Before you go to Spain, check out the following:

• Books: You’ll find some great Fiction and Nonfiction options about life, history, culture, people…
• Some pretty famous movies and TV shows were filmed (at least in part) in Spain. Are any of your favorites on this list?
• Prefer to learn or brush up on your Spanish by listening to Podcasts? Check out these options like News in Slow Spanish, Spanish Obsessed, Coffee Break Spanish and more!
• Bonus Cultural Content: If you’d like to learn while listening to music, here are 101 Spanish songs sure to inspire.
• Brush up on the local etiquette before you land.
• If you haven’t watched Anthony Bourdain and Jose Andres explore the region of Asturias together, do yourself a favor and click here.
• Are you planning on renting a car? Here’s what it’s like to drive in Spain.
• Know your history!

Did You Know?

• The pace is noticeably slower here. Walking at a typical US pace will make you look like a world-class sprinter, so enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
• Percentages vary slightly but it’s no contest – Spain produces the most olive oil, around 45%, in the world.
• Meals and meal-times are quite different than in the US. Breakfast (7-9am) is light – coffee and toast with jam followed by a second breakfast between 10-11am. Lunch is the most important meal of the day. Starting around 1:30-2pm, restaurants will fill up with people ready to sit and feast (try menú del día for great variety and value). As lunch doesn’t typically end until around 4pm, dinner isn’t served until around 9pm. Often, Spaniards will choose lighter fare like tapas, soups and salads to finish their day. 
  • You likely won’t see many people walking and eating either. Food is meant to be savored, enjoyed and consumed while sitting.
  • Wondering what some of the most popular dishes are here? Try paella, patatas bravas, gazpacho, pimientos de Padrón, jamón, churros, and croquetas to start!
• The Spanish siesta is a real thing. Expect smaller independent shops to close down from anywhere between 2-5pm when everyone is eating lunch (and resting if they can)!
• It’s not uncommon for people to drink 4-5 cups of coffee per day and cafe con leche (half coffee/half milk) is the most popular option. 
• Want to order drinks like a local? Instead of asking for sangria, try a glass of tinto de verano (red wine & lemonade) OR, opt to order caña (small glass of beer) instead of cerveza. 
• Don’t forget scarfs, pashminas and/or sweaters to cover shoulders as a sign of respect at religious sites.