Our language school and Spanish course

W e love learning languages and we want you to love it too. Our Spanish language school and courses differ from the norm. Our school is a mix of classrooms and mountains, both being as important as each other. Located in the middle of a small village at the gateway to the Picos de Europa, we want your Spanish course to allow you to use the language in real situations. In the mornings the Spanish course is in our small school (it has to be done, and we make it fun). In the afternoon we go to the Picos de Europa National Park, walking and talking in Spanish. It’s really relaxed and a great way to get everybody using the Spanish language as there are so many things to see and discuss. The awesome Picos de Europa are part of our language course and part of our school.

T he quality of your experience is paramount to us. Our teachers are native, experienced and highly qualified… as well as good fun! And we don’t ask you to sit an exam at the end, unless you want to.

W e recommend 1 to 4 immersion weeks, but if you feel up to it, we’ll cater for more too.


What they say about us

Nothing makes us happier than a happy student!

  • Karen
    I so enjoyed my time in Panes and at the school. You were all so helpful and the teachers were great as were the hikes and guides. [...] you’re all truly 5 stars! Wishing you all the best and hope to see you again next year.
    Karen
    (US, 2023)
  • Denise
    The Spanish course was challenging and made me realise how much my Spanish is improving and, coupled with the amazing location, relaxation of walking and yoga, it was the perfect holiday for me.
    Denise
    (UK, 2023)
  • Liza
    The whole day schedule (I did the afternoon hikes) really worked well as it was full immersion and really fun - a great way to get to know this beautiful part of Spain.
    Liza
    (Australia, 2023)
  • Judy
    I absolutely enjoyed my classes with Alex and Celina!!  Great Teachers, easy to understand and very compassionate as well.
    Judy
    (US, 2023)
  • Rob
    Would you like to learn (or improve) your Spanish, and do you enjoy walking through nature? If so, you should really book a week at PeakMe in Panes (North-West Spain) like I did. Ana and her colleagues provide varying classes in small groups, set to your level of expertise. They also organize and guide hikes in the Picos. This may sound like an advertisement, but that's because Ana and her team always just provide a little extra. Not only are they motivated tutors, but excellent guides and caretakers too. Ana and colleagues, thank you for an educational and fun week. Un abrazo, Rob
    Rob
    (Holland, 2023)
  • Birgit
    A BIG compliment to the Peak Me team. Peak Me offers excellent Spanish classes, with eye and ear for detail. A large variety in the content of grammar, conversations, videos, audio, games etc makes it very attractive to follow. Also the availability of different teachers in very small classes is a plus. The lovely walks in the afternoon, with the pleasant guide Rosa, result in an ideal learning combination. One week will be too short to enjoy this area in Picos de Europa, so at least two weeks will be better. Finally, my advice would be to stay in apartment La Bardenilla, with bar La Cortina and the village of Panes just around the corner. Muchas Gracias to Ana, Celina, Lucila and Alex
    Birgit
    (Holland, 2023)
  • Anna H
    GRACIAS to Ana and the Peak Me team for giving me an amazing and unforgettable holiday!
    I am so pleased with everything: punctual and reliable organisation and communication, appealing classrooms, very well structured study material, SUPER friendly and competent teachers, a most wonderful hotel (La Cajiga) + wonderful host (Claudia).
    I took the Spanish + Yoga package and could not have been more satisfied and pleased with both (MUCHAS GRACIAS Sole and Rudi and doggies!!). Also hiking in Asturias was a wonderful experience.
    I very highly recommend this school and this destination, I will try my best to return as soon as I can.
    Anna H
    (Germany, 2023)
  • Ciaran Hussey
    I want to thank you all for a very memorable week in Panes at the end of October!
    Ciaran Hussey
    (Ireland, 2023)
  • Nicola Wilcke
    I really enjoyed spending the first week of my holidays in Spain with you. I'm still thrilled to have gotten to know your special way of teaching the Spanish language. It was a pleasure to get to know all of you, to meet the other students, to spend time in the classroom as well as in Panes and Picos de Europa. Thank you once again for providing such a diverse programme!
    Nicola Wilcke
    (Germany, 2023)
  • Neil Rudram
    I very much appreciated both of your patience and tolerance and also of course Julian's guiding on the afternoon walks.
    Neil Rudram
    (UK, 2021)
  • Elizabeth Clowes
    We really enjoyed our time in Panes and had some great walking
    Elizabeth Clowes
    (UK, 2021)
  • Aileen Evans
    I got my exam results back recently and I was very happy with my Spanish exam!
