Jessie on a Journey | Solo Female Travel Blog

Solo Travel In Spain: The Ultimate Guide (With Map!)

By Rachel Grenis. This guide to traveling alone in Spain contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Are you interested in learning about solo travel in Spain ? Want to have a safe and fun trip exploring on your own?

Then you’re in the right place!

For the last few years, I’ve been living in Barcelona as an expat. As a single female, I’ve taken advantage of my new home and set off to explore much of Spain on my own. 

Traveling alone to Spain for the first time was nerve-wracking, though it ended up being the adventure of a lifetime. I’m so excited to help you plan your own solo trip to Spain.

Whether a total newbie or a seasoned solo traveler, Spain is the perfect country to explore by yourself. Not only is it safe, but between the country’s rich history, beautiful landscapes, and incredible food there is much to do and see.

Ready to set off on your own Spanish adventure? Keep reading for important tips as well as an unforgettable itinerary for traveling solo in Spain.

⏳Short on time? Here are some quick tips for traveling alone in Spain: ☔ Safety: While Spain is safe for solo travel, it’s still smart to pack  travel safety essentials . One top pick is the  She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include  Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments  and  Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves . 🚗  Renting A Car: Discover Cars  (save up to 70% using their comparison tool!) 🚅  Train Travel: Omio 🎉  Experiences: Viator  (tours),  GetYourGuide  (tours), and  EatWith  (cooking classes & dining in local homes) 🏨  Accommodation: This map  can help you pinpoint top-rated and budget-friendly accommodation in the Spanish cities you’re visiting solo. It’s currently set to the Old City in Barcelona, but you can easily change it to your intended destination in Spain. 🏥  Travel Insurance:  SafetyWing 📞  Staying Connected:  Airalo eSIM

Table of Contents

Confidently Travel Solo In Spain [Free Course]

Before we get into our guide to solo female travel in Spain , I invite you to grab a seat in Jessie’s  free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course . The 6-day course is designed to help you feel confident traveling on your own.

Lessons include:

  • Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them
  • How to choose your perfect solo destination
  • How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
  • Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
  • Essential steps for staying safe on a solo vacation
  • How to take amazing solo selfies

Once you’ve  grabbed your seat , read on for the ultimate solo travel Spain guide.

resources to help you travel solo in Spain

Is Spain Safe For Solo Female Travelers?

Especially if it’s your first time hitting the road on your own, you’ll likely have many people asking, “Is Spain safe to travel alone?”

The answer is yes, Spain is incredibly safe for solo female travelers. This is one of the many reasons it’s a top pick for those traveling solo for the first time .

According to Travel Safe-Abroad , your overall risk of being the victim of a violent crime is very low. Additionally, they note that it’s a safe place for solo female travelers specifically.

Spanish people are also known for their warm personalities. Most are incredibly friendly towards tourists and are willing to help if needed. Major tourist destinations in Spain have designated tourist police and information services readily available too.

While solo female travel in Spain is safe, you’ll want to exercise caution to protect yourself against pickpockets – one of the most prevalent crimes in Spain – and other tourist scams.

Pickpockets are most prevalent around popular tourist sites like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and busy squares such as Puerta del Sol in Madrid. They can be easily avoided by not carrying open bags, and instead opting for a crossbody bag that sits in front of you or even pickpocket-proof clothing or a money belt .

Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain

Where Is Spain?

Spain is a sundrenched country in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula .

France and Andorra are neighbors to Spain in the northeast, Gibraltar in the South, and Portugal to the west. Spain also has coastlines along the Mediterranean Sea to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the northwest. 

Getting To Spain

International travelers can fly directly into the large international airports in Madrid or Barcelona, the two largest cities in Spain. Most solo trips to Spain start at one of these destinations.

Travelers from other areas of Europe can take advantage of the extensive bus and train network .

Budget airlines like Vueling and RyanAir are another great travel option within Europe as they frequently have short and cheap flights to airports in Spain. 

solo traveler in Spain looking out over the Alhambra Palace in Granada

Getting Around Spain As A Solo Traveler 

Those traveling to Spain alone for the first time will be happy to know the country is incredibly well-connected. First, expect major cities to have well-developed metros, trams, and buses moving through almost all neighborhoods. You’ll find TMB bus and metro service in Barcelona and Metro de Madrid in Madrid.

Regional or commuter trains connect major cities to smaller cities or suburbs and typically offer coverage within the greater metropolis. 

Long-distance trains will connect key cities in other areas of the country. High-speed trains (Renfe) are often an option that greatly reduce long-distance travel times. This is a popular choice for getting from Barcelona to Madrid when you’re on a time crunch. 

Buses are also great options for travelers to get to destinations that may be a bit more remote without train access. 

Spain is a large country. Domestic flights connect areas like San Sebastian that are quite far from key cities like Barcelona and Madrid. 

🚅 Transportation tip: To quickly and easily research and book your bus, train, and plane transport for traveling solo around Spain, you can use a tool like Omio .

Solo Travel In Spain: Where To Go 

Solo travel to Spain is a dream. Along with having complete autonomy over your itinerary – one of the biggest benefits of solo travel – you’ll also have easy access to stunning beaches, beautiful mountains, delicious food, and a rich culture just waiting to be explored.

Whether you’re planning on backpacking in Spain alone, exploring the museums of Madrid, sunbathing on the beaches of Mallorca, or something else, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the best cities in Spain for solo travel. 

solo female traveler in Spain sipping wine near the Mirador de San Nicolas in Granada

1. Barcelona

No solo trip to Spain would be complete without a stop in the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona. Catalonia is a region located in the northeast of Spain and is unique with Catalan, not Spanish, spoken as the primary language. 

Don’t worry though, solo travel in Barcelona as an English speaker is a breeze as the city sees more international visitors annually than any other city in Spain. 

Start your solo journey with some key must-see stops. First, the Sagrada Familia , Antoni Gaudi’s most famous masterpiece. The stunning architecture of this Basilica is truly unique and unlike anything else. 

Remember to book your tickets in advance and ensure an inside tour is included. I thought going inside wasn’t worth it at first; I even put it off on my first few trips. I was immediately taken aback when I stepped inside, and it’s the first thing I recommend to travelers now. 

solo female traveler in Spain exploring the interior of the Sagrada Familiar in Barcelona

Continue your adventure learning about Gaudi’s legacy by visiting Park Guell . Another Gaudi gem, Park Guell offers surreal architecture, colorful mosaics, panoramic city views, and a slice of alternative Barcelona . This is a definite highlight when solo traveling in Spain.

Spend some time getting lost in the medieval streets in the Gotico and Born neighborhoods – both great options for experiencing the nightlife as well. 

The cathedral is the focal point here, but you will find plenty of boutiques, historical buildings, and charming squares to enjoy tapas in. 

For nature lovers, take an e-bike or hike up to Montjuic Hill for incredible views of the city. If you’re visiting during the summer months, partake in beach days and water activities on the coast. 

💡 Pro tip: Catalonia has been seeking independence from Spain for quite some time. The political landscape between Spain and Catalonia can be a divisive topic and it’s advised to not bring up politics with locals. 

🏨 Barcelona Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Barcelona . 📸 Barcelona Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Barcelona .

It’s time to head to Madrid! The high-speed train from Barcelona Sants to Mad rid takes about 2.5 hours. Solo travel in Madrid is just as easy as in Barcelona, and similarly, it’s one of the best places in Spain for solo travel. 

Plus, you won’t have to guess if the locals are speaking Catalan or Spanish – they’ll all be speaking Spanish. Madrid is the capital of Spain and you will feel that energy as soon as you step off the train platform. 

Madrid is famous for its world-class museums and is home to the:

  • Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado). Known for its extensive and impressive collection of European art, this renowned art museum showcases works by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco, among others.
  • Reina Sofia Museum (Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía). This prominent contemporary art museum is celebrated for its collection of 20th-century masterpieces, including Picasso’s iconic “Guernica.”
  • Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum . Here you can peruse a diverse and comprehensive collection of art spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, offering a rich tapestry of artistic styles and periods.

I would also recommend exploring the Royal Palace of Madrid , home of the Spanish Royal Family. 

solo travel spain female

After getting your museum fix, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Retiro Park , a free attraction that allows you to enjoy the best of Madrid on a budget . While here, you can rent a rowboat to float on the lake and visit Crystal Palace , the focal point of the park. 

Madrid also has plenty of iconic squares to explore. Make sure to check out Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. You’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants, and it’s a great people-watching spot as you’ll see plenty of locals enjoying life to the fullest. 

If you love nightlife, you’ll be happy to know that Madrid is home to some of the best in the world. Along with late-night clubs like Medias Puri and Fabrik , you can see a flamenco show , dance to live music, sip craft cocktails at a lounge, and more.

💡 Pro tip: Make sure to sample as many tapas as you can, as they vary by region! Madrid tends to serve a tapa with each drink. You can also opt for a tapas tour of Madrid .

🏨 Madrid Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Madrid . 📸 Madrid Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Madrid .

Make use of the fantastic transportation network in Spain and head south. You can get from Madrid to Seville by train in 3 hours or less.

Southern Spain feels like an entirely different world than other parts of the country, in all the best ways. 

Also known as Sevilla, this city is a popular stop on most solo holidays in Spain and is located in the Andalusia region. It’s renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, and flamenco music. 

Seville’s history dates back thousands of years and incorporates influences from the Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, and Christians. This is evident even today, particularly within its architecture. 

Begin your solo trip in Seville by visiting a few famous masterpieces. The Royal Alcázar of Seville (Real Alcázar) is the official residence of the Royal Family when they visit Seville. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1987. Today you’ll find lush gardens, intricate tilework, and an ornate courtyard.

ornate courtyard at the Royal Alcázar of Seville

Adjacent to the Alcázar, you’ll find the Jardines de Murillo . These gardens are known for their exotic plants, tiled benches, and reflecting pools. 

Next up, head to the Seville Cathedral , the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. It houses numerous chapels as well as the tomb of Christopher Columbus. The onsite Giralda Tower offers panoramic views of this beautiful Spanish city. 

Plaza Espana is a massive, semicircular building known as a masterpiece of Renaissance Revival architecture and features tiled alcoves representing different regions of Spain. 

Lastly, make sure to try local cuisine. Gazpacho, a cold tomato soup eaten during the summer, hails from here and is a must-order.

💡 Pro tip: Seville is considered the heartland of flamenco dance and you should absolutely add catching a show here to your Spain solo travel itinerary. Flamenco is more than a performance but is a deeply emotional expression of Andalusian culture. 

🏨 Seville Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Seville . 📸 Seville Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Seville .

The next destination on your solo Spain trip is Malaga. The train from Seville to Malaga typically takes a little less than 2 hours.

Malaga is another beautiful coastal city in the South of Spain. In addition to the gorgeous beaches, Malaga has plenty of history to explore. 

The birthplace of Pablo Picasso, you’ll get the chance to visit the Museo Picasso Malaga – dedicated to offering a collection of his works. 

After exploring the museum, head to Alcazaba , a well-preserved Moorish fortress dating back to the 11th century. The views up here are epic; it’s the perfect place for photos to document your trip. 

Adjacent to Alcazaba, you’ll find remains of an ancient Roman theater. Make use of the proximity by exploring both together.

Next head to the Malaga Cathedral , which showcases incredible Spanish Renaissance architecture.

solo traveler in Spain visiting the Malaga Cathedral

After exploring, visit Muelle Uno , a lively port that features great shopping as well as plenty of waterfront bars and restaurants. From here, you’ll be in the perfect location to squeeze in some relaxing beach time.

If you love solo hiking , Malaga is the perfect spot to plan a day trip to the Caminto del Rey (The King’s Little Path) – a famous 7.7-kilometer (4.8-mile) trail suspended 100 meters up against the walls of a gorge. The hike takes 3-4 hours to complete and is not for the faint of heart! 

Once considered the most dangerous walking path in the world, government intervention has improved safety and turned this into a popular destination for thrill seekers looking for incredible scenery. Many people consider it to be one of the best hikes in the world .

💡 Pro tip: Malaga has a strip of great chiringuitos (beachfront restaurants) with delicious menus showcasing local fresh catch. Spend some time sipping on cocktails and trying new Spanish foods!

🏨 Malaga Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Malaga . 📸 Malaga Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Malaga .

And now we’re off on a 1.5-hour train ride from Malaga to Granada , a stunning city nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Granada is most well known for being home to the incredible Alhambra Palace , a magnificent palace and fortress that exemplifies the height of Moorish art and architecture in Spain. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can spend hours exploring its Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, and fortress.

solo traveler in Spain gazing out over the Alhambra Palace in Granada

Don’t miss out on exploring the historic Albaicin neighborhood , another UNESCO site. Wander through its narrow streets full of white-washed houses. From the Mirador de San Nicolas you’ll find stunning views of the Alhambra against a backdrop of the mountains. 

For more history, check out the Cathedral of Granada and Royal Chapel. The chapel is the final resting place of Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella. 

Next, head to the Alcaiceria , a local market selling plenty of Moorish-inspired crafts, textiles, and souvenirs.

💡 Pro tip: No trip to Granada would be complete without tea time in a teahouse. Enjoy some fresh tea and pasties in one of Granada’s many teterias (tea rooms), which often feature cozy, Middle Eastern-inspired decor. 

🏨 Granada Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Granada . 📸 Granada Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Granada .

6. Valencia

After spending plenty of time in Andalusia, head north to the birthplace of paella – Valencia. The train from Granada to Valencia takes a little less than 6 hours.

Valencia sits on the eastern coast of Spain, along the Mediterranean Sea . The city is a perfect blend of modern novelties and deep history. 

First on the agenda in Valencia is a trip to the Valencia City of Arts and Sciences – which you can easily spend an entire day exploring. This futuristic complex includes an opera house, interactive science museum, oceanographic park, planetarium, and an IMAX cinema.

