Top 10 Things to Know if You’re Moving to Spain

Are you about to embark on a move to Spain? Steeped in history and rich with personality, expats in Spain will discover there’s far more to the country than meets the eye of the typical tourist. Spain spans a vast variety of distinctive cultures across diverse landscapes and an individually governed collection of regions–each boasting its own unique heritage, language quirks, and proper ways to prepare a tortilla española, a traditional Spanish tapa made from eggs, potato, and onion. (Believe me, if you live in Spain long enough, you too will have strong opinions on this).

Wherever you plan to live, you can count on a cultural deep dive where everyday life comes with its own delightful twists and surprises. Here are ten things to know before you go. I know this firsthand as I moved to Seville with my husband and two sons in 2016, and now I help others navigate their own move abroad. Visit Family Move Abroad for more info.

# 1. One Country, Many Regions

Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities, each with its own distinct culture, cuisine, festivals, and language. Yes, language. All Spaniards speak Spanish—it’s required to complete secondary school – but if you’re moving to Barcelona, for example, in the autonomous region of Catalonia, expect to hear Catalan just as often as Spanish (and in some areas, even more so). Headed to Basque Country, home to phenomenal surf beaches, stunning coastline, and one of the most renowned foodie meccas in the world? You’ll hear locals speaking Euskara among themselves far more than Castellano (the term for the Spanish language as spoken in Spain). Add to this mix each community’s distinct architectural styles, landscapes that range from snow-capped mountains to lush forests and the famous plains of Spain (where, despite the saying, it doesn’t actually rain much), and traveling through Spain can feel like visiting multiple countries in one.

# 2. Festivals & Fiestas: Spain’s Favorite Pastimes

There’s always something to celebrate in Spain, and when Spaniards celebrate, they celebrate big! Pamplona’s famous running of the bulls, aka, the festival of San Fermín, might be the most well known internationally, but each region – in fact, often individual cities—offers up its own special party. Go to Las Fallas in Valencia, where you’ll be mesmerized by fireworks and giant burning sculptures called “ninots”.

Stroll through the fairgrounds at Seville’s Feria de Abril and you’ll witness a swirl of horses, women decked to the nines in colorful dresses, and hoards of crowds sipping Manzanilla while dancing sevillanas (a traditional folk dance) well into the night. Or get in on the fun at La Tomatina in Buñol, where thousands of happy festival goers engage in an epic tomato-throwing battle! Spain’s fiestas are as diverse as its regions and the history and culture of the people that live there. No matter the occasion, expect vibrant energy, fantastic food, great music, and the very likely possibility that the entire city will shut down to celebrate!

# 3. Kids are Welcome Everywhere (Yes, Even in Bars)

Forget the awkward glances for bringing kids to a restaurant. In Spain, children are a natural part of social life and are welcome just about anywhere. Parents get to relax and socialize – and eat awesome food – while “los peques” get their ya-yas out. Nice restaurant? No problem. Local bar? Sure. It’s all part of the lively, family-centered culture. Don’t expect much in the way of kids’ menus, however! While parents might order a simpler dish for the little ones, generally speaking, Spanish children eat what adults eat.

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# 4. Did Someone Say… Bedtime?

The night before our kids’ first day of school as expats in Spain, I rushed them out to dinner early to get them home for a good night’s rest. ‘Early,’ in this case, meant 7:30—the absolute earliest I could find a restaurant open for dinner. You can imagine our surprise (and our kids’ outrage) when we stepped out after our meal into a plaza packed with playing children, many far younger than mine. I’ve seen kids out as late as 12:30 or even 1 AM—and no, not just in summertime! So, for parents coming from cultures where early bedtimes are sacred… brace yourselves for battle!

# 5. How to Survive August in a Hot Spanish City

It didn’t take me long to learn why Seville felt so eerily quiet on our arrival here in early August—inland Spain at that time of year feels like standing too close to a bonfire, with no ability to take a step back. Walking our son to his first Spanish soccer practice, I wondered if the pavement might melt beneath our feet.

If you find yourself stuck in the furnace, plan for the following rhythm to your day: get up early to head outside, get errands done early, and plan to be back at home in your (hopefully!) air conditioned apartment, or inside a restaurant for a leisurely lunch. Stay indoors during the scorching afternoon hours. Businesses adjust accordingly, often closing for an extended siesta and reopening at 8 pm or later and staying open until 11 o’clock or midnight. Weekends? Don’t expect much action—many local shops shut down entirely, and some owners vanish for weeks on vacation. Bear this in mind if you’re moving to Spain in August: you might have grand plans to get settled, but Spain’s heat (and holiday culture) may not cooperate until September.

