See also Is Nudism Legal in Spain?
Men who use prostitutes are not currently punished for their actions, though there are moves for prostitute users to be targeted (see this Expatica.com article).
Brothels have been illegal since 1956 (according to worldsexguide.org), but the vast majority of brothels are loosely disguised as whiskerías or 'clubs' and are left to function as normal. On the other hand, prostitutes are able to practice their trade freely and advertise frequently in the 'Relax' section of the classifieds in newspapers and magazines written in thinly veiled sexual jargon.
Prostitution in Spain doesn't have the stigma that it has in other countries. According to another Expatica.com article for the Spanish, going with a prostitute "damages a marriage far less than an affair." In a recent survey, it was found that one in four Spanish men has paid for sex.
However, prostitution in Spain is not the regulated wholesome affair that it is in, say, Holland and prostitutes in Spain should be avoided. Many double up as pickpockets, especially in busy areas like Gran Via in Madrid and Las Ramblas in Barcelona. So keep well away.
See also Is Nudism Legal in Spain?
