In spring, nature is reborn and everything about it invites us to renew our ties with the planet. It’s a time that charges us with energy and prepares us for the splendor of summer.

We want to take you to ten landscapes that we think are inspiring, uplifting and full of positive energy: from the glaciers in southern Argentina to the Peaks of Europe, and the Arabic gardens in Granada to the rich history of the Alberca cave… This week we have a special route for you designed to highlight the beauty of Mother Nature and the marvels made by mankind as you renew your interest in living life in Spanish. Let us guide you through our list of TopTen inspiring places in Spanish speaking countries where you will find harmony, balance and beauty that you will never forget.

10 Amazing places where people speak Spanish

1. Los Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe)

This majestic mountain range is located in the center of the Cantabrian Mountains in the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula between the Autonomous Communities of Asturias, Cantabria and Leon.

A favorite destination for Spanish climbers, El Naranjo de Bulnes is one of the most popular peaks and is often considered as the birthplace of the sport of rock climbing in Spain.

With over 64,000 hectares of unforgettable landscapes, we recommend the Picos de Europa to anyone who wants to get just a little closer to heaven, in all aspects.

2. The Generalife Palace

Located in Granada, the Spanish city where the splendor of the Muslim culture reached its highest levels.

The Generalife, a royal summer getaway hidden away behind the massive Alhambra Palace, is a haven of tranquility and balance with its sprawling gardens, beautiful buildings and paths that run throughout the complex.

Stroll through the fresh and serene scenery while losing yourself in the sound of the moving water and the sweet aroma of the ubiquitous plants and flowers…

3. Iguazu Falls

In the junction between Argentina and Brazil and very close to the Paraguay border are some of the most impressive natural falls imaginable.

With 275 different waterfalls, the roar of falling water can be heard from miles away. It is no surprise that this magical place has been recognized as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Iguazú National Park, located in both Argentina and Brazil, offers protection to this unique ecosystem that exemplifies the strength and power that Mother Nature hides within.

4. Perito Moreno Glacier

Located in Los Glaciares National Park on the southern tip of Patagonia, Argentina, near the town of El Calafate, is one of the world's most impressive glaciers.

This huge river of ice is five kilometers wide and reaches a height of over 60 meters above sea level, where massive icebergs break off of the huge glacier and produce intense sounds.

The location is in a privileged area of the world where one can observe whales and other cetaceans in one of the largest fresh water reserves on the planet.

5. Montserrat

About 50 kilometers to the south of Barcelona we find a surprising place: the mountains of Montserrat (In Castilian, "Monte Serrado" due to the aspect that years of erosion have caused). It is the most representative mountain in Catalonia and home to a sacred monastery dedicated to the Virgin of Montserrat, a pilgrimage center of the Catalan people.

The Black Madonna (Moreneta), patron saint of Catalonia, is a Romanesque carving that, according to legend, miraculously appeared there in 880. When an attempt was made to move it from its place, it became so heavy that it was impossible to move. This seemed to prove to those who found it that it was the Virgen's will to stay there, where a chapel was built that would eventually evolve into the monastery that we see today.

6. Altamira Cave

This cave was inhabited for 35,000 years, and much later it was discovered by a hunter in 1868.

It showcases the most impressive cave art of the Upper Paleolithic period. Many have called Altamira "the Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art" due to its beauty, complexity and shear amount of pictures located inside. These prehistoric paintings inspire us to pay homage to our ancestors, an experience well worth the trip through the lovely landscapes of the Cantabrian town Santillana del Mar, where the cave is located.

Visit Altamira Cave and enjoy the harmony of these cave paintings, where you'll experience the memory of a primitive age through the artwork of its people.

7. The Wind Cave

The On the volcanic island of Tenerife, near the city of Icod de los Vinos, we can find an impressive example of the telluric force of the volcanoes that formed the Canary archipelago.

The Wind Cave, over 17 kilometers long, is the longest lava tube in the European Union and the fourth in the world. Upon entering the interior of the volcano you observe Mother Nature's majestic engineering work, which makes you shudder as you imagine the roar of liquid lava that once passed through the very spot where you stand now in perfect silence, in the heart of the Teide, where the only melody heard is that of your breathing and your excitedly beating heart...

8. Enchanted City

Near Valdecabras, in the province of Cuenca (Spain), at an elevation of about 1,500 meters is the location of our next site, the Enchanted City.

