Costa del Sol

Guide for dating in Costa del Sol helps you to meet the best girls. This dating guide gives you tips how to date Spanish women. You will learn rules where and how to flirt with local Spanish girls. We advise how to move from casual dating to the relationship and find the real love. We also tell the best dating sites in Costa del Sol. In this article below you will find more information where to meet and date girls in Costa del Sol, Spain.

Hot girls of Costa Del Sol partying at the Funky Buddha Club

Girls in Costa del Sol:

Looks of girls: 4.5 / 5

Attitude of girls: 3.5 / 5

Loyalty of girls: 3.5 / 5

Education level of girls: 4 / 5

Dating in Costa del Sol:

Chance of arranging dates: 4 / 5

Casual dating culture: 4 / 5

Online dating popularity: 4 / 5

Sex in Costa del Sol:

Women's sexual activity: 4 / 5

One-night stands: 4 / 5

More about Costa del Sol:

Nightlife in general: 4 / 5

Locals' English level: 2 / 5

Budget per day: US$200 - $800

Accommodation: US$100 - $500

Dating

Costa del Sol is a region in the south of Spain, in the autonomous community of Andalusia, comprising the coastal towns and communities along the coastline of the Province of Malaga. Formerly made up only of a series of small fishing settlements, today the region is a world-renowned tourist destination. The Costa del Sol includes the city of Málaga and also the towns of Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella, San Pedro de Alcántara, Estepona, Manilva, Casares, Rincón de la Victoria, Vélez-Málaga, Nerja, Frigiliana and Torrox. The Costa del Sol has some of the most expensive tourist resorts in Europe.

Spanish women are considered some of the most beautiful and desired women. Spanish women enjoy living their life to the fullest. They are highly social, easy-going, and great at maintaining a successful relationship. Pretty much every beautiful lady in Spanish cities has a unique and sensual personality. A typical Spanish girl is full of passion and desire. She’s exotic, she’s loyal, and she’s emotionally strong. A Spanish lady has strong family ties and moral values and wants to settle down in a relationship with the right person. Spanish women won’t tolerate lies, dishonesty, cheating, lack of trust, lack of attention and care, and a plethora of other factors that destroy relationships and marriages.

Dating Culture

Dating and relationships can be tricky just about anywhere and anytime, but they can be especially tricky when you are dating someone that is from a different culture than your own. You may have different customs, expect different things, eat different food, and the list goes on.

Spanish dating and marriage culture has changed dramatically over the past four decades. Before the creation of the constitution in 1978, Spanish law discriminated heavily against married women. Over the past few decades, Spanish women have become more independent and less likely to view their husbands as their only financial source. Modern Spanish ladies also enjoy much more freedom compared to previous generations. A Spanish woman will most likely not be asking your permission to go out to meet her friends.

Spanish youth may begin dating as early as 13 years old, but these relationships tend not to be serious. Teenagers tend to meet at school and socialize in groups. Common places to socialize and go on dates include cafes, parks and beaches. As people get older, the interest in prospective partners gets more serious. However, Spaniards may take a long time to commit to one relationship.

Sugar Dating

Sugar dating is one of the best ways to find a date in 2023. Men who are willing to buy gifts for sugar babies, will get physical or emotional pleasure for a return. Take a look of the wide selection of girls from SecretBenefits.

Online Dating

Dating in Costa del Sol can be a bit tricky due to not knowing if you have a solid connection, so your best bet is to sign up for a dating site before you venture to the night club or bar, so you can meet a few locals ahead of time. AdultFriendFinder.com lets you meet local members in Costa del Sol and get to know them on a personal basis before you meet in person. Take advantage of site features like live chat and member to member webcams so you can begin flirting before arranging a face-to-face meeting.

Webcam Dating

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Women

The status of women in Spain has evolved from the country's earliest history, culture, and social norms. Throughout the late 20th century, Spain has undergone a transition from Francoist Spain, during which women's rights were severely restricted, to a democratic society where gender equality is a fundamental principle. As such, during the past decades, the position of women in Spanish society has greatly improved. Women in the broader Spanish population outnumber men.

At the height of the Francoist era, Spanish law and legislation discriminated against women who were married. Without her husband's approval, a wife was prohibited from employment and property ownership. The law also provided for less stringent definitions of such crimes like adultery and desertion for husbands than it did for wives. Significant reforms of this system were begun shortly before Franco's death, and they have continued at a rapid pace since then. The permiso marital was abolished in 1975; laws against adultery were canceled in 1978, and divorce was legalized in 1981. That year, the parts of the civil code that dealt with family finances were also reformed.

