Museums, parks, restaurants for every taste (and budget), a fun-filled nightlife, different shopping areas, markets and festivals to enjoy… Madrid has it all! Well, almost. In the words of a popular local ska band from the 1980s, 'Aquí no hay playa' (there’s no beach here). So, with summer temperatures approaching 100 degrees, it’s important to always have a plan B to escape the heat.

Read the article in Spanish here.

Here are a few different ideas to keep up your sleeve in Madrid:

Pick a favorite park

El Retiro is hands down the most famous park in the capital of Spain. Aside from the sunny, crowded area around the square lake, its shady paths offer a breath of fresh air, perfect for the hottest part of the day. But Madrid has lots of other parks — this summer, why not try to find your favorite?

Oeste Park is the closest to our don Quijote school in Madrid, and here you can admire an authentic Egyptian temple or take the gondola lift to see Madrid from the skies. The ride will carry you all the way to Casa de Campo, the capital’s largest green space, ideal for exercising, rowing in the lake, or visiting the Amusement Park. Casa de Campo is linked to yet another park, Madrid Río, where you can hop on a bike or strap on your rollerblades and make your way to an exhibition at the Matadero Contemporary Art Center. If you want to keep it laid-back, take metro line 5 to Capricho Park, a romantic garden full of surprises, from a miniature fort (complete with a moat) to a bunker where the Republican government took shelter during the Spanish Civil War.

Make a splash!

Yeah, we know… there’s no beach in Madrid. That means the many pools you’ll find in and around the capital are the place to be when the heat is too overwhelming. If you’re looking for something close by, your best bet is to go to one of the city’s public pools, spread out across the different neighborhoods. If you’re up for a bit of a trek, we recommend you take a trip to the mountains to dip in some natural pools, either in Cercedilla, roughly an hour away by car, or Rascafría, about 15 minutes farther.

If you’re craving something more chic (and also more expensive), several hotels in downtown Madrid will let you spend the day soaking in their pools. Hotel Emperador, right on Gran Vía, features one of the city’s most popular rooftop pools along with spectacular panoramic views of the city.

Cool off with culture

One of Madrid’s many museums could be the ideal plan for a hot summer afternoon, with air conditioning, entertainment, and culture all in one. As you probably already know, the Spanish capital is home to one of the world’s best museums featuring European painters: the Prado. If contemporary art is more your style, the Reina Sofía Museum is just a short walk away, housed in a former hospital with a refreshing patio where you can take a break between rooms.

Why not stray from the beaten path and visit some of Madrid’s lesser-known museums? Try the Cerralbo Museum, located in a charming and luxurious 19th-century palace, or the ABC museum, which organizes interesting illustration exhibitions. Step inside the Sorolla Museum for a look at the painter’s house and studio in Madrid, complete with a beautiful garden and fountains, or stop by the Garment Museum, next to Oeste Park, for a trip through the history of clothes.

Looking for something a little different? Go back in time with the Platform Zero project: you can visit the old Chamberí metro station, restored to look the same as it did the day it was closed to the public in 1966, and the Nave de Motores de Pacífico, an electric power plant dating back to the 1920s.

Join the party

If there’s one thing that stands out about summers in Madrid, it’s the string of typical fiestas celebrated in the different neighborhoods and lasting long into the night. For an authentic Spanish experience, don’t miss La Paloma, a verbena or open-air festival celebrated the week of August 15 in La Latina. You’ll enjoy learning to dance the chotis alongside madrileños in their traditional chulapo dress (it’s the easiest dance in the world, we promise.) The most refreshing fiesta is the almost 40-year-old Batalla Naval de Vallecas — the enormous water fight will leave you as happy as you are soaking wet.

Maybe visiting Madrid in the summer isn’t such a bad idea, right? Trust us, you’ll have a blast. This list is just the beginning: you still have to eat at one of the city’s many restaurants with terraces, enjoy the ambience of the trendy Mercado de Motores, and hear live music at outdoor concerts in the Sabatini Gardens or the Complutense University Botanical Gardens.