For solo travelers who love history, exploring the center of Old Town is sure to please. One highlight is the Cathedral of Valencia , which is believed to hold the Holy Grail and the famous chalice used by Jesus at the Last Supper. 

Spain solo traveler walking up a street that leads to the Cathedral of Valencia

Nearby, explore La Lonja de la Seda , or the Silk Exchange, another famous UNESCO site with impeccable architecture. 

Take a walk through the historic center streets, and explore Plaza de la Virgen , Plaza de la Reina , and Plaza del Ayuntamiento – beautiful squares surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops. 

If you’re looking to enjoy some nature, head to the picturesque Turia Gardens , which run through the former river bed of the Turia River.

Squeeze in time to check out La Malvarrosa Beach , a popular beach amongst locals. You’ll find plenty of folks partaking in water sports or enjoying tapas and drinks at the local chiringuitos , small beachside restaurants and bars. 

💡 Pro tip: Have lunch at Mercado Central , one of Europe’s largest indoor markets. Sample fresh seafood, local cheeses, and Valencian specialties. There are also a number of food tours that stop here, like the Valencia Old Town Tour with Wine & Tapas and the Valencia Tapas Market Brunch Tour .

🏨 Valencia Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Valencia . 📸 Valencia Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Valencia .

7. Balearic Islands

After soaking up everything Valencia has to offer, head to the airport, because you’re going to the Balearic Islands – which include the islands of Mallorca , Menorca , Ibiza , and Formentera . 

You can book a budget flight from Valencia directly to Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza and be on the islands in less than an hour . Formentera is not connected by an airport, so you’ll need to fly to Ibiza and take a ferry over.

If you love natural beauty, these islands are some of the best places to travel solo in Europe . Given that the atmospheres between Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza are all different, I’ll leave the decision of choosing the right island for your Spain solo travel adventure in your hands. 

Ibiza is a popular destination for nightlife and is famous for resident DJs, who put on some of the most anticipated parties of the summer. While you can find quieter parts of the island, the major draw to Ibiza is the nightlife. 

Plenty of people will fly into Ibiza and take the ferry to Formentera , which is known for its stunning beaches, tranquil atmosphere, and natural beauty.

Here you can enjoy water sports, hippie markets, authentic Mediterranean cuisine, and a relaxing escape from the busier neighboring island of Ibiza. Just note that it is less developed with fewer hotel options, though for many solo travelers to Spain, this slower pace is a draw.

Menorca is often characterized by its relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. You’ll find no shortage of gorgeous beaches and plenty of bars and restaurants, but it won’t be as intense as that in Ibiza. 

Sailboats in a clear water cove in Menorca

Mallorca solo travel may be the perfect mix of everything. The largest and most populous of the islands, you’ll find both vibrant cities and tranquil countryside. It’s great for biking, caving, swimming, and hiking – and there are even some amazing yoga retreats in Mallorca .

No matter which island you choose, you’re guaranteed to have the perfect Mediterranean holiday while traveling solo in Spain.

💡 Pro tip: Love adventure? Thrill-seekers can find cliff jumping and rock climbing along Mallorca’s stunning coastline!

🏨 Balearic Islands Hotels: View Balearic Islands in Mallorca , Menorca , Ibiza , and Formentera . 📸 Balearic Islands Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in the Balearic Islands .

Spain Travel Map 

To help give you a lay of the land, here is a solo travel in Spain map. It has all of the places mentioned in this guide pre-plotted:

Spain solo travel map

Click here for the interactive version of the map .

Important Tips For Traveling Solo In Spain

For those traveling alone to Spain, the country is incredibly safe, progressive, and sees plenty of solo female travelers.

That being said, it’s also smart to take precautions when traveling on your own. A few of my top safety tips for solo female travelers in Spain include:

  • Avoid hanging purses or backpacks behind chairs while at restaurants
  • Don’t leave your phone on the table at restaurants, especially if you’re sitting outside (this one took me a while to get used to!) 
  • Use crossbody bags or safety gear items like pickpocket-proof clothing while you’re out and about 
  • Never leave your belongings unattended when going to the beach solo
  • Avoid walking alone at night, especially if you’ve been drinking
  • Research taxi costs and agree on a price before getting into a cab
  • Be extra diligent with your belongings in crowds and on busy streets
  • Don’t accept drinks from strangers

While traveling in Spain on your own, be mindful of pickpockets . They are looking for easy victims who are distracted, lost, or just plain unaware. 

As you won’t have anyone else looking out for you during your female solo travel in Spain experience, you’ll need to take a few extra precautions.

Reduce your odds of being a target by discreetly navigating with Google Maps, keeping a tight eye on your belongings, and never setting your bag next to you in parks, restaurants, or on beaches. 

When in crowds, be extra cautious when opening and closing your purse, and never keep phones in your pockets or on tables. Barcelona specifically is notorious for pickpockets, but this advice should always be used while traveling.

💡 Pro tip: Spain is a vast country with over 47 million people. Several regions declare themselves autonomous from the country, while others have had serious political clashes in recent years. I would suggest avoiding political discussions, no matter where you are. While harmless, it can lead to awkwardness and unnecessary tension. 

Arco de Concordia in Madrid under a purple and pink sky sunset

How Much Is A Solo Trip To Spain?

The costs of a solo trip in Spain can vary quite a bit by preference, destination, and time of the year. Overall, Spain is incredibly affordable, especially compared to other European countries; but, you will need to be cognizant to avoid tourist scams. 

If you plan to eat out for every meal and spend money on tours and tickets, I’d plan to spend about €100-€150 per day, including accommodation.

That being said, it wouldn’t be hard to bring this solo travel budget down if you’re a savvy budget traveler. Here are some breakdowns to give you an idea of what to expect on your solo Spain travel adventure:

Accommodation : Budget hostels tend to cost between €30-€50 per night. This can easily run higher during periods of higher demand. The summer months of June through August are typically the most expensive times to visit Spain. 

This map can help you research accommodation options for solo travel in Spain. It’s currently set to the Old City in Barcelona, but you can easily change it to your preferred Spain destination:

Food : Plan €3-€5 for bakery items or €10-€20 per meal in a restaurant. Expect to pay between €6 for tapas in smaller, local tapas spots and up to €20 for fish/meat tapas at nicer restaurants. 💡 Pro tip: When dining out on your solo trip to Spain, always make reservations ahead of time to ensure you get a table, especially if there is a particular spot you’re really wanting to eat at.

Transport : You’ll pay about €2-€3 for public transport tickets. Public transportation is famously the cheapest way to get around, especially during solo travel in Spain when you don’t have other people to split taxi costs with. Regional trains tend to be around €5 depending on the zone.

💡 Pro tip: To make it even more budget-friendly, there are package options to get around, like Barcelona’s T-Casual Transport Ticket .

Activities : You’ll find activities for all budgets in Spain. Parks around the country and the ruins further south are free. Main tourist attractions like the Sagrada Familia or museums in Valencia require tickets, which cost anywhere from €20 to €50. 

Other day trips and attractions can reach over €100, like cooking classes, flamenco dinner shows, sightseeing tours, or group hiking trips.  

woman visiting a clear water cove in Costa Brava while traveling solo in Spain

Spain Tours For Solo Travelers

One of the best ways to gain a deeper understanding of the places you visit while meeting locals and making new friends during solo travel in Spain is to book a guided tour. A few top-rated tours in Spain include:

  • 😍 Skip The Line Alhambra and Generalife Guided Walking Tour (Granada)
  • 🍷 Barcelona Tapas Walking Tour; Food, Wine & History (Barcelona)
  • 🚴 Barcelona City Bike Tour: Highlights and Hidden Gems (Barcelona)
  • 🏰 Madrid Walking Tour and The Royal Palace Skip the Line Tickets (Madrid)
  • 🥘 Sevilla Food Tour: Tapas, Wine, History & Traditions (Sevilla)

➡️ Click here for a full list of Spain tours .

If you ever feel lonely while traveling solo , booking a tour can certainly help.

souk in granada

Do You Need Travel Insurance For Spain? 

When visiting Spain — or anywhere else in the world — it’s wise to get travel insurance.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

exterior of the Palau de les Arts in Valencia

Final Thoughts On Solo Travel In Spain 

Solo travel in Spain is honestly a dream. With its rich history, architectural marvels, and some of the friendliest people I’ve ever encountered, traveling alone in Spain is an experience you’ll never forget.

This geographical gem offers mountains, plains, beaches, cities, and islands, so there really is something for everyone.

Whether you’re traveling alone to Spain for the first time or your tenth, you’re almost guaranteed to have incredible experiences that will make you want to return again and again. And hopefully, this guide has helped you to feel confident traveling solo .

What tips would you add to this guide to solo travel in Spain?

About The Author

Rachel Grenis is a Barcelona expat and digital nomad. After a decade of traveling around, she decided to set roots in Barcelona. She loves helping people experience the best of Spain through her blog, Barcelona Uncovered .

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The Mediterranean Traveller

10 Best Places in Spain for Solo Travel

Spain is one of the best value and most rewarding countries for solo travel in Europe. It’s one of the larger countries in the region and is second only to Italy in the number of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The classic backpacker destinations in Spain are the big cities – Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia – as well as the southern region of Andalucia which combines amazing historic sites with a unique culture and Moorish architecture.

There’s also the Balearic islands – home to some of the best beaches in Spain , and its best nightlife. Or the northern cities which are gaining a reputation for some of the best food in Europe.

The range of hostels available has improved dramatically in the last decade, and most cities now sport flashpacker hostels with impeccable design credentials that you can combine with tapas tours for unbeatable city breaks. Some hostels will require HI membership for guests over 30.

The major cities in Spain are well-connected by rail, with Madrid the central hub, although delays are frequent and long-distance routes require compulsory advance booking. Buses offer a cheaper alternative. Just be sure to allow plenty of time in your itinerary given the distances.

Barcelona's Sagrada Familia

No surprises that Barcelona is number one on this list – the Catalan capital is one of Europe’s most popular cities to visit. And for good reason.

The top thing to do in Barcelona is to check out those crazy unique landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudi whose architecture defines the city – the Sagrada Familia (pictured above) and Park Güell are the most famous, but there are others to hunt out. Art and design figure strongly in this city and you’ll also find museums dedicated to Picasso and Joan Miro.

Barcelona is also one of Europe’s great beach cities, and heaven for foodies. If your budget allows you can take in one of the city’s numerous Michelin starred restaurants.

Don’t miss day trips to charming nearby city Girona and to the monastery of Monserrat with its dramatic rock formations.

There’s no shortage of good hostels to lay your head in Barcelona – the difficulty is deciding where to stay. 

Some of the hostel highlights include:

  • Generator and St Christopher’s Inn Barcelona are two of the big party hostels in town
  • TOC Hostel has a small plunge pool on its rooftop terrace.
  • Bed & Bike gets rave reviews for its central location, free morning bike tours, and amiable atmosphere
  • Amistat Beach Hostel is close to the beach and has regular social events and free pasta

Madrid's Gran Via lit up at night

The Spanish capital is one of the most stylish, cosmopolitan, and entertaining cities you’ll visit. Its residents are known for enjoying life – it has the highest number of bars per person of any European city, and the nightlife here starts and runs late.

This is partially on account of the climate. Most of Spain’s tourist destinations are on its coast but Madrid is in central Spain, far inland. Madrid is dry and can be extremely hot in summer, and surprisingly cold in winter.

Madrid’s centre is packed full of royal palaces, extravagant art collections and museums, elegant gardens, and buzzing avenues.

The Hat Hostel has a great central location, hip minimalist decor and organises free walking tours and social events.

Safestay Madrid is a little bit further out but has huge airy dorms and an amazing rooftop terrace for meeting fellow travellers.

And Mola Hostel describes itself as a ‘poshtel’ and has plenty of social activities, a great location, and pod-style beds.

SAN SEBASTIAN

the beach at San Sebastian

Foodies and beach lovers will both be content in Spain’s city of gastronomy, San Sebastian. Also known as Donostia, this city in the Basque Country has more Michelin stars per square metre than anywhere else in the world.

But you don’t need a bulging wallet to eat well here, thanks to its tradition of pintxos (small snacks on sticks served with drinks) and incredible seafood.

Plus it’s a short train ride to nearby Bilbao and the wine region of Rioja.

You can stay at design hostel A Room in the City in San Sebastian, which has pod beds and an excellent communal courtyard for evening socialising. Or if you’re in town for the surf rather than the food then check out Surfing Etxea hostel.

The beach at Valencia

Valencia is Spain’s third city, and probably the most underrated as a travel destination. Here is a vibrant and creative coastal city where you can find charming old streets alongside innovative futuristic architecture.

Highlights include the glistening modern City of Arts and Science buildings (and its amazing aquarium, planetarium, and gardens), the old Barri del Carme neighbourhood, the cathedral and the UNESCO-listed Silk Exchange building, and the golden sands of Malvarrosa beach.

It’s also the home of the famous rice dish paella so don’t forget to tuck into a portion – or take a cooking class – before you go.

There are plenty of hostels in Valencia but the best blend of design and sociability can be found at Cantagua Hostel .

Seville cathedral in the sunshine

One of Spain’s undisputed highlights is the southern city of Seville, the capital of Andalucia. If you’re visiting the south then a trip to Seville is a must.

The Cathedral and the UNESCO-listed Alcazar palace are two of the best blockbuster buildings in the country (and the latter was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones ), but Seville’s real appeal lies in its spirited culture. Seville is the home of flamenco, bullfighting, tapas, fiestas, colourful ceramic tiles, and the Holy Week processions (Semana Santa). 

There’s also some fine modern architecture to admire such as the Metropol Parasol.

