Cultural Differences to Expect When Moving from Britain to Spain
While Spain and Britain share many values and modern conveniences, the cultural differences run deep, affecting everything from daily routines to professional relationships. Learning about these differences before you arrive will not only help you settle into your new life abroad but also enable you to fully embrace and appreciate the Spanish way of life.
Adapting to this shift in culture is a gradual process that requires open-mindedness and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, but the rewards of successfully integrating into Spanish society are immeasurable. Whether you’re making an instant move to Spain or looking for the perfect spot by renting apartments in La Cala de Mijas while you scope out where to stay, paying attention to the culture can make your move so much easier.
Time and Scheduling
Perhaps no cultural difference is more immediately apparent than Spain’s relaxed relationship with time, often referred to as “mañana” (tomorrow) mentality, or a less pressured mindset. Punctuality, while appreciated, is not as strictly enforced as in Britain, with social gatherings commonly starting later than the stated time. The traditional siesta, while less common in modern urban areas, still influences business hours, with many shops closing between 2-5pm and reopening until 8pm or later.
Work-life balance in Spain prioritizes family time and personal relationships over career advancement, with longer lunch breaks and more generous holiday policies being standard. Spaniards take their holidays seriously, with August being a near-universal holiday month throughout many areas of Spain when many businesses operate with reduced hours or close entirely. This approach to time reflects a broader cultural philosophy that values quality of life, relationships, and personal wellbeing over rigid scheduling and maximum productivity.
Food and Dining
Spanish dining culture is one of the most significant adjustments for British expats, starting with dramatically different mealtimes that might initially disrupt your daily routine. Lunch, the main meal of the day, is typically eaten between 2-3pm and can last up to two hours, while dinner is rarely served before 9pm and often extends past 11pm.
Spanish meals are social events meant for conversation and connection, with the concept of rushing through food being almost antithetical to the culture. The dining experience emphasises sharing plates (tapas), trying multiple small dishes, and lingering over conversation with friends and family. Spanish restaurant service operates at a more relaxed pace, with servers giving diners space to enjoy their meals without constant check-ins, and tipping is generally modest (5-10%) compared to British standards.
Professional Life
Spanish workplace culture maintains more traditional hierarchical structures than modern British offices, with clear distinctions between management levels. Business relationships in Spain are built on personal connections and trust, meaning networking events, long lunches, and after-work social gatherings are essential for your career advancement. The Spanish approach to meetings tends to be more relationship-focused, with time spent on personal updates and social conversation before addressing business matters.
Social Life
Family forms the cornerstone of Spanish society in ways that may surprise British expats, with extended family members playing active roles in daily life and major decisions. Multiple generations often live in close proximity, and it’s common for adult children to remain in the family home until marriage or to care for ageing parents.
Community involvement through local festivals, neighbourhood associations, and religious celebrations provides important opportunities to integrate into the local area, with participation often expected. The concept of “quedar” (meeting up) is central to social life, with spontaneous gatherings and extended conversations being preferred over highly scheduled social calendars.
Housing and Neighbourhood Life
When you’re looking for a La Cala de Mijas property for sale, you’ll notice there are a few significant differences between how Spain and Britain neighbourhoods operate. Spanish housing tends to focus on close-knit neighbourhood communities that foster different social dynamics than typical British residential areas. Most Spaniards live in apartments, even in smaller cities, with shared building spaces and communal areas creating natural opportunities for neighbour interaction.
Spanish homes also tend to feature different layouts and amenities than British houses, with smaller kitchens, tiled floors, exterior shutters, and often no central heating systems and air conditioning being used extensively in summer. Outdoor living spaces like balconies and terraces are highly valued and actively used for socialising, dining, and relaxing throughout much of the year.
The concept of “portero” (doorman/building manager) is common in many apartment buildings, creating an additional layer of community oversight and security that differs from British housing arrangements. Rental agreements and property purchases involve different legal procedures and tenant rights than British property law, so be sure to pay careful attention to local regulations and customs.
Adapting to a New Culture
Successfully integrating yourself into Spanish life depends on a multifaceted approach that goes beyond basic language learning to embrace fundamental lifestyle changes. Learning Spanish is a natural first step, but understanding regional dialects, local expressions, and cultural context behind language use will significantly enhance your experience. Participating in local traditions, festivals, and community events also provides invaluable opportunities to understand Spanish values and build meaningful relationships with your neighbours and colleagues.
Building support networks should include both expat communities for practical advice and local Spanish friends for cultural immersion, creating a balanced foundation for your new life. Maintaining connections to British culture while embracing Spanish customs helps preserve your identity while facilitating adaptation, allowing you to contribute unique perspectives to your new community.
Finding ways to contribute to your new community through volunteering, professional skills, or cultural exchange can help you establish your place in society while building self-confidence. Embracing the Spanish approach to work-life balance, social relationships, and daily priorities can ultimately lead to improved quality of life, even if it requires an initial adjustment.
Moving from Britain to Spain involves navigating significant cultural differences that extend far beyond language barriers to encompass fundamental approaches to time, relationships, work, and daily life. The transition challenges you to embrace a more relaxed pace of life, prioritise personal relationships over rigid schedules, and adapt to different social norms around everything from dining times to workplace hierarchies.
To find your perfect home in La Cala de Mijas, whether you’re buying or renting, contact Windsor Consultants today.