Location
  • Spain
    • Granada
    • Madrid
    • Santiago
Length
1 - 12 weeks

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Timeframe
Summer
Housing
Host Family Hotel Lodge
Age Min.
14
Age Max
18

Pricing

Starting Price
1995
Price Details
Price varies per program and is all-inclusive. Combine any two programs for a 5% discount.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Meals Transportation Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare SIM cards Travel Insurance
Oct 16, 2022
Aug 23, 2022
1 traveler is looking at this program

About Program

Choose from a variety of incredible experiences that Spain has to offer through Arcos Journeys Abroad. Hike the Camino de Santiago, the ancient pilgrimage path over a thousand years old, and traverse some of Spain’s most striking landscapes. Study Spanish at the 500 year-old University of Granada. Experience the diversity of outdoor activities in the Granada region such as hiking, mountain biking, and canyoneering. Attend soccer camp and improve your skills. Visit Spain’s tropical coastline and enjoy a traditional paella on the beach. Participate in art workshops in Granada delving into the rich artistic traditions influenced by the Moors, Jews, and Christians. Experience the passion of a flamenco performance in a Gypsy cave. And, of course, tour the world-renowned Alhambra palace!

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Explore the Alhambra, the ancient palace of the Moorish sultans
  • Study Spanish at the 500 year old University of Granada and earn college credit.
  • Hike in the Sierra Nevada, the tallest mountains on the Iberian peninsula
  • Enjoy a traditional paella at Nerja beach on Spain’s tropical coastline
  • Pass through ancient villages while hiking the Camino de Santiago

Popular Programs

Verdant Spanish countryside and a trail marker along the Camino de Santiago

Experience the natural beauty and history of northern Spain while hiking this pilgrim’s path. Visit ancient churches and monasteries and stay in guest houses, typical to the route. Hike village to village across breathtaking landscapes. The walk ends at the impressive cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, the final resting place of St. James the apostle. Fall into sync with mind, body, and spirit on this journey of a lifetime.

Arcos participants hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountains

Participate in pure outdoor adventure in southern Spain! Summit the Mulhacén, Southern Europe’s tallest peak with views of Africa. Sea kayak in the clear waters of the Mediterranean and enjoy a traditional paella lunch on the beach. Go canyoneering in the narrow slot canyons of the spring-fed Rio Verde. Mountain bike through centuries-old olive orchards. Experience the architectural beauty and wonder of the Alhambra, the ancient palace of the Moorish sultans.

Arcos female soccer camp

Improve your soccer skills in Granada, Spain this summer! Home to a first division team, Granada has a wonderful tradition of soccer and sports. Participate in soccer training and scrimmages. Visit the spectacular tropical coastline for sea kayaking and beach soccer. Tour the exotic Moorish and Jewish districts of Granada and explore the passageways of the majestic Alhambra castle. Enjoy afternoon visits to a wellness center with a gym, indoor pool, and sauna.

Arcos participants visiting the Picasso Museum in Malaga, Spain

Participate in art workshops learning techniques typical to Spain's Andalusia region such as marquetry, plaster, arabic calligraphy and stained glass. See real-life examples of what you create while exploring Granada and its hidden secrets. Travel to Malaga, a European art center, and visit the Picasso Museum. Swim in the clear waters of the Mediterranean and taste a traditional paella. Discover the hidden passageways of the Alhambra palace and find inspiration in the artistry of flamenco.

Students on a guided tour in Frigiliana in southern Spain

Study Spanish in Granada, one of Spain’s most beautiful and exotic cities. Take Spanish classes at the 500 year-old University of Granada. Live with a homestay and experience life like a local. Explore the historic neighborhoods such as the Albaicin, the old Moorish district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Swim in the clear, azure waters of the Mediterranean. Hike in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Relax in the Arabic baths and attend a flamenco performance.

Program Reviews

4.88 Rating
based on 8 reviews
  • 5 rating 87.5%
  • 4 rating 12.5%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Growth 4.9
  • Support 5
  • Fun 4.75
  • Housing 4.65
  • Safety 4.9
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Default avatar
Cathy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic outdoor exploration program in Granada

My 16 year old son loved this program in Granada. The staff did a great job from the application prcess through to the return. Arcos has two programs in Granada, Spain--one that is a traditional language immersion program and one focused on outdoor exploration. My son chose the outdoor program ad he loved learning about Granada by hiking and biking in the Sierra Nevada, swimming in waterfalls and exploring caves. Granada is a safe city that allows teens to feel independent in a fun enviornment. I highly recommend this program!

20 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Amy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Amazing Experience for our Student!

