Dating in Spain: finding love as an expat

Spain’s dating scene is full of energy and surprises, and no two experiences are the same. Whether you’re swiping right on apps, mingling at social events, or meeting someone through friends, there’s no shortage of ways to find a potential partner.

So, how do you meet someone who matches your vibe? Should you expect grand romantic gestures or a more relaxed, honest approach? And, more importantly, how do you impress on your first date?

Here’s what you need to know about dating in Spain:

Is it easy to date in Spain?

Around 36.5% of the Spanish population aged 16+ is single (Instituto Nacional de Estadística, 2024). Within the reproductive age group (25–44), the proportion is as high as 58.6% – a record high for the country.

So, it would be an understatement to say that dating in Spain is relatively challenging. Why is it so hard to find love in the Land of Cervantes?

According to some, modern views on relationships and happiness are to blame. Spanish singles no longer feel pressured by society to stay monogamous, get married, and raise a family. The country has embraced all types of lifestyle choices, whether it’s married with children, LAT couples (Living-Apart-Together), open relationships, or even voluntary singleness.

Some people are also reluctant to give up their freedom and independence. A relationship means arguing and compromising, something that they feel is too high of a price to pay. Especially the younger generations find that they don’t need someone to complete them; many reckon it’s better to stay alone than to be unhappy together.

Often, Spanish singles find they enjoy greater independence and autonomy, more opportunities for personal growth, and better relationships with family and friends (basically due to having more free time). It’s perhaps understandable that Spain’s hook-up culture is alive and thriving.

Of course, the culture change comes with its own sets of problems. For example, one report finds that men and women have become less resilient when it comes to criticism and rejection. The fear of frustration alone is enough for people to stay single.

How do you meet single people online in Spain?

The best dating websites in Spain

Unsurprisingly, in the modern era, one of the easiest ways to enter the Spanish dating scene is by going online.

To meet other single, like-minded internationals, try our own online dating service: Expatica Dating Spain. Popular with both men and women, it helps to connect people who share similar interests and passions and ultimately find love under the Mediterranean sun.

Other popular dating sites are Badoo, Meetic, OkCupid, and Parship, which are free to use but may require payment in order to access special features.

The best dating apps in Spain

International dating apps such as Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble are common in Spain. The dating app Bumpy is also popular – this app matches you with singles across 150 countries, allowing for truly international dating.

Meanwhile, Veggly, the world’s first vegan dating app, can help you find vegetarians and vegans nearby. Similarly, the social eating app Timeleft offers a great alternative. This app allows singles to meet and share dinner with four strangers, and, although it’s primarily focused on creating friendships, you might meet someone who’s open to something more.

Spanish singles looking for same-sex relationships will want to check out the dating apps Grindr, Newe, Taimi, and Zoe.

As might be expected, users of dating apps tend to stumble upon the same issues in Spain as they would in other countries. For example, the apps are primarily geared toward making rapid decisions and used for hook-ups. So, if you are looking for a genuine connection, you may be better off signing up for a website or meeting someone in person.

How do you meet singles in person in Spain?

If online dating is not for you, then in-person meetups can be a good alternative. You can start by attending social events organized by Meetup groups or expat groups. There are numerous events throughout Spain that allow you to connect with people in a fun and safe way. Even if you don’t find the love of your life, you might make some new friends.

Another great way to meet new people is by joining a local sports club or association. From paint classes to sports teams, these offer a great way for potential partners to meet and bond over shared passions and interests. Just make sure you have consent before making a potentially unwanted move.

Meeting people through friends

Of course, you can also reach out to your social and professional network to find a date. This is actually the most common way of dating in Spain. If you have friends or close work colleagues you trust, see if they know of any suitable singles they could set you up with. Otherwise, keep an eye out for social gatherings and do some searching yourself.

If you’re feeling confident, the country has plenty of opportunities to acquaint yourself with strangers, for example, in bars, at clubs, or at a local event or festival. You just have to be a little outgoing.

While this method requires more effort, it can be rewarding to find attractive singles without the worry that their online personality doesn’t match their real-life one.

Intercambio and local speed dating events

Another interesting way of meeting someone is by going to a speed dating event. This is where singles meet at a venue and are matched for a series of quick-fire conversations with potential partners to see if compatibility or a spark exists.

You can find events near you on websites such as eventbrite, which advertises events all over Spain. Social networking sites like Facebook and Instagram may also have details of upcoming mixers or speed-dating events.

Many bars and cafés in Spain also offer intercambio (language exchange) evenings. The idea is for locals and expats to meet and mingle while practicing their respective languages. While they aren’t designed specifically for finding a date, you never know who you might meet; your Spanish language partner could end up becoming your romantic partner, too!

What is the dating etiquette in Spain?

Generally speaking, the Spanish are lively, sociable, and have a zest for life that makes them exciting and engaging partners. They are typically big flirts as well – so get ready for some serious flattery. During the early stages of dating, men can be fully hands-on with their attention; while this may come off as desperate to some expats, it just means that they like you.

Here are some of the more common scenarios you may find yourself in while dating in Spain.

A typical dating scenario

First dates usually involve going out for drinks and tapas. It’s also common for people to invite their date for an evening out with friends. As time goes on, dates will likely center around your shared hobbies and interests. For example, you could visit a museum, have a wine tasting, or watch the sunset at the beach.

Keep in mind, however, that people like to go with the flow and prefer spontaneous dates, rather than making fixed plans days in advance.

