Modest Clothing Requirements for Spanish Churches

The same as in Italy, as in most churches everywhere. Shoulders, knees and midriff must be covered. When I travelled with a group in Italy, some of the women brought along a simple wrap skirt that they threw on over their shorts when in the churches and took off when they came out. Same goes for shoulders, you can wear a tank top but bring a scarf to throw over your shoulders when in the churches.

It is strictly a matter of respect and decorum regardless of the country. It is not a Disneyland reproduction or the beach. It is church most likely being currently used by the local residents for religious purposes. Be considerate. And please turn the flash on your camera off.

I don't think of churches as Disneyland reproductions or the beach. It's just a question, not a declaration of my intent to be rude or insensitive. As an aside, I do know how to turn off my camera's flash, and I know how to respond to people's questions without pre-judging them as ugly Americans.

I apologize for misunderstanding your question by assuming that she would be wearing shorts in the churches if Spain was less tolerant than Italy.

At the Cathedral in Barcelona there was a person at the entrance enforcing the "no shorts" rule for women and men. In San Sebastian I visited a church wearing bermuda shorts (kneecap showing) and nobody seemed to care. For the days with churches on the itinerary she should probably wear capri's, and carry a shawl/scarf to put over her shoulder if she is in a sleeveless top. (When we were there last year the long rectangular scarves worn looped around the neck that could double as a shawl were in style for women of all ages, but who knows about this year.)

I must agree with Frank. Why does this question even need to be asked. It's all about respect and more or less common sense.

I didn't think this was a silly question. I know all about the requirements for Italy and when we traveled with our kids even our 10year old son had long pants. But I didn't think it was automatic in all churches in Europe so I looked at pics from those trips and sure enough, same young son has shorts on for Notre Dame and Canterbury cathedral to name at least two countries where I didnt think it was required. We were in Spain in winter so I never noticed if there were signs there like they have in Italy. And here in the states, I know my mom attends a catholic church in Arizona where many kids and adults where shorts to the service (not to mention brides in strapless dresses). Europe in general is much more secular than the u.s. and many of the wonderful churches are more important now as an historical site than in service to a large congregation. It's good to know what to expect but I don't thing OP is showing a lack of respect by asking this question.

What's with the rude responses? It's a legit question (abiet one that can be answered by googling, but that's true of many questions on this forum). I tend to favor capris in general while traveling in Europe in summer. They're not really much hotter than shorts and you don't have to worry about decorum. And while some European women do wear shorts you will stand out less as obvious tourists. Scarves are fantastic. Especially if it gets a little breezy in the evening, and they also help you "fit in" and worn as a shawl work fine for churches. Alternatively, a lightweight cardigan that takes up little space in a bag can be worn in church for modesty.