Navigating the dating scene in Spain has never been simpler, and my time there helped me understand why. Here’s a curated guide, based on firsthand experiences, to the best Spanish dating sites and apps.
⭐ Best Spanish Dating Sites
MEETIC
While exploring the dating landscape in Spain, I took a closer look at Meetic, part of the global Meetic Corporation. The site operates primarily in Spanish and is aimed at those looking to form meaningful connections, from friendships to romantic relationships. Although initial signup is free and some features can be accessed without a subscription, more interactive options like messaging require a paid membership.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of Meetic.es:
Meetic Advantages: | Meetic Disadvantages: |
Matching based on a personality test | Personality test takes time to complete |
Reliable and well-rated | Difficult to unsubscribe from the service |
Useful coaching videos | |
Numerous events |
- EMMA’S RATING: 10/10
BE2
In my journey through various international dating platforms, Be2 caught my attention. Founded in 2004, the site is available in 12 languages, including Spanish. Be2’s global footprint broadens the scope for users, not just within their local community but also internationally. One of the highlights for me was the site’s personality test and matching algorithm, designed to help users connect with the most compatible partners.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of Be2:
Be2 Advantages: | Be2 Disadvantages: |
Very reliable service | Premium package expensive |
High reply rate | One-month subscription not available |
Excellent data safety | |
Good gender balance |
- EMMA’S RATING: 7/10
C-DATE
C-Date offers an alternative route for those less interested in long-term commitments, focusing instead on casual relationships. The site, which I occasionally used during my time in Spain, is available in Spanish and has an international scope. Features like secure photo sharing and the use of nicknames contribute to a safe and anonymous user experience. Additionally, women can use the service for free when connecting with men.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of C-Date:
C-Date Advantages: | C-Date Disadvantages: |
Photos manually verified | Some profiles are fake |
Large user base | Customer support only via e-mail |
Compatibility-based matching | |
Excellent success rate |
- EMMA’S RATING: 7/10
LIVING AND DATING IN SPAIN
A people’s culture is determined by weather – at least to some extent.
While people living in cold countries with little sunshine tend to be reserved and highly practical, their southern counterparts are much more relaxed and carefree.
The Spanish, who enjoy sunny, warm summers and mild winters, have a reason to be optimistic about everything from work to play.
If you believe that a typical Spaniard is romantic, expressive, and temperamental, you are completely right. Still, do not expect this to be true for every Spanish person you meet. Cultural stereotypes are generally based on behavioral patterns present in a large chunk of a population but can hardly apply to all people.
The Spanish socialize in many different ways. They frequently meet through friends, but they also like to attend Meetup events and ex-pat group meetings. Language exchange evenings (Intercambio) are also part of the Spanish culture, and online dating websites and apps are a very popular means of meeting new people.
A typical date in Spain usually involves going out for drinks or dinner, going to the cinema, or for a walk in the park. It is possible that your Spanish date will bring their friends along on your first date. Rather than having a friend or two, the Spanish have a group of friends, and it is important for them to know that you are accepted by the group.
A date in Spain is usually a formal affair, and you should dress accordingly. Leave your casual clothes behind and iron your fancy suit or dress.
Do not be surprised if your Spanish companion is ‘fashionably’ very late – anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes. The Spanish are never in a hurry to get places and do not regard being late as a sign of disrespect. Committing to something days or weeks ahead is also not standard Spanish practice, so do not try to make plans too much ahead.
When on a date, the Spanish really like to show their affection. Hand-holding, touching, eye contact, and hugs are all very normal behaviors, even if you are in public and surrounded by many people.
If you wish your stay in Spain to be pleasant, try to accept these cultural quirks of the Spanish and just go with the flow – it will make your life there so much easier.
ARE DATING SITES POPULAR IN SPAIN?
Yes, they are! But perhaps this is not so surprising given that the nation is very cheerful and outgoing and enjoys meeting new people.
According to Statista, a German company specializing in market and consumer data, the popularity of online dating apps in Spain will continue to rise steadily. The number of users is expected to reach seven million by 2027.