In recent years, the role of women has largely increased in Spain, especially in politics but also in the labor market and other public areas. New laws have officially eliminated all kinds of discrimination, and are even perceived by some as positive discrimination, but a Conservative part of the society is still ingrained in the macho culture. Even so, Spanish women are quickly approaching their European counterparts, and the younger generations perceive machismo as outdated.

Women in Spain are paid 13% less in the public sector and 19% less in private sectors. Women are portrayed in media as balanced in power with men, but in traditional roles with women as homemakers and mothers and submissive to men.

The main factor in this upturn is linked to women’s political empowerment. In 2018 Spain became the world’s most female-centric government with a share of 65% female ministers in the cabinet. The socialist acting prime minister appointed 11 female ministers out of 17 when he came to power in June 2018. In addition, the Spanish Congress became the most equal in the EU with a 47.4% share of women (166 deputies out of 375) after the April elections that year.

Spanish women dedicate on average 4 hours and 49 minutes a day to unpaid work (against 2 hours and 26 minutes by men), which is mainly household and care of children and other relatives. Removing the obstacles blocking women from accessing the science, research, and technology sectors continue to be key in modifying the current academic orientation, which is vital to fight new ways of the gender gap.

Spanish Girls (age 18 - 29)

Spanish girls are also big fans of experimenting with their appearances and like to change their hair color often. Girls in Spain are also big fans of makeup, but they use it like real pros and in moderation, which prevents them from looking like drag queens. Spanish girls are remarkably easy-going and can strike a conversation with just about anyone. However, it doesn’t mean that they are prepared to instantly take the relationship to the next level. Before your Spanish beauty can open up to you, she needs to know that you have serious intentions.

These girls share the values of other European women. However, the unique feature of these girls is that they are also firm believers in traditions. If you are in a mood to get into a relationship and date a girl to settle down in a relationship, then opting for Spanish girls can never prove to be a wrong decision. Spanish girls are genuine beauty and are crafted flawlessly. If you have the wish of dating a Spanish girl, then following your dreams should be easy.

This is the best age bracket to target if you're looking for a young, carefree and wild, Spanish beauty. Women from Costa Del Sol are used to dating foreign men because it is a popular tourist destination so they come across people from all over the world. The younger girls are more open to adventure hands they are more likely to positively respond to your advances.

Young girls know how to have fun, they can be seen at the Nikki Beach soaking in the sun

Spanish Women (age 30 - 45)

When a Spanish woman falls in love with a man, it means that she accepts him completely. Women of this age bracket urgently looking for something serious. They want to settle down and start a family. Even though the culture is very liberal but women are still pressurised to start a family at the right time because the biological clock is ticking. If you are looking for the same things then target women from this age bracket. In costa del sol women generally tend to marry local men and settle down there but at the same time due to the influx of tourists, there are many who are ready to marry foreign men and move with them to their hometowns. You will find women from this age bracket everywhere, from working in resorts, hotels, restaurants to shopping in malls, enjoying at cafes and clubs. If you have always wanted to marry a woman who will always have your back, a Spanish beauty is exactly what you need to make your life complete. The instinct of a Spanish woman is to stand by her man no matter what. When she makes promises or says wedding vows, you can instantly know she means it. This woman will always support you and offer her best advice.

Beautiful ladies enjoying at the Purobeach club in Marbella, Costa Del Dol

Spanish Ladies (age 45+)

Women of this age are generally married and have kids. Spanish people have strong family values and they do believe in the traditional route of getting married and tasing a family and belonging to a like minded community. Targeting this age group might not bring fruitful results for you. However, Costa Del Sol has many areas with lavish resorts so you might find some rich Spanish MILFS and cougars enjoying a holiday there. It is always good to keep a lookout for the right signs. If she seems to be responding to your advances or giving you suggestive looks then you are in luck.

Foreign Girls (tourists, expats, students, etc.)

Most of the foreign girls in Costa del Sol are tourists. Well-developed Costa del Sol resorts like Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola and Marbella attract every year a large number of visitors. These resorts not only provide miles of sandy beaches, great weather and a large tourist infrastructure catering for every need but also offer an extensive selection of entertainment and relaxation for every taste, including zoos and water parks, casinos, bullfights, amusement parks, local fairs, parks, gardens, museums and historical monuments. Tourism concentrates mainly on the coastal strip of Malaga province, where nearly all municipalities have experienced spectacular growth in recent years.

