What You Should Know Before Traveling to Spain: Practical Tips & Cultural Insights for Golf Travelers
Traveling to Spain is often a dream come true for golfers and culture-seekers alike. But even seasoned travelers from the U.S. and Canada find that Spain operates on its own rhythm — from meal times and train systems to how people dress and move about cities. Whether you're here for the stunning golf resorts, the gastronomy, or just the lifestyle, knowing these local nuances can make a big difference. In this guide, we’ll cover the most frequently asked questions and clarify some common misconceptions to help you enjoy your time in Spain to the fullest — with tips tailored to travelers like you.
Tipping in Spain: Simple and Modest
Tipping in Spain is much less formal than in North America. You won’t find the same expectation of 15-20% after every meal. Instead, it’s customary to round up your bill or leave a small amount — say, 5–10% — in nicer restaurants. In cafés, taxis, or for small services, dropping a euro or some loose change is perfectly fine. Remember, Spanish service professionals are paid fair wages, and tipping is seen as a bonus rather than an obligation. That said, when in doubt, we can offer cultural insights specific to the itinerary you’ll be doing and recommend situations where a little generosity goes a long way.
High-Speed Trains: Fast, Modern & Expansive
Spain’s rail network is one of Europe’s best, and its high-speed trains are a fantastic way to travel efficiently between major cities. The AVE by Renfe is the original, but today, the high-speed market includes Ouigo, Iryo, and Avlo (this is the low-cost line of Renfe) — each offering competitive pricing and comfortable travel. A high-speed train in Spain qualifies when it hits 300 km/h (about 186 mph) on part of the route.
Popular high-speed routes include:
Madrid – Barcelona (2.5-3 hours)
Madrid – Málaga (2.5-3 hours)
Madrid – Seville (2.5 hours)
Madrid – Valencia (1 hour 40 mins)
Beyond the bullet train routes, Spain has other train options that are not technically high-speed but still very convenient and scenic, connecting golf-friendly regions like the Costa Blanca or northern Spain. Want to know the best rail options for your itinerary? Just ask us — we’ll match you with the smartest route.
Meal Times & Siesta Culture: A Different Rhythm
Yes, Spain operates on a different clock — and it's part of the charm. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day, often starting around 2 PM, and dinners don’t begin until 8:30–9 PM. Some restaurants simply won’t open earlier. This shift in meal timing is why some stores and services pause for what many mistakenly call a "siesta."
But do Spaniards really nap in the middle of the day? Not usually. The midday break, often from 1:30 or 2 PM to 4:30 or 5 PM, reflects the importance of taking time for lunch and family — not necessarily a nap. It's a way of splitting the day into two parts, with a longer pause for a proper, nutritious meal.
Also worth noting: Spain uses the 24-hour clock, so you’ll see times like 13:00 (1:00 PM) or 21:00 (9:00 PM) on schedules and menus. This might take a moment to adjust to if you're used to AM/PM formats.
And when it comes to numbers, Spain follows the continental European convention — decimals are marked with commas, and thousands with periods. For example, 1.000,50 € means one thousand euros and fifty cents — not one euro! It can cause confusion, so double-check when booking or shopping.
Our advice? Embrace the rhythm, and if you're unsure how to schedule meals or activities around it, just ask. Having us craft your itinerary means these cultural details work for you, not against you.
Business Hours: A Later Schedule
Shops in tourist areas and big cities stay open later than in North America. In places like Gran Vía in Madrid, Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona, or Puerto Banús in Marbella, many stores close around 9 or 10 PM.
However, many local shops close from 2 PM to 5 PM, especially in smaller towns or neighborhoods. And Sundays are quiet — even in major cities. It’s a good day to rest, explore outdoors, or enjoy a long lunch. Need help building a shopping-friendly itinerary? We’ll keep opening hours and local vibes in mind.
Getting Around Cities: Ride-Share & Taxis
Spain’s major cities — Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville — support popular ride-sharing apps like Uber, Cabify, and Bolt. They're reliable and easy to use with an international phone number or Wi-Fi access.
