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What is the legal drinking age in Spain? The Ultimate Guide for 2024
Wondering what the legal drinking age in Spain is so that you can make the most of your trip and know if you can drink the fabulous Spanish wine or vermouth? You’re in the right spot because we have the deets!
Spain is home to some of the best wine on the planet, has great local beer and – our favorite – Spanish Vermouth and many of the best things to do in Spain involve alcohol. It also makes an amazing Spanish souvenir! In fact, you will see locals drinking wine or beer on their lunch break!
The legal drinking age in Spain is 18, much younger than in the USA. And, unlike the US where the drinking age can vary, the drinking age in Spain does not change from region to region.
Caleb and I have been to Spain so often and partaking in their delicious alcoholic beverages is one of our favorite parts of visiting during our four-day itinerary for Madrid, so we know a thing or two about the laws and drinking culture of Spain!
In this post we’ll share all about the legal drinking age, the drinking culture of Spain, the alcohol laws, what happens if you break the drinking laws, and even our favorite drinks and cultural tips so that you can make the most of your Spanish vacation!
Let’s get to it! ¡Salud!
What is the legal drinking age in Spain?
The legal drinking age in Spain is 18 years old. This goes for drinking alcohol or trying to purchase alcohol. You must be 18 years old to do both of these in Spain.
This does not change no matter what city or region of the country you are in. From Barcelona to Madrid to Mallorca, the legal drinking age is 18 years old.
For a long time, the legal drinking age was 16 but the laws started to change in 1991 and were fully implemented in 2009. Praise the Lord for this because can you imagine trying to take a romantic vacation with drunk 16-year-olds around? No thank you.
The Legal Drinking Age in Europe
For most countries in Europe, the legal drinking is the same as in Spain: 18 years old.
However, there are some differences across Europe:
- In Belgium, Denmark, and Germany you can buy alcohol that is less than 1.2% of distilled alcohol at 16 and alcohol that is more than that at 18.
- In Sweden, you must be 20 years old to purchase anything more than 3.5% alcohol.
- In Cyprus and Malta, you can buy any alcohol at 17
- In Luxembourg, you can purchase alcohol at 16.
The Difference Between the Spain and U.S. Legal Drinking Ages
The main difference between the Spain and U.S. legal drinking ages is that you have to be 21 to buy or consume alcohol in the USA. In Spain, you only have to be 18.
This makes countries like Spain popular for things like spring break (which is why we don’t recommend going during this time if you’re looking for a nice, romantic couples vacation!)
The legal drinking age in the US was established at 21 years old by the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 so that young adults would have a more responsible approach to alcohol. Much for the same reason that Spain increased their legal drinking age from 16 to 18.
Both countries have laws around buying alcohol, selling alcohol to minors, serving minors alcohol, drinking in public, open containers, and drinking and driving. Both countries also require you to show your ID if you are asked but we have found that we never get carded in Spain, whereas we do all the time in the USA (and it always makes our day because who doesn’t want to look in their 20’s.)
Bringing Alcohol Back From Spain Into the USA
When you come back from your vacation, we guarantee you are going to want to bring some amazing Spanish wine or Vermouth. We don’t want you to risk having it taken away, so here is what you need to know:
- If you do not want to pay any duty on your alcohol, you can bring one little alcohol per person back into the USA (as long as you’re 21.)
- There is no federal limit to how much alcohol you can bring back for personal use however large quantities might get you flagged.
However, the Federal Aviation Admission limits the amount of alcohol that can be brought on a plane to 5 liters of unopened alcohol per person if that alcohol content is 24% to 70%. If it’s less than 24% you can bring more. Again, ANYTHING over 1 liter per person will be taxed by customs.
- Keep in mind that different states have different laws around how much alcohol you can bring back as a souvenir if you live in that state, so do your research. This usually doesn’t apply if you just transit through that state, such as being on a layover.
Duty-free: When you leave the airport in Spain, you can always buy alcohol there duty-free. Remember though, that just means you don’t pay tax on the booze in Spain. You will still have to pay duty in the USA if you bring back more than 1 liter per person.
Drinking Culture In Spain
Drinking alcohol in Spain is much more chill, relaxed, and normal than in the USA and people are much more casual about it, even when visiting some of the islands like Mallorca. It’s very common to see people sipping on a few beers or glasses of wine with their lunch, evening if it’s a work day and they’re on a (long) lunch break. You don’t have to stick to alcohol only on a weekend visit! Amazing right?
We find that Spaniards eat out WAY more than Americans (probably because their cost of food/drinks is much less than eating out here) which means that going out for beer, wine, and cocktails at night is something that is super common. A glass of local beer or wine is often cheaper than pop!
