Granada Cultural Activities

City Tour

Granada is a fascinating city with lots to offer. Students will become acquainted with the city first-hand during this staff-led tour. Start to feel at home with a walking tour of the University of Granada, a popular study abroad destination among European exchange students. Get a sense of the varied neighborhoods with stops along the tour and learn about “need to know” places, such as the police station, pharmacies, clinics, and various stores.

The Alhambra

Overlooking the city of Granada, The Alhambra is Europe’s largest Arab palace. Students will spend the day exploring this historic and cultural site, including the Generalife Gardens. With a confluence of Islamic and Christian architectural styles, it is easily one of Spain’s most important architectural monuments.

Albaycín Tour and Tea House

This outing begins with a visit to the Albaycín, an 11th century Arab neighborhood, which still maintains its original design and ambiance. Students will then enjoy a picnic at the Mirador de San Nicolas, which boasts a majestic view of The Alhambra, as well as the rest of the city. Finally, students visit a traditional Arab tea house, where they can sample Arab pastries and tea. It's an authentic Middle Eastern experience, offering insight into the culture of southern Spain.

Churros con Chocolate

Satisfy your sweet tooth with churros con chocolate, a traditional local treat. Churros, a doughnut like fried pastry, are a popular breakfast food often served with a cup of thick Spanish hot chocolate for dipping.

Sporting Opportunities

Learn about the multitude of sporting activities available at both the university and within the city of Granada. Students can bike, hike, swim, climb, ski, as well as participate in soccer and basketball competitions, just to name a few options. Through a tour of the University Sports Activities Center students will learn how to gain access to these fun opportunities. Additionally, students will visit Granada’s modern wellness center, which for a small fee provides access to pools, tennis courts, and other organized activities like yoga, aerobics, and salsa dancing.

Carmen de los Mártires

Feed the ducks along a stroll through the romantic garden of Granada, Carmen de los Martires. It is considered a "paradise for the five senses". Students enjoy its rich greenery, fountains and statues as well as exotic peacocks. Not only is Carmen de los Mártires a beautiful spot, but it also has a rich history, and an amazing view to the city with its many convents and churches.

Huerta de San Vincente & García Lorca’s Park

Students will visit the summer residence, now museum, of the world famous poet, Federico García Lorca. The gardens surrounding his home have been converted into the city’s largest park. García Lorca wrote some of his most famous works at Huerta de San Vincente, including Blood Wedding (Bodas de Sangre) and Yerma.

Traditional Spanish Meal

Students participating in CEA’s various programs will meet and become acquainted over a traditional Spanish meal.

Language Exchange Partners

Monthly gatherings with Spanish students are a great opportunity to connect with a local language exchange partner to practice Spanish, as well as make new friends.

Sacromonte

Sacromonte is a historical gypsy neighborhood, founded on the hill of Valparaiso and built over catacombs. Spend an afternoon hiking to this unique place where people still live in caves. Enjoy a picnic on the top of the hill while admiring the astonishing views of the Alhambra and the city of Granada.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering abroad is a smart way to engage with your host culture and community. Expand your vocabulary and meet local Grenadians while helping others. Students can volunteer in several areas, such as homeless shelters, animal shelters, with the disabled or with children — the possibilities abound! Not only is this is a great way to become immersed in the language and culture of Granada, it is an opportunity to help others. In the past, students have successfully volunteered as English language teaching assistants at local primary and secondary schools. Potential volunteer sites include the following:

Asociación Calor y Café is a nonprofit local association that helps the homeless to cover their basic needs and teaches them reintegration to the social and labor market. Volunteers will provide personal attention to homeless, offering conversation, company, blankets and food.

Founded in 1985, ASPACE is a nonprofit national organization with 70 entities that provides assistance to those with cerebral palsy. The goal for ASPACE is that all people with cerebral palsy get a maximum level of personal growth. Volunteers will provide assistance in the dining room and swimming pool.

ALCER, Association for the Fight against Kidney Disease, is a national nonprofit organization created in 1976. It was approved as a public service by the Council of Ministers in 1984. Its purpose is to fight against kidney illness trough the Dialysis and Awareness of Organ Donations Campaign in order to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Volunteers will visit patients at different hospitals. Schedule: afternoon or night.

The Refugio de Sierra Nevada is a local nonprofit animal shelter. They take in abandoned animals (mainly dogs and cats), feed them, give them love and look for permanent homes. Some of the volunteer tasks include cleaning, giving the animals their medication, walking and petting them.

Be part of an educational project conducted by a team of educators, psychologists, speech therapists, a doctor and specialists in early childhood education.