Granada Excursions

One of the benefits of studying abroad is the ability to venture outside your host city and explore the surrounding area. Excursions are offered for all semester, year, and summer programs. You will receive a calendar of the specific CEA excursions offered for your program during orientation. To give you an idea of the possibilities, we have collected typical experiences from some of the tours and trips we have offered to our students in the past.

Alpujarras

Alpujarras, Spain's best kept secret, is a region in the province of Granada between the highest mountains in Spain and the Mediterranean Sea. Students will love this escape into a joyous land of sunshine, snowy mountains, and some of the most splendid scenery imaginable. The Moors took refuge in these hills and resisted here, maintaining their customs and way of life for well over a hundred years after they were expelled from Granada in 1492 by the Christian conquerors. La Alpujarra was their final battlefield in Spain. Their legacy is to be seen everywhere in the distinctive architecture of the mountain villages and in the intricate system of irrigation waterways which still keep the landscape green and fertile, fed by the snows melting high in the sierra. We will be moving in the Poqueira Valley. This area of the Alpujarras consists on three villages that cling to the steep eastern slopes of the middle stretch of the Poqueira river valley: Capileira, Bubión and Pampaneira. Beautiful in their simplicity, the villages appear to tumble haphazardly down the steep hillsides, connected by a labyrinth of narrow, winding cobbled streets.

Gibraltar and Puerto de Santa María

The visit to the British colony of Gibraltar is one of the students’ favorite excursions. It is easy to understand why-- Gibraltar is such a compound of curiosities. Amiable drivers with a mixture of British English and heavy southern Spanish accents take students for a visit of Gibraltar’s famous Rock, which hosts 50 miles of siege tunnels. Students will also see Saint Michael’s Cave, now used for classical concerts, the Apes’ Den, synagogues, churches and the impressive Mosque. Gibraltar is also the exact point where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean sea meet; on a sunny day Africa is visible across the water. Students also take advantage of this duty-free shopping site before heading for el Puerto de Santa María. This beautiful town in the province of Cadiz is the place where Columbus met the owner of the flagship Santa Maria, Juan de la Cosa, its captain in 1492. This trip also includes a visit to one of El Puerto’s famous sherry wineries. El Puerto de Santa María is well-suited to producing this unique wine due to its climate and chalky soils, with help from a special ageing process called solera. Students will learn everything about the production of sherry and even have the opportunity to taste it.

Málaga

Málaga, a genuine and typical Andalusian city with a gritty individualism, is the major coastal city of the region. 3.000 years ago the Phoenicians landed in Málaga, they called it MALACA (probably from the word malac - to salt) and they used the harbor as an important centre for salting fish. Málaga's history is so visible as you walk around the city. It does not take much imagination to whisk yourself back to Roman times at the Roman theatre, or to the Moorish Court with its cooling foundations at the Castle. Or the splendid court of Isabella and Ferdinand at the great Cathedral or nearby 16th century Palace which houses the Museum of Fine Arts. Students will visit the castle overlooking Málaga which was originally Phoenician, La Alcazaba, a fortress which dates back to 1065 and is now a fascinating archaeological museum. The fortress is one of the largest Muslim military buildings preserved in Spain. It formed part of the Arab Malaka defensive system and was linked to the town ramparts, which have now disappeared. Fortified gates, decorated with columns and Roman capitals, mark the pleasant walk. This maze of gates and nooks makes the long journey even more pleasant. Students will also visit the Pablo Picasso museum, which has an extensive selection of works by the artist from the private collections of Christine Ruiz-Picasso, the widow of Picasso’s son Paul, and their son, Bernard.

Nerja

This town is considered the most beautiful spot in Costa del Sol. The weather is pleasant in this region of southern Spain; a trip to the beach is very comfortable from March to November. Students are often impressed by the enormous caves of Nerja, whose 20,000 year old wall paintings are indicative of a prehistoric population. From the rocky promontory known as el Balcon de Europa, one can take in sweeping views up and down the coast. Students will head to the popular Burriana beach and have lunch at Chiringuito Ayo, one of the typical open-air restaurants by the beach. Students are encouraged to try paella, the world famous rice dish, perfect for any occasion. The name refers to both the frying pan and the rice dish created with it. After lunch, you a visit to a sandy beach provides the perfect opportunity for relaxation, or perhaps a swim in the warm Mediterranean water. Athletic types might like to join other beach-goers for some volleyball—what better way to make new friends and practice speaking Spanish?

Seville

The visit to Seville begins at La Maestranza, the most famous Bullfighting ring in the world, followed by a visit to the Reales Alcazares, a Moorish fortress from the 14th century, enlarged later with palaces and beautiful gardens. The Cathedral is one of the three largest Gothic cathedrals in the world and is allegedly the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. Seville was once a great Muslim city; students will be transported through history while enjoying a fabulous lunch in a former Arab Bath converted into a restaurant. The city is fascinating and students will be amazed by the incredible buildings that contrast with its narrow streets and small plazas. Free time can be spent relaxing at the Parque de Maria Luisa and the Plaza de España, a large area that was transformed for the 1929 Exposicion Iberoamericana. The Plaza de España is one of the city’s favorite spots, with its fountains and mini-canals filled with rowboats. There will also be time to go for a pleasant stroll to the bank of the Gualdalquivir River.

Toledo

Toledo was the capital of medieval Spain for 200 years; today it is the capital of Castilla la Mancha, the land of Don Quixote. Still referred to as La Ciudad Imperial, this medieval city bristles with monumental splendor. Students will enjoy a captivating train tour to the most beautiful locations in Toledo while listening to tales of legends mixed with history. Known as the "City of the Three Cultures," Christians, Jews, and Muslims lived together peacefully. Their legacy is a city filled with diverse and impressive architecture that can still be enjoyed today. Art lovers will appreciate Toledo for being the home of El Greco, the world famous Renaissance painter whose most important pieces of art can be appreciated in the city. The small charming church of Santo Tomé displays his masterpiece, The Burial of Count of Orgaz. Students can also meander around the city and take time to soak up some of the most distinctive architectural combinations in Spain. Toledo is particularly well-known for its quality sword craftsmen. Swords used in many contemporary films have been made in Toledo, including weapons featured in the cinematic trilogy “The Lord of the Rings.” Students are welcome to handle and photograph the swords; however, they will need to start saving early if they want to purchase one of their own with price tags of up to $600. Many people consider Toledo the most beautiful city in Spain; this trip will be a remarkable experience.