Everyday practical information for Spain

Local rules and cultural differences

• Street drinking ban (Anti-botellón): Drinking alcohol in public spaces outside licensed terraces is strictly prohibited throughout Spain. Violations in Madrid or Barcelona are fined from 600 €. In the key tourist zones of the Balearic Islands (Magaluf, San Antonio, Playa de Palma) an absolute ban applies to shop alcohol sales after 21:30, and street-drinking fines reach 3,000 €. All-inclusive hotels in these designated zones have a legal alcohol cap of 6 drinks per person per day (3 at lunch, 3 at dinner).
• Smoking and vaping bans: Under Spanish anti-tobacco law, smoking and e-cigarette use are strictly banned on Barcelona's beaches, on selected Balearic and Canary beaches, on restaurant terraces and near schools and hospitals. Fines range from 30 € to 2,000 €. Disposable e-cigarettes are being legislatively withdrawn from the market.
• Drone rules (AESA): Under Royal Decree 517/2024, every camera-equipped drone (even under 250 g) must be registered with the AESA aviation authority. The drone and its controller must carry a fireproof plate with the owner's details, and the pilot must hold liability insurance with at least 1,000,000 € coverage valid for Spain. The maximum flight altitude is 120 meters above ground, and flying in built-up zones or near airports without a permit is severely punished.
• Public dress and beach etiquette: Walking city streets in swimwear or shirtless is banned in Barcelona, Málaga and Palma de Mallorca, with fines from 120 € to 500 €. Leaving a towel on the beach early in the morning to "reserve a spot" (e.g. in Calpe or on Tenerife) is prohibited; police confiscate the items and issue fines up to 3,000 €.

Everyday practical information

• Power sockets: Standard European type C and F sockets. Mains power is 230 V at 50 Hz.
• Time zone: Mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands run on Central European Time (CET, UTC+1; CEST, UTC+2 in summer). The Canary Islands are one hour behind year-round (WET/WEST).
• Opening hours: Large department stores and supermarkets open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 21:00 or 22:00. Smaller shops and family businesses strictly observe the siesta and close between 14:00 and 17:00. Most shops are closed on Sundays.
• Recycling rules in Madrid: Leaving an unflattened cardboard box next to a recycling container (instead of putting it inside) counts as a serious offense with fines starting at 2,000 €.