Speaking English in Spain, nope, you better learn Spanish

First things first, most Spaniards don't speak English as a second language, most don't even understand very much. They may have learned some at school or maybe picked up a few words here and there, but they are Spanish first, and if you're in Spain they kinda expect you to speak a bit of their language. In the tourist areas they speak some English but I think it would be fair to say most of them would prefer not to. You see many years of putting up with drunken British tourists has pretty turned them off English even though it is considered the world language.

In fact we've found that speaking German seems more popular in Spain. Other than the expats who live here, a lot of older Spanish men speak some German because a lot of them went to work in Germany after the war, and because of Franco many of them had to stay there until the late 70's. Women are different, most stayed in Spain so didn't learn German although you might find the odd person who speaks some French since that was the main language taught in schools for the baby boomer set.

Italians and portuguese speaking people seem to get by quite easily, most Spaniards I've spoken to have said if an Italian speaks slowly they can understand them although they themselves will reply in Spanish. Portuguese is different, and sounds different, but again with a little patience you could be understood.

However, if you only speak English, you're going to struggle to get by. Expats quickly get to know the local shops, banks and restaurants where some English is spoken. Get to know the Union Jack, regardless of which English speaking country you're from, it may be the only indication in the window or behind the counter that someone there will understand some English.