It’s hard to beat the Oasis Backpackers Seville for accommodation – it has a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool, chilled vibes and social events. TOC Hostel Seville is a worthy boutique hostel contender.

Granada's hilltop Alhambra

Granada is definitely one of the best small cities for backpackers and solo travellers in Spain. It certainly packs a punch when it comes to historic and cultural attractions.

The crowd-pleaser here is the Alhambra, a hilltop Moorish palace that overlooks the city and is the most visited attraction in Spain. Ticketing was introduced in xxxx

But beyond the Alhambra is a fascinating university town where. It’s one of the few remaining cities where you’ll still receive free tapas with your drinks, making it a great place for those on a budget. The Alhambra forms a UNESCO World Heritage site alongside the unique neighbourhoods of Albaicín (the old Muslim quarter) and Sacromonte (the old Roma quarter known for its cave dwellings and flamenco shoes).

You can find excellent hiking and skiing nearby in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada.

Stay at Lemon Rock Granada , a hostel with some beautiful design features, a central location, and a sociable bar.

Ibiza Old Town and harbour

The Balearic island of Ibiza is synonymous with partying – the nightlife here is legendary. It’s also a summer beach destination par excellence , with some of the best sandy beaches in Europe . Most of the island’s visitors come for this intoxicating combination.

Bring plenty of euros because going out in Ibiza is eye-wateringly expensive, for both admission and drinks prices.

Ibiza Town is the island’s beautiful historic capital and home to the more upmarket clubs and bars. This is the place to see and be seen. The streets are packed with equally expensive designer boutiques and chic bars.

The coastal town of San Antonio is more raucous and budget-friendly, catering to a boozy package tourism crowd as well as the islands LGBT scene. Head to the far end of the beach for Cafe Del Mar and its blissed-out sunset soundtracks.

There are a few hostels in Ibiza these days. Amistat Island Hostel was the first – it has a decent-sized pool, a bar, and modern facilities however it’s worth noting that it uses fingerprint access.

San Mateo cathedral in Tarifa

The small and charming town is a perfect getaway if you’ve mainly been hitting up big cities on your solo trip. Tarifa is on the south coast, not far from Gibraltar and Cadiz, and has long been popular with the kitesurfing community thanks to its consistent conditions. This has attracted a bohemian crowd who come for its pretty whitewashed streets, lively bars, and excellent restaurants. 

It’s a great place to chill out and regroup for a while – being the kind of place where you’ll find yoga and smoothies in abundance. There is an excellent sandy beach – but be prepared to be blasted by winds.

Lay your head at the highly-rated Kite Hostel , for chilled-out vibes with minimalist white decor and excellent communal areas.

GRAN CANARIA

surfers on the beach at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Spain’s Canary Islands offer a  completely different experience to mainland Spain with their volcanic landscapes and Latin-influenced culture.

Located out in the Atlantic Ocean, closer to Africa than Europe, they are known as the Islands of Eternal Spring for their year-round climate. This makes them a great choice for a warm winter break.

Of the islands, Gran Canaria is arguably the best for solo travellers, just avoid the mass tourism resorts on the south coast. Capital city Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is well served by international flights and is one of the biggest cities in Spain. Thanks to its growing surf and digital nomad scene it now has a handful of great hostels, making it more accessible for solo travel.

It’s the best base for exploring the rest of the island. Gran Canaria is often referred to as being a mini continent for its diversity of landscapes, making it a great place for active travellers. Don’t miss hiking in the island’s spectacular interior, surfing, diving, or exploring pretty historic towns like Tejeda and Teror.

Lua Lua Hostel is cute, clean, and friendly, and located close to the beach in Las Palmas. And Columbus Rooftop Hostel has an amazing terrace and scores highly on atmosphere.

Le Seu cathedral in Palma de Mallorca

PALMA DE MALLORCA

One of the most popular summer destinations in Europe, the Balearic island of Mallorca is truly the island that has it all – impeccable sandy beaches, the majestic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, and countless beautiful stone villages with arty vibes.

And to top it all off is the compelling capital city Palma de Mallorca. Palma has bags of cultural appeal with its historic old town, gothic cathedral, Moorish palaces, and excellent food and art scenes. Food-lovers shouldn’t miss Tapas Tuesday or the San Juan Mercado Gastronomico.

And of course, it’s not far to the beach. Palma makes a wonderful city break or base for exploring the island. A highlight is taking the wooden train to pretty Soller in the north-west of the island.

Hostel Fleming is a modern boutique hostel with classy design and a central location in Palma. It’s worth noting that there’s no AC though – in the hot summer months you’re better off heading for somewhere by a beach anyway.

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10 Best Places in Spain for Solo Travel

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Women Who Travel Solo: Solo Travel in Spain with Michelle Philippon

In today’s Women Who Travel Solo , former expat Michelle Philippon returns to Spain for the first time to celebrate her 30th birthday and shares stories from Madrid, Barcelona and Seville.

How did you get started traveling?

When I was a kid, I traveled a lot with my family around the United States. Then, when I was 16, I ventured outside the country for the first time on a mission trip to Mexico. But I think I really got the travel bug my junior year of college, when I studied abroad in England .

Why did you decide to take a solo trip to Spain?

I was turning 30 and having somewhat of a crisis, so I figured I might as well blow a bunch of cash and do something reasonably crazy.  I’d spent a year in Spain before ( with the lovely Lauren Salisbury, of course ), still had friends there, and really wanted to go back for a visit, so Spain seemed like a good idea.  While I knew I would spend some time in Madrid (where my friends were), I wanted to use this time to travel to other parts of Spain I’d never gone to before: namely, Barcelona and Sevilla .

solo travel in spain seville views

What was your experience like with solo travel in Spain?

Going back to Spain after living in the U.S. for a year and a half was a bit surreal.  It was odd to be immersed in Spanish again and feel as if nothing had changed while everything had.

I think the biggest change in my travels this time was that I actually had dinero.  The last time I lived and traveled solo in Spain (in 2013-2014), I was earning far less than I am now (although, to be honest, 1,000 euros per month wasn’t too shabby).  Before, I was super-cheap, always afraid I’d run out of money (spoiler alert: I did), and always went with the most inexpensive option. So: long, hot bus rides, hostels, and avoiding costly tourist sites.

This time, though, I figured that as an almost-30-year-old woman with a “real” job, I could treat myself. Plus, I was over hostels. So when I traveled from Madrid to Barcelona and later, from Madrid to Sevilla, I took the fast-speed AVE train .  I saved time, rode in comfort, and didn’t spend hours squished on a bus. I also chose to utilize Airbnb for the first time instead of hostels.  I don’t regret it at all.  I was able to sleep, the accommodations were spacious and quiet, and I stayed in some great parts of both cities.

What recommendations do you have for solo travel in Spain?

solo travel in spain the sagrada familia

Solo Travel in Barcelona:

Spend at least four days there. I did a wham-bam trip in a day and a half and regret it.  Go to the Sagrada Familia early in the morning. Don’t try to walk from the Sagrada Familia to the Park Guell because it’ll take far longer than it looks on a map. Spend time in Park Guell or else you’ll feel like it’s a wasted trip.  Go to the other Gaudi sites . Hit the beach. Have a drink or dinner on top of the Arenas.  Climb Montjuïc . Visit a museum or two, or three.  Walk down Las Ramblas but beware of pickpockets. Hit the local mercados and try whatever looks interesting. Explore the Barri Gotic (Gothic Neighborhood) at night; you’ll feel like you’re in Harry Potter.

solo travel in spain morning light in seville

Solo Travel in Seville:

The most popular times to go there are during Feria and Semana Santa , and I’ve heard the summers are unbearable, so I’d advise going there in the off-season, like I did.  Stay near the heart of the city. Walk everywhere. Take a free tour if you can; there’s so much history you’d never imagined. Go to Plaza de Espana more than once. Hit the Cathedral, the third-largest cathedral in all of Europe.  Explore the parks.  Take a cruise down the River Guadalquivir. Go to Triana . Eat out as much as possible; the food is fantastic.  Try local staples like salmorejo.   Go to the Alcazar , but try to get there early to beat the crowds.  Rent a bike if you’d like; Seville is a great city for biking . Visit local churches to see each imagen they have—possibly more than one.

What was the best part of your solo trip to Spain?

I loved all three cities I visited, but I think Seville was honestly my favorite. I could gush on and on about it, but the memory that particularly stands out to me is wandering around main area at night on Constitution Day. The city was entirely alit with Christmas lights . The streets were packed.  Groups of people sang traditional andaluz Christmas carols.  There were small local bands playing.  Everyone was dressed to the nines.  The tower at the cathedral glowed gold.  It was something I’ll never forget.

solo travel in spain spanish balconies

What was the worst part of your trip?

All the smoking.  I’d forgotten how Spaniards (particularly in Madrid) love to fumar.   Having smoke blown in my face all the time got old pretty fast. Also: the odors. Barcelona smelled like a mix of weed and dog poop. Madrid smells more like just plain dog poop. That’s because there is dog poop everywhere.  My olfactory senses weren’t too pleased, to say the least.

Are there any safety concerns for women traveling alone in Spain?

Spain is a pretty safe country to travel, but if you’re visiting one of the big cities like Madrid or Barcelona, it’s always smart to be aware of your surroundings. Pickpocketing is also quite common, so I always tried to pay attention, never have my phone out, and only travel with a few credit card(s) as opposed to all of them. There are also rough areas of both cities, so it’s best to do your homework and avoid them if you can.

solo travel in spain barcelona market

What advice do you have for women who are traveling alone?

Be open but not stupid. I spent most of my time in Barcelona and Seville with strangers I met randomly on the streets or through Couchsurfing , but I always dressed sensibly, kept my purse clutched closely to me, never got drunk, and made sure not to accept drinks from other people.  People might seem nice, but you ever know. Always err with caution, but don’t be afraid to meet people. I put myself out there and met some really cool folks I’m still in touch with.

Also: do not be afraid to be alone. It’s easy to meet people if you want to, but solo time is sometimes a precious gift and something worth cherishing. It’s not necessarily easy; away from home, away from the distractions of your everyday life, you’ll realize a lot about yourself—some of which may not be pretty. You may have to face some truths, or possibly some demons. But embrace this time.  Journal. Walk alone. Think. And evolve.

Do you have anything else to add to inspire women solo travelers?

The first time I traveled by myself when I was 21, I hyperventilated, cried, and didn’t know how to read a map. Now I actively seek adventure and travel alone all the time, including random day trips to Canada because—well, why not, eh? (Bad pun; sorry, Canadians—I do love your country!) It may suck the first time, especially if you’re a directionally-challenged, perpetually-unable-to-budget anxious person like me, but you’ll get some grit and soon be like a pro.

About Michelle Philippon

solo travel in spain eating tortilla

Michelle is a Sagittarius who doesn’t really care about those things and currently lives in Toledo, Ohio. She likes reading, hiking, hanging out with her cat, (and obviously having a thriving social life because she enjoy reading, hiking, and hanging out with her cat). After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature because—shocker—she enjoys reading, she went into social work. She lived in Spain for a stint, moved back to the U.S., and found a job in the for-profit world that she loves.

About Women Who Travel Solo

Women Who Travel Solo is a weekly column that shares the stories of women’s solo travel adventures in hopes of spreading the message that traveling alone is not only safe, but wildly rewarding. Inspire other women to travel solo by sharing your story with Something In Her Ramblings . Email Lauren at  [email protected] .

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Patti clawson berry.

I am so glad I ‘stumbled’ upon Women Who Travel Solo & Michelle’s review of Spain. At 64, I am traveling solo to Spain for 3 weeks–flying in/out of Madrid, but renting a car to visit the Eastern half of Spain. I have traveled solo all over the U.S. but never abroad; and though I have no hesitations about my trip to Spain, several close friends are trying to discourage me from going. After reading this and other posts on this site, I am encouraged and more enthused than ever! Thanks!!

Hey there Patti! That’s really awesome to hear you are taking your first solo trip abroad in Spain. Good on you! Keep on being bold and I hope you have a wonderful trip!

I am heading to Bath, England next year in June and hope to visit Spain while I am there to take advantage of the relative proximity. [When you live in Perth, W Australia it’s a trek to anywhere the other side of the world… Enjoyed Micehlle’s review. Just one thing. I think Michelle speaks Spanish? How would I get on with NO skill in that area? 59 next year. Not bothered about solo travel. Wouold be good to meet up with a kindred spirit though so if anyoen else out there is making a similar trip 🙂 post a comment.

Hi Carrie! Michelle does speak Spanish, but in many places in Spain, especially Madrid and Barcelona, there are many English speakers around so even if you don’t speak the language you should be able to get around just fine. Have a great trip!

It’s Carrie again. I hadn’t ticked the Notify boxes previously!

Hi Carrie, i too live in Perth. I am hoping solo to Spain in may/june 2017, hiking part of camino, tout and then solo in Barcelona early June. Trying to figure out accommodation at moment. I am 5 years your junior.. does anyone have any ideas of good central hotel in Barcelona. Margaret

Patti Berry

Hi Margaret, I just returned from a solo trip to Spain and, after traveling around the Castile-La Mancha region, I drove to Barcelona and spent 5 nights at Hotel Gaudi in the Gothic Quarter. It is a charming small hotel, with all the amenities one could want (breakfast buffet, restaurant, bar, gym, rooftop lounging, etc.). I thought it was very affordable; the front desk and wait-staff were very friendly; taxis & busses are 1/2 block away; one can walk easily on La Ramble, and I felt safe in the Gothic Quarter, even late in the evening. Check it out! http://www.hotelgaudibarcelona.com

Thank you Patti for that. I was looking at hotels in the Gothic area and that hotel was on my shortlist. Thanks so much for the recommendation. Margaret

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Amazing!!! I liked this website sooo much it’s really awesome I liked your creativity your way.I have also gone through your other posts too and they are also very much appreciate able and I have got some sweet comments for them also now I’m just waiting for your next update to come as I like all your other posts…

Very nice and interesting blog! We also wish you welcome to Costa Blanca in Spain with more than 330 days of sunshine per year. Albir property is a real estate agency located in the main street of Albir and provides houses and apartments for sale and rent in Albir , Altea and Alfaz del Pi. You are also welcome to visit our web site http://www.albirproperty.com

Costa Blanca is a beautiful spot as well!