Costa del Sol is a popular place for northern Europeans to enjoy their retirement. So you will find many hot fellow foreign women in the region. They are also more likely to be receptive of your advances. The best way to get in touch with them is via online dating websites and visiting a lot of tourist destinations. Staying at a great resort will also increase your chances of bumping into hot foreign women.

Sex

While religion is a common factor in the lives of Spaniards, modernism is slowly erasing its influence. This has opened up more Spanish girls to casual sex. While parents and other guardians may have control over girls while they are still growing up and living under their roofs, they lose this as soon as the girls finish secondary school and go away to universities and colleges.

Sex Culture

Unlike in some other countries, people in Costa Del Sol and in Spain generally are not particularly shy when it comes to discussing the topic of sex and openly displaying their sexuality. The Spanish in general are neither a shy nor a modest bunch. Any trip to the beach will make that abundantly clear before you even step foot onto the sand. Despite being a Catholic country, Spain’s citizens (refreshingly) have little to no interest in upholding any kind of biblical law themselves, much less deciding what anyone else should be doing. They think that sex is a natural activity that can be performed between two consulting adults. Due to the Party culture of this region generally, the sex culture is m ore open and advance.

One-Night Stands

Although the country has one of the biggest populations of Catholics, one-night stands are common in Costa Del Sol. With prostitution legal and nude beaches found all over the country, casual sex is predictably common in the country.

Best Places to Meet Single Girls

Situated in the province of Málaga, in the south of Spain, Costa del Sol (or Coast of the Sun, in English) is among the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. Having marvelous weather with over 300 days of sun a year ensures that Costa del Sol gets bombarded by tourists any time of the year. To come to Costa del Sol means finding beautiful landscapes, scenery and also outstanding beaches. Each coastal town is rich in cultural heritage and tasty food. It is one of the best places to meet single girls.

The coast east, sometimes described as the Costa del Sol Oriental, is less developed. The suburban sprawl of Málaga extends through a series of unmemorable and unremarkable seaside towns that pass in a concrete high-rise blur before culminating in more attractive Nerja.

Bars, Pubs and Nightclubs

Nikki Beach: Sprawl on white sofas overlooking the surf in Marbella as you nibble haute tapas and enjoy live music or a DJ playing a riveting mix. It's a fixture on the glam clubbing scene: wear your best party clothes, shine those shoes and assume some attitude – it’s that kind of place.

Purobeach: Purobeach is a beach club that markets itself as exclusive; it's in Laguna Village, which is far closer to Estepona than Marbella. You'll pay €35 and up to lounge on a sunbed or in a private ‘nomad’ tent and enjoy the bar, pool, resident DJs, massages and overall summer-in-the-sun party setting. Laguna Village is an Asian-inspired beachside complex of bars, restaurants and shops set around lush landscaping, tinkling fountains and snaking waterways.

Monet: Front and center in Benalmádena's plush port, this place is a cool coffee bar with wicker chairs by day, but it morphs into a club after sunset, with regular salsa and theme nights.

Funky Buddha: As Buddhist statues overlook the heathens on the dance floor, the DJ spins everything from funk and acid jazz to hip hop and rock. The interior is suitably posh: all plush fabrics, moody lighting and comfortable sofas. There are regular theme nights. Buddha Club is found in Marbella.

Colón: Found in Fuengirola, this is one of a clutch of similar traditional, slightly showy Spanish bars with sprawling terraces behind the main post office. The wines are good, and the weekend ambiance has a big-city feel and seems authentically Spanish despite being just a couple of blocks from the banks of sunbeds on the sand.

La Casa Invisible: Hidden away in the back alleys of Málaga's old town, this patio bar has a young, left-field feel, with plenty of Frank Zappa hairstyles and Che Guevara beards on show. Bright murals add splashes of color, and a blackboard advertises earnest political discussions and upcoming punk-rock gigs should you get bored with your beer.

Antigua Casa de Guardia: This atmospheric tavern dates to 1840 and is the oldest bar in Málaga. The peeling custard-colored paintwork and black-and-white photographs of local boy Picasso look fittingly antique. Try the dark brown, sherry-like seco (dry), the romantically named lágrima trasañejo (very old teardrop), or any of the dozen other Málaga wines served from giant barrels running the length of the bar.

El Jardín: A slightly mildewed Viennese-style cafe next to palm-filled gardens behind the cathedral in Malaga, El Jardín attracts young flamencologists and ancient malagueños, plus the odd inebriated Picasso lookalike. Art-nouveau flourishes and old photographs evoke a pleasant ambiance, but the food's not great. Come for wine or coffee and watch young-at-heart septuagenarians dance the tango on Thursday nights.