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Spain is synonymous with beaches for the vast majority of summer tourists, but as many experienced travelers know, when it comes to destinations, marching to the beat of your own drum and steering clear of the crowds is sure to produce surprising rewards — and Salamanca is no exception! Its centuries-old charm mixed with a lively population of university students make it a great place to visit any time of year, but in the summer you get the extra bonus of seasonal festivals and fewer tourists.

Read this article in Spanish

Sightseeing with a soundtrack

Salamanca’s many beautiful outdoor public spaces are even more special in June, July, and August thanks to a festival called Plazas y Patios de la Música. More than 20 concerts are held at iconic spots throughout the city, from the golden Plaza Mayor to the refreshing gardens of Santo Domingo to the peaceful Patio de Escuelas Mayores. Contemplate the historical architecture and unique atmosphere as you listen to jazz, classical music, pop, funk, soul, reggae, tango, bossa nova, fado… you’ve got lots of styles to choose from.

Tapas tasting

By the time your first day in Salamanca comes to an end, you’ll probably have already started exploring one of the most famous Spanish food culture: tapas. Many (but not all) bars and restaurants in Salamanca will give you a free tapa when you order a drink. So forget about having every person order their own plate — tapas is all about sharing, and part of the fun is that you don’t know what you’re going to get! Of course, once you’re familiar with the different options, you can always order plates of food (called raciones) to share if you’re craving something in particular. And since it’s summer, you’ll probably never have trouble finding a table at your favorite spot. One of the great things about Salamanca is that it’s a small city, so once you pick a place to keep returning to, the waiters will recognize you and treat you like a regular.

Free contemporary art

Street art lovers will love Salamanca’s Barrio del Oeste, which has been transformed into a colorful urban art gallery with huge wall murals, smaller garage door paintings, lots of yarn bombing, and all sorts of creativity flowing from every corner. Start in the Plaza del Oeste and take walks around in every direction.

The innovative contemporary art museum Domus Artium was created in 2002, the same year Salamanca was named European Cultural Capital. Admission is always free, so if it feels too hot to be outside you can enjoy the air conditioning and the art as you meander through the museum. Exhibitions are constantly changing, so you’re sure to find fresh inspiration.

Summer swim

For some, summer’s just not summer until you jump in a pool. There are four outdoor public pools in Salamanca: La Aldehuela, Rosa Colorado Luengo, Pizarrales, and Tejares. If you don’t mind leaving Salamanca behind, take a 1-hour bus ride to the beautiful medieval town of Zamora, which has more Romanesque churches than any other city in Europe. The town itself is well worth exploring, but on hot days its location on the Duero river is key because you can swim at Los Pelambres beach!

While you’re in Salamanca, don’t forget to enrich your journey by learning the language and speaking with the locals! Our don Quijote Spanish school offers a wide variety of courses and private classes so you can craft your own experience.

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With average temperatures consistently in the 90s and no beach in sight, summers in Seville are not for the faint of heart. The upside? Those who can brave the heat are free to enjoy the city without standing in endlessly long lines, waiting for throngs of tourists to pass before taking each picture, or giving up on landing a table in popular restaurants. If you’re not afraid of a little sweat (okay, maybe more than a little), visiting Seville in the summer will be an intensely Spanish experience you’ll never forget.

Read the article in Spanish

Here are some tips to help you beat the heat:

Embrace the siesta

When in Spain, do as the Spanish do: avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day. Siesta time exists for a reason! You can be active all morning until you eat lunch around 2 p.m. (remember, Spanish meal times are different than what you might be used to). After lunch, plan on laying low and maybe taking a quick nap. Having a break in the middle of the day will give you time to fully enjoy your meal, chat with the people around you, and relax so you’ll be ready to take on the second half of the day.

