Sitting at a café in Madrid, watching couples sip their cortados and whisper sweet nothings in Spanish, I had to wonder, what’s the secret to finding love in Spain? In honor of Saint Valentine’s Day, we spoke to expats and international residents from Madrid to Barcelona, the Costa del Sol to Alicante, and Granada to Murcia to get the inside scoop on love, relationships, and that fun little language mix we call Spanglish!

Speak the Language of Love

Chloe, based in Murcia, swears by learning Spanish. ‘I definitely recommend learning Spanish. It’s difficult to really connect with Spanish people if you can’t speak their language. I’ve been with my Spanish boyfriend for five years, and while he speaks some English, we now have our own Spanglish-style communication. But without Spanish, I’d feel lost, especially when we get together with his family.‘ Lesson one: Language isn’t just about words, it’s about connection.

Love Has No Expiration Date

Michelle, living on the Costa del Sol, proves that love doesn’t come with an age limit. She found love not with a Spanish person, but with another international resident who had also moved to Spain in search of a new adventure. ‘I was surprised to fall for someone later in life. Moving to Spain was my dream, but I never thought I’d find love here too. It turns out, sometimes love finds you in the most unexpected places, even in a new country with someone who shares your experience of starting fresh abroad.‘ Sometimes, when you’re focused on your personal happiness, love sneaks up on you.

The Dating Struggle is Real

Not all love stories have an easy beginning. Ben, based in Granada, has found dating in Spain a challenge. ‘I find it difficult to connect with people here. It feels like people are always coming and going, and the Spanish people I meet are just very different from me.‘ Maybe Cupid just hasn’t aimed his arrow in the right direction, yet.

Where to Find Love in Spain

If love isn’t knocking on your door, go out and find it. Many expats say that social events are key. Ed, who lives in Madrid, swears by them. ‘There are tons of meetups and events where English and Spanish speakers mingle. Many relationships start at these gatherings.‘ So, lesson two: Put yourself out there. Love won’t find you if you’re locked in your apartment binge-watching Netflix.

Tips for Finding Love in Spain

1. Learn the language. Even if it’s just the basics, it shows effort and opens doors, romantic and otherwise.
2. Say yes to invitations. Whether it’s a local fiesta or a language exchange, you never know who you might meet.
3. Embrace cultural differences. Love in Spain might not look like love back home, but that’s part of the adventure.
4. Be open-minded. The love of your life might not fit the checklist you made at 15, and that’s okay!

Finding love in Spain isn’t just about romance, it’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new experiences. Whether you’re looking for a passionate Spanish romance or a fellow international dreamer, Spain might just have the love story you didn’t know you were waiting for.

Main image: Shutterstock/Sotnikov Misha