Boomerang: It's always a party at this super-friendly bar with a devoted international and gay following up in Torremolinos' Pueblo Blanco neighborhood. Great mixed drinks and inviting space in an interior courtyard complete with a fountain make it ideal for mingling and lingering late.

Pacha Costa del Sol: Pacha Costa del Sol is one of the biggest best nightclubs in Malaga. This club has got a capacity of 1800 people who are willing to dance the night away. The overall music that will be played is a deep house, but for the more 'tranquillo' guests also lounge music will be played. The club is designed by the famous Spanish designer: Jorge Goula. Notifying is the boat-shaped bar. You can get here fancy cocktails and many other drinks.

Bubbles: This is a cool lounge bar in the heart of Malaga. Often, there will be played live music. Besides live music they also play a lot of other music (for example salsa, R&B, Spanish music and international music). Regularly, female dancers will be hired to enjoy your evening at Bubbles. Special about this club is, you can dance the typical Spanish salsa on Wednesday evenings.

Velvet: One of the most well-known best nightclubs Malaga is Velvet. This club is located in the heart of the city centrum, in between the Picasso Museum and the Thyssen Museum. Notifying about this club: it is also a concert hall. Unique about Velvet is the wooden design. This club is completely made of wood and this place also offers live music. It is possible to reserve a room or throw parties. This place’s party is on every weekend.

Siempre Asi: Siempre Asi is a Latino club in the city center of Málaga. This is a trendy club that is always filled with people. People are from all different ages, just for everyone who wants to move their feet. Nobody is too old to dance! Something you must do when you are visiting Siempre Asi? Try their cocktails! Some people say that this place of best nightclubs Malaga has got the best cocktails in the city. They are richly filled with alcohol and some soda.

Party at the Funky Buddha Club in Marbella

Shopping Malls

Some of the malls in Costa del Sol include:

Centro Comercial Riviera Plaza, Malaga
Puerto Marina Shopping, Benalmadena
Miramar Centro Comercial, Fuenngirola
Banus Marina Mall, Marbella
Parque Comercial La Cañada, Marbella
Centro Comercial La Colonia, San Pedro de Alcántara
Balcon De San Miguel Shopping Center, Torremolinos

Outdoors

Playa de Burriana is one of the more popular and better-known beaches along the Costa del Sol. The sand is beige, but soft, fine and swept by a gentle blue sea. There are plenty of sun loungers you can rent, as well as jet skis and sea kayaks if you want to explore the nearby bays. You’ll find plenty of places to eat both on and behind the beach, as well as volleyball courts, showers and toilets. The only downside to this beach is that it’s at the bottom of a hill, which is known as “Cardiac Hill” because it takes a lot of effort to get back up, especially in flip-flops.

The Costa del Sol is sometimes known as the Costa del Golf because there are more than 70 courses to play in the area. Marbella, in particular, has a great choice of golf courses within easy reach. The best boast courses big-name designers and beautiful locations, and have hosted several major tournaments. Finca Cortesín in Casares is routinely ranked among the very best in the whole of Spain, though that naturally means that the green fees will be quite high. Fortunately, with so much choice available, you can easily find a course to suit your budget and abilities.

Imagine narrow, winding streets lined with uneven, white-washed houses, each with a terracotta-tiled roof and wrought-iron-railed balcony covered in plants– that's Marbella Old Town. At the center of it all is the Plaza de Los Naranjos (Orange Square), which is filled with the sweet aroma of orange blossom, as well as the oldest church in Marbella, the town hall and many colorful cafés and restaurants. You’ll find a great selection of shops and bars around Old Town, making it a popular place to visit throughout the day and after dark.

Bioparc Fuengirola is one of the most ethical zoos in Costa del Sol, making the welfare of their animals a top priority. Each enclosure imitates a natural environment as closely as possible, with artificial waterfalls, riverbanks, rocks and even one of the biggest fake trees in the world. Bioparc takes its conservation work seriously and is home to such endangered species as the Sumatran Tiger and the Malayan Gharial, a freshwater crocodile. With an on-site restaurant and many educational displays, it’s a great place for families.

The Caves of Nerja is a complex of massive limestone caverns, filled with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. The caves are very old, with cave paintings and even Bronze Age human remains discovered in them. It’s easy to explore the complex thanks to the purpose-built walkways and experienced guides, though it’s recommended to wear sturdy shoes as the walkways can be slippery when wet. If you’re visiting during the summer months, look out for music festivals held inside the caves, using their unique acoustics to amplify classic opera, ballet and flamenco performances.

