Personal space and touch in Spain

Key rules

• Distance: Standing closer than you are used to is friendly, and stepping back gently is fine.
• Greeting: Two kisses, right cheek first, are the usual greeting among friends, except men often shake hands or hug.
• Unwanted touch: You can politely say you prefer not to be touched.
• Emergency: If a look becomes harassment or following, go somewhere busy and call 112 or the police.

Closer and warmer is normal

Standing close, a light touch on your arm and some open looking are normal and friendly in Spain. They are not rude and rarely mean anything personal. Spaniards usually stand closer than northern Europeans or North Americans. Standing back can seem cold.

How close people stand

Friends and acquaintances often talk within an arm's length or less. With strangers and in formal settings, the distance is larger.

Greetings are close too. Among women, and between men and women, two kisses are usual, right cheek first. Men often shake hands or hug. Handshakes are standard in business.

If you want more space, step back gently. The closeness is not meant to be invasive, and a sudden move can look odd.

Touch on the arm

A light touch on the arm, shoulder or back during a friendly chat signals warmth. It is more common in the south.

Touch is not fine in these cases:

• It lingers.
• It comes from a stranger.
• It happens in a formal or work setting, for example with someone senior.
• It lands on your face, hair or lower body.
• You pull away and it continues.

If you dislike being touched, step back or say politely that you prefer not to be touched.

Looking and staring

People look at others in public more openly than in northern Europe. A brief or curious look is usually not hostile. A longer look may be curiosity about a foreigner or an appraising glance. Less often, mostly in smaller towns, it is a catcall.

A nod or a smile works, and so does ignoring it. If a look turns into harassment or following, move to a busy place. If you need help, call 112 or the police (Policía Nacional or Guardia Civil).

Strangers and your children or dog

Older people in particular often comment on children and dogs. Remarks like "¡Qué guapo!" or "¡Qué grande!" are kind. Some people touch a child's cheek or head, or pet a dog, without asking. They may also advise on clothing, such as "abrígalo" (wrap them up).

To decline, smile and say "Gracias, pero mejor no lo toques" or "No le gusta que lo toquen". For a dog, try "Mejor no, es un poco nervioso", and keep the lead short. Avoid a confrontation, as the intent is rarely harmful.

The questions below cover more situations.

Frequently asked questions

What can I say if a stranger touches my child or dog?

Smile and say it kindly, because the intent is rarely harmful.

Is it normal for older people to comment on my child's clothes?

Yes, strangers, especially older people, often comment on how children are dressed and mean it kindly. You may hear "abrígalo", which means "wrap them up warmer". You can smile and carry on, as it is not a criticism.

What should I do if someone's look turns into harassment?

Move away to a busy place if a look turns into harassment or following. If you still feel unsafe, call 112 or the police (Policía Nacional or Guardia Civil). A brief or curious look is usually not hostile, and a nod, a smile or ignoring it is enough.

What if I do not like being touched on the arm?

Step back gently or politely say that you prefer not to be touched. Light touch is common and friendly, especially in the south. Touch that lingers, or that goes to the face, hair or lower body, is not normal, and you can say so clearly.