I don't recall benches, per se, but during the 1970s I saw people all over the
rural eastern half of Spain sitting on their front stoops or in chairs.  They were
engaged in a variety of activities including just talking.  It struck me at the
time as odd that the people in chairs generally sat facing the front of their
houses.  This in spite of the fact that the view was often spectacular had they
sat facing away from their houses.

JH Brothers IV