If you absolutely can’t stand the idea of sitting around and doing nothing, consider visiting an air-conditioned museum (try the Flamenco Museum of Seville or the Andalusian Museum of Contemporary Art) or go for a stroll in Maria Luisa Park, where huge trees offer plenty of shade. 

Carry a fan

Speaking of local customs, the typical Spanish hand-fan (abanico) is one summer accessory that never goes out of style. Pick up a cheap one from a street vendor (try Plaza de España) for less than €5, or shop around for a beautiful, hand-painted work of art. You may have to dedicate part of an afternoon to perfecting your fanning skills, but before long you’ll be able to open and close the fan with a single flick of the wrist. Once you get your technique down, you’ll feel cooler and a little bit more Spanish!

Enjoy the nighttime

There are some things in Seville you can only experience in the summer, and one of them is a music festival called Nights in the Gardens of the Real Alcazar. Listen to classical music, world music, and flamenco in a magical, outdoor setting with 75 concerts from June to September. 

Experience a typical Andalusian fiesta

Seville’s charming Triana neighborhood has its own fiesta, la Velá de Triana, that takes place over six days in late July, from Tuesday to Sunday, including July 25 (the feast day of Santiago Apóstol, aka Saint James) and 26 (the feast day of Santa Ana, aka Saint Anne). Religious celebrations are an important part of the festival, but it’s a popular event for everyone to enjoy. The streets and plazas around Calle Betis are strewn with festive, colored paper lanterns, music fills the streets, and tents serving food and drinks are set up to fuel the merrymakers.

As you can see, there are lots of good reasons to visit Seville in the summer! While you’re here, why not take a Spanish course at don Quijote? Speaking the language will give you a more authentic experience, plus you’ll make friends from all over the world. And remember, if you can’t take the heat, the Costa de Luz is so close you can hop on a bus or train, swim at the beach, and return the same day. 

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Ready to take your Spanish to the next level? Even if you’ve already studied at a Spanish language school, studying in a Spanish-speaking country will expand your mind in ways you never thought possible, plus you’ll get to travel and experience a new culture while you build your résumé. 

Whether you’re considering summer school in Spain or an adventurous trip to Latin America, the key is to leave your English behind and commit to a full linguistic immersion. But how do you choose between so many different Spanish immersion schools? 

To help you sort through all the Spanish schools in Spain and Latin America, here’s a quick overview of our top 5 choices:

1. Spanish school in Madrid

Something new is always happening in this thriving capital city, so you’ll have no problem getting out of the house and into the rhythm of Spanish life. Madrid is not nearly as touristy as other cities in Spain, so it’s easy to escape other English speakers for an authentic Spanish experience.

Make sure to look for a school with small class sizes: you’ll be more engaged and you’ll get more practice speaking, which means you’ll feel more comfortable chatting with locals after class. At don Quijote Madrid, we keep our classes to eight students or less.

2. Spanish school in Barcelona

It’s not hard to understand why Barcelona is always a favorite destination for travelers from around the world. For those want to study in beating heart of a bustling, cosmopolitan hub and still be able to hit the beach every day after class, this beautiful, artsy city is a great option. 

Don’t feel overwhelmed by all the language schools available: go for one that uses innovative teaching methods that make classes fun and interesting; that way you’ll be excited to go to class every day. Our teachers at don Quijote Barcelona take a student-centered approach, so you’ll be learning about the topics you’re passionate about.

3. Spanish school in Valencia

With less traffic and more parks, Valencia is big enough to keep you occupied and exploring new things but has a laid-back atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and enjoy the Mediterranean breeze. 

Seek out a language school with several years of experience: they’ll have already perfected the recipe for quick, effective learning so you can make the most of your time. By studying with don Quijote in Valencia, you’ll be tapping into the knowledge we’ve gained over more than 30 years.

If you’re leaning more toward studying in Latin America, say no more! The New World is full of great Spanish learning possibilities as well.