You would be very remiss to not take advantage of this especially as Spain has some of the best wines in the entire world! We like Spanish wine so much more than the popular California wine of the USA.
We found that beer seems to be the “fancier” drink in Spain and wine was “less fancy.” When you are in the USA, this is the opposite.
Like The USA, Spain does experience underage drinking. Drinking in Spain does usually begin around 13 with 75% of people aged 14-18 having had alcohol at some point in their life.
When you spend some days in big cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Ibiza, you will find that the adorable bars are buzzing until late into the night as Spain is quite known for its incredible nightlife.
Cultural Tip
Eating and drinking are more tied together in Spain and it’s less common to find people JUST drinking without food, like you find in the USA. Usually, some kind of small snack is eaten while drinking.
In some areas, especially Andalucía or less touristy areas, and only order a drink at the bar, you may find that they give you a small tapa for free because of this. We did not find this very common in large cities like Madrid or Barcelona, but it sure is a nice surprise when it happens!
Rules Around Drinking Alcohol in Spain
Drinking In Public
While in Spain, you may come across something called a “botellón” (“big bottle” in English) when you are wandering the streets of Spain. This is essentially a group of young people gathering with loud music and sharing alcohol in public to save money.
Botellón is technically illegal, and some rules have been put in place like not being able to buy alcohol past 10 pm in stores. But, that doesn’t mean it does not happen – both the botellón and buying alcohol past 10. You may find some stores that sell it to you after 10 pm, but it is still illegal so please do not put them at risk. Just go to a bar.
Of course, you can drink your beverage on the patio of a restaurant in public during your days in Madrid.
Open Container Laws in Spain
Even if you are not having a loud and crazy botellón, it is still illegal to carry an open container of alcohol around the streets in Spain.
Driving Under The Influence (DUI) In Spain
It is never okay to drink and drive regardless of where you are. There is always a taxi, Uber, or a train/metro as Europe has incredible public transportation that is much better than the USA. You have no reason to drink and drive!
The legal limit whether you are driving around islands like Mallorca or mainland Spain is:
0,25 mg/l for a breathalyser test or 0,5 g/l in your bloodstream.
Note: if you are a new driver, the limit drops to 0,3 g/l in your bloodstream.
Legal Consequences For Breaking The Spain Drinking Laws
Drinking In Public
If you are caught drinking in the streets or participating in a botellón in Spain, you can be fined up to €600.
Driving Under The Influence (DUI) In Spain
Spain takes drinking and driving seriously and has been working hard to reduce instances of this happening. If you are found drinking and driving, here are the consequences you can expect to face”
| BAC (g/l) | Fine in € | Driving ban | Imprisonment |
|---|---|---|---|
| >0.25g/l to 0.5g/l | 500 and 4 points loss (out of max. 15) | ||
| >0.5g/l to 1.2g/l | 1000 and 6 points loss (out of max. 15) | ||
| >1.2g/l (criminal offence) | Fine from 6 up to 12 months (Spain adopts a system of day-fine) | From 1 up to 4 years | Between 3 and 6 months or social works up to 90 days |
| Refusal to get tested | 2,000 € | From 1 up to 4 years | Between 6 up to 1 year |
So, please do not drink and drive. Be responsible adults, especially since large cities in Spain like Madrid are extremely walkable!
Serving or Selling Alcohol to Minors
While some servers may turn a blind eye to serving minors if they are with their parents, this does not make it legal and the penalty is a minimum of €30,000 and a maximum penalty of €600,000.
Are there any exceptions to the legal drinking age in Spain?
There are no expectations for the legal drinking age in Spain. The age to buy or drink alcohol is 18, no matter the situation.
Can I Drink Beer Under 18 In Spain?
No. It is illegal to drink beer under 18 in Spain. You may see minors drinking with their parents however this is illegal.
Is Wine Allowed In Spain Under The Legal Drinking Age?
No wine is not allowed in Spain if someone is under the legal drinking age of 18.
Can Minors Drink Alcohol With Their Parents in Spain?
Technically it is illegal for minors to drink alcohol with their parents in Spain. If the parent is caught, they will be held responsible.
However, adults usually find it their job to teach children a healthy relationship with alcohol, so you may see children having sips of it at home.
