Catalan style: Welcome with money to spend, but don’t expect to become one of the family
FRIENDLY – NOT FRIENDLY: While the south of Spain has a reputation for friendliness, clearly there are cities more outgoing and open than others. While everywhere in Spain you will find helpful people – and a “live and let live” attitude – some regions are a lot friendlier than others. The question: Are Spanish people friendly…
Most of Andalucía region is friendly. I find Malaga as the most open of all the areas in Andalucía. But hold a second: some of the Malagueños are way too friendly!
Madrid and Barcelona
Going north, you’ll find Madrid to be a very open place. While it is a big city, it’s also a small village for many things.
In Barcelona you’ll also find a lot of openness, but of a cosmopolitan and somewhat distant quality. All the east coast is quite easygoing; but there, the people are still a bit aloof both by character and as the result of excessive tourism.
In the north, meet quite a few surprises such as incredible open Asturias. Also known as “the Andalucía of the north”. It is a bit rougher, less polished than Andalucía, because Asturias used to be a mining region. But Asturians also have solid northern qualities that compensate for the “roughness”.
Basques are honest
Basques: Well, they are harder. But they are also quite solid and honest. Many people find their hospitality perfect.
People from Galicia are incredibly reserved, but there, you’ll feel quite possibly the best taken care of than anywhere else in Spain. And the place is awesome.
Spain is, in general, quite friendly. You’ll have to make finer distinctions, as you can see, if you want to choose the friendliest place to go.
“We are not friendly”
A friend of me who lived in Barcelona for many years said he like to know the answer to this difficult question. In general, he really doesn’t like stereotyping, and said Catalans are not particularly friendly.
“You are welcome to live in their city, particularly if you have money to spend, but don’t expect to become one of the family”, my friend told.
This view has been repeated to me dozens of times, both by foreigners and by Spanish people from other parts of the country.
Not second-class human
Foreigners who find Spaniards unfriendly are those who treat them like servants or some kind of second-class human. Spaniards don’t take shit and will confront those who try to undermine, criticise or otherwise offend them. I am afraid that if you want hypocrisy and meaningless politeness with an endless litany of false “sorry” then stay in England. But if you are willing to take up the challenge of being a fully rounded emotional individual who says what they think and offers true friendship when appropriate, then Spain will welcome you.
Speedy Gatos in Madrid
Almost everyone is from somewhere else, to find a true “gato” with all four grandparents from Madrid is like finding a needle in a haystack. “Gatos” is nickname of locals, meaning cats, originally from the Middle Ages.
Madrid’s friendliness is often described as more reserved and urban compared to southern Spain. Tourists often find Madrileños much more open and chatty in social settings like bars or cafes, especially in the evenings.
One woman pointed out: “We’re helpful, but in a hurried, city way. Don’t expect long chats.”
Another said: “We love showing off our city. Ask us for recommendations, we’ll talk for hours.”
Finally this one: “Our friendliness comes out at night. Join us for tapas, then you’ll see how social we are.”
Cities in the liking
Friendliness can be subjective and individual experiences may vary. Here are some cities known for welcoming atmosphere. Smaller towns often offer very warm, personal experiences.
Granada “We’re proud of our city and love sharing it. Free tapas with every drink!”
Seville “Warm, outgoing, always ready for a chat. We live life on the streets.”
Cádiz “Relaxed coastal vibe. We joke with everyone, locals and tourists alike.”
Salamanca “University town spirit. Young, vibrant, welcoming to all.”
Santiago de Compostela “Used to pilgrims. We welcome everyone with open arms.”
Festivals in Valencia
Valencia “Friendly Mediterranean attitude. Sociable, especially during festivals.”
Málaga “Sun, sea, and smiles. We know how to make tourists feel at home.”
San Sebastián “We may seem reserved at first, but we’re passionate about our culture and cuisine.”
Córdoba “Small enough to be intimate, big enough to be diverse. We love sharing our history.”
Oviedo “Northern hospitality. We’re proud of our unique culture and eager to share it.”
Segovia and La Granja: “Don’t-miss the Palace at La Granja and eat roasted lamb (cordero) or suckling pig (lechón.)
Least caring city
A more scientific research in Spain brought up surprising results. One question was about the least considerate inhabitants – meaning lacking the rights or feelings of others.
In that survey, Santa Cruz de Tenerife was found to be the city with least considerate people, followed by Granada, Alicante-Elche, and San Sebastián.
Here are some frank, without sugarcoating and unfiltered comments from Tenerife:
“We’re sick of satisfying outsiders. It’s our home, not your playground.”
“Tourists drive up prices but we don’t see the benefits. Why should we be nice?”
Crime and drug dealing
Historical tensions between Spain and Morocco tells about conflickts for centuries, it is part of their history. But there are mor up-to-date reasons why Moroccans are out of favour, specific in the south.
“Many enter Spain illegally”
“We associate Moroccan immigrants with petty crime and drug dealing.”
“Their culture is very different from ours. Some fear it’s changing Spanish society.”
“Moroccan culture has historically influenced Spanish culture, especially in the south.”
Friendly or too friendly
I opened this story with a brave comment about Malagueños, the people of Malaga, turn out to be “too friendly”. And the million-dollar question: Are Spanish people friendly…?
This may lead to some mystifying reputation for being “too friendly” is not necessarily negative. The locals are proud, patriotic, and don’t take themselves too seriously. They just enjoy life’s simple pleasures sitting at a tapas bar at sunset and chit-chatting with friends.
Always friendly – in my view, never too friendly!