The most famous local dish in the Malaga province is espetos, which are simply sardines on wooden skewers, grilled over an open flame on or by the beach. Served with a squeeze of lemon and a glass of Ronda white wine, it's a great-tasting and very healthy snack. The fish is served whole, which can be off-putting if you're not used to food with eyes. Just eat the meat off the bones in the middle, leaving the head and the tip of the tail.

The cable car up Monte Calamorro offers probably the best view across the Costa del Sol. The 15-minute journey in the glass-walled cars will take you up to 769 meters above sea level, from where you'll be able to see right across the Mediterranean Sea to the coast of Africa, on a clear day. There's nearly 3 km of walkways around the rugged summit, including one leading to the Valley of the Eagles for fun birds of prey shows at 1 pm and 4 pm every day, featuring eagles, falcons, vultures and owls.

The Atarazanas Market is Malaga’s lively central market, where locals come for their daily essentials. It is also an extremely popular place to visit while in the Costa del Sol, partially for the great bargains on local food and produce, but also for the striking building. The main entrance is from a Moorish shipyard which was originally on the site in the 14th century, and a colorful stained glass window shows homage to this maritime history. Unsurprisingly, the seafood here is especially good.

The Strait of Gibraltar is quite a busy migration route for big marine mammals, with several different species either constantly in the area or passing through every year. These include sperm whales, killer whales and bottlenose dolphins. While spotting these graceful creatures is never guaranteed, the odds are pretty good if you're sailing from Benalmádena, Fuengirola or Marbella. Many companies are offering these trips, some more ethical than others, so it's best to shop around.

Universities and Colleges

Some of the universities and colleges found in the area include:

The Benalmádena International College, Benalmádena
The American College in Spain, Marbella
Laude San Pedro International College, San Pedro de Alcántara
The English International College, Marbella
Campus Universitario Europeo, Malaga
St. Anthony's College, Fuengirola
American University of Leadership, Marbella

Relationship

In Spain, wearing your heart on your sleeve and expressing your feelings is not seen as a weakness; but rather something that is generally expected of men and women. Some other cultures might view this as being ‘too forward’ or a sign of desperation. However, the Spanish consider it the best approach. At least the upside of this is that you will always know where you stand with your chica or chico.

Another factor to be aware of is that in Spain, people don’t believe in restraining their affections. As a result, acts of chivalry, romantic gestures, and public displays of affection are very much alive. Now, if you come from a more reserved culture, the idea of holding hands, whispering sweet nothings, and kissing your partner in public might make you cringe. But if you cherish having the freedom to express yourself and love to be showered with affection, you’ll feel right at home in this romantic country.

That's not to say that dating in Spain is all sunshine and roses. Indeed, certain cultural factors can take a little getting used to. For one, if you're looking to shack up and settle down soon, don’t hold your breath. Almost 80% of Spaniards (mainly men) typically live at home until well into their 30s. This is largely due to the high rate of youth unemployment which is currently around 33% and the fact that most young adults can't afford to buy their properties. Also, Spaniards generally tend to take a long time to commit to a serious relationship. As a result, they generally wait a lot longer to get married. The average age at first marriage in Spain is 38 years for men and 35 years for women.

Holiday Romance

Living up to their 'Latin lover' reputation as a nation of Lotharios, Spaniards are more likely than other Europeans to embark on a summer fling. But beware if you're about to get involved with a Spaniard while on holiday: the survey found that the majority of Spaniards believed having a holiday romance did not constitute cheating on their partner. Younger people are more likely to be unfaithful than older Spaniards, while women are more likely to be faithful than men: 48 percent compared to 42 percent.

Try not to rely on romance to make or break your trip; that puts undue pressure on your holiday. Rather, plan for a great vacation either way and look on any romance as a bonus. That said, holidays aren’t a time to play it cool. You might only have a week or less in which to catch their eye, so acting fast is crucial. Try to be braver with making the first contact than you would be at home. Nobody likes having regrets, after all.

Whether your holiday romance is a fleeting fling or a romantic break away with your other half, there’s just something about the sun, sea, sand and cocktails that creates the perfect setting for a little summer loving. However, when you are abroad, attitudes towards a little fun in the sun can be a bit different from when you're back at home. That doesn't mean you shouldn't get a bit romantic on holiday though! We recently conducted a holiday romance survey and found out that over 30% like to have some fun in the sun with someone we have only met while we are away.

