Why Students Should Learn Spanish in Málaga
Thinking of where to go for an overseas trip for your Spanish language students? While hotspots like Barcelona and Madrid often steal the spotlight, there’s one destination that offers a truly authentic Spanish experience—Málaga!
With its bustling harbour, year-round sunshine, and charming historic old town, it’s easy to see why this southern Spanish region has become a top choice for students from around the world who are looking to study Spanish, improve their fluency, and soak up the city’s vibrant culture and cuisine.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of learning Spanish in Málaga. Plus, we’ll share some practical tips for organising unforgettable school trips, so you can make the most of everything this incredible location has to offer.
An overview of Málaga
Málaga is a port city located in the Andalucían region of southern Spain, along the Mediterranean Sea. With a population of over 500,000, it is the sixth-largest city and is estimated to exceed two million people by 2031.
As part of the Costa del Sol (“Cost of the Sun”), Málaga is famous for its beautiful beaches, such as La Malagueta, Pedregalejo, and El Palo, offering plenty of opportunities for relaxation. There’s also Muelle Uno, a stylish waterfront promenade with shops, cafes, and fantastic sea views.
But Málaga offers much more than sand and sea. Its centre is packed with cultural and historical landmarks, from the ancient Roman Theatre (discovered in 1951) and the hilltop Gibralfaro Castle to the beautifully preserved 11th century Moorish Alcazaba fortress.
And let’s not forget Málaga’s lively, friendly vibe! Street performers bring music to every corner, and festivals like Feria de Málaga (a celebration of the city's history, culture, and community in August) and Semana Santa (Holy Week processions leading up to Easter) fill the streets with colour and tradition.
Overall, Málaga is the perfect blend of past and present, tradition and innovation, which makes it such a dynamic and inspiring place to study Spanish.
Why study Spanish in Málaga?
There are countless benefits for students to study Spanish in Málaga, from its rich culture to its incredible weather. Here are seven reasons why Málaga is an ideal place to immerse your students in the Spanish language:
1. Authentic Spanish culture
One of the biggest reasons to learn Spanish in Málaga is its strong cultural identity. As students, it is important to have a good understanding of the city’s leisurely lifestyle when learning the nuances of the language.
Experience local customs and traditions like Noche de San Juan, the summer solstice festival held on June 23rd, where beach bonfires, flame-jumping, and a midnight dip in the sea mark a night of renewal and celebration. Or, there’s Verdiales, a rural folk music festival for pandas de verdiales (musical groups) to compete and perform on December 28 in the Puerto de la Torre district.
You could also watch a traditional film at Cine Albéniz, located just off Calle Alcazabilla near the Roman Theatre, to reinforce listening skills. For those who love the performing arts, Teatro Cervantes theatre at Calle Ramos Marín 1 is a great way to immerse yourself in Spanish-language plays and concerts.
Fun fact: Málaga is also the birthplace of the famous artist, Pablo Picasso, with his childhood home located in Plaza de la Merced. It is now part of the Fundación Picasso museum, where you can discover original works, personal belongings, and exhibitions that offer a deeper look into his early life and artistic journey.
2. Welcoming locals
An important aspect of learning a new language is feeling comfortable practising it with native speakers. Málaga has an incredibly friendly and welcoming atmosphere, where locals are known for being warm and eager to help visitors. The Málaga residents, also known as "Malagueños," are incredibly proud of their city and love sharing their culture with people.
When you study Spanish in Málaga, you’ll have many opportunities to practice your language skills in everyday situations. Whether it’s spontaneous interactions like chatting with vendors at Atarazanas Market (open from Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM), ordering coffee and churros in a local café, or asking for directions on the street, all are valuable chances for students to use their Spanish in real-life situations.
3. Steeped in history
Málaga boasts a fascinating history that stretches back over 2,800 years. From its early days as a Phoenician settlement (c. 8th Century BC) to its role as an important Roman city (2nd Century BC - 5th Century AD) and later under Moorish rule (8th - 15th Century AD), Málaga has seen a wealth of historical influences.
The city’s architecture is a testament to its rich past, and there are numerous historical sites to explore. The Málaga Cathedral (located in Calle Molina Lario) with its impressive facade, ornate chapels, towering columns, and choir stalls, is a prime example of Renissance design. Or, there’s the famous Alcazaba (siutated in Calle Alcazabilla), a Nasrid-style palace with its ornate rooms, intricate stucco work, and beautiful gardens.
For art enthusiasts, head over to Carmen Thyssen Museum Málaga. Housed in the beautifully restored Palacio de Villalón, this museum showcases a significant collection of 19th and early 20th-century Andalucían paintings by Spanish masters such as Joaquín Sorolla, Julio Romero de Torres, and Francisco de Zurbarán. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, with tickets at €16 per person.