Hi! Oh my goodness this post realy resonated with me (“I was turning 30 and having somewhat of a crisis, so I figured I might as well blow a bunch of cash and do something reasonably crazy.” – SO ME!) – I’m 29 and I have NEVER taken a solo trip and have really been feeling the need to. I can’t stop thinking about Spain so I think I’m going to do it! I only have 7 days off in June and want to make it work. Have you been to Spain in June? Since I’ll only have a week – where is best to go in such limited time? Have you been to any of the islands off of Spain? I just want to explore and make friends and go on an adventure. Nice beaches are a plus though!

I appreciate any recommendations!

Yay for you! June is a great time to go to Spain – it’s hot, but that way you can better enjoy the beaches. If you have 7 days, I’d recommend Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia. These cities have so much to offer and are easily accessible by train or bus. The islands off of Spain are beautiful as well – just requires a flight and there’s not as much to see (but more beaches to relax!)

Women Traveling

Nice share. I have ben to Spain once and loved it. I am planning to visit again with my girl gang. I have been to Costa Blanca as well and it is a beautiful spot as well! Keep blogging such articles.

Nice share. I have ben to Spain once and loved it. I am planning to visit again with my girl gang. I have been to Costa Blanca as well and it is a beautiful spot as well! Keep blogging such articles. Cheers..

Thanks! Let’s hope we all get to return to Spain again soon!

Hi I currently have a trip planned to Barcelona and Madrid in October going into November. It was supposed to be a couples trip but unfortunately I found myself single. I am unsure about taking the trip alone but certainly considering it. I do not speak Spanish and I am very concerned about that. I am currently scheduled to stay in an Airbnb in both Barcelona and Madrid but would love to get to Seville if I decide to go . Do you have any advice for me.

You’ll be fine without speaking Spanish! Seville is only a few hours from Madrid by train so you could visit all three cities if you have 7-10 days total. Have fun!

Tereza rizos

I want to go to Spain either in may or June on my own , first time traveling solo! Don’t know if I should do one city for 5 days or more. I am stressing but also excited. What do you recommend I do?

5 days is the perfect amount of time for a first visit to Madrid! You can also take day trips to Toledo and Salamanca if you are looking for more to see.

Cameron Page

Hi Lauren! Me and my friends are planning to go to spain this January. We would love to see some nice beaches with clear water and some stunning scenery. We were thinking Majorca,Ibiza and Canary Island, we are up to some adventures and experience a great nightlife in our travel. I came across this great article too here in https://www.canaryislandsinfo.co.uk/la-palma/ but i wanted to hear your thoughts first. Can anyone suggest any ideas or tips? Any help is kindly appreciated 🙂

Hi am thinking of travelling solo to Spain , being my first time I think 5 nights sounds right, am nervous and excited . canary islands looks perfect . 57 years old lady .

I traveled to Spain recently and came upon something invaluable. It is always difficult to get good pictures of myself traveling because I am shy about asking strangers to take my picture and have not mastered the art of the selfie. This time, a friend gave me the name of a travel photographer (Txema at [email protected] ) who drove me around all day and shot my photo at the five most famous sights in Barcelona. I not only got amazing photos but also a guided tour of the city – both for an incredibly reasonable price. Will definitely check into similar services in other cities as it was truly a memorable day.

Happy to hear it!

I’m taking my first solo trip to Spain next year. I’m a little overwhelmed and scared because I have never been anywhere outside the US.

Good for you for stepping outside your comfort zone and traveling to a new place. I wish you a happy trip!

I’m thinking of taking a solo trip to Spain this year around May/June, starting in Madrid, then Cordoba, Seville and Granada. I speak very little Spanish but hope I’ll be able to get by. I’ve never done a solo trip like this before and am quite nervous! Any tips from anyone out there and is anyone else thinking of doing something similar around that time?

So inspired by these words! I’ve been to Madrid before with friends but am treating myself to solo a post-college graduation present of Andalusia – thanks for sharing!

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Is Spain Safe for Solo Female Travelers? (The Ultimate Travel Guide for Solo Travel to Spain in 2024)

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Is Spain Safe for Solo Female Travelers ?

Yes, solo travel in Spain is very safe for female travelers. If you’re planning a solo trip to Spain, you’re not alone. 

Women traveling solo is a very common endeavor. Spain is a wonderful country for solo travel because it’s one of the safest destinations. And one of the most popular. 

Whether you’re a seasoned solo female traveler or on your first solo trip, it’s crucial to understand how to stay safe when visiting any foreign destination.

From the Author : In my 20s, I lived in Europe and traveled extensively solo for the first time. A female can travel solo safely if she prioritizes her safety.

Monserrat, Spain.

Spain is one of my favorite western European countries. Something about the tapas culture calls to me. Little plates of Spanish food served to you while you sit at a bar conversing with the friendly locals is my jam.

Who wouldn’t fall in love with Spain?

In this post, we’ll list some of the dos and don’ts for solo travel , tips for staying safe when traveling alone, and we’ll go over some of the best spots in Spain for the female solo traveler to visit.

Is Spain Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

If Spain is on your radar and you’re flying solo, you might wonder whether traveling to Spain alone is safe.

So, I’ve dug into the latest scoop from the U.S. Department of State to give you the lowdown on what to expect.

As of July 26, 2023, Spain is at a Level 2 Travel Advisory . That’s government-speak for “Exercise Increased Caution,” primarily due to occasional civil unrest.

Don’t let that spook you; it’s all about being savvy and aware.

You can avoid getting caught up in civil unrest by avoiding demonstrations and crowds when you can.

  • Follow the instructions of local authorities.
  • Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
  • Review the  Country Security Report  for Spain.

Scan  this Q.R. code  for everything you need to know about Spain from  The World Factbook , including U.S. State Department travel advisories, travel requirements, the local emergency phone number, and more. 

Is Spain Safe to Travel Alone: Everything You Need to Know

Crime in spain.

Traveling to Spain solo is very popular, and many women do it successfully. There is little to feel anxious about. In fact, Spain reached its lowest crime rate in 2021 .

However, when traveling with someone or alone, there are decisions within your control to avoid travel hiccups and uncomfortable situations. 

Violent crime is rare in Spain. 

Even though violent crime in Spain is low , petty theft and pickpockets are common.

There are ways to avoid being pickpocketed or targeted by petty criminals taking advantage of tourists. 

Safety Tips for Traveling to Spain Solo

Keeping your money safe in spain.

When solo traveling to Spain, keeping your money and passport safe is important.

As with traveling anywhere, visitors should always be aware of the potential for theft and other crimes. However, Spain is considered a safe destination for those who take certain precautions.

Traveling solo in Spain is relatively safe, just be aware of your belongings when touring around Spain.

Here are some tips to keep your money and passports safe from pickpockets:

  • Pack light , so you are more mobile and look less like a tourist in places like the Metro.
  • Make it as difficult as you can for pickpockets. Purses are easy targets unless strapped across your body and carried in front of you.
  • Wear a money belt strapped on your person is the best way to protect your money and not have to think about it. Carrying a purse means you must be aware of it at all times. 
  • Zip valuables like money and cards in an inside pocke t. 
  • The same goes for flashy, expensive cameras. Always carry across your body and not on your shoulder, which makes it easy for a snatch-and-grab job.
  • When sitting in a restaurant enjoying Spain’s amazing food, at the bar or a café, be very mindful of your bag . Although not very comfortable, the safest place for your bag is in your lap. Tourists can be easy to pick out, making us easy targets. Try to blend in and act as if you belong there. Hey, you do! 
  • Loop your bag strap around your leg or chair leg while sitting at a restaurant; that way, if anyone starts messing with it, you’ll be alerted by movement.
  • Leave valuables like your passport, some Euros, and one credit card (in the rare instance someone does take off with your belongings) locked in a safe at your hotel or hostel. 

Stay Alert When Traveling in Spain as a Solo Female Traveler

Staying alert is one of the most important safety tips for solo female travelers. 

Tourists can easily become targets for thieves, scam artists, and criminals who take advantage of tourists’ unfamiliarity with local customs and language.

Parafrugell, Spain.

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Although violent crime directed at tourists is low in Spain, it doesn’t mean you can let your guard down. It would be best if you weren’t anxious or paranoid; that would ruin any trip.

Just be informed. 

  • Be mindful of pickpockets on public transportation , keep all valuables close to you at all times, and avoid wandering around alone after dark.
  • Invest in a theft-proof bag . This is the one I travel with, and I have yet to find one that is more comfortable, fashionable, and has tons of pockets to organize all your things. It’s the Travelon Anti-theft Messenger Bag . I take this every time I travel.  The Travelon Anti-theft Signature Slim Backpack is fantastic. It is slim and compact. Perfect for a day or evening out on the town. I don’t like to carry bulking or heavy backpacks that make my shoulders ache; this one doesn’t!
  • When I travel, I use a backpack. I put my most essential valuables, like money and credit cards, in the inside pockets of my backpack. 
  • Don’t put anything of value in the outside pockets that can be unzipped by someone standing behind me.
  • Move the backpack to your front body in crowded areas with the straps around your shoulders in the opposite direction. It may look weird, but this way, you’re in total control of your belongings. 

Travelon make some of the best travel bags.

Have an Itinerary and Share Your Itinerary

Have an itinerary (loose or strict, it’s up to you) and share it with a loved one at home so someone knows your plans, where you can be reached, and where you’re staying.

This way, if something were to happen while abroad, someone would know your plans and where you can be reached.

A plan before heading out helps ensure that any trip goes smoothly and safely.

A beach in Spain.

Research the Towns and Cities You’ll Be Visiting Before You Go

A general idea of the area you are visiting for the day or week is standard for any traveler but is more essential when solo traveling as a woman.

When traveling alone, especially as a female traveler, it’s important to research the areas you plan to visit before you go. Make sure to research any areas – towns and cities – that may have higher crime rates before visiting them so you can plan accordingly.

Do some research before visiting a foreign city so you know the lay of the land.

Safety Tips for Traveling Solo:

✅ Have an idea of how to get home safely if you plan to stay out late.

✅ Knowing safety precautions, local customs, and culture, as well as understanding the environment, can help ensure that your journey is safe and enjoyable. 

✅ It’s also beneficial to be aware of potential language barriers so that communication with locals or emergency services can be easier.  Learn some common phrases before you go.

✅ Additionally, researching popular attractions in advance will help ensure you get don’t miss any must-see attractions while in Spain. 

The tapa culture in Spain is amazing, and a great way for female solo travelers to meet other female solo travelers.

Limit Alcohol Intake

It’s important to be mindful of the amount of alcohol you consume.

Not only can drinking too much put you at risk for dangerous situations, but it can also impair your judgment and make it more challenging to stay safe. This will help minimize potential risks while giving you peace of mind during your solo trip to Spain.

As a teen in Amsterdam, away from my parents for the first time, I took part in too many of the legal substances that Amsterdam has to offer and nearly killed myself riding a tandem bike with another young friend who also possessed the false invincibility that often accompanies youth and/or drug intake.

Luckily I’m alive today to give this advice.

Be aware when in a foreign country. Substances lower your risk tolerance.

Spain is a safe country for solo female travelers to visit.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Program: 

The Smart Traveler Program is a great resource offered in Europe that can provide travelers with information and support while abroad.

The program offers a wide range of services, including the ability to register your trip online so that the US Embassy or Consulate is aware of when and where you’re traveling.

If needed, the embassy can then assist in case of an emergency.

Additionally, the program provides helpful travel alerts and tips so that you can stay informed on possible safety risks or changes in local laws while abroad.

All travelers should enroll in the Smart Traveler Program to maximize their safety while traveling. 

Spain is safe for solo female travelers, just use common sense.

Nightlife Safety in Spain

It is especially important to be aware of your surroundings when exploring new cities or going out at night as a solo female traveler. Walking anywhere at night, for a woman, can be unnerving.

Use precaution, and never wander around an unfamiliar place at night alone. You’ll stand out as a target if you look lost or like a tourist.

Don’t put yourself in a situation that could be dangerous.

In Spanish culture, the party often stops only when the sun rises. Many cities in Spain have lively nightlife.

Enjoy it but use common sense. Walking alone at night or hopping into a random cab can be unnerving. This is a great time to use Uber. 

Solo travel doesn't mean you're always alone, it's a great way to meet other travelers.

Is It Easy to Get Around for Solo Female Travelers?

Yes. It’s easy and safe for solo travelers to get around the country safely and conveniently. Random violent crime in Spain is rare. Keep that in mind. No need to be anxious or paranoid. Just smart and aware.

You can easily reach any destination using a wide array of buses, trains, and metro lines.

Public transport is also relatively inexpensive compared to other forms of transportation like Uber or Cabify.

All public transport systems are monitored closely by authorities, meaning they are generally safe for travelers.

So if you’re looking for an affordable and safe option when traveling through Spain, then public transportation should be your go-to choice.

Is Uber safe in Spain?

Uber is a great way to get around in Spain, especially for solo female travelers.

There is also a taxi app called Cabify that serves South American countries, plus Mexico and Spain. With Cabify, you’ll pay an upfront price that won’t change if you hit traffic. With a taxi, you’ll see the estimated price range and then pay depending on the taxi’s meter.

