Truly Spanish things
Want to taste real daily life? These habits belong to the rhythm of the Costa Blanca.
Markets and shopping
El mercadillo is the weekly village market for fresh produce and local life; ask locally which day it is. The mercado is the fixed covered market. At the panadería and frutería people buy fresh daily.
Social life and rhythm
El paseo is the evening stroll along the promenade. La sobremesa is the long chat after a meal. El tardeo is going out in the afternoon for a drink and tapas. La siesta is the midday break.
Food and drink as habit
El menú del día is the good-value set lunch. Order una caña, a small beer. Tapear is going bar to bar for small dishes.
Festivals in daily life
Villages celebrate patron feasts with fireworks, music and parades; shops may close then. For the big fiestas see the Spanish culture page.
Little things you notice
Eating later than you are used to, greeting with two kisses, the open and loud conviviality, and shops closing in the middle of the day.
Get in touch
Get in touch