Traditional tapas and pinchos on a counter in a bar in Spain (delcreations (123RF))
A typical day in Spain is largely based on mealtimes. Food brings people and families together, and cultivating family time is important within Spanish culture.
Breakfast (8 a.m.)
The day starts with breakfast, or desayuno, which often consists of a coffee drink and toast (tostada) with a topping. After that, businesses and schools will begin to open around 9 a.m.
Mid-morning break (11 a.m.)
The second breakfast is a quick break mid-morning to grab a coffee and possibly a snack. Businesses will not close for this, but there may be fewer employees for a half-hour or so. Most schools will have a long break at this time for kids to eat a packed sandwich.
Lunch Break (2–5 p.m.)
Lunch, or almuerzo, is typically the largest meal of the day, so that is when time slows down. Many businesses will be closed from around 2 p.m. to around 5 p.m. while their employees have lunch, take a break, get kids from school and possibly take a siesta, or nap.
A restaurant serving a full lunch menu (menu del dia) or tapas will likely be open from 2 p.m. to around 4 p.m.
Markets will often convert to selling lunch options at this time and will close for the day afterward.
Cafes that only serve hot drinks and snacks will be open in the mornings, closed during lunch break, and open again around 5 p.m.
Evening Hours (5–8 p.m.)
Many shops, doctors’ offices and other non-government businesses will open again in the evening.
Cafes will serve drinks and small bites for an afternoon snack, or merienda.
After businesses close is also a popular time to get tapas or pintxos.
Dinner (10 p.m. or later)
While lunch is the biggest meal of the day, cena (dinner) is an important time with family or friends.
Restaurants serving full meals for lunch and dinner may be fully closed from 5–10 p.m. or they may stay open and only offer small bites and snacks until dinner time.
There is plenty of shopping in the area around Rota, here are the names of some common stores.
• Department Stores: Carrefour, El Corte Ingles
• Home Improvement: Leroy Merlin, Bricor, Brico Depot
• Furniture: IKEA, “muebles” shops
• Outdoor and Sports: Decathlon
• Warehouse Club Stores: Makro, Costco (Sevilla)
