The common Brit behaviour that's turning Spanish locals against you
A property expert in Ibiza has spoken out about the everyday things that could be irritating Spanish natives.
When we go to a different country the vast majority of us want to be sympathetic to local rules and customs.
This is perhaps ever more important as tensions rise between tourists and locals in Spain as well as in other European countries where there are high levels of visitors with natives concerned about issues linked to overtourism.
There are obvious things that tourists should try and do to stick by local customs, such as making sure you’re appropriately dressed.
But there are a few annoying habits some British holidaymakers take with them on holidays that are more under the radar - now one Spanish property expert is making them known.
The first one is something you might need to enact whilst in a shopping centre or other busy area.
Christian Wolf, CEO of CW Real Estate Ibiza, explained: “If you find yourself on an escalator, there’s an unspoken rule that you stand on the right side so that people can pass on the left, much like a passing lane when driving.
“Tourists can be easily spotted because they will be standing on the left side of the escalator, completely unaware that people are waiting for them to move.”
A big difference between Spanish behaviour and the common custom in the UK involves pets. Mr Wolf says that petting other people’s dogs in public is uncommon in Spain, so don’t be alarmed if you try to pet a dog on the street and the owner yanks the dog away.
But by far and away the biggest insult to locals is plain and simple to understand - and that’s indulging in one too many.
Don't miss...
Spain health warning as eight come down with tropical virus - symptoms to spot [LATEST]
Migrant group urges thousands of youths to storm Spain's border later this month [REPORT]
Police in Benidorm mock Brits for major blunder on popular seaside city beach [DETAILS]
Mr Wolf said: “When people work hard all year so that they can go on holiday, of course, they want to relax and enjoy themselves.
“But when tourists arrive in Spain there’s often the assumption that everyday's a party and that going wild is part of the package. But Spaniards have a different perspective. Drinking too much, to the point where you show disrespect to locals and cause property damage, is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.”
Mr Wolf explained how Spaniards enjoy themselves in comparison to many Brits abroad.
He said: “Although binge drinking may be common practice in many countries, people in Spain like to take their time with drinking."
He added: “Many Spaniards like to go out and have several drinks over the span of an evening while snacking on tapas and other small bites. This way they are not just drinking to get drunk, but to enjoy their time with their friends and family and have longevity throughout the night”.