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# 6. Spanish Restaurant Etiquette: No Rush, No Bill (Until You Ask)

In Spain, meals are an experience, not a race. Waiters won’t bring you the check unless you ask, and they certainly won’t be hovering to shuffle you out the door so they can turn the table. Take your time, enjoy your meal, and embrace the fact that no one is rushing you.

Similarly, Spanish waiters aren’t going to check on you every five minutes—but that doesn’t mean the service is bad. They just assume you’ll call them over when you need something. It’s okay to make a little noise or a not so soft “Perdona!” as they walk by to get their attention. And be prepared: they have opinions. If you’ve ordered too much food, they’ll tell you. If there’s a better dish than the one you picked, they may gently steer you in the right direction. Engage with them, ask what’s fresh that day—especially if you’re a seafood lover—and you’ll find yourself reveling in Spain’s incredible regional cuisines, all while enjoying a refreshingly unrushed dining experience.

# 7. Tapa, Media or Ración?

Speaking of food… Not only does Spain’s menu vary wildly from region to region (and even town to town within a region), but the way dishes are served also differs. Spain is famous for tapas, which, practically speaking, just means “small plate.” It’s not a specific type of cuisine or dish but rather a way of serving food. In Seville, for example, you’ll often see menu items available in three sizes: tapa (a small appetizer portion), media (a half portion), or ración (a full-sized entrée). I personally love this style of eating—it allows me to sample a variety of dishes without over-ordering.

Also, keep in mind that meals in Spanish restaurants are often meant to be shared family-style. This means the waitstaff will usually bring out one or two dishes at a time, waiting for you to finish before serving the next round. No need to flag them down or worry about everything arriving at once—just relax, enjoy the slow rhythm of dining in Spain, and savor every bite!

# 8. The Art of Not Making a Line

Spaniards are experts in the fine art of ‘structured chaos’ when it comes to waiting in line. At the market, the bakery, or even the bank, you probably won’t see an obvious queue—but don’t be fooled, there’s an unspoken order to it all.

At the bank, look for an electronic kiosk at the entrance. You’ll select whether you’re a customer and the type of inquiry you have, and it will spit out a numbered ticket. Eventually (be prepared to wait awhile if you’re not a customer), your number will appear on a screen, signaling it’s finally your turn.

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At the mercado—fantastic fresh food markets found all over Spain—you won’t find a neat line at the most popular puestos (stalls). Instead, you’ll see a loose gathering of people hovering about. Take note of who was there before you and ask, “¿Quién es el último?” (Who’s last?). Once you’ve established your place, just wait for your moment and step forward with confidence when it’s your turn. No pushing necessary—just a little Spanish-style patience!

# 9. To Nap or Not to Nap?

Siesta is a real thing, but it’s not always about napping. Many Spaniards use the afternoon break—typically about two hours or so – to head home for lunch with family and take a breather before the evening kicks in. Most small shops close during this time, but larger supermarkets, chain clothing stores, and big department stores typically stay open.

It’s very un-Spanish, but I often take advantage of siesta hours to get my shopping done—no crowds, no chaos, just me and a blissfully empty aisle and caja (checkout counter). That said, I also fully embrace the occasional nap. Many Spaniards would say there’s an art to the perfect siesta—a light doze in a cozy armchair, just enough to refresh you, but not so deep that you wake up groggy. No crawling under the covers—just a quick recharge to keep you going for the rest of the day.

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# 10. Spanish Pride Runs Deep

Finally, no matter where you are in Spain, you’ll find Spaniards are passionate about their culture, whether it’s their local traditions, their region’s history, or their grandmother’s recipe for gazpacho. Expect to hear enthusiastic stories from your taxi driver (regardless of your fluency in Spanish!) about the city’s monuments or a full breakdown from your butcher about the different cuts of Iberian ham. It’s not boasting – okay, maybe there’s some boasting involved – but at the heart of it beats a deep love for their heritage, history, and way of life.

Moving to Spain in part means slowing down, but mostly, it’s about syncing up with the way things work here. It means adapting not just to a new language, cuisine and culture (or several of them!) but also to a different schedule and different way of life. Be kind to yourself, it might take some getting used to. Lunch happens late, dinner happens even later, and errands require strategic planning around midday closures. Learn the local ways without trying to change them, yet find a rhythm that works for you. Before long, it’ll start to feel natural.

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Jackie Baxa moved to Sevilla, Spain, with her husband and two sons in 2016 and now advises people looking to follow in their footsteps. Visit Family Move Abroad for more info.