    Aileen Evans
    (Ireland, 2021)
  • Andrew Hawkins
    All the classes were enjoyable with a good range of tasks and difficulty levels, and the instructors were clearly well aware of our individual language levels and needs on arrival.
    Andrew Hawkins
    (Madrid, 2020)
  • Jane Atkin
    My cousin Karen and sister in law Anne and I absolutely loved our week on your language course.
    The teachers were excellent and our guide and walks were wonderful.
    Thank you all so much.
    I have and will be recommending  the holiday!
    Jane Atkin
    (UK, 2019)
  • Lesley Golenor
    Thank you for such a memorable and enriching experience. I really appreciate your welcoming me into the program on such short notice. I'm so glad it worked out and feel so lucky that I was able to fit in with such a wonderful group of ladies.
    I come back inspired by the country, the people, and the language.
    Lesley Golenor
    (USA, 2019)
  • Marian Kearney
    Peak Me is an amazing business. From the time of my first enquiry I met people who seemed to care about me & my plans. Through the process of booking, Ana & the team were willing to go the extra mile to help me make the best arrangements. They helped with all the details involved in organising transport & accommodation. They are good people (the 'real deal') who wont push you into anything - but they will be there for you when you need information or assistance.
    Marian Kearney
    (Australia, 2019)
  • Jane White
    This holiday could be advertised as a cure for insomnia!
    Jane White
    (Wales, 2019)
  • Martina, Hugh, Caoilfhionn and Kearney
    We used our Spanish lots over the three weeks we spent in Spain after we left you guys and it made our holidays even better. We hope to visit again some time.
    Martina, Hugh, Caoilfhionn and Kearney
    (Ireland, 2018)
  • Diana
    Many thanks for a most enjoyable and rewarding week of Spanish and walks. The Spanish lessons were impressive and I learnt a lot, especially what I did not know!
    Diana
    (Granada, 2018)
  • Miranda
    Many many thanks for a fantastic week with you in Panes. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and were super impressed by the language school and the activities.
    Miranda
    (England, 2018)
  • Diane
    I shall certainly be speaking to my friends of my wonderful holiday in Panes and hope I will stay fit enough to be able to come back in future years with my younger daughter and grandchildren.
    Diane
    (Canada, 2018)
  • Jacqueline & Claudia
    Everyone we met made us feel very welcome and we have come home with great memories.
    Jacqueline & Claudia
    (England, 2018)
  • Laurence & Belinda
    ​Our course for beginners was well tailored to all abilities, with lots of oral practice reinforced by short videos and games. Despite the light-hearted approach, we made surprisingly fast progress thanks to the energy and professionalism of our teachers. By the end of the week we had covered all elementary topics necessary for getting around on our own. Panes is an ideal place for practising your Spanish since very few people speak (or wish to speak) English. After a leisurely lunch the afternoon's physical activity was a great way to complement the morning's mental effort - stunning scenery and a lovely guide with more Spanish for us. Finally, the comfortable small family hotel close to the school is run by a charming couple who couldn't be more hospitable. We would without hesitation recommend this holiday.
    Laurence & Belinda
    (UK, 2017)
  • Niki
    I had a most enjoyable week, nice change of scenery, I hope the Spanish has improved a bit, always good to get some practice, revise and pick up a few tips.
    Yolanda was wonderful as a teacher and walk guide, she was attentive to everyone's needs. Wonderful country for walking, so different to Australia. For me it worked very well.
    Niki
    (Australia, 2017)
  • Carolyn
    The teaching was very well organised and varied in style.  The lessons had a good pace and were always fun, each of the three excellent teachers tackling different aspects of our learning and practice.  We gained an impressive vocabulary in the five days and became reasonably adept at composing short sentences and participating in simple conversations.  It was always fun and there was plenty of laughter and joking. The walks in the late afternoon/early evening were also very enjoyable, if a little challenging at times, but our guide was skilled at making sure that all members of the group were comfortable and coping.  The four walks were very varied in their scope and character and all of them yielded spectacular views of mountains, coast and countryside.  In addition the acquisition of Spanish continued in a light-hearted way as we expanded our vocabulary with names of flora and fauna and learned some of the interesting history of the area. All in all it was a most enjoyable week and I highly recommend it.
    Carolyn
    (England, 2017)
  • Sharrock Family

