Here’s a breakdown of where to get free or very cheap Spanish classes in Valencia, Alicante, Marbella, Tenerife, Mallorca, Benalmádena and other places in Spain with large English-speaking populations.
There’s no denying it, it’s essential to learn the Spanish language if you live in Spain. You really need it for all parts of daily life, particularly when there are problems to solve and admin you need to sort out.
Knowing the language will also enrich your life here, you’ll be able to take part in more cultural activities, make more local friends and integrate better.
READ ALSO: How to learn Catalan, Galician, Basque or Valencian in Spain for free
While there are several regional languages such as Catalan, Basque and Galician that you should also try to learn if you live in those areas, a basic knowledge of Spanish first and foremost will help you immensely.
There are several ways to learn Spanish, but to really get a good grounding, Spanish lessons are important. Unfortunately, Spanish classes can often be pricey, yes even in Spain, so it can be an expensive investment.
Thankfully, there are several places around the country that offer free or inexpensive Spanish lessons. It’s worth keeping in mind that these are often for beginners and are aimed at new arrivals and are not typically offered at intermediate or advanced levels. They’re also aimed at residents, not those here on holiday.
Many are also directed at the unemployed, those with low incomes and refugees, but you will find several places, which will take on anyone.
Here are some of the places you can find free or inexpensive Spanish lessons in areas popular with foreign residents.
It’s worth noting that free classes are more likely in smaller towns and cities rather than the largest and most popular cities.
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Valencia
Valencia City
In Valencia, there are several government subsided Spanish classes for foreigners, which are either a great bargain or are free. These courses are usually aimed at people registered in the city or province, and are often linked to social or employment integration programs. You can find more about them here.
Orihuela
In the town of Orihuela Vega Baja Acoge, offer free Spanish language courses taught by qualified instructors. The programme is funded by the Valencian Government’s Ministry of Social Services, Equality and Housing. Contact them here to find out about future lessons.
Torrevieja
The Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja or Torrevieja Town Hall offer both beginning and intermediate Spanish classes spread over 8 weeks. In order to be eligible, you must be registered as a in Torrevieja. Contact them to find out when the next classes will begin.
Xàbia
The Xàbia Town Council, with the support of the Alicante Provincial Council, has launched an initiative to promote the linguistic and social integration of the foreign population registered in the municipality. This is a completely free, intensive Spanish course. Last year it took place between the second half of August and the first half of September, so you should contact the Town Hall to see when the next one is scheduled.
READ ALSO: The essential A to Z guide to bureaucracy in Spain
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Andalusia
Marbella
In Marbella, free Spanish classes are offered to immigrants. You can find out more here.
Estepona
The registration for free Spanish classes for 2025-2026 is going to take place from June 1st-15th at Junta de Andalusia education centre on Calle Terraza. Contact them to find out more.
Benalmádena
In Benalmádena, you can find low-cost Spanish classes for foreigners through the Municipal Centre for Permanent Training (CMFP) in Arroyo de la Miel here.
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Canary Islands
Tenerife
The Universidad de La Laguna often offers free language classes. Their last free Spanish class was directed at foreigners and how to learn through music. It took place in September 2025, so it would be worth contacting them to see when the next one is.
Gran Canaria
The Public Library has previously organised a beginner-level (A1) Spanish course for foreigners, taught by students completing their internship in the final year of the Hispanic Philology programme at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. E-mail them at abpelpgc@gmail.com to find out more information and when future classes will be held.
Balearic Islands
Palma de Mallorca
The Municipal Adult Education Service (SMEA) in Palma offers various courses for adults including Spanish for foreigners. Registration is open in June for courses in July and August and in September for courses running from October to December. For more information call the following number +34 971 244 976 or go to the following link.