4. Spanish school in Mexico

If food plays a big role in your life, you might want to consider studying Spanish in Oaxaca. In a country whose colorful cuisine delights bellies and ignites tongues the world round, this city is the destination for a culinary experience like no other. The city is also renowned for its colorful artisan crafts.

Choose a language school offering activities that take you deeper into the culture, where you can go beyond the superficial experience. don Quijote has three different schools in Mexico, all offering salsa dancing, culture, and cooking classes. 

5. Spanish school in Costa Rica

If ecotourism is more your style, Santo Domingo de Heredia is the place for you. Being at peace, surrounded by natural landscapes and spectacular wildlife will help you discover what pura vida is all about. Plus, Costa Rican coffee can’t hurt when you’re studying! 

Look for a school that recognizes the importance of conversation practice: this way you can learn how to talk about topics that matter to you, so you’ll be learning the vocabulary you need to have the conversations you want. At don Quijote in Santo Domingo de Heredia, our teachers emphasize practical Spanish you’ll be able to use in real conversations, both in class and out in the world.

If you can’t settle on just one destination, why not choose a few? 

don Quijote lets you mix and match different cities in Spain and Latin America: each time you move, our methodology ensures that you can pick up your Spanish course right where you left off. 

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Did you ever take a Spanish class in high school but never really felt you could use it in real-life situations? Studying Spanish abroad will put what you learned in class to the test. Immersing yourself in a language allows you to dive into a different culture and learn Spanish faster than in a classroom. Living abroad you will hear, read, write, and speak Spanish constantly. Did you know Spanish opens the door for you to communicate with 1/3 of a billion speakers worldwide! Here are the top reasons why you should learn Spanish abroad:

Communicate with 477 million native Spanish speakers worldwide:  

Has anyone ever asked you why you should learn Spanish? Well, the answer is easy. Spanish is the second-most studied language in the world. In 2015, the number of people studying Spanish as a second language was more than 21 million. Speaking Spanish will help you improve your communication skills and reach another level personally and professionally. When you travel to Spanish-speaking countries, you will be able to communicate and articulate ideas to share with native speakers.

You could find the love of your life:

Imagine all the possibilities you will have when you study Spanish abroad. Statistics say if you are single and having trouble finding a mate in your local town, state, or country, studying Spanish abroad could significantly increase your options. Just picture yourself dancing salsa under the moonlight and speaking Spanish with everyone there. You never know what could happen.  

Experience the nightlife:

The Spanish know how to party, and apparently, they exported this tendency with them when they were colonizing the world. When you study Spanish abroad, it is the perfect moment to go out and practice the language with locals. This is the time to really get down and boogie. You'll be introduced to a whole bunch of new celebrations that'll keep you up all night and dancing all day.

• Día de los Reyes Magos in January
• San Juan in June
• Feast of El Salvador del Mundo in El Salvador in August 
• Grito de Lares in Puerto Rico in September
• San Fermín (running of the bulls) in Spain in July
• Señor de los Milagros in Peru in October
• Día de los Muertos in Mexico in November

Nail your job interviews:

Many companies are looking for candidates that speak more than one language. You can better your chances of landing your dream job in any industry. Impress the interviewer by speaking Spanish and responding to questions fluently. Beat the jitters and learn Spanish to gain confidence and nail your interview.

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Today we celebrate our heritage, our culture, our language. Millions of us speak Spanish every day. That shows the language has been evolving for centuries, getting richer and richer with new words. How about this for an interesting example: you’ll see, in the video, our team teaching us some of the numerous American words used in Spanish (Please, remember to activate the subtitles).

Read the spanish version

Spanish is a language that unites us all. Today, October the 12^th, is our day and your day. Let’s celebrate!

Celebramos la diversidad del idioma español. ¡Feliz día de la Hispanidad!

 We are celebrating the diversity of spanish. Happy Hispanic heritage day!

