from all over the world – as such they work with a wide range of agents. We have always enjoyed working with the team there, who have always delivered excellent customer service. We also consider the courses and accomodation offered by the school to be first-class. The partner school, labelled ‘Berlin Campus School’ on our website, benefits from some fantastic facilities that include 40 classrooms, two guesthouses and a restaurant. It is the only centre in Germany which has a campus that is open all year round.

Head of Groups at Cactus, Alex Wolfson, has stayed at GLS two times, and in his opinion, it is one of the best schools we work with in the whole world! We have sent scores of students to learn there over the years, and feedback has included comments such as,

“Excellent facilities, great tourist activities every day- well organised. Berlin was fantastic- what a great city. I loved the course too. It was well structured and organised. I met some great people there from all over the world. ( Eric DeWitt, August 2011) “

“I chose Cactus because i knew them from their good reputation. The German classes were excellent and I really appreciated the fact that it was very easy to combine the studies and the fun. I had a lot of fun in the fantastic city that Berlin is! (Tiziana Missana, October 2009)”.

German courses currently available at the Berlin Campus School include General German, Individual German, Intensive German, Young Adult Programme and General German and Work Experience. For full details, including start dates and prices, please visit the Cactus Language website.