What is the best place to vacation in Spain if you don't speak Spanish well?

Question

I am so psyched to go to Spain. I have wanted to go for the past few months, but my Spanish sucks (I'm still workin' on it) and I am afraid that if I go visit I will be laughed out of town as the stupid American I am:) For those of you who know, if I were to decide to go, what would be the best place(s) to visit considering my mediocre Spanish skills-where English is somewhat acceptable? Thanks for your help! (SERIOUS REPLIES ONLY)

Answer 1

Anywhere between Malaga and Estepona English will be recognised along the coast. The further you go inland though, the less English is spoken. If you go to the east of Malaga people tend to speak Spanish, though many are now learning English, but going on holiday is an adventure. You'll get by with a few words and some sign language.

I live in the mountains towards Granada. I came here knowing no Spanish. However, I have since learned the language. I always found that if I really tried to speak their language they really appreciated it.

Answer 2

Madrid is very tourist friendly. A lot of people speak English, and there are so many shops, hotels, or museums around that there is always somewhere to stop if you have a question. Some restaurants had trouble understanding basic Spanish, but it depends whether you go to a mom and pop or a chain/hotel restaurant. Barcelona seems to cater towards tourists as well and it should be fairly easy to communicate there. I visited Toledo with a tour guide and it seemed like it would be very difficult to communicate there without a translator/guide. Sevilla maybe the same way. As long as you are in a major city, communication should not be too much of a problem. Hope you get to go there!!

Answer 3

canary islands,baleares islands,alicante,barcelona,marbella.I'm from Barcelona

Answer 4

Madrid,Barcelona,Costa del sol,Alicante, most coastal areas in Spain understand English.Most important for you to know the currency.Have fun in Spain,ciao

Answer 5

Naaahhh, no one will laugh at you or tell you off!!!! C'mon!!!

Spain is the second country most visited in the world, so the only thing that you need to "worry about" is being ignored!!, cos no one will pay much attention to who you are and what language you speak, and so on... specially in and near the mediterranean coast, which is the typical tourist area, and depending on the place, you're more likely to come across a German or a Brit than a Spaniard...

Nah, don't worry about that.

Answer 6

I went to southern Spain, and it was very difficult to get people to speak English.  I tried to learn simple Spanish before I went, but a lot of people didn't even want to work with that.  I traveled with some people who'd studied Spanish for years and had decent vocabulary, but the locals tried to avoid them, too.  A few of the girls went into a pub for a beer and were immediately asked to leave because the pub was for locals only - no tourists allowed.  I think that's the only vacation I've ever taken that felt waaay too long.  Specifically, I was in Seville (Sevilla) and Jerez (Jerez de la Frontera).  I think you'd have the best luck in Barcelona, which I've heard is much more metropolitan and artsy and open-minded.

Answer 7

I would definitely recommend Barcelona.

I live in Madrid and speak really basic Spanish (I am going to a language course so I'm learning) and find that alot of people are rude about it and show no mercy! They continue speaking quickly and in Spanish. Ofcourse, you will find people who do speak English, but I find they are not as willing to speak it with you as those in Barcelona.

I had a holiday in Barcelona not so long ago and let me tell you, was I impressed with the level of English spoken there! You could go anywhere and because there are alot of tourists, the majority of people would speak to you or atleast try to speak to you in English. I HIGHLY recommend Barcelona. Even my Step-Dad who speaks fluent Spanish loves Barcelona because he can relax and not have to accompany me to everything just to translate!

Have a great holiday, btw! You'll love wherever you go :)

Answer 8

Most towns on the touris costa del sol Southern Spain, There is a very large number of English speaking people and a good number of Spanish speak English ,although at times pretend not too. I live in Fuengirola not far from Malaga and my Spanish is still very poor.!! I am sure if you decide on any of the costa´s to stay for your two months, you´ll do fine and enjoy this beautifully laid back country, Spain.

Answer 9

Any Major city in Spain will be fine. Like Barcelona or Madrid. Many people speak English  or at least try to and enjoy helping people from over all.

The southern Spaniards are very friendly, I really don´t know why they would throw the other girl out because of not being locals. I have been there and i´m also not a local  from  Andalusia or even Spain at all) and they treated me great..

My Spanish is also Broken , and I am Also American but i  have a good sense of humor and that's what they like. Anyway, Hope you decide where you want to go..

Have fun..

A Chicagoan living in Barcelona, Spain

Bcn_mimosa

Answer 10

Madrid or any major city.