Carved out of the rocky ground from years of rain and wind erosion, these natural formationswere declared a Natural Site of National Interest in 1929.

The rock formations transport you to a magical landscape where anything is possible and your imagination finds hidden animals and monsters within the rocky shapes.

It is here, next to the Tormo Alto formation that is the symbol of the city, that Viriatus, the Spanish leader of the resistance against Roman rule, was cremated.

9. Doñana National Park

This natural park extends nearly 105,000 hectares, occupying parts of the provinces of Huelva, Seville and Cadiz. The name originated from the name "Doña" (Mrs.) Ana de Silva, wife of the seventh Duke of Medina Sidonia, original owner of the land which he used as private hunting grounds. The natural enclave is home to marshes and dunes, an important stopping point in European bird migration to and from Africa in the winter and spring.

This wildlife sanctuary hosts annually more than 300 species of birds, as well as some of the most important Spanish animals, including the highly endangered Iberian lynx. Also located in the park is the site of one of the most important religious celebrations in Spain: El Rocío.


In the village of Almonte, the event attracts more than a million pilgrims each year as they converge upon the village from various different controlled routes to pay homage to the Virgin of El Rocío.

The Peña el Cabrelillo, just behind town hall, is one of Andalusia's longest standing flamenco institutions, a place full of love, faithfulness and a passionate interest to safe guard el cante in its purest form. In the city of Ubeda, the Tablao casa-museo andalusí, next to the Parador, offers the unique opportunity to enjoy flamenco in a gorgeous building on calle Narváez.

10. La Alberca

In a busy world of Internet and globalization in which being in a hurry has become a normal part of life for most of us, La Alberca, located in the northern part of the province of Salamanca, is a peaceful haven of history where traditions have been carefully preserved.

The village feels like a living museum with its unique architecture.

Surrounded by thick impressive forests, the village is like an island of peace that makes visiting it a must for anyone who finds themselves in the proximity of Salamanca.

Photo thanks to: Max Westby, Granadadian Weirdo, Cadampol, Adry, Yishac, Turismo de Tenerife, Machbel, Rlasaosa, Fernando Cuenca, Turistas x Naturaleza

If there's one sound associated with Spain, it's the dramatic melodies of flamenco. Read on and discover must-include spots for your flamenco tour in Spain.

1. Seville

If you're in Andalusia's vibrant capital city, you've got to go to Los Gallos. Located just two minutes from Murillo Gardens, this is one of Seville's most famous and prestigious tablaos (flamenco venues).

Flamenco lovers won't want to miss the wonderful exhibits displayed at the city's Museo del baile flamenco (Flamenco Dance Museum). You'll find it on the street that bears its name, right next to the Giralda and the Cathedral. Another Seville flamenco hotspot is Puerta de Triana, a performance hall on Castilla street in the legendary Triana neighborhood, famous as a hub for flamenco activity.

2. Madrid

Spain's capital seems to absorb the country's most exciting cultural traditions, and flamenco is no exception. The city offers some of the oldest and most intimate venues for catching flamenco action.

The Corral de la Morería, included in The Michelin Guide and centrally located right next to the Plaza Mayor (on calle Morería), is one of Madrid's most historic tablaos. The famous Café de chinita sits in Madrid's historic district, between the Palacio Real de Madrid (the Royal Palace of Madrid) and the Gran Vía. Finally, the Corral de la Pacheca, near the Plaza de Castilla, rounds out a golden triangle of cante jondo (deep song).

3. Cordoba

Heading through the historical Jewish quarter, you'll find El Cardenal, where flamenco performers offer spectacular entertainment to audiences dining on local cuisine in an open patio.

On the back side of the Plaza de la Corredera, La Bulería is another essential flamenco house, along with Rincón del cante at the Plaza de las Tendillas.

4. Granada

Visitors are strongly encouraged to visit the Camino del Sacromonte to see the Cueva de María la Canastera (the Cave of María la Canastera) and experience joyful cheer accompanied by song, dance, and hypnotic hand clapping.

In the historic Arab district of Albaicín, Peña la Platería is Granada's most vibrant flamenco tablao, a place that's decidedly not designed for tourists, which always guarantees an authentic experience.

