Spanish is the third most studied language on the planet. It was recently reported that the number of Spanish speakers worldwide has soared to 572 million. With this trend continuing to grow, it is expected that 754 million people will speak Spanish by 2060.
There has never been a better time to learn Spanish and doing so in Spain is a natural choice. Many places offer excellent immersion experiences, with the homestay being the ultimate route to learning more about the language and Spanish culture. Here, we explore five of the best spots in Spain for a Spanish homestay.
Torredembarra
Small but perfectly formed, this Spanish town in the Catalonia region of northeastern Spain has a number of attractions. Close to the city of Tarragona, it has an historic old quarter, stunning beaches, and awe-inspiring natural wonders nearby.
Unlike most other regions in Spain, Spanish is not the only official language. Catalan is many people’s first language in this area. ShBarcelona explains the difference between Catalan and Spanish:
“Catalan is a Romance language like Spanish but is not a subset of Spanish itself. In fact, Catalan as a language is closer to French and Italian than Spanish or Portuguese.”
However, don’t let the presence of another spoken native language deter you from studying Spanish in Torredembarra. Spanish is also spoken widely and it only adds to the interesting culture in this part of Spain.
Hosts Maria Jesus, her husband Salva and daughter Marta offer inviting homestays in the heart of Torredembarra, welcoming adults and teenagers for long and short stays throughout the year.
Bilbao
This popular riverside city within the Basque country is another area of Spain where another language other than Spanish is spoken. However most people who live there are bilingual from birth, speaking both Basque and Spanish interchangeably.
Downtown Bilbao is a hive of activity, packed with a mix of historic architecture and grand modern buildings such as the shimmering titanium Guggenheim Museum. But nature isn’t far away as this city is surrounded by lush green mountains.
Visitors to Bilbao will enjoy a deep history, thriving art scene and strong food and drink culture. But staying with a local host, will allow you to experience Spanish and Basque culture at its most authentic.
Based in a quiet area close to Bilbao, Sophia and her active family invites adults aged 18 - 25 to stay with them in their home. And after the city attractions, get back to nature with hiking, mountaineering, bike riding, and horse riding all available nearby.
Galicia
With beaches, bars, and restaurants galore, Galicia is a hotspot for those looking to enjoy Spain’s most beautiful coastline. Benefiting from fabulous Atlantic scenery and the best (and freshest) seafood, this is a great place to learn Spanish like a native.
Rocio is just one of the host teachers we proudly represent in Galicia. She has been teaching English as a foreign language professionally for a number of years, experience that has only enhanced her homestay offering.
Rocio’s home is located in a rural setting so you can enjoy peace and tranquillity just a stone’s throw away from bustling Galicia.
Madrid
Grand boulevards, elegant parks and charming architecture, the capital city of Spain is everything you would expect it to be and then some. It’s the perfect spot for in Spain for a Spanish homestay.
Museums, green spaces, rooftop bars, football, shopping, antique markets, nightclubs, flamenco dancing: whatever your tastes or budget, you’re certain to find something that fascinates you here.
Experienced homestay host Belen hosts family groups with children and independent adults without children to provide a homestay experience with a difference. She’s based in Las Rozas, a vibrant residential area in Madrid.
Monóvar
Situated in the Alicante region of Spain, Monovar is one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the area. Yet, it is often overlooked in favour of the nearby busier resort towns in Alicante city.
Home to a number of wineries and notable buildings, including numerous churches and castles, Monóvar offers a more authentic feel. This makes it an excellent choice for Spanish learners.
Living like a local is easy here, particularly if you choose to stay with a homestay host such as Victor and his family. The family cook delicious meals made from local produce and have lots of links within the community, so students can benefit from full immersion.
Ready to kickstart your Spanish language learning journey? Read the full profiles of our highlighted hosts and discover more Spanish homestays by joining today.
