Is public displays of affection polite in Spain?

Generally acceptable but moderate. In Spain, public displays of affection such as hugging, kissing on the cheeks, and holding hands are common and socially accepted, especially in social gatherings. However, more intimate gestures like passionate kissing may be seen as inappropriate in formal or mixed-age settings. The culture is warm and tactile, but discretion is appreciated in conservative circles.

Greet with two kisses (right then left) among friends and acquaintances, but avoid prolonged or overly intimate embraces in formal social gatherings.

In more conservative regions like Andalusia or rural areas, older generations may be more reserved, while in cosmopolitan cities like Madrid or Barcelona, younger crowds are very open.