Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about travel to Spain, a fantastic country with a unique culture on the Mediterranean coast of Europe. We have visited Spain many times over the years, and it’s always one of our favorite places to return to. For first-time visitors, there are some shocks you might expect on your first tour of Spain.
Spanish People
The people of Spain are so fantastic! They know that their economy depends on tourism, and they don’t appear to resent the tourists that visit their country. The locals in Spain are fun, friendly, and helpful. Don’t be surprised on your Spain trip if you end up staying out all night partying with the locals, or being fed by someone’s abuela.
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Language Barriers
English is not widely spoken in Spain, so you may have to brush up on your Spanish a little bit. If you venture outside of the major cities, you might have some issues finding an English speaker. It definitely helps if you can speak a little Spanish when you visit Spain. Similarly, there are some areas of Spain so popular with ex-pats that you might never hear any Spanish! Costa del Sol is a very popular retirement destination for Brits, so you’ll hear a lot of English spoken there.
Siesta
We may joke about siesta in the US, but it’s a real thing in Spain. In more rural areas outside of the big cities, you can expect everything to be closed from around 2:00 in the afternoon until around 5:00. Even the government offices will take siesta in the afternoon! If you don’t plan ahead, this can definitely throw a wrench in your plans. Get your shopping done before mid-afternoon so you’re not caught off guard.
Time in Spain
Interestingly, time is a bit irrelevant in Spain. A meeting time is merely a suggestion, and if you have plans, don’t be upset if the person you are meeting is later than the agreed-upon time. The Spanish have a very “laissez-faire” attitude to a lot of things. They move at a slower pace without the sense of urgency you get in other cultures. Things also happen much later in Spain; dinner often starts around 9:00 pm. If you are going out to the nightclubs, plan to be out all night!
Lunch in Spain
Thanks to some ancient laws, restaurants in Spain still serve a two-course lunch for a very good price. This is a great way to save money while traveling. The lunch special isn’t always offered to tourists, so be sure to ask if they have a lunch special before you order.
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Food in Tourist Areas
Spain has amazing food! But if you are anywhere near a main tourist area, you will have the worst paella and sangria of your life! They know tourists want to eat paella and drink sangria, so they all serve a version of it. But, it’s not homemade or hand-crafted, and you can tell. Paella and sangria are not “fast food” items, they should be eaten only in authentic Spanish restaurants. Go a bit away from the tourist areas before choosing your restaurants in Spain.
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Tapas Culture
Tapas is becoming more popular in the States, but the origins are in Spanish pubs. Tapas are little snacks you get to go with your alcoholic beverages. Often, these little plates are free while you are drinking beer and cocktails. They aren’t always free, but you can always ask if you’re not sure.
Service in Spain
The concept of time doesn’t really apply to service in Spain, either. The slow pace is also experienced in restaurants. They are friendly, but the service is very slow, and you may have to ask for things a few times. Expect meals to take a long time, as Spaniards like to linger over their meals, which is why the servers don’t rush. (Also, pay attention to the prices on the menu; sometimes they are in grams, not priced for the entree!)
Bull Fighting
You might think bullfighting sounds like something you “have” to do in Spain. It is a part of their culture and history, but it’s not like they show in the cartoons. It is bloody, messy, sport, and if you’re not prepared, it can be traumatizing. Be sure you know what you’re getting into before you decide to go. The same goes for Running of the Bulls in Pamplona; it’s not always pretty.
Singing Spaniards
People of Spain love to sing. What’s funny (or shocking) is when you’re in another country, like France or Italy and a group of Spaniards starts singing. It happens often when we’re traveling in Europe, especially at notable sites and events like the Spanish Steps or the Duomo in Florence.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Remember, Spain is not just a singular entity. It’s a rich country with multiple cultures and languages. Just like the Southern US is different from the Northern US, the same goes for Spain. It’s also more than beaches and warm weather. There are some amazing surprises in store for anyone planning a trip to Spain!
Want more Mediterranean travel tips? Check out these blog posts: