7 Things To Avoid In Spain For A Smooth Trip To The Sun

When visiting Spain, avoid wearing beachwear away from the beach, expecting English everywhere, dining before 9 PM, rushing through activities, ordering paella for dinner (it’s a lunch dish), ignoring siesta hours, and littering in public spaces. Pack appropriate cover-ups, learn basic Spanish phrases, adapt to later mealtimes, embrace a slower pace, respect local customs around food, plan around afternoon shop closures, and dispose of waste properly. These adjustments will transform your sunny Spanish vacation from frustrating to fantastic.

Good To Know

• Avoid wearing beach attire in streets, shops, or restaurants; use cover-ups when leaving the beach.
• Don’t expect to find open shops during siesta hours (2-5 PM) in many areas.
• Skip trying to eat dinner before 8 PM, as most restaurants won’t be open yet.
• Never litter or improperly dispose of waste, as Spain enforces significant fines.
• Don’t expect widespread English fluency outside major tourist areas; learn basic Spanish phrases.

Wearing Beachwear Far From The Beach

While Spain boasts some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches where swimwear is perfectly appropriate, venturing beyond the sand in your bathing suit is a cultural faux pas that locals find jarring.

Spaniards strictly reserve beach attire for the beach itself, not for streets, shops, or restaurants. Though not illegal, walking around town shirtless or in a bikini will draw disapproving looks. This stands in stark contrast to the historical era when strict dress codes were enforced during Franco’s regime, with violations potentially resulting in arrest. Pack a light cover-up, sundress, or t-shirt for post-swim exploring.

This cultural norm varies slightly by region—tourist zones in Mallorca or Ibiza show more tolerance than Barcelona or inland cities. If you’re looking for more relaxed dress code environments while still enjoying Mediterranean culture, affordable Croatian destinations might offer a slightly more casual coastal atmosphere. Remember to use beachside changing facilities before heading into town, and carry a small bag for wet items. The rule of thumb: if you’re not on sand or by a pool, cover up.

Expecting English Everywhere You Go

One common misconception among visitors to Spain is that English will be widely spoken throughout the country. In reality, only about 22% of Spaniards speak English, with proficiency varying considerably across regions and demographics.

While you’ll find English speakers in major tourist areas and hotels in Madrid or Barcelona, don’t count on it in smaller towns, medical facilities, or local markets. Regions such as the Balearic Islands and Madrid typically have higher concentrations of English speakers compared to other areas. Public transportation, government services, and legal documents typically operate in Spanish only.

Download offline translation apps before your trip and learn basic phrases like “¿Habla inglés?” and “Gracias.” Pre-book English-guided tours for attractions and confirm language support when making reservations. Always carry a phrasebook or translation cards, especially for communicating medical needs or dietary restrictions. If language is a top concern for your European vacation, you might consider neighboring France where English proficiency tends to be higher in tourist destinations.

Eating Dinner Before 9 PM

Beyond language barriers, understanding Spanish meal schedules is just as important for travelers. If you’re planning to dine at 6 or 7 PM, you’ll likely find restaurants closed or completely empty.

Spanish dinners typically occur between 9 and 11 PM, with establishments only opening around 8 PM.

This late dining culture isn’t arbitrary—it’s structured around Spain’s full daily meal pattern including second breakfast, lunch (the main meal), and merienda in late afternoon.

Attempting early dinners will limit your options and mark you as a tourist.

Instead, adapt by having a substantial lunch and light merienda to tide you over. Many locals enjoy the traditional Menu del Dia during lunch – a great value three-course meal with wine.

When restaurants fill around 9 PM, you’ll experience authentic Spanish dining culture with its emphasis on social interaction and leisurely eating.

If you’re especially sensitive to heat, consider the contrast with Denmark’s climate, where even the warmest spots remain considerably cooler than Spain’s summer temperatures.

Rushing Through Your Day

If you’ve traveled to Spain with a packed itinerary and rigid schedule, you’re setting yourself up for frustration. Spanish culture embraces a slower pace of life that you’ll need to adjust to for an enjoyable trip.

