An expert has shared a four-step guide on how drunk Brits can stay on Spanish locals’ good side amid growing resentment against tourists.
Locals in towns and cities across mainland Spain and its islands rallied against overtourism this summer more than ever, prompting Christian Wolf, CEO of CW Real Estate Ibiza, to create a guide on how not to rattle your Spanish counterparts.
Much of the behaviour that has irked locals is the British propensity to enjoy a tipple or two on holiday, at any time and any place. This informs Christian’s first bit of advice.
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Careful on the booze
“Although binge drinking may be common practice in many countries, people in Spain like to take their time with drinking,” explained Christian.
He said the drunkenness isn’t just annoying, and sometimes threatening, but even creates delays in emergency service with ambulances and police too busy tending to drunk people.
There are even reports of drug mafias taking over local properties in tourism hotspots to cater to partying tourists.
“Tourists often come to Spain ready to party, but what they don’t realise is that binge drinking is not as accepted here,” says Wolf. “It’s important to enjoy yourself, but drinking to excess can lead to public disturbances, property damage, and strained relationships with the locals.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Some tourist behaviour has gotten so out of control that all-inclusive hotels around Spain have started issuing a ‘six-drink rule’.
“Time will tell if this rule will be effective, and if more establishments will enforce it or if it simply fizzles out”, said Wolf.
He said there is a cultural difference in how Spaniards enjoy booze. “Many Spaniards like to go out and have several drinks over the span of an evening while snacking on tapas and other small bites”, added Wolf.
“This way they are not just drinking to get drunk, but to enjoy their time with their friends and family and have longevity throughout the night”.
Queueing
Though Wolf cautioned against tourist’s excessive drinking, he pointed to some other, less serious social faux pas visitors should avoid while in Spain.
“If you find yourself on an escalator, there’s an unspoken rule that you stand on the right side so that people can pass on the left, much like a passing lane when driving,” he said.
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Tourists can be easily spotted because they will be standing on the left side of the escalator, completely unaware that people are waiting for them to move.
Petting other people’s dogs – and breakfast!
Wolf said that petting other people’s dogs in public is uncommon in Spain, so don’t be alarmed if you try to pet a dog on the street and the owner yanks the dog away.
If you do indulge in a big night out, Wolf said not to expect a big fry-up for breakfast unless you’re going to a restaurant catering only to tourists.
(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
The usual breakfast for Spaniards is coffee and some kind of pastry like a doughnut or croissant.
“If you want something on the salty side, ask for a ‘pan con tomate’”, says Wolf. “This is simply a piece of toast with olive oil and crushed tomato on top, and it is Spain’s most popular breakfast food item”.
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