Tips for Successful Relationship

We all want to have healthy relationships, but most of us were never really taught about what that means. The key is being communicative and proactive.

As the months and years roll on, we tend to slink into our proverbial sweatpants and get lazy in our relationship. We lose our patience, gentleness, thoughtfulness, understanding, and the general effort we once made toward our mate. Think back to the first year of your relationship and write down all the things you used to do for your partner then start doing them again.

Over time, we assume that our partner knows us so well that we don't need to ask for what we want. What happens when we make this assumption? Expectations are set, and just as quickly, they get deflated. Those unmet expectations can leave us questioning the viability of our partnership and connection. Keep in mind that "asking for what you want" extends to everything from emotional to sexual wants.

Create a weekly ritual to check in with each other. This can be short or long, but it begins by asking each other what worked and didn't work about the previous week and what can be done to improve things this coming week. Additionally, use this opportunity to get on the same page with your schedules, plan a date night, and talk about what you would like to see happen in the coming days, weeks, and months in your relationship.

Unless you have committed to an asexual partnership, sex and touch such as kissing, holding hands, and cuddling are vital components of a romantic relationship. How much sex a couple has is, of course, up to the particular pair of individuals, so you must discuss your ideas about it to manage any desire discrepancy.

Life and work distractions can become paramount in our minds, and that leaves little time or energy for our partner. Barring any emergencies or deadlines, we should be fully present when we are with our mate. We truly hear what they are saying (instead of pretending to listen), we leave our distractions behind, and we don't pick them up again until the sun comes up and we walk out the door.

When conflicts inevitably come up, remember to approach them thoughtfully and with a lot of kindness toward your partner and yourself. If you see the stress beginning to escalate during a conversation about a conflict, one or both of you can call a break so that cooler heads can prevail.

In most disagreements, we communicate from the obvious emotions such as anger, annoyance, and the like. Leading from this place can create confusion and defensiveness, and it can ultimately distract from the real issue. Start communicating from the bottom layer which is the feelings that are driving your reactions, such as disappointment, rejection, loneliness, or disrespect.

Conversations quickly turn to arguments when we're invested in hearing our partner admit that we were right or when we are intent on changing their opinion. Choose to approach a conversation as an opportunity to understand your significant other's perspective as opposed to waiting for them to concede. From this perspective, you will have an interesting dialogue and prevent a blowout or lingering frustration.

It's well understood that apologizing is a good thing, but it only makes a real impact when you mean it. Saying things like "I'm sorry you feel that way," "I'm sorry you see it that way," or "I'm sorry if I upset you" are a waste of time and breath. Even if you don't agree that your action was wrong, you will never successfully argue a feeling.

Any issues you avoid, or truths you don’t want to acknowledge, will likely undermine your relationship. It’s better to face the truth squarely in the face right now and address it, rather than let it sabotage your relationship in the long run. Be intentional and figure out the truth about your relationship. Think through all aspects of it—your feelings and thoughts, the other person’s feelings and thoughts, as well as their external context.

Love

How a relationship might typically progress in Spain is down to the individuals involved. That said, certain cultural factors come into play and these can seem rather contradictory. For instance, even though a couple might form a relationship at lightning speed, this does not necessarily mean it will progress to the next level anytime soon; in terms of living together or tying the knot.

Despite being a Catholic country, the Spanish are not shy about matters of sexuality and will likely make their intentions clear from the start. Just like they are comfortable showing their affection in public, they are not timid when it comes to discussing when to get intimate; this goes for men and women. If you come from a more conservative country, this might take a little getting used to. But on the flip side, it could feel quite liberating. Because the Spanish have a ‘live and let live’ attitude towards sexuality, they are particularly progressive in their attitudes.

Given that Spanish men and women are very upfront and vocal when it comes to their feelings and intentions, it might not be long before they are declaring their love and inviting you to meet their family. If they like someone, they will waste no time when it comes to romance. And given that most men live with their parents well into their 30s, you can expect to see a lot of them.

In urban areas of Spain, couples often live together for years before getting married, while some choose not to marry at all. Figures from statistics show that the marriage rate in Spain has been slowly declining in the last few years. Furthermore, Spain’s age at first marriage is one of the highest in Europe, with a national average of 38 years for men and 35 years for women.

How to Make Sure She Is the One

While everyone is looking for different traits in their life partners, there are some essential traits you should seek, from empathy to consistency. These traits help you both to understand and love each other.

