Over the decades, how many Britons have found love in Spain and ended up settling down in the country? I would not like to think. However, it appears that there is a shortage of love in Spain. According to the latest population stats, in terms of marital status, as of 1 January 2024, 34.9% of the population of Spain was single, 45.8% was married, 7.8% was divorced or separated, and 7.0% was widowed.
By gender, there is a significant difference among the widowed population, where 83.0% were women, a difference that can be seen in all age groups. In the 16-34 age group, the most common marital status was single (80.4%), while from the age of 35 onwards, it was married. In the 55-74 age group, married people accounted for 65.6%.
People in Spain use a variety of methods to meet potential partners or friends:
Dating Apps: Apps are a popular option, with many people using platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and local Spanish dating apps. Users often advise being clear about your intentions from the start (whether seeking a serious connection or a casual fling).
Social Hobbies & Meetup Groups: Engaging in social hobbies, joining language exchanges, or using apps like Meetup is a common and effective way to connect with people who share similar interests, including both locals and expats.
Nightlife & Social Scene: Spain, particularly cities like Madrid and Barcelona, is known for its vibrant nightlife, with people in their 30s, 40s, and above still frequenting clubs and bars. The local culture is generally sociable, and many social events center around shared meals and drinks that can last for hours.
The “Pineapple” Supermarket Craze: A recent viral TikTok trend encouraged singles to shop at the Mercadona supermarket chain between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. and place an upside-down pineapple in their trolley as a signal they were single and “ready to mingle”. Other items like lentils or chocolates were rumored to indicate a desire for a more serious relationship, while lettuce suggested something more casual.
Cultural Considerations for Dating in Spain
Communication Style: Spanish culture can be more physically affectionate, and some Spanish women may expect men to initiate physical touch more readily than in some other cultures.
Commitment: An expat noted that commitment can sometimes be elusive, with many singles continuing to live with their parents into adulthood.
Language Barrier: While English is spoken in most major cities and expat communities, especially in jobs dealing with the public, learning some Spanish is generally helpful for interacting with locals, particularly in smaller towns.
Solo Travel: Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia are considered great places for a single person to visit or live, offering a rich cultural experience and plenty of opportunities to meet people.