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Excursions  |
ALL the excursions below are included in your study abroad program price! |
Excursions are a fundamental part of the abroad experience. Sol Abroad carefully selects weekend excursions that allow you to discover more about the country in which you are studying. Excursions are selected based on cultural and educational importance or sites of natural beauty. Entrance and transportation fees are always included. |
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Nerja is a relaxing getaway to the Andalucía coast. Commonly known as the Costa del Sol (Sun Coast), it is a popular beach escape for people from all over Europe. The drive from Granada to Nerja is impressive. You will pass through deep canyons and then along a spectacular coastal highway. The deep blue Mediterranean Sea stretches out below the winding roadway. Nerja is a small coastal town with plenty of beaches to pass the day. Many of the beaches are intimate, tucked amongst cliffs and rocks jutting from the sea. Along the beaches are restaurants set out in the sand where you can enjoy fresh fish while basking in the tranquility of the Mediterranean. |
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The Alhambra is one of the most impressive monuments in the world. It was the ancient palace of the Sultans beginning in the 9th century, and remained in their power until 1492. The marvelously decorated walls of the palaces are like something out of a dream. Stuccoed inscriptions in Arabic repeat throughout the palaces, continuously drawing you into the unique history of the fortress. The use of water throughout the Alhambra bestows upon you a sense of calm while exploring the ornate passages and stunning gardens. It is nothing short of stepping into another world. Equally as inspiring as the restored palaces of the Alhambra are the breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada and of Granada below. No trip to Spain is complete without experiencing this colossal palace. |
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Madrid is a city full of life and culture. It is a city of plazas, world-class museums, and excellent cafés. Madrid defines the essence of Spain and is a wonderful introduction to what the country has to offer. Here you will see the impressive Plaza Mayor with its lovely outdoor cafés and historic buildings. Nearby is the very heart of the country and of Madrid, the lively Puerta del Sol. There is always something going on here, and of course there are more of the classic cafés and restaurants that characterize Madrid. Another highlight is the impressive Prado Museum, one of Europe’s top art museums. Here you will find works by Goya, El Greco, and Velazquez, as well as pieces by many other notable artists such as the Flemish masters.
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Malaga is a vibrant, ancient city located in the heart of Spain’s Costa del Sol, or Sun Coast. This coastal city, first founded by the Phoenicians, and later settled by Romans, Visigoths, Moors, and Christians is steeped in history yet has a modern charm. It is a city of wide, shaded boulevards and a quaint, historic center. Pablo Picasso was born and raised in Malaga and you will visit his namesake museum, which houses over 150 of his works. Malaga flourished during the rule of the Moors during the 11th century and it was then that they constructed the city’s most impressive monuments. High on a hill overlooking Malaga and with the deep, blue Mediterranean as an endless backdrop, are the formidable palace-fortresses of the Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro. Explore their many passageways and ancient watch towers. Numerous beaches are found along the city shores for a relaxing afternoon in the Mediterranean’s cool waters. |
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Ride through the olive groves and pine forests of Southern Spain. On this trip you will visit one of the nearby villages outside of Granada that rests at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Set out on horseback with a local guide and explore the foothills of the Sierra Nevada National Park. Winding trails give views of the city of Granada, surrounding plains, and the sweeping landscape that is Andalucía.
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Sierra Nevada Mountain Villages The Alpujarras, located high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, was the Moor’s last stronghold in Spain. This area was actually first colonized in the 1200s by Berber refugees from Seville. The Berbers, originally from North Africa, introduced the unique architecture that is still used in the high villages of the Alpujarras today. This region is an earthly paradise high above the rest of Andalucía. The snows of the Sierras keep the valleys and villages of the Alpujarras well-watered year round. Even in the summer, the countryside is green and full of flowers. Visiting these villages is like stepping into another world. Small whitewashed farmhouses cling to the terraced edges of forest-lined gorges while rivers rush by below. Besides exploring these unique villages, there are many opportunities for hiking in the area. While trekking from Capileira, one of the most picturesque of the Alpujarras villages, one is rewarded with views of El Mulhacén, the tallest peak on the Spanish Peninsula.. |
Hike to El Mulhacén Peak (optional) El Mulhacén is the tallest peak on the Iberian Peninsula and is located high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, just to the south of Granada. You will hike through the hidden highlands of the Alpujarras. This region has been touched by countless ancient cultures. Almond trees originally planted by the Romans still line the rocky trails. Small farmhouses along the way are built in the style first brought here by Berber refugees from North Africa in the 1200s. And, of course, wildlife abounds. The wild, horned Spanish mountain goat can often be seen silhouetted against the sky on tall mountain ridges. From the high ridges of El Mulhacén, you can view the Rif Mountains of exotic Morocco and the enchanting coastline of Africa. This unique opportunity is not to be missed. |
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Southern Spain, and Granada in particular, has some great rock climbing locations. If you are interested in rock climbing this is a great place to hone your skills or go out for the first time. There are local, limestone crags just 20 minutes outside of town. One of the climbing crags is located in a park called Los Cahorros. The hike in takes you over suspension bridges with a mountain river rushing below. The other site is in the Sierra de Alfaguara. High, alpine pine forests provide the backdrop for this outing. Besides the climbing you will love the rugged location. |
Cabo de Gata Beach National Park The wild beaches of Cabo de Gata National Park form a rugged coastline backed by arid mountain ranges made famous in Sergio Leone’s Spaghetti Western films. Passing through numerous canyons and time-etched sandstone towers and mesas reminiscent of the American West, we arrive to some of Spain’s least discovered and most impressive Mediterranean beaches. We will explore the expansive sand beaches of the Cabo de Gata promontory and then relax in the small bay of San Jose with its shallow, crystal clear waters. |