Remember that Spaniards operate on a different timetable—meals happen later, shops close for siestas, and nightlife starts after 10 PM. Instead of fighting this rhythm, adapt to it.

When in Spain, embrace their tempo—late lunches, afternoon breaks, midnight dinners. Flow with their rhythm, not against it.

Visit popular attractions during off-peak hours, incorporate breaks into your day, and leave room for spontaneity. Respecting these local time management rhythms will significantly improve your Spanish experience.

Use public transportation to avoid navigation stress, and prioritize key attractions while allowing time to wander through local neighborhoods. Just as visitors to Paris are advised to avoid rigid schedules, Spanish cities also reward those who embrace flexibility.

The most memorable experiences often come from unplanned moments—savoring tapas at a neighborhood bar or joining locals for an evening paseo (stroll) through the plaza.

Ordering Paella For Dinner

When you’re craving Spain’s most iconic dish, timing matters more than you might think. Locals eat paella at lunch, not dinner, and ordering it outside this timeframe marks you as a tourist. Authentic Spanish restaurants typically serve paella between 2 PM and 4 PM.

Remember that paella is meant for sharing, with most places requiring a minimum order for two people. If you’re dining solo, look for restaurants offering individual portions or consider joining a group meal experience. You can politely tell your server “Vamos a compartir” when ordering, which indicates your intention to share the dish with your companions.

For the most authentic experience, match your order to the region you’re in. Valencia boasts the original recipe, while coastal areas excel in seafood variations. If you’re considering where else to try Nordic-inspired cuisine, Nordic countries offer equally distinctive regional specialties with their own unique dining customs.

And skip the sangria pairing in winter months—opt instead for a glass of regional wine by saying “Una copa de vino tinto/blanco, por favor.”

Disrespecting Siesta Hours

While Spanish cuisine follows specific timing rules, so does the country’s daily rhythm—though not exactly as you might expect. Contrary to popular belief, only about 16% of Spaniards take daily siestas, with most urban workers following split-shift schedules that stretch from 8:30 AM to 8 PM.

Don’t assume midday business closures mean everyone’s napping. Most shops close during the 2-5 PM quiet hours due to extended lunch breaks, not because owners are sleeping. In smaller towns, these closures can be even longer, with siesta periods starting as early as 1PM and lasting until 5PM. Respect residential noise levels during these hours regardless.

Tourist areas typically stay open continuously, but local services, banks, and public offices often operate mornings only. Planning your daily activities around these local schedules will help ensure a smoother experience in Spain.

Remember that Spain runs on a later schedule overall—expect late dinners (9-11 PM) and nightlife extending well past midnight, an adjustment that might require more stamina than a midday nap provides.

Littering In Public Spaces

Spain’s commitment to environmental protection makes littering in public spaces both socially unacceptable and potentially expensive. The country is actively working toward ambitious recycling targets and reducing marine litter as part of UN Sustainable Development Goals, with fines enforced for improper waste disposal. Many tourist properties now utilize digital management systems to inform visitors about local waste disposal regulations and responsibilities.

• Plastic waste increased by 8.8% in 2021, reaching 954,000 metric tons.

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Spain aims for 55% reuse and recycling of municipal waste by 2025.

• “Pay-as-you-throw” systems are being implemented to discourage excessive waste.

When visiting, always use designated trash bins and follow local sorting guidelines for recycling. Spain’s beautiful beaches, historic cities, and natural parks deserve to be kept clean. If you enjoy water activities, remember that improper waste disposal directly impacts marine ecosystems that make destinations like Dubrovnik famous for snorkeling.

Remember that enforcement varies by region, but respecting these rules protects both the environment and your wallet.

The Sum Up

Remember, what you don’t do in Spain is just as important as what you do. By avoiding these seven pitfalls, you’ll blend in better with locals and enjoy a more authentic experience. As they say, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Respect Spanish customs, adapt to the local rhythm, and you’ll return home with genuine memories rather than tourist frustrations. Your Spanish adventure awaits!