Taxis are also a good option, but note since their pricing is based on the time spent in the vehicle, it may mean that traffic delays can increase exponentially your fare. Sometimes the convenience that offer ride-share apps by offering upfront pricing makes them the more predictable option. Need help deciding what's best for your mobility needs or travel group? Let us guide you.
Driving in Spain: Think Twice in Big Cities
Driving in Spain can be enjoyable, especially if you're headed to rural regions, golf resorts, or coastal towns. However, we don’t recommend renting a car in cities like Madrid or Barcelona. Besides traffic and limited parking, these cities have low-emission zones, access restrictions, and rotating road rules — being unaware can lead to fines.
If you do rent a car, remember:
You can't turn right on red
Roundabouts are common, and inner lanes have the right-of-way when exiting
Street parking is usually parallel and tight
International drivers need a valid driver’s license and often an International Driving Permit (IDP), depending on your rental company and country of origin
Let us help you decide if driving is right for your trip and where it makes sense to include it in your itinerary.
Walking Culture: Get Ready to Explore
Spanish cities are extremely walkable, especially in historic or central districts. You’ll mostly be walking on smooth sidewalks, with occasional cobblestone in scenic plazas or old town streets. Expect to walk 10,000+ steps a day while sightseeing, shopping, or even navigating large golf resorts.
Make sure to bring comfortable, broken-in shoes — your feet will thank you.
Public Transit: Easy in Cities, Elsewhere You’ll Want a Car
In big cities, public transit is efficient, affordable, and easy to navigate. Metros, buses, and trams typically use contactless cards or allow phone tap payments. Google Maps or transit apps work well for route planning even showing the next train or bus’ departure time.
However, outside major urban areas, public transit can be limited or infrequent. In those cases, renting a car or hiring a driver is a much better option — and something we’re happy to coordinate for you.
Tap Water: Generally Safe, But Ask Locally
In most parts of Spain, tap water is safe to drink, especially in cities. That said, it’s always smart to ask at your hotel reception or vacation rental upon arrival. Some areas may have harder or mineral-rich water that tastes different, and restaurants typically don’t offer tap water automatically — they’ll serve bottled water, often at a charge.
If you prefer tap, just say: “Agua del grifo, por favor.”
Dress Code: Stylish Yet Comfortable
Traditionally, Spaniards dressed more formally than North Americans, especially in city centers or when going out. That’s still true, but athleisure has become more accepted, especially after work or on weekends. The key is to lean toward smart-casual attire and avoid anything too casual in formal settings.
As for shoes? Comfort trumps style. You'll likely be walking more than expected, and cobbled streets (common in historic districts, plazas, and parks) can be unforgiving.
At the golf course, dress codes are stricter than in some U.S. clubs. Collared shirts, tailored pants or proper golf skirts, and no denim or denim-style clothing is the norm. Want to be sure you’re packed right? We’re happy to share tips tailored to your destination clubs.
Bullfighting: A Tradition with Caveats
Bullfighting is still practiced in parts of Spain — mainly in Madrid, Seville, and Andalusia — and mostly during the spring and summer months. While some see it as a cultural spectacle, others view it as controversial. Several regions, like Catalonia, have banned it completely.
If you're curious, let us advise you on when and where events happen, and what kind of experience to expect — this isn’t for everyone, and that’s completely okay. Be aware that some moments during the event can be difficult to watch, even for those interested in tradition or history. Understanding this in advance can help you decide whether it's something you truly want to experience.
Soccer (Fútbol): A National Obsession
Catching a game in Spain is electric. From La Liga to Champions League matches, Spanish clubs like FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Sevilla FC, and Atlético de Madrid host some of the world’s best football.
The season runs August to May, and matches are popular — especially the classics. We can help you get tickets, understand the stadium layout, and even add pre- or post-game dining recommendations to your travel plan.
Spain isn’t just a destination — it’s a lifestyle. And the better you understand the local customs, the richer your experience becomes. We’re here to take the guesswork out of your travel planning so you can focus on enjoying the journey. Whether you need help navigating train schedules, building an efficient itinerary, or choosing the right restaurant for a late dinner after 18 holes — just ask us. We're locals, and we're travel advisors who know Spain like the back of our hand.