My daughter (10th grade) said her trip to Granada, Spain was the best thing she has ever done (and she has done a lot!). She absolutely loved the experience. The culture was amazing in Granada, not what she ever could have realized from looking online - the history and beauty of the area was such an incredible gift. Activities such as flamenco dancing, a visit to the Arabic market, Arabic tearoom and Arabic baths, plus paella on the beach, the visit to the Alhambra palace, plus so much more are things she will never forget. The host family was positively wonderful and kind. Their apartment/home was welcoming and spacious. The classes at the school were appropriate, not overly difficult, very very helpful and enjoyable. She would go back in a heartbeat and go to school there if she could! We are thrilled with the care and comfort Acros provided all of the students in her group. The activities and safety and knowledge by the fantastic Acros staff was outstanding. Acros takes the time to ensure these trips are truly immersive and informative. Plus the independence of being on a trip away from 'parents' means the students get a chance to experience a trip like this in a whole different which completely improves their independence, curiosity and appreciation. I can't recommend this program enough!! If your student shows an openness and interest, don't hesitate - these are experiences they will always cherish and remember.

Pros
  • Tours of important historic sites
  • Amazing immersive cultural experiences
  • Friendly, safe and welcoming host families
Cons
  • Student would have liked to have a few lunches and or dinners with other students, meals with host families were good, but being able to spend time together eating local foods a few times would be nice
28 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Simone
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Arcos Journey Abroad - Granada, Spain 2022

In general, my trip to Granada, Spain with Arcos was not only educational language and grammar wise, but also from a historical aspect. We had small amounts of time to explore the city on our own and get to know the local culture as well as time allocated for guided historical tours and activities, which felt like a decent balance. The teachers were all helpful and accommodating, and my host parent was also generally kind. The classes could feel long at times, as we would be sitting in one spot for over an hour straight, but the activities were all extremely unique and engaging, and definitely worked to assist me in advancing my Spanish-speaking skills further.

Pros
  • Cultural immersion
  • Language growth, as in being able to speak for the most part only in the native language will help to grow one’s skill and knowledge.
  • Practice on independence and punctuality
Cons
  • Some alleys at certain times of the day felt unsafe
  • Mornings started relatively early
  • Classes were relatively short, though on some days felt long due to how long I would be stationary for.
29 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Martha
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Arcos Journeys

My high school daughter had a wonderful experience studying Spanish and living in Granada. The side trips were great too. Great ratio of scheduled and free time. Both the US-based staff and the Granada staff were wonderful, responsive and easy to talk to. They were SO helpful when my daughter was having some challenges. Her Spanish improved a lot.

Her home-stay was so-so. It was safe, but she didn't connect with the host - who was a single person. I think she would have preferred a family.

I would certainly recommend the program!

What was your funniest moment?
Have to ask my daughter.
32 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ellie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Granada Spain summer trip

I am writing a review on my summer spent in Spain just a few months ago. If there is one piece of advise I could tell kids my age, it would be to go on a trip in a different country and learn about all the culture and lifestyle that is out in the world. This experience what is so important to me as a person and it’s made me appreciate life in a whole different way. ARCOS introduced me to so many amazing experiences like getting tapas with locals and seeing the Alhambra, as well as introducing me to amazing people like my house mother, and friends on the trip with me who I still chat with today. THANK YOU!

What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moment was when I tried to tell a guy his dog looked like a cartoon character, and because of the confused look he gave me, I later google the name of the cartoon…to find out it meant a not-so-nice bad word. Lo siento perito!
32 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Paul
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Camino de Santiago – Hiking the Way

It was my first trip without my family. Brent and Alejandro took care of everything. It was a large group, but I could form a smaller group that traveled with my speed. The food was good. But, the weather was hot. We visited many local churches and attended daily Mass. The hike was easier than I thought. I could use an extra day or two in Madrid and Santiago. The only regret was I over-packed. Also, a woman lost her passport, and the guys stayed back to help her with the hotel and embassy. That was excellent service!

41 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Outdoor Adventure & Cultural Exploration

As a parent there isn’t enough I can say about the program - the Arcos staff in the US was responsive, patient and knowledgeable. In Spain, my son was so happy. The staff were fantastic, the homestay was amazing and he came home with so many life-changing and wonderful adventures. We felt so lucky to have found Arcos and to have the opportunity for my son to spend quality time with a wonderful family and make great friends. His Spanish improved along with his confidence and the Arcos team was there the entire time.

37 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Savia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Outdoor Adventure Granada

I have always been interested in learning new languages, about different cultures and the world. This program did just that. It was so much better than I ever could have imagined, with the perfect balance of independence and involvement. I made some amazing friends who I have already made plans to travel with in the future. The staff and housing was incredible as well as the other students participating. I could not be happier with my experience and look forward to the next program I will attend with Arcos!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
On this program, we went on a very involved hiking trip, which I was very nervous for. It was difficult; however it turned out to be one of the greatest experiences of my life. I bonded with the other students on the program and I surprised myself on how much I truly enjoyed hiking.
35 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers