Learn Spanish holidays

Spain is unsurprisingly the main hub for Spanish learning holidays – and the focus is on destinations away from the touristy major cities and costas. Instead, language schools tend to be tucked away in mountain foothills, ideal for guided treks, or in historic cities such as Granada, where quintessentially Spanish traditions – from flamenco to tapas – still thrive. Ana Rodriguez Garcia, founder of our partner Peak Me Languages, recommends Northern Spain, “You'll get to practice a lot, as hardly any English is spoken by local people; and you will discover a totally different side of Spain hidden to the “costas” traveller.”

Further afield, head to Peru, drop the lisp and learn soft, South American Spanish. Cuzco Spanish lessons prepare you for four days trekking to Machu Picchu through the Andes Mountains. You’ll enjoy being able to converse with your porters and guides along the way, and this is a great way to start a longer Latin American adventure with your new-found language. Alternatively look to Colombia, or Costa Rica – in the latter, Spanish language lessons prepare you to help out at social projects and with local wildlife conservation efforts.

Most trips include around four Spanish lessons a day, of 45 minutes to an hour each. These tend to be in the morning, followed by a nice, late Spanish lunch. “Our classes are designed to be enjoyable, with lots of audiovisual materials and games, you'll struggle not to have a bit of a laugh,” says Ana, “It should always feel like a holiday, albeit one where you use your brain!”

There is plenty of time in the afternoon to take part in other activities or just stroll round town practising your new language skills in local cafes, bars and markets – you’ll remember words and phrases far better if you’ve used them in real life. Occasionally this is swapped around – with other activities in the morning, and Spanish lessons in the afternoon.

Your trip may begin with a level test to check your ability, and assign you to the correct class, although some schools will send you a level test to complete in advance. “Courses are suitable for all levels of ability and everyone can enjoy the course whether an absolute beginner or advanced student,” says Ana. “In fact, most of our students have never studied Spanish before and haven't been in a classroom for a while – and go back home really happy! Learning a new language is an invigorating experience. Don't worry about brushing up on your Spanish before travelling.” Ana recommends taking an intensive course, combining group and private lessons, if you want to get up to speed fast.

The Spanish courses take place in some of the prettiest parts of Spain – and many courses will include guided city tours, day trips to nearby towns and villages, a sneaky way to get you to consolidate your new vocab without even realising it! You can also combine your Spanish with another activity – like cooking, dancing or yoga.

Learning dancing and a language can go hand in hand. Maybe speaking Spanish gives you a good sense of rhythm, or perhaps Latinos just have the confidence to ignore their two left feet – but these countries seem to have come up with an awful lot of popular dances. Head to Granada to learn Strictly staples salsa and tango so that next time someone asks you if you want to bailar, the answer will be a resounding sí! If tango’s not quite pouty enough for you, sign up for flamenco – polka dots optional.

Learning to cook is a lovely way to immerse yourself in Spanish culture. Granada is famed for its tapas; these mini dishes are served up each time you buy a beer, meaning you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample plenty of them during your time in this city. Granada was the last Islamic stronghold in Spain, and Moorish influences are still seen in its food today – and you can learn about the spices, ingredients and cooking techniques used alongside a professional Spanish chef – and convey your appreciation in Spanish, too.

Alternatively, stretch your body as well as your vocabulary by combining Spanish and yoga, and see how the meditative atmosphere of the class helps to focus your mind on your studies. There is plenty of time built in to relax after the classes too, with refreshments and glorious scenery to revive your mind.