Practical information

To prepare the trip well, you need to know what level of spending to expect. Although each of us spends money differently and the cost of living is slightly different in each city, it is more or less predictable:

room rental in a student apartment/1 month

200-300€

meals/1 month

350€

public transport/1 month

30€

cinema ticket

6€

breakfast in a café (café + tostada)

2,5-3€

dinner in a bar

6-10€

Canadian citizens should purchase an international insurance plan. Make sure the plan will cover all health related expenses during the entire time of your visit.

Due to the current situation with COVID 19 and the travel restrictions of this sanitary crisis, we strongly recommend to check the government's page for official information:

https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid

Whichever part of Andalusia you go to, you will have many opportunities to travel in the region and throughout the country.

1. By train. You can comfortably travel by both traditional trains in air-conditioned, compartmentless carriages and by AVE high-speed trains, which can reach speeds up to 280 km/h. If you are under 26 years of age, your youth card entitles you to a 20% discount, and for AVE trains even a 25% discount. Search the Renfe website for train connections.

AVE in Andalusia:

Madrid - Córdoba, 1.40 h

Madrid - Sevilla, 2.20 h (stops in Ciudad Real, Puertollano and Córdoba)

Madrid - Malaga, 2.30 h (stops in Córdoba, Antequera and Puente Genil)

Barcelona - Malaga, 5.40 h (stops in Tarragona, Zaragoza, Córdoba, Puente Genil and Antequera)

Barcelona - Sevilla, 5.25 h (stops in Tarragona, Lleida, Zaragoza, Ciudad Real, Puertollano and Córdoba)

Sevilla - Malaga, 1.55 h (stops in Puente Genil and Antequera)

2. By bus. The offer of domestic transfers, for example by ALSA, in Andalusia is also enriched by the services of private regional carriers (Alsina Graells Sur, Auto Transportes San Sebastián, Bacoma, Autedia - Maestra, Autocares Bonal, Linebus/Auro Granadina, Autedia, Automóviles M. Muñoz, Automobiles Portillo, Contreras, Comes, Rafesa, Amarillos, Casal, Linesur, Automóviles Casado S.L., Los Amarillos S.L.).

3. By car. Renting a car is a good solution for those who like to have a lot of freedom when travelling. Depending on the length of the route and the number of passengers, the costs do not have to be higher than in public transport. It’s one of the reasons why it's worth going in a group, so if you still have a seat available, ask your friends whether someone would like to go with you.

The fact that it's hot in the south of Spain is no secret. If you're going to Andalusia in the summer, you won't need jeans and closed shoes. Remember to take a cap or a hat, and carry a bottle of water with you in your bag. The greatest heat can be expected inland, for example in Sevilla; in coastal towns, the sea breeze soothes the feeling of heat.

If you're going to one of the numerous mountainous locations in Andalusia, sweaters and a warm jacket are sure to come in handy. On winter nights, temperatures drop to zero degrees, while at noon the strong sun can raise it to over twenty. Just by looking at people’s clothing, you could tell at once who has left the house early in the morning! Although the Canadian climate is much colder and low temperatures do not impress us, keep in mind that central heating is not so common in Spain. If you are renting a student apartment, make sure it is heated or has a tourist heater. A down quilt, here in Spain called “Nordic”, will also be useful as the classic Spanish bed linen is just light sheets.

Many language schools offer accommodation as part of the course. If you plan to look for accommodation on your own, you will have a choice of hotels, hostels and rooms or apartments to rent. No matter which option you choose, it is always very helpful to ask others about their experience - check on Social Media whether someone has already been to the place you're going to and whether they can recommend you a proven contact. While the offer of hotels and hostels is described and updated by tourist guides on an ongoing basis, a trusted opinion can save you a lot of trouble and disappointment when renting an apartment. Renting a good room at an attractive price even before departure without such help is rather rare.

In most cities, there is no shortage of both traditional announcements – on street lamps or fences – and online ones, but their lives are very short, forcing to make quick decisions. If you decide to live in a student apartment, not only the price and condition of living or equipment will play a role, but also, and perhaps even more importantly, who you will share the kitchen and the bathroom with, and with whom you will spend a few moments of coffee time every morning.

The differences in daily life in Canada and Spain are largely due to climate. The traditional siesta during the hottest hours of the day determines both the eating times and the opening hours of shops and restaurants. Adapting to the Spanish way of life is not only a way to find one’s place in this culture but sometimes just a necessity! After 4 p.m. all restaurants close their kitchens and there is no chance to have a late lunch. Sunday is not a trading day in Spain, so if you decide to buy something to eat besides bread, you will need to go to very expensive shops in the tourist city centre.

Breakfast

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Lunch

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Dinner

8.30 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Shop opening hours

9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Hypermarket opening hours

10:00 a.m. - 9:00/10:00 p.m.