Dating in La Serena: Best Free Sites & Apps for English Speakers

La Serena’s singles scene

La Serena is one of Chile’s oldest cities, known for its many churches, its colonial-style centre and its long beach stretching towards neighbouring Coquimbo. The two cities have practically grown together into one urban area. The climate is mild, the pace is calmer than in Santiago, and many Chileans dream of moving here, which is why the area attracts retirees, families and remote workers.

The region is also famous for its skies. The Elqui Valley, inland, is home to pisco distilleries, small villages and observatories, and astronomers from around the world work at the major observatories in the region. The Universidad de La Serena and the Universidad Católica del Norte campus in Coquimbo add a student population. In summer the coast fills with Chilean holidaymakers, and the city feels much busier.

The right platform for you

All the sites in our Chile ranking are in Spanish, which suits La Serena, where English is much less common than in the capital.

• Over 50: Solteros50 (Singles50) and NuevoAmor50 (50sDating), a good fit for a city that attracts many people later in life.
• Over 60: Amor60 (60sDating).
• Long-term, matched on personality: be2.
• Professionals and academics: Solteros con Nivel (Academic Singles).
• In your forties: Amor40 (40sDating). General dating: Fuego de Vida.

For a free start, Tinder, Bumble and Badoo let you match and chat at no cost. Expect more profiles in summer, when holidaymakers arrive.

Where to meet people

Avenida del Mar, the beachfront road with the white Faro Monumental lighthouse, is the heart of social life in summer, lined with restaurants, bars and cafés. The historic centre, around the Plaza de Armas, is pleasant for a walk among old churches, and the Recova market sells local crafts and dried fruit.

The Japanese Garden (Jardín del Corazón) in the Parque Japonés is a peaceful spot for a first conversation. In Coquimbo, the giant Cruz del Tercer Milenio offers views over the bay, and the fishing harbour has simple seafood restaurants.

A trip to the Elqui Valley, with a visit to a pisco distillery and an evening of stargazing at one of the tourist observatories, is one of the most romantic dates in Chile. Surf and running groups, volunteering and university events are good ways to meet people locally.

Safety tips

La Serena is relatively calm, but take the usual precautions: meet in public, keep your belongings close on busy beaches, arrange your own transport and tell a friend where you are going. Never send money to someone you have only met online.

Which site fits you in La Serena?

La Serena attracts people at very different stages of life. Here is where four of them could start.

Margaret, 64, retired from the UK, living near Avenida del Mar

She moved for the climate and wants a companion. Amor60 (60sDating) is made for her age group. Free tip: a morning walk along the beach to the lighthouse costs nothing.

Sebastián, 34, astronomer at an observatory in the region

He spends nights on the mountain and wants a serious partner. Solteros con Nivel (Academic Singles) fits his profile. Free tip: nobody can resist a stargazing date in the Elqui Valley.

Valentina, 25, student at the Universidad de La Serena

She wants to meet people for free. Bumble and Badoo keep chat free. Free tip: the Japanese Garden is a calm spot for a first coffee walk.

Patricio, 53, divorced teacher in Coquimbo

Ready for something serious. Solteros50 (Singles50) suits him. Free tip: a seafood lunch at the Coquimbo fishing harbour is simple and friendly.

Dating in La Serena: FAQ

Is La Serena good for dating?

Yes, especially if you prefer a calmer pace. It is popular with people over 40 and 50, and very lively in summer.

Which free dating apps work in La Serena?

Tinder, Bumble and Badoo let you match and chat for free. Our ranked sites offer free registration with paid options.

What is a good date idea in La Serena?

A walk along Avenida del Mar, a visit to the Japanese Garden, or a day trip to the Elqui Valley with stargazing in the evening.