By studying Spanish in Málaga, students not only learn the language but also gain an appreciation for the city’s history and the role it has played in shaping Spain’s culture.
4. Plenty of sunshine
If you love sunshine, then you’ll love Málaga! The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers, making it ideal for students who want to enjoy outdoor activities while learning Spanish.
With an average 300 days of sunshine per year, there’s plenty of time to soak up the rays, whether you’re exploring the historic streets and sights, or simply unwinding on the beach after class. It’s the perfect backdrop to practice your Spanish and enjoy your time in Málaga.
5. Wide choice of language schools
Málaga is home to a wide range of language schools that offer high-quality Spanish courses for students of all levels. The variety of schools means that students across the globe can choose the one that best suits their learning style, needs, and budget.
What’s more, many language schools in Málaga offer tailored immersion programmes and fun-filled cultural activities. Think tapas tours, cookery lessons, flamenco dance workshops, and visits to other nearby places like the Nerja Caves. This is a vast network caverns adorned with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Or, Frigiliana, known as the “White Village” which is famous for its narrow cobbled streets and flowery balconies.
One of the most prestigious language schools in Málaga is Malaca Instituto. Established in 1971 and situated in the peaceful neighbourhood of Cerrado de Calderón, it is renowned for award-winning curriculum, experienced teachers, and excellent facilities, including on-site accommodation, a swimming pool, and panoramic views over the Mediterranean.
6. Delicious cuisine
One “gastronomic” reason to study Spanish in Málaga is the city’s incredible food. From fresh seafood to traditional tapas, the food in Málaga is sure to delight your taste buds. Don't miss trying local specialities such as ‘espeto de sardinas’ which are skewered and cooked over open flames on the beach, or ‘ajoblanco’, a refreshing cold almond and garlic soup, often served with grapes or melon.
Some of the best restaurants in Málaga to go to are Bodega Bar El Pimpi (Calle Granada 62), with its traditional Andalucían fare and historic, wine cellar-style decor. Or, try El Tintero in El Palo, where waiters call out dishes straight from the kitchen, rather than offering a menu, in a beachfront setting. If you’re craving something sweet, grab freshly made churros with thick hot chocolate at Casa Aranda (Calle Herreria del Rey 2), a local favourite since 1932.
In Málaga, your students will have the opportunity to practise your Spanish while enjoying mouth-watering local cuisine, making for a memorable culinary experience.
7. Very accessible
Finally, Málaga is an easy-to-reach destination, thanks to the excellent transportation links to other parts of Spain and Europe. The city is served by Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, which offers flights to and from many international cities. Once in the city, it’s easy to get around using public transportation, including buses, trains, and taxis.
For Spanish school trips, Málaga’s accessibility makes it the ideal base for exploring Andalucía and other towns like Granada, home to the stunning Alhambra Palace; Seville, known for its flamenco, grand cathedral, and Ronda, a dramatic cliffside town famed for its historic bridge and breathtaking views.
Tips for organising school trips to Málaga
Organising school trips to Málaga can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s important to plan ahead to make the most of your educational tour. Here are some helpful tips for teachers to consider:
- Choose a reputable language school: When planning school trips to Málaga, it's essential to partner with a language school that has experience working with student groups on an international scale.
- Plan a variety of activities: To keep students engaged and excited, be sure to include a mix of educational and recreational activities. In addition to language classes, you could organise cultural experiences like a Flamenco dance class in the dance studio of Malaca Instituto, a guided tour of historic Málaga, or a visit to the Alcazaba, as featured in our sample Spanish Immersion itinerary.
- Prepare for cultural immersion: Encourage students to practice their Spanish as much as possible while on the trip. Organise group activities that encourage students to speak with locals, such as guided tours or boat trips. This will help students build their confidence and fast-track their language skills!
- Incorporate leisure time: While language learning is the primary focus of the trip, make sure to leave time for students to relax and explore the city on their own. Málaga has a lot to offer, and students will benefit from the opportunity to experience the local culture at their own pace.
Choose Málaga for Spanish immersion trips with NST!
There’s no doubt about it, Málaga is the perfect destination for students who want to learn Spanish in a beautiful and welcoming environment. Whether you're planning a school trip or studying Spanish as an individual, it offers everything you need for a fun, immersive, and educational experience.
If you book a Spanish Immersion school trip with NST, you’ll receive:
- On-trip support from our NST representatives
- School monitor assigned to help your group from Malanca Instituto
- Airport assistance
- 4 nights full board at Club Hispanico
- Full itinerary of language lessons, immersive activities, cultural trips and visits
- 24/7 emergency cover and risk assessment guidance
- And much, much more!
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready to learn Spanish in Málaga!
For more information, simply get in touch with our friendly team on 0330 333 6090 and we’ll be happy to help with your enquiry. Or, request a quote and we'll be in touch the next working day.