Why Sunny Malaga is a Hotspot for Northern European Students

For years, Spain has drawn language learners from across Europe with its sunshine, culture, and famously warm people. Nowhere more so than Málaga—a vibrant Andalusian city on the Costa del Sol—which has emerged as a favourite among Northern Europeans looking to immerse themselves in sunshine and Spanish. The appeal is clear: a combination of high-quality teaching, a warm Mediterranean climate, and a laid-back atmosphere that quickly feels welcoming for visitors.

For many, the experience begins in the classroom—but it doesn’t end there. Tindra, a 20-year-old from Norway who recently spent three months studying in Expanish Málaga, says the human connection is what made it unforgettable. “The people, the teachers – I had several teachers and I loved them all! It’s been an experience I’ll never forget,” she recalls. “I’ve made friends with people from all over the world. There are lots of other students from Germany and Scandinavia, like me – you meet new people every day.”

The warmth of the locals — known as malagueños — is also part of the draw. “They are very kind and talkative,” Tindra says. “This is the best place to learn the language. We used lots of different methods to learn, and the people are so friendly.”

That same spirit struck Christian, a 42-year-old from Sweden, who took a five-month course with Expanish Málaga. For him, the teaching quality and the camaraderie among students were equally important. “I love the teachers – they are so caring and supportive. But also all the friends I’ve made here over the last months. It’s a lifelong memory and I’ll miss everyone so much,” he says.

What stands out to Christian is the shared motivation among students: “Every student here has chosen to leave their country and come to Spain to learn another language, so everyone is really open and I love that. It’s a trip you will never forget, an experience you will never forget.”

Even short visits leave a lasting impression. Lisanne, 27, from Germany, only had two weeks in Málaga but says her teacher, Nieves, brought such energy to class that learning felt effortless. “It helped me understand everything and that gave me such a good feeling,” she says. “From the first moment, Expanish felt like a family. There is such a good atmosphere here and I would recommend it to all of my friends.”

Barbara, from the Netherlands, echoes that sense of warmth after just one week in the city. “I enjoyed everything here in Expanish. The weather, the people – you’re made to feel welcome and at home here,” she says. “Even if it’s just one week it’s a great experience – I would really recommend it.”

From long-term stays that lead to deep friendships to week-long immersions filled with cultural activities, Málaga seems to deliver the same core experience: skilled teachers, a friendly international community, and the sense of being genuinely embraced by the city.

For Northern Europeans seeking to combine language learning with almost uninterrupted sunshine, Mediterranean culture, and a place that quickly feels like home, Málaga’s draw is clear. Or, as Christian puts it simply: “If you can come here—do it.”