Spanish Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts for Newcomers

Do take time for lunch

Food is important in Spain and lunch is considered the most important meal of the day. This is often eaten between 2 pm and 4 pm, when you'll find that shops and businesses may close and whole communities slow down so that everyone can enjoy their meal. It is at this point that the famous Spanish siesta may take place too. The traditional, lengthy siesta is less common in modern Spain, but you will find that some people still take time for a short rest after their lunch, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas.

Do be patient

Spanish people are famed for being rather leisurely, and Spanish time isn't always the same as the real time. If you're arranging to meet new friends, don't be surprised if they turn up 10 to 20 minutes later than you might expect. Be patient and see this as time to relax and unwind. This isn't a mark of disrespect, but of a casual relationship with time as a concept.

Do be respectful of regional and national identity

Spanish people tend to be very proud of both their regional and national identity. This is particularly true in the Catalan and Basque regions. According to an EU barometer, 84% of Spanish people reported feeling attached to their regional identities compared to 69% across the EU.

The topic of national identity can be a sensitive subject in Spain, so this is best avoided, particularly with people you have just met or don't have an established relationship with.

Do offer a friendly greeting

Spaniards tend to offer more affectionate greetings than their reserved British or American counterparts. Women will typically greet each other by using a double cheek kiss, kissing first the left and then the right cheek. Men who know each other will use a hug and a handshake as a greeting. If you're meeting someone for the first time, or meeting them in a business setting, opt for a handshake instead.

Do maintain eye contact

Eye contact is very important when communicating in Spain, and maintaining it shows that you are interested and paying attention. For this reason, it's considered very bad etiquette in Spain to check your phone or have your eyes wander around the room when someone is talking to you.

Don't greet people informally

Friends, colleagues, and people that are familiar with each other will use their first names to address each other. But if you're talking to someone new, it is good Spanish etiquette to use a more formal greeting. Don/Doña followed by the surname is the correct form to use when talking to older people, and in formal situations you should use señor/señora/señorita followed by the individual's surname.

Don't take offence at Spanish humour

Spanish humour can be very blunt, and often takes new expats by surprise. Expect blunt and risqué humour, as well as black humour and slapstick, to take centre stage. By contrast, irony, sarcasm, and other gentle forms of humour aren't as popular in Spain.

Don't dress down

Spanish people tend to take pride in their appearance, and you won't see many Spanish people in scruffy or oversized clothes. Gym clothes are only worn at the gym, for example.

Despite the warm climate in Spain, it's also essential to keep your beach wear on the beach. To ensure this, some Spanish towns and cities have implemented rules preventing wearing swimwear in public, urban areas.

Don't rush dinner

Spanish evening meals are relaxed and lengthy affairs. Whether you're eating out or having dinner in a family home, expect mealtimes to be a social occasion where each dish is accompanied by a lot of lively conversation. This is why tapas-style dining is so popular in Spain.

It's also worth noting that dinner tends to be eaten late in Spain. People often eat dinner at around 9pm or 10pm, which perhaps explains why afternoon siestas are so popular in the country.

Don't value your personal space

Spanish people talk with their hands, stand close to each other, and may touch each other on the arm, back, or shoulder when communicating. Don't expect too much personal space in public places, such as in bars or on public transport.

Living and working in Spain is a lifelong dream for many. Are you in the process of moving to Spain or looking to make the right move to Spain for you? If you're looking for estate agents in Southern Spain then why not get in touch? Our locally based property experts are a font of local knowledge, and are perfectly placed to help you find the home of your dreams.