With a population of just over 50.000, Utrera is a fast growing town about 30km south of Seville. It is considered one of the homes of Flamenco music as well as the fighting bull. In fact, one of the most important Flamenco festivals in Spain is held here and has attracted many well-known flamenco artists in the past such as Joaquin Cortes.

Utrera is also a town of great historic interest which stretches back to the 13th century. Archaelogical work shows people have lived on the site since pre-Roman times. Today, the town’s chapels, dating from the 14th to the 18th centuries, churches and 14th century castle are popular tourist attractions for visitors to Andalucia who prefer to veer off the beaten track.

Utrera is also famous for its numerous festivities, particularly the fair which is celebrated in September during our induction week, and the Easter week processions. Both of these attract many people from all over the province.

As one student said, ‘Utrera has all the facilities you would expect in a city but with the conveniences of a town.’ There are a variety of good tapas bars and restaurants, pubs, gyms, a swimming pool, a bowling alley, a theatre, a multi-screen cinema and 2 small shopping centres. There’s also an array of cultural and musical events organised by various local organisations. Utrera is in actual fact famous in the region for organising concerts by alternative bands.

It is within easy reach of Seville with a regular cheap train service (4.20€ for a day return) and there are trains to Cadiz, too (8.60€ for a day return).

ACCOMMODATION

There are furnished flats and houses available to rent in the area and these vary in price from 400€ to 550€ depending on size and location. The school provides help in finding suitable accommodation.

COST OF LIVING

Generally speaking, Utrera is cheaper than Seville in terms of eating and dining out. There are a number of good tapas bars where a meal can cost between 10€ and 15€ while a beer costs about 1€. A trip to the cinema would set you back 5.10€.