 Fêtez la diversité de l'espagnol. Joyeuse fête de l'Hispanité!

Wir feiern die Vielseitigkeit des Spanischen. Alles Gute zum Tag der Hispanität!

Comemoramos a diversidade do espanhol. Feliz "Día de la Hispanidad"!

We vieren de diversiteit van het Spaans. Fijne dag van de Hispanidad!

 Festeggiamo la diversità dello spagnolo. Auguri per la "Fiesta de la Hispanidad”!

Да здравствует многообразие испанского языка! Поздравляем вас днем Испанидад - праздником сообщества испаноязычных стран!

 スペイン語の多様性を祝おう。ハッピーヒスパニックデイ！

 让我们一起来庆祝西班牙语世界的多样性吧！国庆节快乐！

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Spain is Not Just for Summer!

Winter in Spain is often overlooked, but here in Spain, we love making off-season trips to embrace the chilly air, and sometimes to escape it. Down south, Spain is generally quite warm year-round, we have all had our fair share of winter swims and the coast is generally protected from extreme weather, however many tourists are surprised by how cold it can get in places like Madrid and northern Spain. But we love winter! In winter, this gorgeous country offers world-class ski slopes, enchanting medieval cities, stunning mountains and heart-stopping views, and if that doesn’t do it for you, its world-renowned food and wine are sure to warm you right up.

We asked five people living in Spain what their favorite winter destinations are and here are their answers:

1. For Unbeatable Views and Challenging Mountain Terrain:

Antonio, from Alcoi, Spain. Favorite destination: Jaca, Huesca & The Pyrenees Mountains

“The mountains are incredible, I don’t even mind the 8-hour bus ride,” Antonio explained, “I always have a great time, find new challenging slopes and love having the ability to go a little off-trail and discover new routes. I’m a bit of a dare-devil but there are plenty of black slopes to keep me occupied.” Several ski resorts are located just a short drive away, all offering breathtaking panoramic views of gorgeous mountain peaks. Formigal and Candanchu are two well-known ski resorts with world-class ski slopes, difficult black runs, plenty of wide open space, nightlife and restaurants. And when you aren’t skiing, you must visit the town of Jaca. It is an ancient fort built on the Aragon River and offers gorgeous views, lush gardens, cobblestone streets and plenty of interesting things to see and tasty local dishes to try!

2. For the adventurer:

Sergio, from Valladolid, Spain. Favorite destination: La Pedriza, Madrid

Sergio loves this natural paradise and hot-spot for climbing aficionados, “It can only be climbed in the winter, so we have to take advantage of it when we can.” Less than an hour from the capital city and easily reachable by bus this area is a great day trip in the winter. La Pedriza is a curious geological feature made by running water over granite rock and the town at its foothills, Manzanares El Real, is worth visiting as well, complete with a well-preserved medieval castle. Hiking is enjoyed by weekend warriors year-round. The climbing rocks, however, are too slippery in the summer, in the winter icy formations create a little more resistance, perfect for rocódromo.

3. For the Snow Bunny:

Belen, from Albacete, Spain. Favorite destination: Sierra Nevada, Granada 

Without a second thought Belen answered our question swiftly, “Sierra Nevada, because I love the mountains! My family goes there every year, so we know people and the views are beautiful. It’s not too far from home and you have everything including Granada city, culture, mountains and sea nearby. Oh and la Alhambra is one of the most beautiful sites in the world!” Sierra Nevada, Granada is the ski destination for many Spaniards. It can get a little crowded but most people love that it is so incredibly lively and never boring. A huge plus is that it is just a few hour’s drive from most cities in the bottom half of the country! 

4. For Tourists:

Monica, Reggio Calabria, Italia. Favorite destination: Seville, Seville.