Cabify is more similar to Uber than grabbing a random taxi. 

It provides a convenient and reliable mode of transportation that can help reduce the risk of getting lost or running into dangerous situations.

Cabify and Uber rides can be tracked via GPS, so you know exactly where your driver is taking you.

Furthermore, all rides can be tracked via GPS, so you know exactly where your driver is taking you.

With these factors taken into account, taking an Uber in Spain is generally safe.

Is Public Transportation Safe in Spain?

Public Transportation is a great way to get around Spain, don’t be afraid of it. 

Trains, buses, and city metros are safe and easy to use. Passes can be purchased for a day, week, or up to a predetermined number of trips. 

Two bus companies in particular that travel within Spain and abroad (for instance, to Portugal) are Avazabus and Alsa . 

Ibiza, Spain.

If time is of the essence, consider booking a flight with Iberia or RyanAir.

Or consider renting a car if you travel to more than one city.

Is It Safe to Drive in Spain?

Driving in Spain can be a great way to explore the country and its many attractions.

With an extensive network of roads, highways, and motorways, it is relatively easy to get around.

However, there are some safety considerations that solo female travelers should consider before hitting the road.

PRO TIP: To rent a car in Barcelona, you’ll need an International Driver’s License.

Driving in Spain is different from the US, with cars driving closer to each other and at faster speeds on highways.

Additionally, familiarize yourself with local traffic laws before taking the wheel, as you could face fines for breaking them.

While it is generally safe to drive in Spain, always be aware of your surroundings and keep your eyes open for potential hazards. Drivers drive at faster speeds in Europe.

Check Prices with Discover Cars Here

Are Taxis Safe in Spain?

Taxis are a popular and convenient way to get around in Spain, but solo female travelers need to be aware of their risks.

While taxis can provide safe transportation, there have been reports of scams, overcharging, and incidents of harassment or assault by drivers.

To ensure safety while taking a taxi in Spain, ensure you know your destination ahead of time and that the driver is licensed and insured.

Avoid getting into unmarked taxis or those without working meters. Taking these precautions will help ensure a safe ride when traveling by taxi in Spain for the solo female traveler.

Opting for Uber or Cabify is safer and more convenient. They both have GPS tracking because they operate via app. So you know where your driver is taking you via your smartphone.

Madrid, Spain. Is Spain safe for solo female travelers? Yes.

Is the National Train System Safe?

The National Train System in Spain is an efficient and economical way to travel around the country. It’s an excellent train system and the second largest in the world.

With high-speed rail lines connecting cities across the Iberian Peninsula, travelers can reach their destinations quickly and easily.

Various ticket options are available, so the solo female traveler can find a fare that fits her budget.

My two favorite ways to buy train tickets in Spain are through either  Omio  &  Trainline . Both of these services connect directly with Spain’s Renfe booking system and offer the exact same routes/prices as Renfe with ease of use.

To use this convenient mode of transportation, simply purchase tickets online or at any major station before boarding your train.

Once aboard, you’ll enjoy some stunning views as you journey through Spain. I traveled by train and rental car when I was touring Europe. The train is a great way to see the country without having to worry about much. 

Taking the train in Spain is a great way to see the country. And, it's safe!

Is it Safe to Drink the Water in Spain?

Fortunately, tap water in Spain is generally safe and clean and can be consumed without worry. The quality of drinking water also meets EU standards, so you can feel confident that it’s free from harmful contaminants.

However, if you’re still uncertain about drinking tap water while in Spain, then bottled mineral water may be a better option as it ensures complete safety.

4 Reasons You Should Travel Alone to Spain

1. spain is lovely.

Spain is an unforgettable experience for solo female travelers. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder why so many people choose to explore the country alone.

From the beautiful beaches of Costa del Sol to the bustling city streets of Madrid, plenty of places offer unique experiences for those who take the journey by themselves.

Spain offers a safe and secure environment for solo female travelers thanks to its low crime rate and strong law enforcement presence.

A restaurant in Spain.

2. Enjoy Tapa Culture, a Great Way to Meet Some Spanish Friends

The familiar tapa culture in Spain makes dining alone fun! Enjoy tapas like a local. Chilling at one or many of Spain’s tapa bars is another easy and inexpensive way to meet Spanish people. Sit at a bar and enjoy a drink, knowing that free tapa is coming to you. 

The Spanish tapa culture offers a cheap meal and an easy way to sample Spain’s different dishes.

Andalucia is arguably the best region in Spain for tapas. 

The tapa culture in Spain is pretty amazing. It's sometimes free.

Few cities do food markets better than Madrid. In Madrid, try one of their many food markets. Sit at a long communal table; this is an excellent way for a female solo traveler in Spain to meet other travelers. 

A small beer is called a caña. Try one at a local bar and sample the amazing food. 

For the solo female traveler, there are plenty of cities and towns to visit near Madrid that can’t be missed.

3. It’s Easy to Meet Other Solo Female Travelers in Spain Hostels

Hostels are an excellent option for travelers looking to explore Spain and a great place to meet other solo female travelers doing the same.

Some hostels have private room options if you want to avoid sharing a room with a stranger. Even if you opt for a private room, the hostel lobby and common areas allow you to meet like-minded people from around the world and make new friends along the way.

Hostels provide a cheaper, more cost-effective accommodation alternative than hotels do.

A Barcelona food market. No one does food markets better than Barcelona.

Many hostels in Spain offer various activities and tours that allow one to meet other solo female travelers.

It’s also easy to find female-only rooms and dorms in many of the hostels throughout the country, allowing you to stay in a secure and comfortable environment while exploring Spain and trying out solo travel.

Hostel Ideas for Spain

  • Yeah Hostel in Barcelona : This hostel is clean and modern, great for solo female travelers. They offer daily walking tours and pub crawls so there are many opportunities to meet people. It’s a fun hostel with a cool interior aesthetic with tons of common space, female-only dorms, and daily communal dinners.
  • OK Hostel in Madrid : Located in the great neighborhood of La Latina, the OK Hostel is social and fun, with rotating nightly events like walking tours, bar crawls, and group dinners. They also offer private double rooms and a kitchen on-site if you’d like to make some of your own meals.
  • The Nomad Hostel in Seville : Great for female travelers, this hostel sits in the center of Seville and offers female-only dorms and the bathrooms are super clean as well. It also boasts a sunny roof-top deck.

Yeah Hostel in Barcelona, Spain.

4. Strong Tourist Infrastructure

Spain is a great destination for solo female travelers thanks to its strong tourist infrastructure. 

From the well-developed public transport systems and reliable rail networks to the abundance of hostels, hotels, and other accommodation forms, Spain offers visitors plenty of options. 

Many attractions can be enjoyed without worrying about safety or security issues. 

With its vibrant culture and friendly locals, it’s no wonder why so many people choose to explore the country alone.

OK Hostel in Madrid is more than OK.

Tours We Recommend

Here are two tours we recommended. Because they are good, they are likely to sell out. Purchasing tickets ahead of time is advised.

1. The Sagrada Familia Tour with Audio Guide

Cost: $34.74 Limited to 9 participants Need to know: Audio tour, but doesn’t include headphones. Make sure to bring headphones and a charged smartphone. Another Need to know : There is a dress code. No shorts, no sleeveless shirt, and no walking sticks allowed. 

Visitors to Barcelona rave about this tour and make comments like “it was the highlight of our Barcelona Trip.”

Meeting point : Please enter via the “online booking” entrance on Carrer de la Marina. Please make sure to be at the entrance at the selected time to access the Basilica. Your entry will only be allowed at the selected time or up to 15 minutes afterward . Overview: Explore Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, and discover the beautiful Basilica at your own pace. Learn about its history with an included audio guide.

To Purchase Tickets for The Sagrada Familia Audio Tour in Barcelona

2. Seville: Tapas Crawl

Cost: $73.75 Duration: 3 hours Limited to 10 participants Includes: 10-12 Tapas tastings, dessert, and 4-5 drinks Need to know: Unfortunately not suitable for vegetarians.  Meeting point: Meet your guide in front of the restaurant Catalina Casa de Comidas, Plaza Padre Jerónimo de Córdoba, 12, 41003 Sevilla. Overview: Immerse yourself in the world of Andalucian tapas with a tour of the most authentic and emblematic tapas bars in Seville. Eat and live like the locals do as you travel around various tapas bars for a unique gastronomical experience.

To Purchase Tickets to the Seville: Tapas Crawl

Spain Solo Travel Tips

Always purchase travel insurance.

When traveling to Spain or any foreign country, it is essential to purchase travel insurance . Spain is safe. However, emergencies can happen anywhere in the world. 

As a solo traveler, you want to protect your physical and financial well-being, which means purchasing travel insurance . 

On my solo trips, I use  SafetyWing to cover everything. The prices for a policy are very reasonable. 

SafetyWing is our number one go to for travel insurance.

A friend of mine totaled his rental car in Spain. It’s scary to have an accident in a foreign country. We highly recommend travel insurance when you travel. Because he purchased travel insurance, his hospital stay was covered. Because he rented the car using Chase Sapphire, the expense for the totaled car was entirely covered by Chase. He didn’t pay anything out of his pocket except for the travel insurance he purchased before his trip, and the annual fee Chase charges to get the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. 

World Nomads also has an adventure travel package that will keep you safe overseas. SafetyWing and World Nomads offer the best packages.

With the right plan, you will have access to medical care, emergency assistance services, and reimbursement for lost luggage and other expenses incurred due to a covered incident.

Whether you’re planning a short weekend getaway or an extended stay abroad, ensure that you have protection with comprehensive travel insurance before embarking on your journey!

More Reasons Why Visiting Spain Is So Worth It for Solo Travelers

It’s easy on the wallet.

Spain is a great destination for solo travelers on a budget, especially when compared to other destinations in Europe and the United States. 

As a broke college student, I found myself pleasantly surprised with the affordability of traveling throughout Spain. From cheap eats to free events and cultural attractions, there is plenty to do on the cheap in this beautiful country.

Spain solo travel doesn’t have to be a costly affair. 

Is Spain safe for female solo travelers? Yes. Spain is popular for female travelers because it's safe.

A Great Opportunity to Speak Spanish (Or at Least Some Phrases)

Learning Spanish (or at least some phrases) is a great opportunity for solo female travelers visiting Spain. 

In European countries, English is widely spoken. Although, less in Spain, especially in smaller towns outside the larger cities.

Learning a bit of Spanish (I think it’s one of the easier languages to pick up) will help you navigate and communicate with locals, but it will also give you deeper insight into the country’s culture.

Whether you take classes or learn by yourself with an app like Duolingo or pick up a little book to keep with you, understanding basic words and phrases can be invaluable during your travels in Spain.

This knowledge can open up many doors and make your trip more enjoyable, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the local culture and make meaningful connections with those around you.

Take a Guided Walk or Tour

A guided walking or food tour is an excellent way for solo female travelers to explore Spain.

Not only will it provide an insight into the country’s culture, but it also offers a safe and secure way to discover new places and meet new people.

A guided tour allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn some things about the country you’re visiting.

Spain.

Best Places in Spain for Solo Travel

Solo travel is a great experience. Let’s talk about some places that are great for solo female travelers.

Marbella, Spain, is an ideal destination for solo female travelers looking to explore the beauty of the Mediterranean. 

Marbella, Spain. A great place to visit for solo female travelers.

Located in Andalusia on Spain’s southern coast, Marbella offers a wealth of activities and attractions that make it perfect for solo exploration, including the amazing tapa culture. 

Marbella has a vibrant beachfront promenade and a picturesque old town to stunning natural surroundings.

Whether you’re looking to relax with a stroll along the shoreline or participate in some exciting outdoor adventures, Marbella has plenty of unique experiences waiting to be discovered.

Royal Palace of Madrid. Madrid, Spain is safe for savvy solo female travelers.

Madrid, Spain, is a fantastic destination for solo female travelers looking to explore the culture and beauty of this vibrant city, historical buildings, and art galleries.

From its stunning architecture and vibrant nightlife to its rich history and delicious cuisine, Madrid is a great place for solo female travel.

Whether you’re interested in taking in some incredible art at one of the world-renowned museums or exploring the city’s streets on foot, there are plenty of exciting things to do during your visit.

Seville, in the Andalusia region of Spain, is an ideal destination for solo female travelers looking to explore and experience a vibrant culture. 

Dancers in Seville, Spain.

From attending traditional flamenco shows to learning how to dance it yourself at a class, plenty of activities will make your trip memorable. 

Additionally, you can embark on a food tour to try all the delicious traditional Southern Spanish dishes. There’s no better place to enjoy tapa culture than Andalusia. Whether you’re looking for cultural exploration or just relaxing by the beach, Seville has something for every traveler.

Córdoba, about two hours from Seville, is   considered a safe destination for female travelers . The city is well-policed and has a low crime rate. Spend one day in Córdob a , home to the world’s most UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Ibiza, Spain, offers a perfect mix of relaxation and excitement with its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and safety for visitors. 

The island is known for hosting some of Europe’s best dance music clubs which provide an unforgettable experience – whether you’re looking to hit the dance floor or just want to meet people from Spain.

With its picturesque coastline and friendly locals, Ibiza provides a safe environment that makes it easy to explore on your own without worrying about personal safety. From beach days to club nights, Ibiza has something to offer the female traveler whether she wants alone time or to meet people. 

Park Güell, Barcelona, Spain. Safe for solo female travelers.

Barcelona, Spain, is a must-see destination for travelers to Spain. Barcelona has something for everyone, from its exquisite architecture and vibrant culture to its exciting nightlife and Catalan food and drink in Barcelona.

It’s the perfect place to explore on your own or with friends, as it offers a safe environment that makes it easy for solo female travelers to navigate without worry. 

