Andalusia, Vélez-Málaga and Costa del Sol in Spain
Andalusia is one of the most charismatic and representative regions of the Spanish geography. No other Spanish region has transcended as much as Andalusia, to transmit to the world such Spanish signs of identity as flamenco, the Spanish guitar, the fiestas, the fantastic gastronomy, and the truly friendly and cheerful character of its people. If you are coming to Spain for a few days, come to Andalusia. You will never forget it and above all, you will count the days to come back.
Andalusia, a Mediterranean Paradise in the South of Spain.
We integrate the most welcoming Summer environment of the touristic Costa del Sol in Andalusia with the higher professional levels in the field of Education. After many years of experience in the field of formal education, we can offer you quality Erasmus+ courses in Spain.
Located next to the beach in the center of Costa del Sol, the city of Vélez-Málaga is only 45 minutes from Malaga and its international Airport Pablo Picasso, and 3 hours from Madrid by train through Train Station Maria Zambrano.
Enjoy a summer of sunny coasts fun and learning the Andalusian Spanish Language with exciting activities. Live with us the Andalusian experience, the best experience of your life.
Vélez-Málaga, the heart of the Axarquia region of Andalusia
A millenary History
Founded by the ancient Phoenicians traders, with a rich Roman, Islamic and Christian history, Vélez-Málaga is nowadays the touristic capital city of the Axarquia region in Costa del Sol. Place of birth of the famous philosopher Maria Zambrano and where we teach the Erasmus+ courses for teachers in Spain.
A tropical paradise for the agriculture of the exotic avocados and mangos next to the warm beaches of Torre del Mar, and a real treasure of culture, gastronomy, and tradition with great monuments from the ancient Andalusian era like the fortress beside the old Islamic village and a significant amount of Christian monuments as Church of Santa Maria, Beniel Palace, Church of San Juan, Convent of San Francisco, etc.
Vélez-Málaga, between sea and mountains
Vélez-Málaga is located in a privileged place between the beaches of the Costa del Sol and the montains of the Sierras Tejeda, Almijara. The peak of “La Maroma” has 2,065 meters above sea level very popular among hikers and mountaineers. If you go there and you get a great sunny day you can see even the coasts of Africa.
This natural paradise of grey and white mountains is the house of wild goats and eagles and for those who love living adventures in nature they can enjoy rivers and stream cascade down the mountains like in the Río Chillar or Río Verde near the famous city of Nerja by the Nerja Cave considered an official Natural Monument.
The Axarquia of Malaga and its mountain and sea villages
The word Axarquia comes from the Arabic word “Al-Akshar” which means “Orient” referring to the east position of this region respecting the Andalusian city of Malaga. Considered the land of the Sun with its 31 municipalities, it is one of the sunniest places in Spain with an average of 320 sunny days a year.
The typical Andalusian towns of Axarquia are located on hillsides where the picturesque white low houses are adapted to the irregular terrain with steep and winding streets like in a fairy tale. Iznate, Comares, Frigiliana, or Canillas de Aceituno, are good example of this unique kind of Andalusian architecture.
We cannot forget Nerja with its internationally famous Nerja Caves considered a Natural monument.
Ronda, romantic and Roman
Located in the heart of its own Serranía, in the province of Málaga, Ronda is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and original villages, not only in Spain, but in the whole of Europe. It is the centre of a rich region that for centuries has been the cradle of nobles and great families from all over the area, which has given it an urban centre full of palaces and large houses that will delight us as we stroll through its stately streets. Its bullring is the oldest in Spain and it has a multitude of monuments such as the Church of Santa María la Mayor, the Palace of Mondragón, the House of the Moorish King and viewpoints such as the Aldehuela or the “coño”. But what really fascinates us about Ronda is its Tajo, built in the 18th century over the Puente Nuevo bridge that spans a canyon more than 100 metres deep, which for millennia the river Guadalevín has been sculpting until it separated the city into two parts, which rests on the spectacular rock massifs.
