Spanish Eating Habits
Craving Spain also means craving food! But beware: Spanish eating habits are a little different from what we’re used to in the Netherlands. While we sit down early, Spaniards take their time with long lunches, late dinners, and snacks often paired with tapas or a good glass of wine. In this article, you’ll discover the Spanish way of eating, step by step from breakfast to a late-night drink.
The Spanish Way of Eating
When on holiday in Spain, you’ll quickly notice that eating here is about more than just the meal itself. It’s about togetherness, tradition, and… different timing than we’re used to. Where we might sit down at 6:00 PM, Spaniards would consider that “aperitif time.” Meals are often eaten outside the home, and not always in a restaurant — picnics in the park or on the beach are equally popular.
Breakfast (desayuno)
Spanish breakfasts are usually light. Think coffee with warm milk and something sweet: a magdalena (small sponge cake), biscuits, or toasted bread with tomato and olive oil. Many Spaniards even skip breakfast altogether. Later in the morning, they might have almuerzo, a second breakfast with a baguette or tortilla.
👉 Prefer a heartier breakfast? In Moraira, you’ll find plenty cafés for a familiar start to your day.
Lunch (comida)
Lunch is sacred in Spain and is the main meal of the day. Around 2:00 PM, people sit down for a leisurely meal. Employers accommodate this: lunch breaks often last two hours so families can eat together at home.
Expect stews, paella, or fideuá. On the coast, seafood dominates; inland, meat is more common. Most restaurants offer a value menú del día: a three-course meal including a drink.
👉 Curious where to have a great lunch? Check out our restaurant guide in Moraira.
Snacks (merienda)
Mid-afternoon is merienda time. Some go for coffee with something sweet; others grab a beer with tapas. It’s the perfect moment to enjoy a terrace with friends.
💡 Our tip: discover the Top 5 terraces in Moraira and live like a local.
Dinner (cena)
Dinner starts late, usually around 9:00 or 10:00 PM. For many Dutch visitors, this takes some getting used to, but during warm summer months, this schedule feels wonderfully relaxed. Dinner is lighter than lunch: a salad, a few tapas, and a good glass of wine.
Want the full experience? Don’t miss an evening at a rooftop bar in Moraira.
Eating Paella in Spain
A holiday in Spain without paella? Almost impossible. Originally from Valencia (just 90 km from Moraira), you’ll also find fantastic paella spots locally.
👉 Discover our tips for tapas and paella in Moraira.
Typical Meal Times in Spain
- Breakfast: 09:00 – 10:00 AM
- Almuerzo: late morning
- Lunch: 01:00 – 2:00 PM
- Merienda: late afternoon
- Dinner: 09:00 – 10:00 PM
👉 Good to know: tipping in Spain works a bit differently too. Learn more in our article about tipping in Spain.
Enjoying the Spanish Lifestyle
Moraira boasts an incredible range of restaurants and bars. Whether you choose seaside tapas, a rooftop cocktail, or familiar Dutch bitterballen, it’s all here.
At Moraira Holiday Homes, you can easily book a villa with a private pool or an apartment by the beach. We warmly welcome you so your discovery of the Spanish lifestyle can begin immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spanish Eating Habits
Breakfast (desayuno) in Spain
Light coffee with milk and a toasted roll. Many Spaniards skip breakfast.
Lunch (comida) in Spain
The main meal: starter, main course, dessert, often with beer or wine.
Dinner (cena) in Spain
Late and lighter: salads, tapas, and a drink. Usually between 09:00 – 10:00 PM.
Typical Spanish meal schedule
Breakfast: 09:00 – 10:00 AM
Lunch: 01:00 – 02:00 PM
Dinner: 08:00 – 09:30 PM