Whether you’re looking for an adventure in the city or some rest at one of Barcelona’s beautiful beaches, this incredible city has something unique to offer every visitor. With its rich history and diverse landscape, Barcelona is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Alcazabu, Spain at sunset.

One More Spain Solo Travel Tip

In case of emergency , remember the number 112. This is the emergency line you use for help from anywhere in Spain. 

FAQs About Staying Safe in Spain

Is spain safe to visit right now.

Spain remains one of Europe’s safest countries, with low crime rates and friendly locals. The Spanish government has taken great measures to ensure the safety and security of tourists in the country, making it an ideal location for traveling alone.

With its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, delicious cuisine, and rich culture, Spain offer something unique to every visitor – making it perfect for solo female travelers looking to explore on their own!

The Wrap-Up: Is Spain Safe for Solo Female Travelers

The short answer is yes. Solo travel in Spain is one of the safest destinations.

The transport system is easy to navigate and reliable, while the tapa culture provides an excellent way to meet locals and sample delicious local dishes.

Solo female travel is an experience you will remember. 

When I traveled through Europe by myself in my 20s, that time alone fed my soul and informed who I’d eventually become in an indelible way. You really get to know who you are when you face travel confidently and head-on.

Women traveling solo can eliminate safety concerns with preparation leading to an amazing Spanish solo trip. Solo travel can feed you in a way that traveling in a group or with family cannot. Make sure to visit Spain solo. It’s an experience that is well worth it.

Related Articles:

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solo travel spain female

Jessica Iler is the founder of CA Girl Travels. She is a writer and entrepreneur working in the creator economy since 2016, building websites, writing for Medium.com, and helping others become writers. She is on a mission to help entrepreneurs make money online and travel the world while she's doing it.

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Inside the Travel Lab

Solo in Spain: Everything You Need to Know

October 4, 2022

From the best places in Spain for solo travel to our inside tips for travelling alone in Spain, this in-depth guide will tell you everything you need to know about going solo in Spain. Vale!

Spain - Masia Cabellut Moroccan Terrace Abigail King

Table of Contents

Solo in Spain: The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide to Spain

Ah, the thrill of going solo in Spain. Whether you’re planning a full sabbatical, a two week holiday or an extension to a business trip, Spain makes for a wonderful destination for solo travellers (or solo travelers, my dear American friends.)

Having lived in Spain for years and travelled the length and breadth of the country, I’m here today to share my solo travel tips for Spain and to help you have the trip of a lifetime. Maybe many many trips!

In this article we want to share the best tips and hacks for your solo trip to Spain , as well as reveal some of the best solo travel destinations in the country. Ready? Let’s go! Going solo in Spain awaits!

Spain - Barcelona - Sagrada Familia - Abigail King

The best cities in Spain for a solo trip

In general, good news! Most destinations in Spain are perfect for solo travel.

The country is about as safe as it comes, cities are usually walkable and budget-friendly, and Spanish people are generally very welcoming.

So wherever you decide to go, you will have a great time going solo in Spain!

That said, the following cities are among the best destinations for solo travellers because of their safety, affordability and cultural interest. Visit them on their own, or incorporate them into your larger solo travel itinerary!

  • See also how to spend a perfect week in Spain here.

Did you know? Rules around visas are changing. Find out what you need to know about this at ETIAS Spain

Spain - Andalucia - Seville - Giralda Cathedral

Solo in Seville

The capital city of Andalusia is one of the best destinations to visit on your own. The centre is compact and walkable, the tapas bars accessible and informal and the city itself simply bursts with atmosphere and ideas. Check out the best things to do in Seville here.

Architecture lovers will also have an amazing time in Seville, with the sweeping ceramic Plaza de España and its mosaics, the modern Metropol Parasol and the Alcazar, the ancient Moorish palace that’s a mini Alhambra.

Cross the river that runs through the city and you will arrive in the iconic Triana neighbourhood . Here you will discover the traditional ateliers of Seville, where you can shop for beautifully patterned tiles, dishes and signs.

The only thing you might miss in the city are beaches, since Seville is landlocked, but the Guadalquivir river is a great alternative if you want to enjoy an evening stroll or a relaxing meal near the water.

Still in need of the beach? You can enjoy some of the best beaches in the country in Cadiz, which is only an hour away and easy to reach by renting a car or using public transport.

  • See also our road trip itinerary through Andalusia here.

Connections for Seville

  • Seville is one of the safest and cleanest cities in Spain, and was recently found to be the best city for solo-travel in Spain by travel company Holidu. The bus and tram system makes it easy to get around, but even on foot it’s very doable to explore the entire city in a couple of days: perfect for a city trip!
  • Seville is easily reached by aeroplane thanks to the international airport of Seville and high speed trains from Madrid.
  • In general, people in Seville are very welcoming all year round, but if you want to experience the city and its people at their best, plan your trip around the annual fair in April, when the entire city turns into one big party with music, dancing and parades.

Malaga Tips and Malaga Travel Guide - Old Town architecture

Solo in Malaga

In the past couple of decades, this city on the Mediterranean coast has become increasingly popular with travellers.

Malaga, despite the reputation of some nearby resorts, is a very cultural city: not only can you find several prestigious museums here, such as the Pompidou and the Carmen Thyssen Museum , it is also the birthplace of Pablo Piscasso!

The Picasso Museum and the Casa Natal de Picasso are two musts for everyone who loves this prolific Spanish artist.

Tired of so much art and culture? The city beaches of Malaga are waiting for you to take a well-deserved break. Dotted along the beach promenade are the typical chiringuitos (fish restaurants) where you can enjoy locally-caught fish that’s either fried or prepared on a wood fire.

If you decide to leave the city and explore some of the surrounding towns, Frigiliana and Ronda are two mountain villages that will impress you with their beautiful locations. They are easy to reach by public transport, or by renting a car for the day.

And the adventurers among us can walk the Caminito del Rey, a world-famous walkway along the narrow gorge of El Chorro.

Connections for Malaga

  • Malaga is the best-connected city in the south of Spain, with daily flights between its airport and the UK. The train and bus connections also make it extremely easy to visit other cities in the region like Granada, Seville and Cordoba if you want to. The city’s metro system is still being constructed and only has limited connections for now, but the city buses are very reliable and traffic usually isn’t a problem.
  • Another popular way of getting round the city are bikes: there are many bike tour companies and bike rentals available throughout the city.
  • Malagueños are very friendly and usually speak some English: the city isn’t an expat hub for nothing!

Fun and interesting facts about Madrid Spain - skyline

Solo in Madrid

Of course, we can’t miss the capital of Spain from this list!

Madrid is a cosmopolitan hub where you can enjoy some of the finest art, best shopping, lively nightlife and amazing city parks. There are so many museums in Madrid that visiting all of them can take you several days, and each of them is dedicated to a particular type of art.

Visit the Prado to see classic art by the old masters, the Reina Sofía museum for 20th-century art by Picasso, Dalí and others, or the ABC museum for a crash course on everything related to drawing and illustration.

All book lovers should head to the Barrio de las Letras to discover the best second-hand and independent bookshops, and if you like to spend some time people-watching the high-end neighbourhood Chamberí is your place to be!

On the other hand, your evenings are best spent at La Latina, the area with the best tapas and vermouth, a drink that’s extremely popular in Madrid.

Another great place that’s absolutely magical in the evening is the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple that was gifted to Spain by the Egyptian government. Everybody agrees that it’s the best spot to enjoy the sunset in Madrid!

And, don’t forget to taste some classic chocolate y churros at the oldest chocolateria in Madrid.

Read this article on 101 fun facts about Madrid here.

Connections to Madrid

  • Because Madrid is the capital of Spain, its airport is extremely well-connected. The metro system covers almost every area of the city, and if you want to explore some nearby cities like Toledo and Salamanca, the high-speed trains leaving from Atocha station will get you there in a flash.
  • The city is pretty safe, although it’s always best to be cautious at night, and the madrileños are always happy to help you find your way or to tell you about some of the secret spots in the city.
  • Watch your pockets near tourist attractions, just in case. Pick pockets do like to target these areas.

Spain - Palma de Mallorca

Solo in Palma de Mallorca

To be solo in Spain away from the mainland, try the island atmosphere of Mallorca. Palma, the capital, oozes atmosphere and charm and there is plenty to see and do in the city itself.

Start with the impressive cathedral in the centre, the Castell de Bellver with its amazing views of Palma de Mallorca and the Mediterranean, and then follow that up with the modernist Sa Llotja museum.

But however beautiful Palma is, it’s the beaches and coves on the coast who are the real stars of the show!

With fine white sand and crystal clear water, the beaches of Palma de Mallorca are perfect for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

You can easily explore the rest of the island by car or train: discover the old city of Alcudia, the botanical gardens of the Sierra de Tramuntana and the stunning Drach caves.

And if you want a change of scenery, why not go island hopping and visit some of the other Balearic Islands as a day trip? You can book a passage on the ferry that leaves from the port of Palma de Mallorca and reach Ibiza in a couple of hours.

Palma de Mallorca is a great choice for a solo trip that combines a city break with beach life.

Connections to Palma

The local airport has many international connections every day of the week, and the city itself is the central departure point of many ferry routes in case you want to visit the other islands or even the Spanish mainland. The city is very safe and not too big, which makes it easy to get around on foot, and the locals are always open for conversation or to give you a helping hand with directions. 

Spain - Valencia - Arts and Sciences

Solo in Valencia

Our next recommended solo travel destination is Valencia! Go solo in Spain in style with this stunning city which combines great beaches with rich culture and a pulsing nightlife.

The star of Valencia is the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic building that houses a planetarium, a cinema and an aquarium among others. This building is a must for everyone who visits Valencia, even if you never step inside.

Valencia is also home to more traditional impressive and beautiful buildings like the cathedral, the Lonja de Seda and the Mercado Central. Wander about the historical centre and discover every corner of the city and its beautiful places.

Don’t miss the Barrio del Carmen. This neighbourhood to the north of the centre showcases a lot of old 14th-century buildings, but at the same time, it is the bohemian area of Valencia. Discover boutiques, art galleries and fun bars in some of the most exquisite buildings of the city.

But Valencia is not only about culture and shopping! Head to the city’s beaches for a relaxing day in the sun, or make a day trip to the nearby Albufera Natural Park , a freshwater lagoon where you can enjoy the beautiful landscape through hikes and boat rides.

Connecting to Valencia

The international airport of Valencia makes it very easy to get to the city for a holiday, thanks to the many connections with major airports in the UK and across Europe and within Spain.

The city is easily accessible on foot and by bus or bike, and is well-connected to other coastal cities of the Costa Blanca in case you want to explore the area a bit more. There is always a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere in the city, with locals more than happy to help you find your way or simply have a chat.

If you want to experience the city at its best, visit during the Fallas in March! The city comes alive during this festival with giant puppets, fireworks and bonfires that really make for a standout stay.

Solo travel in Spain cover image

Solo Travel Tips for Spain

In many ways, the best solo travel tips for Spain resemble the best travel tips for most destinations and most travel scenarios. But there are a few things to look out for when you’re travelling solo in Spain.

Where to stay when travelling solo in Spain

Whether you choose to stay in a hotel, holiday apartment or B&B is largely up to personal preference, but before booking, here are a few things to bear in mind.

  • Avoid party neighbourhoods if you’re looking for a restful stay.
  • When you travel solo, it’s a good idea to choose accommodation with good transport options to decrease the likelihood of you walking alone at night to get home.
  • If you’re looking to meet people, then B&Bs or shared accommodation may help with this, although you may also feel more unsafe.
  • If you’re going to struggle carrying your luggage up eight flights of stairs without a lift by yourself, then check that your accommodation has a lift.
  • Personally, I always feel safest in a hotel with a name that I recognise or that someone else has recommended to me. And many other solo female travelers feel the same.
  • Check out our list of the best travel resources to help find the right place to stay for you, from big chains to boutique hotels, all at the best price.

Spain - La Rioja - Haro - woman standing in front of barrels

Other great destinations for solo travel in Spain

Of course, it’s hard to stop at just those major cities. Barcelona is another must see, oozing with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, great food and the sea. Gaze up at the unfinished Sagrada Familia, wander around the Gothic Quarter and enjoy these hidden gems in Barcelona.

The Canary Islands are also a good spot for people who love beaches and hiking, surrounded by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Both Gran Canaria and Tenerife have frequent flights to Europe.

The Basque Country in Spain’s northwest contains the foodie city of San Sebastian and the futuristic Guggenheim museum in Bilbao.

How to travel around Spain on your own

By and large, Spain has an easy to navigate transport system. Most of the cities mentioned are easily walkable and Google Maps and an eSIM card like this one from Airalo will cover almost everything you need.

However, here are a few more details about getting around Spain on your own…

Getting around Spain’s Cities

Cities in Spain are very walkable, so most of the time you won’t feel the need to use public transport, especially if you are staying in or near the city centre. But if you get tired of walking everywhere, city buses are cheap and reliable.

While each city has its own inner-city transport company, tickets are usually priced the same in each city: around 1.50 euros per person.

If you are staying in one city for a couple of days, consider using a multi-trip card, which is more convenient (Spanish buses don’t carry a lot of change) and will save you a lot of money. These cards are easily bought at any ticket shop or Metro station and can be charged with 10 trips at a time for a low price.

Large cities like Madrid and Barcelona also have an underground system that will take you from one corner of the city to another in a matter of minutes. On top of that, taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber are very popular if you want to take a more direct route to your destination.

Cross country travel in Spain

If you don’t want to stay in one place but rather want to travel through the country, there are several options available to you. If you love travelling independently and don’t want to have to pay attention to the time, renting a car is the best choice for you. Check out our article on the best road trips in Spain here.

Apart from that, there are many public transport methods available to choose from. The coastal areas and large cities are all connected by a high-speed railway, the AVE, which makes it easy to travel from one city to another.

