Two kisses or a handshake: greetings in Spain

Newcomers commonly report that greetings in Spain are warmer and more physical than they expected:

• Two kisses on the cheek. Spain's official tourism site, spain.info, describes giving two kisses on the cheeks when greeting and saying goodbye as one of the most common customs, with handshakes more typical in formal or professional settings.
• Even at first meetings. According to The Local Spain, in social settings two kisses are usual when a man and a woman or two women meet or are introduced; two men usually shake hands or hug, depending on how close they are. The "kisses" are often a light cheek-to-cheek touch.
• Pulling away is noticed. The same article notes that pulling back from a greeting kiss can come across as rude; Spanish has an expression for it, hacer la cobra ("doing the cobra").
• Time-of-day greetings. The Local points out that buenos días is used until around lunchtime, buenas tardes in the afternoon and evening, and buenas noches mostly as a goodbye at night; a simple hola or buenas works at any time.

Warmth, not intimacy

The double kiss signals friendliness, not closeness. It is part of everyday social politeness, much like a handshake elsewhere.

Work is different

In offices, interviews and with officials, a handshake is the safe default. As colleagues get to know each other, greetings often become more relaxed.

Passing acquaintances

When you pass someone you know without stopping, The Local notes that people tend to say adiós or hasta luego ("see you later") rather than hola, which can sound odd at first.

• Setting. Social gatherings, friends of friends and family events usually mean kisses; business meetings and public offices usually mean handshakes.
• People. Some people give only one kiss, and The Local notes that there is no reliable regional rule, so watch what the other person does and follow their lead.
• Comfort. If you are not comfortable with kissing, offering your hand clearly and early is a common way to signal it, especially in professional contexts.