5. Cadiz

The lively cheer of this coastal city will invite you to lose your way in the old quarter, where the smooth sounds of guitar strumming and passionate singing guide you to La Cava, next to the Plaza de España. Here, you'll also find the Peña Flamenca de Enrique el Mellizo, named after one of Cadiz´s most historic and celebrated musical figures. This is where seasoned flamenco masters and new-comers alike offer memorable performances for the enjoyment of visitors as they savor the delicious
flavors of Cadiz cuisine.

6. Jerez de la Frontera

Considered by many as the home of the cante jondo, this is one of the world's most influential flamenco centers. Back dropped by elegant horses and the robust aromas of sherry wine, the city offers emblematic flamenco performance halls such as Peña la Bulería in the populated neighborhood of San Miguel, next to the Ermita de San Telmo. The sense of humor that characterizes the people of Cadiz is recalled in the name of another popular Jerez tablao: El lagá del Tío Parrilla (located just across from the Museum of Archeology), which offers the most spectacular dance shows imaginable.

7. Malaga

The Peña Juan Breva tablao sits huddled by the foot of the Gibralfaro Mountain, where it is cooed by the city's unique traditional melodies.

Its stage has witnessed some of the greatest flamenco performances ever. If you'd like to not only observe, but also participate in this high passion art form, you can always head to the Liceo Flamenco, between the Cathedral and Gibralfaro Castle, where you can visit the flamenco museum, taste wines from Malaga and take dance and guitar lessons.

8. Barcelona

As a city that has historically received large amounts of people emigrating from Andalusia, Catalonia's capital is home to some of flamenco's most acclaimed artists. Right downtown on the Rambla, opposite the Teatre del Liceu (the cathedral of classical and opera music, you'll find the Tablao Flamenco Cordobés. Crossing the street you come across La Traviata a Sara Baras.

The legacy of Carmen Amaya, perhaps the greatest flamenco dancer in history, lives on at El Tablao de Carmen, located in the well-known Poble espanyol, on Montjuic.

9. Jaen

The Plaza Coca de la Piñera, next to the library, puts on a surprising program of flamenco shows nearly all year round.

The Peña el Cabrelillo, just behind town hall, is one of Andalusia's longest standing flamenco institutions, a place full of love, faithfulness and a passionate interest to safe guard el cante in its purest form. In the city of Ubeda, the Tablao casa-museo andalusí, next to the Parador, offers the unique opportunity to enjoy flamenco in a gorgeous building on calle Narváez.

10. Murcia

This city-province-autonomous community (all in one) has a special flamenco tradition, as demonstrated in the Festival de Cante de las minas, celebrated in La Unión on the last week in March. At this yearly festival, Spain's best flamenco singer is awarded flamenco's equivalent to the Oscar, known as la lámpara minera. In the city of Murcia, the historic Teatro Romea has been home to the Cumbre Flamenca de Murcia for the last twenty years, a symposium that gathers the most respected singers, guitar players and flamenco experts for a three week period to discuss the finer points of the art and to offer special performances.

We hope that after this quick tour you decide to include some of these cities on your own tour of Spain, where the magic of flamenco awaits to inspire you in true Spanish style.

Photo thanks to: randomix, im elsewhere, Gabrilu, Placida, Dani, Johnny Shaw, Sofie, Migpascual, Dariorana, Keith Williamson

Gardens are places that are full of sentiment, spaces that offer visitors the chance to collect their thoughts and to dream. Many of the amazing gardens in Spain also offer scenic aesthetic expression, where beauty is not only created by planting plants and trees, but also by harmonizing and maintaining a balance of all the elements found in nature such as water and air. Let’s take a tour of some of Spain’s most historical and most impressive gardens. 

The Gardens of Generalife, The Alhambra, Granada:

The magical gardens of the Alhambra, full of legends and mysteries, may take the visitor’s mind to the sublime atmosphere described in the tales of The One Thousand and One Nights. Built on a rocky hill and far-off peak of the Alhambra, the combination of light and green here creates a wealth of decoration that includes the landscape that lies beyond the palace walls, visible from strategic viewpoints. Paco de Lucia has a song called “Generalife bajo la luna” that celebrates the garden’s beauty.     