FINDING A PARTNER ONLINE
If you do not have a lot of opportunities to meet new people in Spain, trying your luck with several dating websites and apps is certainly an idea worth exploring.
It has to be said, though, that online dating has its good and bad sides. With the right attitude and a suitable dating website, however, it can prove to be a dream come true.
To begin with, it is good to know the type of person you want to be with, although it is also advisable to keep an open mind and be prepared to make some compromises. The fact that you can look for a partner based on your preferences does not mean you can find one that totally fits your description.
Choosing the right dating service is essential because it helps you narrow down your search and save time. It makes no sense to go wandering on a site frequented by people looking for a serious relationship if you are only looking for a fling – or vice versa.
On the other hand, you may also experience some frustration and disappointment while dating online.
You might come across people who are not sure what they want or want different things than you. Also, you yourself may make the mistake of setting the bar too high and having expectations that are hard to meet. Last but not least, you may choose a dating service that is not suitable for the type of relationship you want.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DATING SERVICE
As mentioned before, choosing the right dating service can greatly impact your online dating experience.
Meetic.es and Be2 are online dating websites that are almost completely dedicated to helping people find more meaningful and lasting relationships such as friendship, companionship, partnership, or marriage.
On the other hand, Ashley Madison and Victoria Milan are websites that support extramarital relationships and help connect people looking for affairs.
C-Date is somewhere in between: it is not really for serious relationships, but it does not promote cheating on your partner either. Instead, it offers fun, casual relationships with no strings attached.
Make sure to keep this information in mind when you embark on your virtual matchmaking journey. Looking for a date on the wrong website can be like looking for a needle in a haystack, so try really hard to avoid it.
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR ONLINE DATING EXPERIENCE
The most important piece of advice has been emphasized and re-emphasized several times above. However, you can do many other things to make your online dating less frustrating and more fun.
- Think of it as an adventure
Meeting people is generally supposed to be a fun experience. Of course, not everybody finds it easy to strike up a conversation with complete strangers (or even with the people they know).
If you are one of those people who find online dating intimidating, do not forget that dating sites actually let you take the relationship at your own pace. So, try to relax and enjoy the benefits online dating has to offer.
- Have fun setting up your profile
Okay, so it is important to write as much about yourself as possible. If that makes you feel a bit uncomfortable, get over it. It is easy to say and not that hard to do. Will your mind have positive thoughts about the whole process?
If you are already there, experiment with your profile and personality test. Imagine you are trying to score an A and give your best answers. It will be worth it!
- Consider purchasing a membership
Have you heard of the expression that cheap things are not good and good things are not cheap?
That goes for dating websites too. Of course, you can use most of them for free. Still, usually, the options are very limited – which means less mingling and definitely less fun. Also, seeing that the other person is willing to pay in order to find the right match will make you believe their intentions – and that works both ways.
- Get in touch with people
Well, that is kind of the point. Your dating service might give you partner suggestions based on your preferences, or you can also look for matches yourself. Find the people you like, send them messages or winks, and participate in the events your website organizes. These things will definitely double your chances of finding the right match.
Conclusion
Meetic is the top dating app in Spain, offering effective matching algorithms and live customer support for a high success rate in finding serious relationships.
FAQ
Even though the man is still more expected to pay the bill than split it with his date, more and more people are advocating for equality. Perhaps you should not expect your date to pay for everything but allow him to pay for dinner and offer to pay for drinks afterward.
You need to be relaxed and allow your date to shower you with attention. The Spanish are very impulsive and tactile, which can make some people uncomfortable.
Very soon. You can expect to meet your Spanish date’s friends on your first date and their family not long afterward. The Spanish have very strong family ties, so you should expect to be included in family events relatively early on in the relationship.
Not really. They would have to be very smitten with you to want the relationship to move fast. The reason they introduce you to the family is only a sign of how family-oriented they are.
Definitely. Singles are not afraid to show their interest in the people they like, and in Spain, this goes for women too.