Urban areas usually also have a local train connection called Cercanías that is very convenient to use for day trips and short excursions. Until the end of the year, certain types of train tickets are free , so take advantage of this initiative to explore the country! 

Another long-distance public transport option are the long-distance buses from the ALSA company. While they might take a bit more time to get you to your destination, the buses are very punctual and trust-worthy. The bus network is also more extensive than the railways, and is sometimes your only option if your destination does not have a train station.

As an alternative to buses there is BlaBlaCar, a long-distance ride-sharing service that allows you to book seats in the cars of people who are travelling to your destination as well. The app is very reliable and works with a star system to rate drivers just like other similar apps. Best of all, the price of a journey is usually the same as or even cheaper than a bus ticket.

The public transport system in Spain is very safe, both for short and long journeys. In cities, you won’t have to wait long for your connection as buses, trams and trains come every couple of minutes, and the long-distance transport is always on time. Public transportation is also one of the preferred methods of locals, since it is convenient and cheap. This also means that most of the time, you will not be completely alone when you travel using the bus or train.

As usual, though, it’s a good idea to avoid travelling on your own at night. Also, keep valuables hidden away, don’t flaunt your cash and try to look streetwise and businesslike as you walk around.

Questions about Spain- inside historical buildings in La Laguna in Tenerife, Canary Islands

Fast Facts about Solo Travel in Spain

  • The official language is Castilian Spanish but you will hear Catalan and many others in different regions.
  • The currency in Spain is the Euro. You can easily pick up cash before you travel, at the airport or from ATMs.
  • While credit cards are widely accepted in the city centres (or city centers ;-) in more remote areas and small, independent bodegas, you’ll need to carry some cash with you.
  • The best time to visit most cities is in autumn/fall or spring. Summer can get very hot, apart from in the north.

Solo Travel Hacks for Spain

And now on to the best solo travel tips for Spain…

Meeting New People

One of the best parts of solo travel is meeting new people !

In general, the Spanish are very friendly and open for a chat any time of the day. You can be having a coffee on a terrace or waiting for the bus, and start up a conversation with the person sitting next to you.

Another option is Meetup , a site where you can find all kinds of activities to join. The website is very popular in Spain, especially in the more urban areas, and there are plenty of activities to find. From sunset yoga to board game nights, find the activity that you like best and head over. It’s a great way to have fun and meet new friends!

Guided Tours

When you’re in a city you’ve never been before, guided tours are a great way to explore your surroundings and get an idea of where the most important and interesting landmarks are. But instead of taking a regular tour, why don’t you book an alternative tour instead and have some fun while you explore?

Ghost tours, tapas tours, puzzle tours, bike tours… Most cities have several fun alternatives to the regular walking tours available.

If tours are not your thing, another fun way to discover Spanish cities are by geocaching, a.k.a. finding hidden containers all over the city. You can easily geocache with just your phone and the geocaching app!

Staying in touch with people at home

While solo travel is fun, most of us still want to stay in touch with the people at home. That’s why it’s best to check the prices for your international phone plan before you get carried away and face a huge phone bill as a result!

Of course, a lot of places in Spain offer free WiFi, but it can be a bit hit-or-miss with the internet quality. If you want to have a great internet connection for a low price, we recommend that you consider getting a Spanish pay as you go SIM card, especially if you are travelling in Spain for a longer period of time.

There are many phone companies offering cheap pay-as-you-go plans with mobile data included. Lobster and O2 are two of the most popular companies with expats in Spain, as they have great customer service in English. For shorter trips, I’d highly recommend Airalo, an eSIM service. You don’t have to fiddle around changing a physical SIM, which makes it much more practical. Check out our article on eSIMs in Europe here.

Safety Travel Tips for Spain

  • Always have a plan for how you’re going to get home safely.
  • Take a business card of the hotel or place you’re staying so you can show a taxi driver if needs be.
  • If in doubt, swallow the extra cost and take a taxi home. Better safe than sorry.
  • You probably don’t need a money belt – it just attracts attention.

In conclusion: Going solo in Spain

Apart from these tips, the regular solo travel guidelines are also good to follow: use common sense, be open to new experiences, take care of yourself and respect local customs.

With these recommendations in mind, you will soon be able to plan the solo trip of your dreams in Spain! Check out our guide to travelling Spain in summer and book that flight.

So – where are you going first?

Tenerife Food Guide - papas arrugadas

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The Ultimate Barcelona Guide for Solo Female Travelers

January 19, 2019 By Somto Ugwueze Leave a Comment

The Solo Female Traveler’s Guide To Barcelona: Everything You Need To Know

Solo Female Traveler's Guide To Barcelona

This is the ultimate Barcelona guide for solo female travelers who want to explore the city at a slow pace. For my second visit to Barcelona, I went alone. I ended up enjoying this trip better than the first time when I went with two travel buddies. As a solo traveler, I took my sweet time to tour La Sagrada Familia, try the seafood at La Boqueria, and stroll through the Gothic Quarter. If you’re a solo female traveler heading to Barcelona, here’s how to experience the best that the city has to offer.

This post contains affiliate links as explained in my disclosure policy

Is barcelona safe for solo female travelers.

Barcelona is generally a safe city – it’s no more dangerous than, let’s say, Boston. The main issue you need to be cautious of is pickpocketing. Barcelona has regular incidents of theft in crowded public spaces, like the metro or the touristy city center. Just practice the same common sense precautions you would elsewhere. Don’t flash your expensive watch, jewel-encrusted iPhone case, or wads of cash. Stay as low key as possible and keep your belongings close to you (preferably in front of you so you can see them at all times.) I’ve personally never experienced any sort of robbery or concern for my safety in Barcelona. I think you’ll be just fine, too, if you don’t wander around dark alleys at 3 am in the morning.

The ugly truth about prostitution in Barcelona

This issue is difficult for me to talk about since it hits close to home, but I have to give you a heads up. A significant number of women from my native Nigeria work as prostitutes in Barcelona. They normally wear plain clothes and hang around street corners at night. Because of this, men may incorrectly assume that any black woman strolling around Las Ramblas (the main pedestrian street in Barcelona) is a prostitute.

A considerable number of Black American women visiting Barcelona have reported being mistaken for prostitutes. Fellow Nigerian-American blogger Gloria of The Blog Abroad was also mistaken for a prostitute while walking down Las Ramblas with a white, male friend. Although this has never happened to me, it has happened often enough to other Black women to raise concerns.

If you’re a black female traveling alone in Barcelona, I would avoid staying out late at night if possible. If you do go out, try to join a group of people. You can meet people through Couchsurfing meetups, language exchanges, expat groups, among others. The other option would be to take a cab back to your accommodation to avoid having to walk alone at night.

Public transportation in Barcelona

Christmas traditions in Barcelona - Renfe Rodalies Train

Barcelona has an extensive public transportation system: buses, metro, trains, and trams. That said, the city is very walkable so you can actually see a lot of the attractions on foot. For longer distances, you can take one of the public transportation options. I used the metro and the local trains, called Renfe Rodalies, to travel around the city.

To save money on your Barcelona trip, consider getting the Barcelona Card . It gives you access to all public transportation in the city and discounts on museums, Gaudi sites, and other attractions. You also get to skip the line at super touristy attractions, which will make your visit much smoother.

You may also like: How To Get From Barcelona Airport To the City Center Cheaply and Fast

Where to stay

10 travel tips for women traveling solo in Spain - Airbnb

There are tons of different accommodations you can choose from. For those who are really social, a hostel may be a good option. If you’re looking for some alone time, try a boutique hotel. You might also consider an Airbnb; I’ve found that Airbnb hosts give the best recommendations for restaurants and non-touristy things to do. If you’d like to stay at an Airbnb in Barcelona, use my link to get 30% off your booking.

These days, I prefer the privacy and convenience of a spacious room in a boutique hotel at the heart of the city. Here are a few great boutique hotels at the center of Barcelona for less than $100 a night. I always use booking.com to get reduced rates on hotels. Just follow this link and enter the hotel’s name. When you make a booking, you get a $25 reward. 

Hotel Brummel

This is a boutique hotel located a stone’s throw away from some of the top museums in the city. It has a handful of luxurious amenities like an outdoor pool, sauna, restaurant, and garden.

H10 Montcada Boutique Hotel

Located in the El Born district, the H10 Montcada is a small boutique hotel with tasteful decor and stunning rooftop views. It is in close proximity to the Picasso Museum and the Gothic Quarter.

Hotel Catalunya Avinyo

This hotel is in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, just a few steps away from the Barcelona Cathedral. There’s a rooftop pool and a bar, and lounge area. You’ll also find a supermarket and metro station down the street.

Now, let’s move onto the best things to do in Barcelona as a solo female traveler.

Gaudi Architecture

Antoni Gaudi was a Catalan architect who created some quirky, modern buildings all around Barcelona and Catalunya. His works are a far departure from the traditional Gothic, Romanesque, and Moorish architecture you’ll find around Spain. I think visiting Gaudi’s buildings is #1 thing to do in Barcelona. Let’s go over the top sites to see.

La Sagrada Familia

3 Day Barcelona Itinerary - La Sagrada Familia Interior

La Sagrada Familia (Church of the Holy Family) is probably the most famous and impressive of all of Gaudi’s works. You just have to see the inside! The intricacy of the designs left me thinking ‘How did this man come up with this stuff?” Interestingly enough, the church was never actually finished. It is still under construction and is slated for completion in 2028. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to experience La Sagrada Familia, you need to go on a guided tour and also avoid these 5 mistakes ! Check out this Get Your Guide La Sagrada Familia guided tour with access to both the inside and the Nativity towers above. I’ve been doing Get Your Guide tours for years across Europe. Love the convenience of skipping lines and the top-notch guides!

3 day Barcelona itinerary for first time visitors - Park Guell

This quirky park looks like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. It is probably the most whimsical and colorful of Gaudi’s works in Barcelona. You’ll find a couple of gingerbread-looking houses and modern designs with giant pillars. Like La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best way to see this park is through a guided tour. The Get Your Guide Park Guell Guided Tour.

Casa Batllo

Barcelona Spain Travel - Walking Tour of Barcelona Casa Batlo

When Gaudi first built this house for the wealthy Batllo family, people were revolted by it. They thought the structure was too unusual and downright ugly. Yes, this house is odd-looking at first glance. But it’s actually quite beautiful if you spend the time to look at the details.

You may also like: 101 Super Fun Things To Do in Barcelona

Beautiful parks and views.

These are the best places to relax and/or take in the panoramic views of the city. I haven’t included any beaches because I don’t think the beaches in Barcelona are worthwhile. If you’re looking for beautiful white sand beaches, you won’t find them here. You’ll have to take a day trip to other Catalunya destinations on Costa Brava, such as Sitges.

Park de La Ciutadella

Barcelona Spain Travel - 10 Things to do in Barcelona Walking Tour

This beautiful park was partly designed by Gaudi. He built the Gaudi waterfall pictured above, known as the Cascada Monumental. Park de Ciutadella is actually the only natural environment in the entire city. It’s the perfect place to go for a stroll and sit back for a moment. This park actually has a somewhat grim history. Back in the 18th century, it was a prison!

Bunkers del Carmel

Barcelona Spain Travel - Walking Tour of Barcelona Bunkers El Carmen

This is one of the best places to get a good view of the entire city. There is a bit of a climb to get to the top of the bunker, but the views are so worth it! If you like, you can take snacks and a blanket with you so you can it and relax while admiring the view. Also, this is a great place to watch the sunset.

Tibidabo Hill

Free things to do in Barcelona - Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Temple

Tibidabo Hill is the highest point in Barcelona and possibly the best place to get a 360 view of the city. It’s also home to Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, a gorgeous church that gives La Sagrada Familia a run for its money. To get up to the church, you’ll need to walk up a mile of stairs or take an elevator. I’d choose the latter. Either way, the panoramic views are well worth the effort.

Cafes and Restaurants

Granja dulcinea.

3 Day Barcelona Itinerary - Churros Con Chocolate

Churros con chocolate are a staple breakfast item in Spain. This stuff is really good, and I definitely think you should try it at least once. Granja Dulcinea is one of the churros shops on Calle Petrixol that serve churros with a hot chocolate dip. You can also try Porras, which are bigger and fluffier than churros.

La Boqueria Market

Barcelona Guide for Solo Female Travelers - La Boqueria Mercat

At first glance, La Boqueria seems like a tourist trap. It’s located on Las Ramblas, the most touristy street in the whole city. Then you have plates costing up to 50 euros. Red flag! Surprisingly, I enjoyed browsing this market and eating seafood. Yes, it was expensive, but it was good and convenient. I think La Boqueria is worth a visit, especially if you’re a seafood lover.

Bar Marsella

Tips for your first visit to Barcelona - cava on a table

Bar Marsella has a lot of history to its name. In fact, it’s the oldest bar in Barcelona and used to be a hotspot for the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and even Antoni Gaudi. The bar’s signature drink is absinthe, and all the items on the menu are affordable. The bar has just one dollar sign on Yelp.

Travel Products I Recommend

Tep wireless pocket wifi device.

With portable WiFi, you can say goodbye to ridiculous roaming charges and SIM cards for good. I’ve been using the Tep Wireless Pocket WIFI device, called a Teppy, for a while and love the peace of mind it gives me. The Teppy provides 3G-4G WiFi for at least 6 hours and works in 100+ countries. In my experience, it lasts 9 hours. It also works in a variety of landscapes and terrains. I even filmed a Facebook Live from a boat in the Atlantic Ocean using my Teppy. I can also use Google Maps, request an Uber, call my mom, and do tons of other things I couldn’t do before. Quick tip: turn off the device when you’re not using it so that the battery can last longer. Check out my complete review of Tep Wireless . Then use code SOMTOSEEKS to get 10% off your order.

