Dating in Spain Tips

Information about dating in Spain, where, how and when to find a partner in Spain. Note that some of the dating tips here are presented with a touch of sarcasm.

In an age where young people are increasingly focused on establishing careers before love-lives, more people in their late 20’s to mid 30’s are still looking for Mr./Ms. Right. There are now more than double the number of single women aged 28-34 than there were only five years ago; accordingly, the industries built around singles and dating in Spain has adapted, catering to every demographic looking for Spanish love. Whether you’re young and single, divorced and single, single and looking, single and not looking or even not single (but still looking) - for those who want something more than a cheesy fling in an Irish bar there is something for everyone when it comes to dating in Spain.

Many would say that Spain is a country for ´parejas´ (couples) since everything seems to be easier in Spain with a partner. Romantic getaways are cheaper as a duo, apartments are practically impossible to rent alone in the major cities and the playas (beaches) are always more enjoyable when you’re with a boyfriend, girlfriend or summer fling.

Despite the many parejas, Spain runs rampant with hopeful “singles” looking for love. From locals to expats to tourists, there is a constant flow of single men, women, straight and gay, looking for their future pareja. What it comes down to is looking in the right places.

One of the most popular means of modern dating is online and Spain is no exception. (insert blurb/link to online dating article-can’t put that in until the article is ready…correct?) Those craving a few tricks of the trade along the slightly more ‘old fashioned’ lines, have various options from which to choose.

Here are a few ways to kick start your fun with dating in Spain without the computer, screen and keyboard:

Dating in Spain tip: Classified ads:

Some think classified ads are heading out of style or are used mainly by older folks however this is not the case when dating in Spain. Classified ads are an easy, low budget way to get the word out that you are available and looking for love. It allows people to describe exactly what kind of partner they are seeking and helps to narrow down the search. Classified ads can include everything ranging from non committal, to casual dating, serious marriage proposals and even some S & M for those who want to delve a bit deeper.

An Example of a Classified Ad:
Hi, I am 21 years old. My hobbies are singing, dancing and reading. I do not smoke, I do not drink and I do not go clubbing at night, however I have nothing against them. I love when a man is loving, caring, nice and kind. For me age is a number and color means nothing as long as he is ready to take me as an angel in his life. So do e-mail and get back to me.

Editor’s Ad Analysis:
This ad is simple and to the point giving potential suitors just enough information to draw them in yet at the same time not revealing everything. It is a little over the top with the ‘angel in his life’ comment, which some people might find either a bit cheesy or aggressive. The more direct, honest and sincere the ad, the better chances one has of hooking their bait.

Some newspapers to check out or to which to post classified ads include:
Barcelona:

• ADN
• Barcelona Metropolitan
• La Vanguardia
• El Pais

Madrid:

• ABC
• AS
• Boletin Oficial del Estado
• Cinco Dias
• Diario Medico
• El Mundo
• El Pais
• El Telegrafo

Seville

• Diario De Sevilla
• Metro Sevilla

Granada

• Diario granadino
• Crónica de Granada
• Motrildigital
• Insight News- English Newspaper for Granada Province
• The Olive Press

Dating in Spain tip: Dating Agencies:

Another viable option in Spain and somewhat more credible than classified dating ads, are dating agencies. Perhaps outdated, agencies still work wonders - through an agency the client gets to see a video or photo of his or her prospective partner (thus eliminating the anticipation of should I run for the door and pretend I didn’t see them). Many agencies provide various methods for finding a date. For example one agency in Spain, Presencial Internacional, offers detailed questionnaires, a voice mail service as well as free social activities for their 8000 clients, half of which are from Catalonia.

A couple of dating agencies in Spain:

• Solo Andalucia in Malaga
• Executive Spanish Dating

Dating in Spain tip: Singles Nights

One of the best ways to find a date in Spain is to capitalize on the best of what the country has to offer for everyone. In a country where football, salsa, flamenco and sangria are sure bets, it’s easy to meet people at such events. An easy and subtle way to pick up singles is to get involved in activities and social gatherings such as live football screening nights, line dancing and free salsa classes at bars or community centres. As the numbers of singles in Spain continues to climb, bars are jumping on the bandwagon and catering to their clientele. Singles nights are very popular in some bars throughout the country so check out ads both online and in the local papers to find the singles nights at nearby watering holes.

A few ideas for single social events:

• New Solos Club (Costa Blanca): Social events for single people aged between 40 and 70. Tel: 637 545 986
• Phoenix Solos (Costa Blanca): Social ground for unattached over 50s with organized social activities including barbecues, trips, beach parties and bowling. Tel: 966 723 495 / 966 700 204 / 699 233 459

Dating in Spain tip: Speed Dating
Some coin this, the ‘new black’ of dating. Speed dating in Spain is making its mark as it’s quick, efficient, to the point and allows singles to sift through the masses and perhaps find their diamond in the rough. Most speed dating events allow people to meet up to 15 singles in one evening, giving them between 5-7 minutes to chat.

Several speed dating companies have recently been established including:

• Date Club Spain www.dateclubspain.com Ph: 93 300 4435 or 687 856 411 Email: .
• Fast Friends Speed Dating Tel: 627 616 545 / 658 231 615
• Costa Blanca Speed Dating Speed dating and singles events including gourmet evenings, salsa dancing, food and wine tasting Tel: 966 457 111 / 620 403 424

Dating in Spain tip: Intercambio

Some people genuinely want to learn a new language and others genuinely want to find their other half. For whatever reason, a great way to meet singles in Spain is the ever-so-popular ´intercambio´ - or language exchange method. Whatever the reason, ´under the guise of an ´intercambio´, many parejas in Spain have found each other. Whereas some might consider it sleazy, others think it’s a practical, no-pressure way to find someone with similar interests without the usual formalities of a date.

Finding an intercambio partner is simple; respond to an ad or post your own ad with a very brief self-description and a request for the language for which you’re looking to improve, in exchange for helping them learn your native tongue *ahem* and there is always a chance you might teach each other a bit more than just a new language.

Websites to look and place ads include:

• www.loquo.com
• www.craigslist.com

Dating in Spain tip: Bodegas (Vineyards)

What better way to find a date in Spain than to get your partner drunk and trick them into liking you? In a country that boasts some of the best wine in the world, Spain’s vineyards qualify as one of the hottest dating spots and there are several ways to capitalize upon them. Many vineyards have organized wine tours ranging in price and length. If you have an afternoon free, feel like doing some wine tasting either solo or with a few friends, wine tours can be a great way to spend the afternoon while meeting people with similar interests. If you already have a partner and are looking for somewhere to go on a romantic and slightly different type of Spanish date, Spain’s bodegas are a sure way to impress your potential soul mate.

Last updated 22 01 2009

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