By Westferry Times Culture Desk
29 March 2026
Spain’s unusual time zone has long been linked to a supposed historical gesture by dictator Francisco Franco to Nazi Germany — but experts say this widely repeated claim is a myth.
The Origin of the Time Shift
Although geographically aligned with the UK and Portugal on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), Spain has followed Central European Time (CET) since 1940.
According to astronomer Pere Planesas, the shift occurred when Franco’s government temporarily advanced clocks to align with other European countries during World War II — a move that was never reversed.
Crucially, historians say the idea that this was done to please Adolf Hitler is unfounded.
A Wartime Trend, Not a Political Gesture
Time changes were common across Europe during the war. Several countries, including the UK and France, also adjusted their clocks to better use daylight and conserve energy.
Spain’s alignment with Germany’s time zone happened coincidentally rather than as a political signal, experts argue.
Living “Out of Sync” with the Sun
Despite the historical clarification, Spain’s time zone continues to create daily life challenges.
- In western regions like Galicia, sunrises are late in winter
- In summer, daylight can extend late into the evening
- The country effectively lives one to two hours ahead of solar time
This mismatch has led some to describe Spain as experiencing a permanent form of “jet lag.”
Health Impact of Late Light Exposure
Scientists warn that extended evening daylight can disrupt the body’s natural rhythms.
Professor Darío Acuña explains that exposure to light late in the day delays melatonin production — the hormone that prepares the body for sleep. As a result, many Spaniards go to bed later, potentially affecting sleep quality and overall health.
Why Spain Keeps CET
Despite ongoing debate, there are practical reasons Spain has not reverted to GMT:
- Alignment with major European trading partners
- Easier coordination of transport and business
- Established social and cultural habits
Experts suggest that even if Spain changed time zones, daily routines might eventually shift back to similar patterns.
An Ongoing Debate
More than 80 years after the change, Spain’s time zone remains a balance between history, convenience, and health.
While the “Nazi time zone” narrative has been largely debunked, the broader question — whether Spain should reset its clocks — is still very much alive.
