What is a Spanish kiss?

Double cheek kissing In Spain, people greet each other and say goodbye with a kiss on each cheek. Don't be mistaken - these aren't wet, sloppy kisses! In fact, these aren't really proper kisses at all. People usually touch their right cheeks together and make a kissing sound, then repeat the process on the left side.

paradores.es - 10 Spanish Customs that Will Surprise You | Paradores

What does making out do for you?

Along with the oxytocin and dopamine that make you feel affection and euphoria, kissing releases serotonin — another feel-good chemical. It also...

Last updated Feb 25, 2019

When should you stop a date?

Don't be afraid to end the date when you're having a great time. Remember the first few dates are setting up the energy and flow of the...

Last updated Jan 6, 2019

Do you really know who the “One” is? Your true Soulmate?

Promotion

One of the best parts about travelling is discovering new customs and traditions. In Spain, with its rich culture, history, and cuisine, you are sure to do just that! From the late lunches and dinners to the kiss-kiss greetings, you will notice some surprising cultural differences on your Spanish holiday. We've compiled a list of 10 Spanish customs that guests often notice during their stay at one of Paradores many luxury hotels in Spain.

Parador Sigüenza

Book now at Parador de Sigüenza

1. Double cheek kissing

In Spain, people greet each other and say goodbye with a kiss on each cheek. Don't be mistaken - these aren't wet, sloppy kisses! In fact, these aren't really proper kisses at all. People usually touch their right cheeks together and make a kissing sound, then repeat the process on the left side. People don't do this every morning when they come into work, but if you meet a friend for drinks or are introduced to someone new, the double cheek kiss is given to say hello and goodbye. Women are always greeted this way, but two men shake hands with each other unless they are relatives.

2. Coffee

Spain has a strong coffee culture, and it is not uncommon to drink four or five cups of coffee a day at all hours of the day. Café con leche, which is half strong black coffee and half milk, is by far the most popular way to drink java in Spain. You might be asked how you want your milk - caliente (hot), templada (warm), or fría (cold). If a café con leche is too big for you, you can try a café cortado instead, which is a smaller version with only a touch of milk. Or if you're craving something stronger, try a café solo, which is a small glass of nothing but strong black coffee.

Parador Segovia

Book now at Parador de Segovia

3. Beer and wine

If you pop into a bar during your visit to Spain, don't be surprised if you only see one or two options for draught beer. Unlike bars in other parts of the world, many establishments in Spain have very few beers on tap. Often, thirsty patrons simply ask the waiter for una caña, which is a small glass of beer, or una doble, which is a larger glass, without specifying the brand or type. The same goes for Spanish wine. Even though Spain is known for its excellent wine culture, it is common in many Spanish bars and restaurants to simply order vino tinto (red wine) or vino blanco (white wine) without specifying further. At Paradores hotels, however, guests can choose which type of wine they want to try from a carefully selected wine menu.

Parador La Granja

How do artists get creative ideas?

How do artists get their ideas? Here's 5 creative sources 1.) Other artworks. Pablo Picasso once said, “Good artists copy, great artists steal. ......

Last updated Jan 27, 2020

Do you have to pay money after a free trial?

Here are three things to know about free trial offers: 1. If you don't cancel on time, you'll be charged. Usually, you have to give your credit...

Last updated Jan 8, 2019

Promotion

Book now at Parador de La Granja

4. Bar litter

In some bars, it is okay to throw used napkins and toothpicks on the ground. Especially in a packed bar where everyone is standing up, it is fine to drop those two items on the floor. Staff come around to sweep them up regularly.

5. Late lunches and dinners

Spanish lunch and dinner times are later than in many other countries. Lunch is normally eaten at two or three in the afternoon, and dinner around ten at night. Lunch is typically a large meal, with a starter, a main dish and dessert. Dinner is normally very light.

Parador de Gredos

Book now at Parador de Gredos

6. Nightlife

Nightlife in Spain is as good as you've heard. Bars and clubs are open all night, and many people party until six in the morning, sometimes stopping for some churros and hot chocolate at sunrise before finally going to bed.

7. Siesta

The Spanish siesta is one of the country's most well-known traditions. Nowadays, few Spaniards are able to commute all the way home to have a midday nap, but many shops still close at lunchtime - usually from 2 pm to 4 or 5 pm. Major chains, however, are normally open all day without interruption.

Parador Alarcón

Book now at Parador de Alarcón

8. Personal space

People in Spain make more physical contact during conversations, so don't be alarmed if someone touches you on the shoulder or stands very close while having a chat. The concept of personal space is not as strong as it is in other countries.

9. Unlucky day

In Spain, Tuesday the 13th, not Friday the 13th, is considered to be an unlucky day. A common saying warns against doing anything important on this day: ni te cases, ni te embarques (don't get married or embark [on a voyage by ship or plane]).

10. Surnames

Everyone has two surnames, which they take from their father (first surname) and their mother (second surname). A woman keeps her surnames when she gets married instead of adopting the surnames of her husband.

Parador Aiguablava

Book now at Parador de Aiguablava

Have you noticed any other customs in Spain that are different from your own?

paradores.es - 10 Spanish Customs that Will Surprise You | Paradores

What usually ends relationships?

Common causes for breakups include personality differences, lack of time spent together, infidelity, lack of positive interactions between the...

Last updated Mar 28, 2019

When your soul is empty?

By the description of the dictionary, soul is the union of body and spirit, which some prefer to call mind. “Empty Soul” represents the lack of the...

Last updated Dec 3, 2019

Promotion

What are daddy issues in a woman?

“Daddy issues” is generally a catchall phrase, often used disparagingly to refer to women who have complex, confusing, or dysfunctional...

Last updated Jan 3, 2018

Promotion

Which planet should be in 7th house for marriage?

Venus is the most powerful planet that wields a huge influence on the marriage prospects of the native. Other important planets that can be...

Last updated Aug 11, 2022