    Anna (15): There were lots of different things & games we did in lessons... More biscuits!

    Ben (13): Great environment, amazing walks. Everyone was very nice... but more biscuits required!

    Kate (mum):: Time flew by. At no time was I bored. In fact, I was disappointed when the morning lessons were over.

    Sharrock Family
    (England, 2015)
  • Busse Family

    Olivia (13): ¡Muy divertido! ¡Súper!

    Maude (20): We learned a lot of practical things. It was good we played games and the teachers were nice and very helpful. The Picos de Europa are beautiful! ¡Muy divertido! ¡Gracias!

    Alicia (mum): The instructions were very good. The materials used, the content, and the variety of structure and games, all were very good. The hikes in the mountains were especially wonderful since we didn't see many tourists. Along the Cares [river] is absolutely beautiful! Wonderful to see!

    Busse Family
    (USA, 2016)
  • Nicolas
    Excellent value. The mixture of language learning and physical activity is a great idea and worked well for me. The language teaching was professional, thorough, well-prepared and with a good mixture. The walks were great... Beautiful countryside.
    Nicolas
    (England, 2015)
  • Katherine
    Fantastic teachers. The games & lessons plans kept things interesting. The time flew by... The scenery in Los Picos is stunning and I enjoyed the walks.
    Katherine
    (England, 2015)
  • Chris
    A great concept which supports the local businesses and community, and provides an opportunity for people to have an enjoyable week.
    Chris
    (Australia, 2015)
  • Cynthia
    I love Panes! The teachers are excellent. I was pleased to be challenged but treated with kindness. The days were very busy jam-packed. No boredom at all.
    Cynthia
    (USA, 2015)
  • Sarah
    I've really enjoyed my holiday and I'm keen to keep up my Spanish. Brilliant idea for a school, brilliant teachers, beautiful countryside, great company.
    Sarah
    (England, 2015)
  • Jane
    Planning. Sensitivity. Awareness of time & goals but flexible. Excellent knowledge of the area. Accessibility of all needed in village. Feel very well cared for on all aspects (even the most minor).
    Jane
    (France, 2014)
  • Julia
    I enjoyed the informal, friendly atmosphere. The classrooms are comfortable + well-equipped and the lessons were well-prepared. The walking part of the course was fantastic: a real complement to the class and a chance to practise with an amazing guide!
    Julia
    (Wales, 2014)
  • Barbara
    Thank you so much for a really great week. You were very patient with us! It has encouraged me to look for a course this Autumn and to come again to Panes when I have learned a little more.
    Barbara
    (England, 2014)
  • Robbie
    The style of teaching is fabulous. The games really help. I thought at first when you only spoke Spanish I would never learn but it really works. From the hotel to class to hiking, this has been the best part of my holiday. I think you have a wonderful concept and I would recommend this to anyone.
    Robbie
    (Australia, 2014)
  • Louise
    Las clases de español son excelente. Me gusta mucho los métodos diferentes: el vídeo, los juegos, leyendo, escuchando. Tenemos que pensar y hablar en español. ¡Es divertido! ¡Es excepcional!
    Louise
    (Australia, 2016)
  • Dilys
    Clarity, pace, attention to the needs of each person. The room is good for teaching and facilities excellent.
    Dilys
    (England, 2016)
  • Sarah
    Very friendly and helpful staff. The classes were fun and at a suitable level. It was great to have the small classes. The different walkers were accommodated well and the walks were spectacular.
    Sarah
    (England, 2016)
  • Kellie
    A great experience. I’m happy I did it. Great guides… great teachers… And the family I stayed with were super nice.
    Kellie
    (USA, 2016)
  • Lynn
    The whole week has been wonderful. The combination of Spanish & walking has suited me to perfection. I have thoroughly enjoyed the company of everyone I have met this week,
    Lynn
    England, 2016
  • Ann
    Obviously a lot of thought put into content & method. Very refreshing activities to keep students focused. At no time felt bored or uninterested. Wish had another week. Congratulations!
    Ann
    (Ireland, 2016)
  • Mike
    There is so much to see and do, whether you’re the sporting enthusiast or want to brush up on your Spanish (or both!), get to the Picos de Europa and have a jolly good time!!
    Mike
    (Wales, 2013)
  • Amanda & Frank
    Peak Me provided a perfect combination of learning Spanish, exploring the friendly village of Panes and walking in the beautiful surrounding Picos. The whole week was exceptionally well organised and the Spanish lessons meticulously planned, full of variety and taught with skill, patience and humour.
    Amanda & Frank
    (Scotland, 2013)
  • Keith
    Just to let you know that I put my Spanish to good use last night. Went to see the 'Barber of Sevilla' in Bilbao last night. It was sung in Italian but there were surtitles in Spanish projected on to the top of the stage. My vocabulary coped with most of the plot, there were one or two scenes were I had to fill in the missing words from the action on stage.
    Keith
    (England, 2016)

Our services in the school


  • We’ll drive you to and from the school to the walks and other activities.

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • Tea, coffee & biscuits for the breaks

  • Info service – about nice stuff to do in the area

  • Printing (at a small cost)


Bring your dog along


If your dog is sociable and well-behaved, it is welcome in our school and you can also take it on the walks. There are some accommodation options to stay with your dog in the area too. Please let us know if you intend to come with your dog when you book, so we can discuss how to ensure your dog also has a good holiday!

Our values

  • We want our business to have a socially positive impact locally and beyond

  • Sustainability: we recycle, take energy use seriously and take steps to ensure we keep the environmental impact of our activity to a minimum

  • Equality: our services are for everybody, regardless of sexual orientation, age, race, gender… you get our drift

  • We use local produce and workforce wherever possible

  • The Picos have some very old and traditional villages high in the mountains, these often have combined bar/shops which we use whenever we visit, helping keep them alive for the local people

  • We like to pick up and drop off our visitors as a group to minimise travel

  • We promote local environmental projects and initiatives, and use these as a point of interest in our walks. This improves knowledge, awareness and allows a positive transfer of ideas

  • The National Park is our greatest resource, we treat it with respect. We report any poaching or illegal activity and take litter home with us (whether it’s ours or not)

  • We walk responsibly, minimising soils erosion and disruption to animals. We go off the beaten track to use lesser know routes minimising damage

  • We use a local taxi minibus service for our trips to the national park, allowing us to be dropped off and picked up in different locations. This also minimises pollution and creates employment locally

  • We treat the traditional ways of life and the local people with respect