Traditions, festivals & parties
Every day is a party in Spain, we work hard but we celebrate life as well. During summer you can enjoy a great number of festivals and celebrations with concerts and traditions as you never lived before.
You will find friends everywhere, everybody is welcome warmly to enjoy the music and dancing.
The light and colors of Mediterranean villages create a magical environment where all is possible.
Andalucia is also special, it is said that there is an “Andalusian charm”. Learn more about its most deeply rooted celebrations and its culture, such as Easter Week, its Fairs and Flamenco, which in Andalusia reach their maximum splendour.
Málaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol in the center of the Andalusian coast
The most attractive thing about Malaga is its climate with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, which together with its beaches and large network of hotels along the Costa del Sol, make it perfect for a fantastic holiday by the sea and have a great time. In fact, the group of towns and cities of the Costa del Sol such as Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Marbella, Fuengirola, Vélez-Málaga or Nerja is one of the biggest tourist destinations in Spain. But we must not forget that Malaga was founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century B.C., which makes it one of the oldest cities in Europe, and therefore the cradle of cultures that have left their legacy throughout the centuries. Proof of this are the 10th century Moorish castles of the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro, the 1st century Roman Theatre and the Great Cathedral which took more than 200 years to build in 1528 and yet was left without one of its two towers.
More wonderful destinations in Andalusia not to be missed
Although the stamp and imprint of Andalusia is present throughout its geography, it is true that it is in its most representative cities where its personality is strongest. Discover below some of the many most important Andalusian cities, from a long list.
Granada, the city of The Alhambra
The whole city of Granada is full of monuments from one end to the other, but without a doubt the heritage of the Nasrid kingdom overflows everywhere we go. This makes it one of the most representative cities of Andalusia and its Moorish past. The great monumental complex of the Alhambra and the Generalife, a jewel in the history of Spanish art and a World Heritage Site, towers over the city surrounded by towers, walls, gardens, palaces, water channels, courtyards and even the Palace of Charles V and museum next to the city’s Parador. In addition, in Granada we can enjoy its neighbourhoods and markets or Arab souks with narrow streets such as the Albaicín and the Alcaicería. The imposing cathedral of Granada is one of the greatest representations of the Spanish Renaissance, and in its funerary Royal Chapel, the remains of the Catholic Monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand, together with their daughter Joanna “the Mud” and Philip “the Handsome”, can be found.
Seville (Sevilla) the famous capital of Andalusia
A well-known “sevillana”, a very typical Andalusian song, says: “Seville has a special colour”, and you can understand it when you visit it. Its strong and passionate character, together with its cheerful and friendly “art”, make Seville the greatest representation of Andalusia in the world. It is the fourth largest city in Spain with more than 700,000 inhabitants and has one of the largest historical heritages in the world. Its Gothic, Baroque and Moorish cathedral with the Giralda tower is the largest in the world. Its historic centre, which is the largest in Spain, is full of monuments, palaces, museums and gardens, such as the Plaza de España or the Reales Alcázares. And of course, its typical neighbourhoods of Triana and Santa Cruz are at the root of flamenco. Moreover, in Seville you can go “tapas” and enjoy all the Andalusian gastronomy without leaving the city.
Córdoba, capital of ancient Al-Andalus
Córdoba was founded in the 2nd century BC by the Romans, until the Iberian Peninsula, or Hispania at that time, was invaded by the Muslims. During this period known as Al-Andalus it was the centre of the Empire, which is why it is one of the greatest cities representing the history, art and culture of Spain. Its Mosque-Cathedral, recognised as a World Heritage Site, is a grandiose construction that at the time of the Caliphate of Cordoba was one of the largest in the world. Over the centuries, Cordoba has been able to maintain the festivities and traditions of the different cultures that have passed through it, offering us a legacy of unique architectural works such as the Alcazar de los Reyes, the Roman Gate and Bridge, the Synagogue, and neighbourhoods such as the Jewish Quarter or the Calleja de las Flores, within the route of the famous Patios of Cordoba, decorated with thousands of plants and flowers in the purest Andalusian style.