“Seville is the best in winter! This is my favorite city and it is so much fun in the off-season. There are less tourists so it feels more authentic, it’s not as hot (in the summer it can easily reach 110ºF) and you can visit all the sites with less crowds at your own pace. I go for the sun and delicious Andalusian food.” It’s a great time to take advantage of Andalusia’s sunny weather and experience the culture after the crowds have left.

5. For Summer Birds, who would rather fly south:

Diego, from Madrid, Spain. Favorite destination: Las Palmas, Canary Islands

Many people like to take advantage of low cost flights to the tropical Canary Islands, where the climate is pleasant at an average winter temperature of 68ºF, days are long and sunny and you might even be able to swim (if you don’t mind the cold ocean). Diego’s favorite part? Well he has many, but he loves the fun locals and typical papas arrugás that you get at any local bar. He also loves how green the island is! You have never seen so many shades of green! Some other highlights include: Teror, a charming, colorful town characterized by colonial buildings and cobblestone paths; Casco Viejo, the oldest neighborhood in Las Palmas; a complex history involving African, European and American influences; inspiring natural sites including volcanoes; stunning African sunsets.

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Have you ever wondered what is the best way to learn Spanish? Does it seem like no matter how much you study, the information just doesn’t stick? Maybe it’s time to try something new and jump-start your learning experience. Here are five tips on how to learn Spanish and actually remember what you’ve learned.

1. Talk with real people: do an intercambio

The absolute best way to learn Spanish, or any language, is to practice using it in the real world. Luckily, in most cities across the world you’ll be able to find an intercambio (language exchange) where you can meet and converse with native Spanish speakers. Some are held in group settings where you can talk to several different people, while others are organized in one-to-one partnerships. A quick Google search with your city + language exchange should bring up several options. Remember that this is a two-way street: part of the time you will be speaking in Spanish, and then you’ll switch to English so you can help the other person work on their own language skills. The give and take aspect of language exchanges can help you stop feeling shy or embarrassed when you speak in Spanish because the other person is going through the same thing when they speak in English with you!

2. Read aloud

Reading to yourself out loud reinforces several different language skills at the same time. First, reading will help you absorb Spanish grammar and sentence structure and introduce you to new vocabulary worlds (don’t forget to write them down!) Second, reading out loud will help you learn to speak Spanish by giving your mouth and tongue practice forming the words and building your muscle memory. Unlike English, Spanish is written just as it is pronounced. This means that once you know the basic rules, you can sound out any word and say it correctly, even if you’ve never seen it before. Lastly, reading in Spanish can give you insight into another culture and help you see the world from a different perspective. Try reading an online newspaper from a Spanish speaking country you’re especially interested in, or visit the Spanish section of your local public library. You’re sure to find something no matter what your Spanish level is: check out some children’s books, flip through a magazine, or choose a novel!

3. Get it down on paper

Writing something down helps us commit it to memory. And no, typing doesn’t count! Try keeping a little notebook in your jacket, backpack, purse, or car so you can jot down any new words and phrases you come across. You can use these lists to make flashcards and keep them handy so you can strengthen your vocabulary while you’re riding the bus, on hold with the cable company, in the kitchen waiting for the water to boil…any time is a good time to get in a few minutes of Spanish practice.

4. Download an app

Take advantage of the new generation of language learning tools by downloading an app to boost your Spanish skills. Don’t ignore the gamification aspects of these programs: signing up for challenges and connecting with friends to compete with can help you stay motivated. But remember, an app cannot replace the experience of speaking Spanish with real people.

5. Take a Spanish class

Most people need structure and direction to learn a language successfully. When you choose a language course, look for a school that offers small class sizes and a methodology that focuses on conversation and student participation. Build a relationship with your teacher and ask questions when you don’t understand something to ensure you get the most out of the class.

Any combination of these five tricks is sure to put you a good few steps ahead on your language journey. Don’t give up: learning Spanish just might change your life!

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Thinking about traveling to find the best places to learn Spanish but don't know where to start? Look no further and let us help you find the best Spanish places to visit!

