The question of where the most unfriendly people in Spain live has long sparked heated debate. Spaniards are known for their strong temperament, but personalities across the country differ dramatically from region to region. A recent survey of residents has reignited the discussion over which community truly deserves the label of Spain’s most “unsympathetic” autonomous region.
The results were unexpected: Galicia topped the ranking. Locals naturally disagree with this assessment, but this region was mentioned most frequently in responses. Galicians have developed a reputation for being reserved and distant, with some survey participants even calling them “aloof” and “harsh.” Of course, such stereotypes rarely reflect reality, yet they are persistent and passed down from generation to generation.
North versus South
The Basque Country took second place on the list. It’s said that Basques are “perpetually dissatisfied” and even “speak as though they’re arguing.” Many put this reputation down to the region’s harsh climate and frequent rain, which, in the respondents’ view, affects the locals’ mood. Southerners, by contrast, are traditionally considered more open—but even here the survey held some surprises.
Andalusia, despite the stereotype of cheerful and sociable Andalusians, also made it into the top three. The reasons cited were excessive self-confidence and a tendency to argue. Several respondents noted that people from this region “argue too much” and “come across as arrogant.” Catalonia, Valencia, Extremadura, and Murcia each received a single mention, but were named less often.
Urban Etiquette
When it comes to cities, the picture is even more intriguing. In a separate survey of 1,500 people across the country, the title of rudest city unexpectedly went to the capital of Tenerife — Santa Cruz. This city received the highest scores for rudeness and lack of manners among all Spanish cities.
The top ten ‘rudest’ cities also included Granada, Alicante-Elche, San Sebastián, Bilbao, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Málaga, Valladolid, and Madrid. The gap among the leaders is minimal—just fractions of a point. Interestingly, residents of southern cities traditionally consider themselves friendlier, so such results often leave them puzzled.
Surprising Outsiders
Curiously, the list of cities known for their politeness includes Valladolid, Vigo, and A Coruña. Also ranking low for rudeness are Valencia, Murcia-Orihuela, Oviedo-Gijón-Avilés, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Zaragoza, Sevilla, and Cádiz. These cities had the lowest rudeness scores, suggesting that stereotypes don’t always reflect reality.
Of course, such surveys are always up for debate. Some see them as light-hearted fun, others take offense. But one thing is clear: Spain remains a land of vibrant personalities and contrasts, where every region takes pride in its uniqueness and locals are always ready to argue about who is truly the most ‘unpleasant.’
Stereotypes vs. Reality
Discussing the topic of antipathy and rudeness in Spain is not just a source of jokes, but also a reflection of deep cultural differences. Northerners often seem too reserved to southerners, while those from the south appear overly expressive. Still, many admit that behind the apparent coldness of Galicians or Basques lies genuine hospitality, and behind the heated arguments of Andalusians, there is sincerity and openness.
Ultimately, rankings like these spark curiosity about the subject rather than offer an objective picture. What they do reveal is how diverse and contradictory Spain is, where each region feels like a separate world with its own customs, manners, and outlook.
To recap, Galicia is an autonomous community in the northwest of Spain, known for its unique culture, language, and traditions. The region is famous for its scenic landscapes, seafood, and ancient towns. Galicians are proud of their heritage and often emphasize how they differ from other Spaniards. Despite stereotypes, many tourists praise the hospitality and friendliness of the locals.