A healthy, stable relationship focuses on giving rather than taking. Seeing your significant other happy should make you just as happy, and she should treat you in the same way. Your joy should be her joy, too—it can be as simple as asking about your day or looking after you when you are sick. As time passes, the excitement at the beginning of the relationship will pass, but you should both be just as focused on giving each other happiness.

If you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you must find that person intellectually challenging. Looks are fleeting but personality is forever—your conversations together should be interesting, insightful and full of depth. Your partner should be able to challenge your opinions, opening up your mind to new ideas and concepts.

An ideal wife is someone who will do good things, not just because other men's wives do them too, but because they are the right things to do. She surpasses other women, not because she competes with them, but because she competes with herself and tries to improve every day a little bit more. Before marrying a woman, you must be sure that she will always support you in any situation, especially in the presence of other people. If she is very considerate, then you won’t have to worry that she somehow will disgrace you. For example, a tactless woman may make a toxic comment to your relatives or may comment on your shortcomings in front of the guests. It doesn’t mean that she should always agree with you. She just has to know how to gently tell you about your problems. There is a big difference between a wish and the ability to have children. If your girlfriend shows that she likes children and maybe even persuaded you to have a pet, then you know that her mother's instincts are active. For your children, this means that if you marry her, they will have a nice mother and a happy and healthy family. Look at her reaction when you start talking about children, she may feel afraid, but never disgusted.

In addition to supporting and encouraging you to pursue your own goals and dreams, she will have her own as well. A mature woman has a vision for her future and chases after it with voracity. A mature woman will be someone you can take on the world with. She will be your partner in crime, a teammate in your relationship, and life.

Being consistent is a valuable virtue because it lets your partner know that you are who you are. You haven't sent your "representative" to get to know them during the first couple of months of dating, but then suddenly transform once they've committed themselves to you. Consistency is the opposite of volatility. If someone is unpredictable and volatile, it’s difficult to know how they will be acting towards you on a certain day, and that gets old no matter how aesthetically pleasing she is.

Marriage

With its incredible history, breathtaking views, welcoming locals, and distinctive cuisine, Spain can be a perfect destination for you and your partner to tie the knot. Civil ceremonies and religious weddings are both legally recognized in Spain.

Applications for a civil ceremony in Spain must be made directly to the Spanish Civil Registry or district court where the marriage will be held. A civil wedding can take place at the Civil Registry Office or in the local town hall. Civil ceremonies are only possible if at least one of the marrying couple is a Spanish citizen, or at least one of you meets the 2-year residency requirement.

Catholic, Jewish, Islamic and Protestant legally recognized religious wedding ceremonies in Spain. Civil marriage is not required to take place before these religious marriages. However, a couple must obtain a certificate to marry before the service, and the marriage must be registered with authorities to be legally recognized. The application process for Protestant, Islamic and Jewish weddings is the same as for civil weddings. These marriages must register with civil authorities and must be performed by a licensed marriage officer.

Under the principles in the Spanish Civil Code, both parties must be over 18 years old and be consenting individuals. Both civil and religious weddings are considered legal, but to qualify for a civil ceremony you must meet the two-year residency requirements. That means that at least one party of the couple must be a legal resident in Spain for two years before the wedding day.

For a civil wedding, you need to contact your local Civil Registrar office ahead of time and apply directly to them. You’ll likely need to provide the following:

Valid passports for both parties
Original birth certificates
Proof that both parties are free to marry, which you may need to obtain from your home country’s Embassy or Consulate
Divorce/Annulment/Death Certificates, if applicable
Certificate of residence (at least one of the parties must be a resident in Spain for at least 2 years, or be a Spanish citizen to qualify for a civil marriage in Spain)

For a Catholic wedding, you'll likely need to provide the following:

Pre-nuptial inquiry
Baptismal, Communion, and Confirmation Certificates issued by your parish church within the last 6 months
Letter of Freedom to Marry from your parish priest, indicating you have fulfilled your premarital course requirements
Bishop’s special permission sent by your local priest
Any other applicable documentation, such as a Death Certificate, Decree of Nullity, or dispensation letter

For both religious and civil ceremonies, all foreign documents must be accompanied by a Spanish translation and be stamped with an Apostille Stamp. After you make the application, a public announcement of your intent to marry, also called the wedding banns, is displayed on a Consular notice board for 15-21 days. After this, the Office of the Registrar will issue a marriage license. The whole process for a civil ceremony takes between 30-50 days, so you may want to plan to be in Spain for a month before your wedding.