Dates are typically flirty and outgoing, with some good-natured teasing. Sitting on the same side of the table and making physical contact during conversation is common in Spain; even on a first date. People are very comfortable showing emotion, and PDA (public displays of affection) plays a big role in Spanish culture. Hand-holding, prolonged eye contact, and hugs and kisses are all completely normal behavior, even between friends.

Dating behavior in Spain

Although Spanish culture and social norms are distinct in many ways, first-date etiquette is fairly typical. People are generally warm and speak very openly, meaning that the dating atmosphere is usually casual and fun. The relaxed attitude also extends to punctuality; it’s acceptable (and customary!) to be 15–30 minutes late.

The dress code is elegant and stylish, even for casual dates. Spanish people equate being well-dressed with confidence, so they’re unlikely to show up for a date in ripped clothes or shabby sneakers. For women that means donning some heels, and men will want to wear nice loafers.

When it comes to talking points, taboo subjects include discussing religion, Catalan independence, and Spanish history (i.e., General Franco). Unless you enjoy talking about local sports teams for hours, you may also want to avoid the topic of football.

Spanish people typically love to talk and will want to discuss your family, job, hobbies, and passions until the sun comes up. In fact, they’re not particularly comfortable with silence – if the conversation falls quiet, it’ll reflect poorly on your compatibility and you may not get a second date.

It’s common for people to casually date more than one person at a time. However, because the Spanish value honesty above all, they will tell you if they are seeing other people on the side.

Gender roles in Spain

Spain is pretty progressive when it comes to gender roles. Men and women are considered equal, and either gender can ask each other out.

However, this doesn’t mean men don’t like to be chivalrous. Indeed, most will open doors and help their dates with their seats. It’s also normal for the man to pay the bill at the end of the date. While it won’t be considered rude to suggest splitting it 50/50, many men will see it as a sign you’re not interested in taking the relationship any further.

What are Spanish relationships like?

Relationships and commitment typically progress at quite a slow rate in Spain. It can take quite a few dates and months before things get serious. Spanish people prefer to build up a friendship first, before committing to anything more.

Couples usually move in together after two or three years of dating. Living together is typically a sign that you both see a long-term future together.

When do you meet your partner’s family?

Due to the high unemployment rate and exorbitant housing costs, it’s common for young people to live with their parents well into their thirties. In 2018, one in five people aged 39 and over hadn’t moved out of their family home yet. Given these living arrangements, you may meet your partner’s parents fairly early on.

However, this is not to say it isn’t a big deal. Family is extremely important in Spain and people value their parents’ opinions. So, even when they have already moved out, you can expect to meet your partner’s family early in the relationship.

After that, family visits or trips out can happen frequently, depending on how close everyone lives to each other.

Getting married in Spain

The role of the family in weddings

Wedding proposals are a private affair in Spain. It’s not standard for the expectant groom to ask the woman’s parents for her hand first. In fact, depending on the bride-to-be, it may even be considered sexist and a genuine offense.

It’s way more common for couples to get engaged and announce it to their friends and family afterward. It’s worth noting that engagement rings aren’t really a thing in Spain; instead, the focus is more on the actual wedding ring.

The challenges facing unmarried couples

Marriage isn’t seen as an absolute necessity for a committed relationship. Many couples live together and raise a family without feeling pressured to “make things official.” Choosing to not get married is especially common in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, where people have a more modern outlook on family life.

While not facing any societal pressures, unmarried partners don’t have access to the practical aspects of marriage, such as joint taxation and legal security. Indeed, without a partnership contract in place, unmarried couples don’t have automatic rights to shared pensions, inheritance, hospital visitation, or decision-making in medical emergencies.

Things to keep in mind when dating in Spain

Is Spain LGBTQ+ friendly?

Spain is an incredibly strong advocate of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people (LGBTQ+) rights. The country is one of the most culturally liberal and accepting nations worldwide. In fact, Spain ranks third out of 197 countries, after only Iceland and Norway (LGBT Equality Index, 2025).

Most cities have an open and visible LGBTQ+ scene. For example, Madrid is home to a surplus of LGBTQ+ bars, cafes, and clubs, and hosts one of Europe’s largest Annual Pride celebrations (known as Orgullo Gay de Madrid or La Noche de Patos). Barcelona is a close second, of course. The city attracts many people from all over the globe to enjoy its bars, nightclubs, and events, including Pride Barcelona.

Other popular LGBTQ+ destinations include places like Ibiza and Torremolinos. And, if you want to go to what Pink Ticket calls the “gayest place in a very gay country”, you have to go to Gran Canaria.

It should be noted, however, that LGBT-phobic behavior is on the rise in Spain, as well as in neighboring countries like France, Portugal, and Italy.

What are the views on mixed dating?

Most Spanish people are open-minded and have a “live and let live” approach to life. In cosmopolitan cities, mixed couples – both interracial or interfaith – are widely accepted and don’t attract much attention.

That said, in smaller towns and rural areas, where the population can be more homogenous, mixed couples may be less frequent. While they won’t face outright discrimination or hostility, they may experience subtle biases, especially toward non-European or African partners.

Similarly, interfaith relationships may face scrutiny in more conservative areas. Some traditional families may expect religious conversion, especially when it comes to marriage and children.

What challenges come with online dating?

Like elsewhere, online dating in Spain comes with its risks. People might not always be who or what they say they are on their profile or during initial chats. Indeed, the country has had its fair share of romance scams; one was even linked to a triple murder.

Never agree to send money to someone, arrange your first date in a public place, and be sure to tell a friend or family member where you’ll be.

Useful resources

• ECC Spain Portal – website of the European Commission with information on catfishing
• Culture Atlas – website with more information on Spanish culture and society, including conversation do’s and don’t’s