El Buen Retiro, Madrid

Buen Retiro Park was designed in 1640 and opened to the public during the time of Charles III. Today, El Retiro has become a symbol of Spain's capital city. The land is occupied by 15,000 different types of plants and trees including the French Parterre, Versailles-style, and the Rose Garden; it is also home to numerous varieties of flowers. The monument to King Alfonso XII situated alongside the pond is one of Retiro Park’s must-see attractions.

Real Alcazar, Seville

The delightful Real Alcazar of Seville is one of Spain’s great palace complexes, and perhaps the oldest. It is the original representation of Spanish style and Islamic expression adapted to the Christian world. This once was the official residence of the Kings of Spain during their visits to Seville and the palace is still acknowledged as a royal residence. The palace features extraordinary gardens. The Garden of Mercury, which has a beautiful bronze fountain with a statue of Mercury, the Garden of the Ladies and the Garden of the Prince are the most admired.

Laberinto Horta, Barcelona

This is the oldest garden in Barcelona and a magnificent example of 18^th century neoclassical style. The garden is most known for its exciting maze of hedges, yet it also features other aspects such as intriguing statues, arbors, numerous fountains, and incredible greenness that make these gardens an unforgettable place to visit. An important scene from the movie “The Perfume” takes place here as well.

Where better to learn Spanish than in Spain? Barcelona is then a good choice. Although the official language is Catalan, everyone here speaks Spanish. In addition, you will find excellent language schools in Barcelona where you can learn Spanish at a fast pace.

Besides studying, there is plenty to do in this lively city. If you want to taste the atmosphere of this city, you would be wise to rent an apartment in Barcelona in the center. You are within walking distance of the famous Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter. Would you like to go to the beach as well as the city, then renting an apartment in Barceloneta is a good choice. This neighborhood is located on a beautiful sandy beach and is a 15-minute walk from the city center. You are also within walking distance from the Vila Olimpica where there are many trendy nightclubs and lounge bars.

At OK Apartment Barcelona you will find a large selection of apartments in Barcelona. You can rent an apartment for a few days, a few weeks or a month. If you want to stay as cheap as possible, you can choose an apartment just outside the center of Barcelona, such as in the districts of Poble Sec, Gracia, Sant Marti and Poble Nou.

If you choose an apartment as your accommodation, then unlike a hotel, you will stay among the locals. You will easily make contact with the other residents in the area. You will also have a fully equipped kitchen at your disposal.

The school year's kicking off soon, and if you're considering the possibility of taking a course in a Spanish university, it may help to have a little information on the most interesting university locations. Remember, university life is not just about classrooms and libraries. This is a time to get out, meet people and explore the "cultural" life the city has to offer...

The following is our list, in alphabetical order (so we don't hurt any sensibilities), of the top ten Spanish university destinations, where you can enjoy a productive year… on all different levels.

1. Barcelona

The cosmopolitan center is on Las Ramblas

Ever since the mythical Hercules founded this city, Barcelona has been a Mediterranean hub, and its wide variety of universities (public and private) covers all options imaginable. The city's cultural and animated social life speaks for itself: a stroll down Las Ramblas, a vistit to Parque Guell or a drink with friends in the Puerto Olímpico area will open up the doors to an enjoyable city and a unique atmosphere in which to study Spanish.

2. Granada

Incredible tapas

Considering the size of the city in which it's located, the University of Granada is among the top schools in Spain. The city itself is a giant campus, where the students, the monuments, and the places to hang out in all come together in a unique mix of life. Granada also offers something unusual: here you can go skiing in the morning (the Sierra Nevada ski station is just 40 minutes away), have tapas in the city (they're free!), and later that afternoon go down to the tropical coast (Motril, Almuñécar or Salobreña) to take a dip in the Mediterranean. The international flavor of Granada makes it a perfect place to learn Spanish, meet people and feel at home.

3. Tenerife

Endless salsa dancing

The old capital of the island of Tenerife is set on top of the depths of the old lagoon. This is a perfect city for taking relaxing walks along its colonial style streets, where you'll find plenty of spectacular monuments. The University of La Laguna brings together many students, who come not only from the Canary Islands, but also from the rest of Spain and Latin America. La Laguna is one of the most prestigious international astrophysics centers in the world. The permanent connection between the Canary Islands and the Caribbean produces the friendliness, the sweetness of the accent and the warm musical rhythms that all invite visitors to stay and learn Spanish while Salsa dancing in the bars of the Cuadrilatero neighborhood, right in the center of town.