Words to Know for Drinking In Spain
Now that you know all about what NOT to do when you’re drinking in Spain, you need to know WHAT to do and say! Here are the most typical words you will need to know:
- Wine – Vino (VEE-NO)
- Red wine – Vino Tinto (VEE-NO TEEN-TOE)
- White Wine – Vino Blanco (VEE-NO BLAH-NCO)
- Beer – Cerveza (SIR-VAY-SA)
- Cider – Sidra (SEE-DRAH)
- Gin – Ginebra (JIN-E-BRAH)
- Whiskey – Whiskey
- Vodka – Vodka
- Rum – Ron
- A shot – Un chupito (OO-N CHU-PEE-TOE)
- Alcohol-free – Sin Alcohol
- I would like – Me gustaría (MAY GOO-STAH-REE-AH)
- Cheers! – ¡Salud! This translates to “Health!” Note: the “d” is silent so it’s pronounced (SAH-LOO)
- No more – no más
- Please – Por favor (POOR FAH-VOR)
Cultural Tip
Unlike the USA where the base tip expected is 20% these days, even for a glass of wine, tipping at a bar is not customary ESPECIALLY if a drink is all you are getting. If you order food, round up to the nearest Euro and leave a few coins
Must-try Traditional Drinks in Spain (Alcoholic)
Spain makes some incredible adult beverages and your trip would not be complete without trying:
- Sangria – A sweet mix of red wine, brandy, sprite, peaches, oranges, apples, sugar, lemon and cinnamon. We LOVE the sangria at Taberna El Sur in Madrid.
Cultural Tip
Despite what you hear, locals do not drink Sangria all the time. It used to be just for parties and then tourism happened and now everyone thinks Spain drinks gallons of Sangria. You will find it everywhere but, if you want to drink like the locals, try Tinto de Verano (more on that below!)
- Spanish Wine – Spain makes some of the most incredible wines in the whole world.
If you like red wine, try a tempranillo. If you like white wine, try Albariño.
- Mahou – Brewed in Madrid, this is the most popular of all the beer brands.
- Tinto de verano – The simple cousin of Sangria (and the local option) is simply wine and Sprite with a slice of lemon
- Vermouth – We LOVE Vermouth so much. It is much different than Italian vermouth and is becoming quite popular in Spain.
Spanish vermouth is a fortified wine that is flavored with caramel, spices, and botanicals. It’s a dark brown color but is actually made from white wine and it’s rich, sweet, and medicinal but in a super delish, unique way. I promise it’s way more delicious than it sounds.
Our favorite spot to get Vermouth is Taberna La Concha in Madrid. We ALWAYS bring bottles home.
Spain Drinking Age FAQ’s
Can I drink beer under 18 in Spain?
No, it is illegal to drink beer under the age of 18 in Spain. Drinking any kind of alcohol under 18 is prohibited by law.
Is wine allowed in Spain under the legal drinking age?
Despite making amazing wine, it is illegal to drink wine under the legal drinking age of 18 in Spain.
Can alcohol be bought at shops and supermarkets in Spain?
Yes, shops and supermarkets can have licenses to sell alcohol which means they are available for you to buy if you are under the legal drinking age. It’s important to note that the law prohibits alcohol sales after 10 pm. So, don’t wander into a shop at 10:30 trying to buy some wine.
Can I purchase alcohol in a store in Spain if I am under 18?
No, you cannot purchase alcohol in a store in Spain if you are under 18.
Do bars in Spain ID?
Yes, bars in Spain ID and especially so if you look under 18. Make sure you carry a valid ID such as your driver’s license or passport. We recommend your passport as it is more widely recognized than a state driver’s license.
How old do you have to be to go clubbing in Spain?
Legally, you have to be 18 to go clubbing in Spain. Bars and clubs enforce this by carding those who try to get in.
What is the legal age to drink in Barcelona?
The legal drinking age in Barcelona is the same as in the rest of the country: 18 years of age.
What is the legal age to drink in Madrid?
The legal drinking age in Madrid is 18, just like that of the rest of Spain.
Can you openly drink in Spain?
You cannot openly drink in Spain unless you are, of course, sitting on a patio at a restaurant. If you drink in public, you can face fines of up to €600.
Does Spain have good nightlife?
We feel that the nightlife in Spain is second to none. The cities are always buzzing and you’ll always find a cozy bar or a more lively club to spend the night
Let’s Wrap This Up: Drinking Age in Spain
Spain is an incredible country with tons of culture, great food, and amazing beverages! Having been there almost 10 times and enjoying the best wine, vermouth, and sangria that the country has to offer, we know the importance of understanding the drinking age in Spain. The amazing beverages are one of the reasons why we love visiting Madrid!
Once you know the legal drinking age, you should probably know HOW to drink the local Spanish vermouth so you don’t look like a tourist don’t you think? Read our full guide on how to drink Spanish vermouth!
What traditional drink do you want to try first?
