Opening hours in Spain: find out the hourly traditions of Andalucia (2024)

FAQs

What are the typical opening hours in Spain? ›

The norm is for shops to open continuously from 10:00 to 21:00. At times, they close between 14:00 and 17:00, especially in summer. Theatre productions, concerts and shows tend to start between 20:00 and 21:00. In summer, performance start times can be later, even as late as 22:00 or 23:00.

Pilgrimages are among the most commonly celebrated cultural and religious events in Andalusia, with some of them dating back to the Middle Ages. These pilgrimages are usually undertaken on foot, on horseback, or by wagon to a sanctuary or hermitage where a statue of the Virgin Mary or a saint is venerated.

In general the working day in Spain is split into two halves, the day commences at 9am until 2pm and 5pm to 8pm, with the famous “siesta” in between. Like elsewhere in Europe, the working week runs from Monday to Friday, except in hospitality and retail (see below).

Banks, schools and shops are usually closed on Andalusia day. Some restaurants and bars are open so you can taste typic Andalusian food during this ”festivo”! This happens with every ”festivo” in Andalusia.

In Spain, breakfast occurs between the hours of 8 am to 11 am. It's important to know that some here do not even eat breakfast, as lunch in Spain is typically the largest meal of the day and most locals want to have their appetite for the midday break. In these cases, many will just have coffee or tea.

Unlike the work culture in Germany, which emphasises punctuality and being on time, the work culture in Spain embraces a more relaxed approach. It's common for meetings to run long or be postponed, deadlines to change, and for someone to be late.

The Andalusia Day (Spanish: Día de Andalucía) is celebrated in 28 February and commemorates the 28 February 1980 referendum on the Statute of Autonomy of Andalusia, in which the Andalusian electorate voted for the statute that made Andalusia an autonomous community of Spain.

Andalusia is known for its wine and brandy, which are produced in Jerez (where sherry originated), Niebla, Montilla, and Málaga. The provinces of Sevilla, Córdoba, and Jaén process large quantities of olive oil and together account for about two-thirds of Spanish production.

Andalucia is the largest of Spain's 17 autonomous regions and it's the one which evokes the most powerful images of a country famed for its flamenco, fiestas, bullfighting and raw passion.

Siesta. When in Spain, the main meal is lunch, so it is common that many local shops and small businesses will be closed. That doesn't really mean that we are all taking a “siesta” (nap). Nonetheless, you should expect, especially in small towns, local businesses will be closed: From 1 or 2 pm to 4 or 5 pm.

What is considered polite in Spain? ›

Say hello and goodbye when entering any shop or establishment. Greet people when they enter an elevator/lift. If you need to give an object to someone, pass it to them. It is rude to toss it in their direction.

Dinner time in Spain: 9-11 pm

Spaniards eat salads in summer, warm soups in the winter, and omelettes or eggs (typically eaten at dinner) year-round. This is also tapas time, when people are happy to share a meal at a bar surrounded by friends and family.

Mealtimes tend to be a little later in Spain than in the rest of Europe: breakfast is continental style and is usually eaten between 8am and 10.30am. In restaurants, lunch is served between 1pm and 3.30pm, and dinner from 8.30 to 11pm.

As it is a public holiday or 'festivo', many supermarkets and shops are closed in Andalusia on February 28. Businesses give employees the day off work and children get a day off school.

The day is notable for its 1980 referendum on the Statute of Autonomy of Andalusia, and is celebrated on 28th February. People in Andalucia adorn their terraces with the flag of Andalusia, and in many places cultural competitions are held.

What are the standard working days in Spain? The usual working days for employees in Spain are Monday-Friday. Many employers give Friday afternoons off, with the time made up by working 8.5 hours from Monday-Thursday.

If late lunch is usually the heaviest meal of the day, dinner at 6 or 7pm just doesn't make sense. Spanish families will start making their way to their kitchens at 9pm and most restaurants won't even open before 8pm.

According to regulations, it is allowed to make noise in your own home from Monday to Friday from 8.00h to 21.00h. Although some Spanish municipalities have chosen to extend this to 22.00h or 23.00h, on weekends everyone is obliged to follow the same regulation: you are only allowed to make noise from 9.30h to 21.00h.