4. Madrid

Terraces and monuments

The capital of Spain is in the geographic center of the peninsula. It's also a place where people from around the country come together to study in its many universities and other learning centers. The Complutense University, la Autónoma, la Politécnica... Madrid is a political, economic and cultural center. The Madrid of the Austrias invites us to explore this metropolis which still retains the characteristics of a small town, where going for walks through parks and neighborhoods is still an enjoyable experience. The fact that in Madrid, almost everyone comes from somewhere else, guarantees that Madrileños will make you feel comfortable and welcome to chat in Spanish with the "gatos" in its many historical and charming cafés.

5. Malaga

Internationality and pescaíto

One of the main Mediterranean port centers, Malaga has permanent connections to northern Africa, and a colorful population that joins the jet-set with less exclusive visitors. The University of Malaga offers a great variety of attractive options, most notably in marine science studies. This is the home of Picasso, whose imprint can be seen all over the city. A short walk up to the Alcazaba (Arab fortress) offers us views of the port, which gives us the perfect excuse to head right down to the port on Palo Beach to chat with Malagueños over a nice plate of fresh sea food. Later, hop over to Marbella (a drive away) to have coffee among the economic elite, and take a few Spanish classes in an international atmosphere.

6. Pamplona

Healthy and direct people

The University of Navarra is one of the most prestigious private centers in Spain for health sciences. The old town area, with the aura of Hemingway floating about its streets running ahead of a raging bull, and the good natured Pamploneses are features of this city. You'll also find a combination of studies and the perfect simplicity of the most delicious vegetables you can imagine (Lodosa peppers, asparagus, artichoke…) and wine that describes the nature of the people of Navarra: robust and tangy, with a memory not easily forgotten, like the magical beech trees of Irati.

7. Salamanca

Bars with style

Style, that's Salamanca. A city dressed in the elegance of the Villamayor stone. Here you'll find one of the most famous universities in the world, not only for its age, but also for its prestige, and its distinction of having been the home of Spanish as a second language studies that it is today. Imagine an enormous museum, where you can walk through and discover hidden gems within the surprising monumental city's detailed decoration, which remind us that we're in the city of the Tormes. Here, bars seem to have come right out of a decoration and design contest, where contact with Salmantinos is not only easy, but inevitable.

8. Santiago de Compostela

Seafood and albariño

If all roads lead to one place, that place is Santiago. For more than a thousand years, this wonderful city has been joining people on pilgrimages to different sights of interest: The Cathedral and the saint's tomb, the university and a jar of Ribeiro. The peacefulness here, along with the musical tone of the Galician way of speaking invite us to drift along the rúa Raíña and the Praza Roxa to meet these friendly people. After a long history of migration, they know how to take in outsiders better than anybody.

9. Seville

The very best flamenco and tapas

During spring time in Seville the aromas of incense and orange blossom speak of Holy Week, gardens in bloom and the Feria de abril. The University of Seville echoes the sounds of Carmen la cigarrera. The royal tobacco factory is one of the most evident buildings in the landscape of the capital of Andalusia. The benevolence of winter in Seville provides a great reason for studying Spanish in this city, which houses the Indias Archive and the main port connection with the New World. Flamenco music appears on every corner of the Triana neighborhood (almost an independent city) on the other side of the river, and in the bars in Santa Cruz. Here, cantaores fine tune their voices with a sip of fino or manzanilla while gazing out the window, taking in views of the Giralda, the magnificent bell tower of the biggest gothic cathedral in the world.

10. Valencia

The Mediterranean and modernity

This is the capital of the Turia, crossed because of the spectacular vision that R. Bofill had of the riverbed, now the heartbeat of the city and the center of a university known for its architectural and technical studies. We can admire the talent the university produces by exploring the works of Santiago Calatrava in the City of Arts and Sciences. By going to la Albufera, checking out la Malvarrosa or wandering about El Carmen we will get to know Valencia, a town that's always been open to the sea –and to other people-, where if there's anything more impressive than the raucous ringing of firecrackers during festivals, it's the friendliness and smiles of the people.

Take advantage of the options that a combination course offers Spanish students. don Quijote allows you, if you like, to enjoy an almost entirely complete panorama of the most important university cities, while experiencing the esthetic and cooking pleasures that a richly diverse country like Spain has to offer.