Spain is known for its dazzling sunshine, lazy-day siestas or soaking up those beautiful and diverse sights. The whole country is huge — and its diversity can’t possibly be explored in just Madrid or Barcelona. Its cultures, food, and languages are as dramatic as its scenery and all too beautiful to resist. But where to start? Our guest author is here to help with these tips on what you need to know before traveling to Spain.
What You Need to Know Before Traveling to Spain
Table of Contents
1. Spanish People Value Rest
2. Not Everyone Speaks Spanish
3. The Public Transportation System Works
4. Watch Out for your Pockets!
5. Sangria, Paella, and Jamón Iberico
I believe in being well-informed because the right knowledge will get you out of a lot of tight situations. Even when you’re traveling and looking for adventure, you should know what to expect or what to do when things don’t go smoothly. If your next destination is Spain, here is what you need to know before traveling to Spain. Read on how to get to know the country and its people even before stepping foot on Spanish soil.
1. Spanish People Value Rest
Unlike the rest of the world, where things go at a crazy-fast pace and no one seems to ever sleep, the Spanish people enjoy life at a different rate. Here, the siesta is important, and people respect it all over the country.
Siesta tends to happen in two waves during the day:
- Once in between 2 pm and 5 pm, when business owners rest (most stores are not open during this time);
- The second wave is from 4 pm to 8 pm when bars and restaurants take a break.
However, these hours are not set in stone and they vary from region to region. As a tourist, all you need to know is that people value sleep during the day. Also, remember that Spaniards eat lunch and dinner late (lunch at 2 pm and dinner around 9 pm). Most authentic restaurants aren’t even open before these hours!
2. Not Everyone Speaks Spanish
The country is divided into several regions, and as you visit different ones, you’ll notice other dialects and even languages. For instance, San Sebastian is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Spain, but here people talk a different language, eat different foods, and the entire experience feels unique. This is because the city is part of the Basque country, one of the many autonomous communities in the country.
You’ll have the same experience if you visit Barcelona – here the locals are called Catalans and the region is Catalonia. According to barcelonaexclusiveprivatetours.com, people speak both Spanish and Catalan, but in the intimacy of their homes, Catalan is favored.
3. The Public Transportation System Works
Spain is a country with many touristic objectives so it’s not uncommon for tourists to take day trips using the public transportation system (which affordable). There are several national airlines and the cities are connected by trains and bus lines. In the city, you’ll find metro and buses that you can use with day or week tickets.
4. Watch out for your Pockets!
Just like with most crowded locations, big Spanish cities come with pickpockets (they are part of the deal, unfortunately). So, to make sure you’ll enjoy the beauty of Spain without any negative memories, watch out for your valuables and stay away from places crowded with tourists (these are the targets).
5. Sangria, Paella, and Jamón Iberico
These all sound Spanish and you might be excited to try the authentic taste, but you need to be careful with your selection. For instance, paella is a dish from Valencia, so if you want the real deal you should visit the city (it has a lot more to offer than great food!). Otherwise, try finding a restaurant with a Valencian menu.
Sangria, on the other hand, is not something Spaniards drink. It is an expensive drink offered to tourists though. If you really want to blend in, ask for tinto de verano, a drink of red wine and lemonade.
Finally, jamón Iberico is a specialty here and means cured ham. Spaniards make it from black-hoofed Iberian pigs that were only fed acorns during their lifetime, and the result is absolutely divine.
Now go ahead and book your first visit to Spain.
Overall, Spain is a big and diverse country, with lots of gorgeous places to visit, an impressive variety, and delicious foods and drinks. The locals are friendly and helpful, but they also love to share their opinion on various topics (even when you don’t ask for it) so don’t take it personally.