For a religious wedding, the timeline is just as important. You should coordinate with your church of choice ahead of time. Non-nationals need to have their documents sent to the Bishop of the diocese in which they intend to marry to receive special permission. This can take up to four weeks and should be sent by your local Archbishop or priest. This, in addition to the other documents you prepare, should reach your church at least 2 months before your wedding date. After the wedding, you must deliver the marriage papers to the local Spanish Civil Registry within one week to legalize them.

Wedding

Weddings are one of the most important types of celebrations in Spain. Traditional Spanish bodas or weddings usually follow the Catholic tradition and may have at least 200 guests. However, like everything else, the number of guests depends on the couple getting married. Today, more and more people are opting for a civil ceremony and a small reception with family and close friends.

In the past, most weddings began in the afternoon and lasted all night and into the next morning. Today, it's common for weddings to be held either in the morning or the afternoon. No matter what time they start Spanish weddings always end very late.

In Spain, women wear their engagement ring on the ring finger of their left hand, while the wedding ring is worn on the ring finger of the right hand.

One of the traditional customs in Spanish Catholic weddings is for the bride and groom to share 13 coins known as arras or unity coins, which represent their commitment to sharing the goods they have and will have in their future together.

Typically, Spanish weddings don’t have bridesmaids or groomsmen; there’s no Best Man or Maid of Honor. What they do have are padrinos, usually the father of the bride and the mother of the groom. The sole function of these traditional figures is to accompany the bride and groom and (usually) sign as witnesses to the marriage. At the reception, the head table is traditionally set for six: the bride, the groom, and their parents. Today, as more and more couples already have children when they marry, these special family members also sit with the bridge and room.

During the banquete de bodas or convite (wedding feast/reception), it’s very common for the guests to go up to the head table to give the couple a gift as a thank you for being invited to their wedding. During the meal, the bride and groom or a person they’ve designated will often go from table to table, giving the guests detalles or wedding favors to remember the day by.

Until recent years, and even today you still see it at some weddings, men were handed a cigar and women were given a little gift such as a pin to wear, but that custom has changed over the years. Nowadays, the bride and groom tend to give more personal gifts they’ve picked out themselves, far from the typical cigar or bottle of wine.

A common Spanish wedding tradition used to be that the groom’s close friends would take his tie, cut it up, and sell the pieces to the guests to raise some extra money for the couple. The friends of the bride would do the same with her wedding garter. But, as with most of the traditions, this one is also changing and becoming less common at Spanish weddings.

After all the nervousness and excitement leading up to the fiesta and the couple’s return from the luna de miel or honeymoon — if they left town — the newlyweds present their marriage certificate to the local register office to receive their Libro de Familia, where their children's birth will be recorded (hence the name "Family Book"). This document certifies that the couple has married.

Family Life

The family (familia) is the most important aspect of most Spaniard's lives. Spaniards tend to manage their problems through their family, relying on relatives (parientes) for support when in difficult situations. This family network of support was particularly crucial during the financial crisis and recession when many Spaniards lost their jobs. Some people had to move back into their family home after years of independent living.

Spain has one of the lowest birthrates in Europe. Some Spaniards attribute this to a lack of commitment to long-term relationships as well as financial instability. However, most couples generally aim to have children if they can. Traditionally, Spanish families have been focused on the social and interpersonal aspects of child development. For example, Spanish children generally do not have a set bedtime as is common in the English-speaking West. Pre-teen children are usually allowed to stay up late with their parents and parents' friends at restaurants long past 10 pm. They often play with the children of other families whilst their parents socialize.

Spanish households are becoming smaller and the family structure is changing with modernity and urbanization. However, family members generally seek to live near each other where possible. Today, the nuclear family structure is the common living arrangement in Spain – this being a household comprising a couple and their unmarried children. Spanish children may live with their parents longer than what is common in the English-speaking West, sometimes into their 30s and 40s. This cultural pattern reflects the closeness of family relationships; however, it is often necessitated now by the high cost of living and economic struggles faced by younger generations in Spain over the past decade.

Sometimes three generations may live together with grandparents moving in to help with raising children. However, many elderly people in Spain are quite independent. It is common for them to live alone (or as a couple) and receive visits from children, other relatives or friends often throughout the week.

Regions

Cities

• Torremolinos

• Benalmádena,

• Fuengirola,

• Mijas,

• Marbella,

• San Pedro de Alcántara,

• Estepona, Manilva,

• Casares,

• Rincón de la Victoria,

• Vélez-Málaga,

• Nerja,

• Frigiliana

• Torrox.