Spanish is spoken in many different countries and each one has a different appeal for visitors: whether it's history, nature, or culture you're interested in, you will find your perfect match. Let's explore together different destinations where learning and practicing your Spanish won't be a problem. Here are the seven best places to learn Spanish and donQuijote has a school in each one.

Spain: best place to learn Spanish

You know, the Spanish language comes from Spain, so wouldn't it be a great place to start? While there are differences between the varieties of Spanish used in Spain, everyone can still communicate with each other.

The Spanish language you learn in Spain is different to South American because of the different ways it is spoken. But when you learn Spanish in Spain, you will be able to communicate in any country that speaks the same language. You may practice your knowledge before studying abroad in Spain by listening to the radio, watching your favorite show in Spanish, or download a Spanish app on your smartphone.

Madrid is the capital of Spain and is known for its energetic culture, tapas and great ambiance. Most locals are very friendly and like tourists who want to learn to speak their language. You can start your journey with donQuijote and learn Spanish in Madrid. This city is the 6th most populated place in Europe and its clearly spoken accent is just great for learners.

Spanish classes in Madrid are very interactive, and everything you study in the classroom you will put into practice with a friendly local. What better way to learn Spanish in Madrid than over a glass of wine and free tapas?

On the other side, you can choose to study and learn Spanish in Barcelona. Barcelona is surrounded by sunny beaches and its great food makes it a long-standing favorite destination for tourists.

Barcelona could be the best place to learn Spanish because of its melting pot of individuals and their cultural blend. So you can take a Spanish course in Barcelona to live a cultural experience as you practice the language with native locals. This course will also help you experience a new lifestyle by making new friends and having fun in a new language.

Just imagine after your Spanish classes in Barcelona, you and your new friends head out to eat with an incredible view of the Mediterranean Sea. Sounds incredible!

Mexico: best Spanish place to visit

Truly immerse yourself in the Mexican culture and traditions through the language in Latin America by trying out one of our Spanish immersion programs in Mexico. Learn Spanish in Mexico throughout your daily routines and take advantage of the opportunity to practice your Spanish in your everyday life.

DonQuijote offers you three destinations to learn Spanish in Mexico: Playa del Carmen, Oaxaca or Guanajuato.

Our favorite place is Playa del Carmen: a perfect destination for a Caribbean getaway with beautiful beaches, lush forests and incredible weather all year round. A cosmopolitan city where you can practice your Spanish and while taste cochinita pibil or panuchos.

Another of the best Spanish places to visit in Mexico is the state of Oaxaca, in the southwest of the country, which has a coast bathed by the Pacific Ocean. It is one of Mexico's top destinations, thanks to its rich culture and amazing gastronomy. You will make long-lasting friends and open new doors for your future while you study the language in Mexico with donQuijote.

Costa Rica

Surround yourself with gorgeous nature! Come and learn Spanish in Costa Rica and have fun while doing it. This country has amazing sights and here you will be able to study new vocabulary while you're ziplining through the jungle. Study Spanish in Costa Rica while enjoying some natural hot springs or visiting an adventure park. It's the most biodiverse country on Earth, so keep an eye on its amazing wildlife! Discover another of the best Spasnih places to visit in Latin America with don Quijote.

Argentina

Love red wine and advanced cuisine of all types of food? You can venture off after your classes and indulge in the culture. Argentinians are famous for their distinctive and captivating accent, and they love exchanging and learning new vocabulary words with tourists. So, feel at home and make the most of your stay while you learn Spanish in Argentina and share mate with your friends.

Buenos Aires is known for its high population, and its cultural scene makes it one of the world’s top destinations. Many of the Spanish schools in Buenos Aires offer immersion to help students experience the real Argentina. Since language and culture go side by side, what better way to learn Spanish in Buenos Aires than a highly customized program that tailors your interests and helps you learn faster? 

