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Matchmaking agencies make a comeback in Barcelona despite the boom in dating apps
Finding a partner in Barcelona is changing in unexpected ways. While dating apps dominate the digital scene, more and more people are choosing to take a step back and turn to traditional matchmaking agencies. The reason is clear: fatigue with superficial relationships and the search for more stable connections.
Companies such as SamSara Matchmaking and LAZOS confirm the increase in clients in recent years. Many arrive after frustrating experiences on apps, tired of unreliable profiles or dates that go nowhere. In contrast, they value the authenticity and prior screening offered by these services.
The operation is completely removed from the digital model. The agencies conduct personal interviews, verify users' identities and assess their compatibility before proposing meetings. They also follow up on dates and offer psychological support throughout the process, which reinforces the feeling of security.
The user profile is changing too. Although they were traditionally older people, increasingly younger people now turn to these agencies in search of serious relationships from the outset. Transparency —knowing why a date does not work or why there is no match— becomes a distinguishing value compared with the algorithm.
Price is one of the key factors. The services start at around 700 euros and can reach several thousand, depending on the degree of personalisation. Even so, the agencies claim success rates close to 70%, which justifies the investment for people who prioritise real results.
In an environment where immediacy dominates relationships, this model restores the value of time, selection and human contact. More than a trend, it reflects a shift in expectations: more and more people prefer fewer options, but ones that are better screened, in a city where genuinely connecting has become the real challenge.