Colombia

Everything you have heard or seen on TV about this country you must delete it from your memory and start off fresh: a lot has changed since the 90s. Spanish schools in Colombia are surrounded by the country's lush landscape and offer many opportunities to practice your new linguistic skills. One of the many reasons to learn Spanish in Colombia is that the locals clearly pronounce their words and speak slowly, which makes it very easy to understand.

Gain the ultimate experience and learn Spanish in Bogota or Cartagena while you get to know the local traditions. The Spanish schools in these cities will teach you how to communicate in supermarkets, restaurants, and other places where you will want to talk to people on an everyday basis.

Cuba

This historical and vibrant country is known for its music, art, and culture. Take a tour around the city and study Spanish in Cuba in a way you never expected. Jump inside a 1950s car and see vintage art pieces on your way, and don't miss the breathtaking architecture that awaits you just around any corner in Havana, Trinidad or Santiago de Cuba. Travel to Cuba while you learn to dance through old Havana and, of course, fall in love with the locals' Caribbean accent.

Ecuador

Explore the beauty of the rainforest and wildlife while you learn Spanish in Ecuador. Most locals are very open to helping international travelers around the area. A good Spanish school in Ecuador prepares you for basic conversations and how to travel around cities like colonial Quito with no problem. People from Ecuador speak slowly and clearly so it doesn't matter if you're an absolute beginner, you won't struggle to communicate. So, come and study Spanish in Ecuador, it will be the experience of a lifetime!

These are just the seven best places to learn Spanish, but you will find countries and cities all over the world where mastering this language will be fun and unforgettable. If you want to start your adventure in the language, don't hesitate any longer and come with don Quijote to study Spanish in Spain or Latin America.

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Everyone knows that life and customs change a lot in each city or in each country. It is common to think what is normal at home can be abnormal to someone else. To truly learn about a new culture, you should shed any prior bias or judgments you might have. Today we are going to take a walk by the most typical customs of Spain so that you do not get caught by surprise.

Read the Spanish version

• The schedules

What surprises everyone who arrives in Spain is the timetable in which locals move. Starting work at 9.00 in the morning, stop at noon to make lunch, eat at 14.30 pm and then have dinner around 21.00 at night. These are the times that not everyone can follow or adapt to it. Lastly, everyone uses the military time here so be prepared.

Some see this as great and others see it as terrible, this allows us to enjoy more hours of the sun ... but sleep less. Also, be careful! There are many shops and many businesses that close between 14.00 pm and 16.00 pm for lunch.

• La Siesta

Of course, after eating, not everyone wants to start working again. Therefore, the most traditional thing is to take a half an hour (or more) nap on the sofa or in a bed.

However, this is not so typical of Spain and few people can take it to practice. The working days do not allow you to have all that time to get home, eat and take a nap. Therefore, we leave this luxury for the weekend.

• Las tapas

Spain has bragging rights that we can eat on a terrace of a bar (or several) only paying the drink. For a waiter to come to your table with your drink and give you a plate of nuts, olives, salad, omelet or anything else, is something that can only happen here.

So, do not be scared if the waiter puts a small plate of food on the table. It wasn´t a mistake, it is for you.

• Ser escandaloso

Surely after eating tapas at a bar, you realize that you are starting to speak in a loud tone of voice. Even when a bus or train passes the tone of your voice is used similarly. We tend to speak louder than the rest of Europe. But relax, it is not because we are angry, it is because we do not realize it.

• El aceite de oliva

There is nothing more typical of the Mediterranean diet than using olive oil to season your salad, to cook a steak on a pan or to spread on toast. It is an oil that is used in the Spanish cuisine and that is uncommon to the rest of the world. In fact, Spain is the country that generates the most olive oil and exports it to the world.

Here are 5 of the things that surprise most people when they come to Spain. But we only put 5! There are other typical customs of the Spanish tradition that will surprise you even more, but that’s what makes Spain the perfect destination.

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