Cabin Zero 36L Backpack

The Cabin Zero 36 L Carry-On backpack is my go-to travel bag. I almost never check in luggage so I need a carry-on bag that is spacious, sturdy, and comfortable. The Cabin Zero 36 L fits the bill, and I’ve been using the same one for almost two years. It’s great for long trips and also comes with a tracker in case it gets lost. Check out my complete review of the Cabin Zero 36L backpack .

Skyscanner.com is my go-to website to search for flights. It’s hard to beat the prices! I’ve snagged a $24 direct flight to Milan, a $30 flight to Berlin, a $400 roundtrip ticket to Colombia, and a $500 roundtrip ticket to Japan. I’ve been using Skyscanner since I studied abroad in Spain back in 2012. I check the website along with the Hopper app to determine the best time to buy tickets.

For more travel product recommendations, check out my Travel Essentials Page

One more thing: if you liked this post, please share!

Barcelona Solo Female Travel Guide

Somto Ugwueze

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Hi! I'm Somto. Two years ago, I stopped making excuses, ditched my indecisive friends, and started booking flights. Today, I'm a full-time solo traveler on a mission to inspire young women to seek new adventures.

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Who Is Somto Seeks?

Hi there, I’m Somtochukwu. Can you try pronouncing that? I've always gone by Somto (Sohm-toe). I'm a child of Nigerian immigrants who decided to pursue her dream of living an extraordinary life. In 2015, I chose faith over fear, packing my bags and moving to Spain with $1,000 in my pocket. This was after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that caused me to develop a giant bald patch in the middle of my scalp. Living in Spain and traveling around Europe for a year changed my life forever, allowing me to discover the freedom of solo travel and the freedom of working from anywhere. Today, I’m a full-time travel writer whose mission is to help you navigate this big, beautiful world with confidence and have those omg-pinch-me-moments you’ll remember for a lifetime.

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Ultimate Guide for Solo Travel in Valencia Spain

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If you are here for tips on female solo travel in Valencia , you have come to the right place! I spent 3 weeks traveling alone in Spain, one week exclusively in Valencia!

In this post, I will share all the crucial information for solo female travelers in Valencia and surrounding areas of Southeastern Spain!

Get ready for an all-inclusive summary of my visit to one of my all-time favorite cities in Spain!

This post may have affiliate links. When you click on a link we receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you. See Our Affiliate Policy for more info.

Feeling Hestiant to Travel Alone to Spain?

If this is your first solo trip or first time to Spain alone you could be feeling a bit anxious. I know I did when I made my way over the Atlantic by myself.

It is totally normal to feel a little uneasy about making such a big trip solo.

I want to assure you that there are so many benefits to going solo that you might not even be thinking of. My advice is to take it one day at a time and go with the flow.

Still have questions? Contact me !

Ultimate Guide for Female Solo Travel in Valencia

Valencia, Spain is a great place to visit solo! Even for just a day trip, but I will argue you need much more than just one day here .

Valencia is one of the best places to visit solo as it is action-packed with so many things to do!

I spent an entire week in Valencia and I was able to see quite a bit of the city. Alternatively, you could come for 3 nights and see a lot of the city.

For this guide, I will include all the must-see attractions and travel tips in order of importance.

Female Solo Travel in Valencia Essentials

🚗 Best rental car company in Valencia Spain is Discover Cars !

❤︎ Save money and free entrance to museums, public transport, and discounts at shops and restaurants with the Valencia Tourist Card !

🚲 See all of historic Valencia solo on this 3-hour small group Bike Tour !

🚶‍♀️Explore Valencia by joining a small group Walking Tour !

Looking for a Solo Female Travel Community?

Are you looking to be part of a tribe of like-minded travelers ? As a solo travel expert since 2009, I share my travel hacks and tips inside my exclusive FREE Facebook Group . Join today!

What Is Valencia Known For?

solo travel spain female

I was thoroughly impressed when I visited Valencia. This coastal city is known for its stunning architecture and vibrant culture.

It’s home to the City of Arts and Sciences, a complex of architectural masterpieces designed by Santiago Calatrava that includes an opera house, a science museum, and more.

The city also boasts a variety of restaurants and bars that serve up traditional Valencian cuisine such as paella.

For art lovers, there are several museums and galleries displaying works of renowned Spanish artists like El Greco and Picasso. Valencia is also known for its festivals such as Las Fallas or the annual celebration of fire that takes place in March.

❤︎ SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL TIP TO SAVE MONEY : Get The Valencia Tourist Card

Where is Valencia Located?

solo travel spain female

Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and is located on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Nearby islands include Ibiza and my favorite for solo travel, Mallorca !

It lies on the Mediterranean Sea, about 200 kilometres (120 mi) south of Barcelona and 330 km (210 mi) north of Madrid. Valencia’s location makes it a great destination for beach-going, as well as exploring the vibrant city and its culture.

Its proximity to other major cities, such as Alicante, Madrid, and Barcelona makes it the perfect place for a day trip or weekend getaway. With its sunny climate, impressive architecture, rich history, and stunning beaches, Valencia is one of Spain’s most popular destinations for female solo travellers.

📲 Downloadable Map of Valencia

📍 Download my pre-pinned Google map of all the best locations in this post!

My favorite restaurants, bars, hotels and top sights are all saved and ready to use!

👩🏻‍💻 Need Help Planning Your Trip? Get a customized itinerary !

Are there safety concerns for female solo travelers in Valencia?

Valencia is generally a safe destination for female solo travelers . I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe.

However, as with any city, it’s important to take basic safety precautions such as being aware of your surroundings and avoiding walking alone at night.

I always do my research when booking my accommodations and make sure to stay in a central location in the historic centre.

In new places, it is also smart not to overdo it when drinking alcohol, especially on a solo trip. When dining in Valencia I would limit myself to two drinks max.

To stay safe in Valencia, it’s best to carry only the necessary items. I recommend leaving at least one of your credit cards at the hotel safe along with your passport. I always just have a picture of my passport in my phone if should ever need it.

Additionally, make sure to dress appropriately and avoid flaunting expensive items. In other words, leave the fancy handbags at home!

I much rather travel basic and not worry about any of my belonging being a target or something I have to worry about.

Pro Safety Tip: Don’t let your cell phone battery die when traveling. Always have an external battery charger with you! Google Maps will suck your battery dry fastest than you are expecting!

What is the best way to get around Valencia?

I primarily got around the historic old town of Valencia on foot. However, Valencia has an efficient public transportation system which includes buses, trams, and metro lines.

The city also has a bike-sharing system called Valenbisi with over 300 stations throughout the city. For those who prefer to explore the city on foot, walking is also a great option.

Valencia can easily be explored on foot with most of its main attractions within walking distance.

Public Transport Valencia

If you have an iPhone, I recommend you download the free EMT Valencia Transit App . This app has all the information you need to use public transportation in Valencia.

You can use the app to plan out your trip and track where the bus is at any given time.

Valencia Solo Travel Tip: Download Offline Google Maps before your trip!

What are some tips for female solo travelers in Valencia?

Travel Tips for Solo Female travel in Valencia

  • Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts when it comes to safety.
  • Dress appropriately and avoid flaunting expensive items.
  • Carry only the necessary items such as your phone, a little cash, one credit card, and a photocopy of your passport .
  • Use public transportation or opt to walk around the city instead of taking taxis alone .
  • Research restaurants and cafes before visiting to ensure that they are in safe neighborhoods for female solo travelers .
  • If possible, try to stay in a hotel or hostel in a safe area close to the city center .
  • When visiting attractions, try to go with a group and avoid going alone at night .

Solo Female Travel Safety Gear

Secondary Lock

Feel extra secure in your accommodations with this affordable secondary lock.

Portable Safe

Want to protect your valuables anywhere? This portable safe will do the trick!

Portable Wifi

Being connected makes me feel safe! Get a portable Wi-Fi device and have the internet everywhere!

Travel Insurance

I don’t care how safe the city is, things happen. I always get travel insurance anytime I travel!

Travel Apps for Women

Download 13 must-have travel apps for women

Emergency Numbers

Emergency Number in Europe : Dial 112 & Emergency Number in the United States: Dial 911

How many days do you need in Valencia?

Valencia is a charming and vibrant Spanish city that you can easily explore within 3-4 days .

Since it’s relatively small in size compared to other Spanish cities, such as Madrid or Barcelona, it won’t take up too much of your time.

On the other hand, if you want to really get to know Valencia fully and immerse yourself in the culture, you may need up to a week or more .

I found that there are so many amazing things to see and do in Valencia that it was difficult to narrow down my itinerary to less than a week.

The city is full of incredible architecture, museums, art galleries, markets, and festivals throughout the year.

Depending on your interests, you can also spend time lounging on the beach, exploring nearby towns, or going on a hiking trip into the mountains.

No matter what your preferences are, there is something for everyone in Valencia! So plan accordingly and make sure you have enough time to see all the sights without feeling rushed.

Best Time to Visit Valencia

The absolute ideal time to visit Valencia, Spain is between March and June.

Not to say it is the only time to book a solo trip, but it is the best time. I find that Valencia truly comes alive during the springtime.

It’s the perfect time to see the cherry trees bloom and enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of extreme overheating.

The temperature is mild and the days are long with plenty of sunshine. The nights may get cooler so it’s recommended to pack a light jacket or shawl for those evenings out.

Valencia is also known for festivals during this time of year including the Fallas Festival in March. The festival celebrates the arrival of spring with parades, fireworks, and beautiful art displays throughout the city.

Solo Travel Valencia Top Attractions

solo travel spain female

Join a Walking Tour of Old Town Valencia

Exploring the old town of Valencia solo is a must-do activity when visiting the city. This vibrant area is full of sights and sounds, making it a great place to wander around for hours.

Here you will find the stunning Cathedral de Valencia and its towering bell tower, as well as a variety of interesting shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore.

After a day of exploring, you can relax in the Plaça de la Reina, where you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy some tapas and drinks with friends. Be sure to take your time in old town Valencia, as there is plenty to discover in this vibrant area of the city.

When I visited I decided to join a walking tour so that I could meet new people and tour the city with a local guide. It is a good idea to book your tour at least a couple of days ahead to ensure you get a spot.

The best walking tour to join for solo females is the Valencia Old Town Tour, Wine & Tapas in an 11th-century Monument !

Visit the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Valencia

Valencia Cathedral

One of the many things to do in Valencia is visit the most beautiful historical landmarks. The Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady was quite impressive.

Also referred to as Valencia Cathedral , it is located near Plaza de la Virgen. Built-in 1238 and has been an important site for worship since then.

The Basilica contains many stunning pieces of art , including sculptures, stained glass windows, and a large organ. The interior is awe-inspiring, with its vaulted ceilings reaching more than 30 meters high and the extravagant decorations of marble statues and intricate frescoes.

The building itself is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with tall towers and an impressive bell tower at its entrance.

Shop At The Valencia Central Market

Valencia Central Market

When solo in the exciting city of Valencia, a visit to the Central Market is an absolute must! This iconic market holds over 1000 of years history, and Spanish culture and has been preserved in its current form.

Located near La Seu, it features two floors of colorful stalls overflowing with fresh produce from the region. If you have a kitchen at your accommodation it’s the perfect spot to pick up some local delicacies and have a taste of Valencia.

You can find anything from seafood, vegetables, fruits, meat, and cheeses to olives, nuts, and local beverages like horchata or even wine.

Central Market in Valencia

This market is the perfect example of Valencian culture at its best. The atmosphere is always lively with locals bargaining for their products while visitors take in the sights and sounds.

Don’t hesitate to interact with the local stall owners, as many of them are more than happy to share their knowledge about the products they offer. Not everyone will speak English as Spanish is the language of the county, but it’s worth a try.

I also found lots of souvenirs and plenty of unique items like traditional pottery, jewelry, and handcrafted items.

Check Out the Mercado de Colón

Mercado de Colón

Visiting the Mercado de Colón is a great opportunity for female solo travelers to immerse themselves in an authentic Spanish experience.

The friendly atmosphere, affordable prices, and wide range of offerings make it a great place to find souvenirs and sample some local cuisine.

Make sure to check out the Mercado de Colón’s annual food festival for a taste of what Valencia has to offer.

Visit the Modern City of Arts & Sciences

The City of Arts & Science Valencia

No Valencia travel guide is complete without a mention of The City of Arts & City Center.

Visitors to Valencia should definitely explore the City of Arts and Sciences which features impressive architecture, a 3D planetarium, an IMAX theatre, and more.

This architectural masterpiece, located on the old Turia riverbed of the Turia River, was designed by Valencian architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela. It spans an area of 350,000 m², making it one of the largest complexes of its kind in Europe.

The City of Arts and Sciences is divided into six impressive attractions, each offering a unique experience:

  • Hemisfèric ( IMAX Cinema )
  • Umbracle ( landscaped terrace garden with plants and sculptures from around the world )
  • Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe ( the science museum with interactive exhibitions and activities )
  • Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia ( performing arts center for operas, ballets, and concerts )
  • L’Oceanogràfic ( Europe’s largest oceanarium )
  • Agora ( a large rectangular open-air space for cultural events )

🎟️ Tickets for Oceanografic, the largest sea life center in Europe: Check Availability

Climb a Tower for A Great View

Views of Valencia

If you are looking for a great view of Valencia you can climb either the Miguelete Bell Tower or the Quart Towers.

Miguelete Bell Tower

The El Micalet “Miguelete Tower” is the bell tower of the Valencia Cathedral. To climb to the top you will need to pay 2 euros. It is worth the small fare for the sweeping views of the city of Valencia!

Hours of Operation: Summer from April to October, daily from 10:00 to 19:30. Winter from November to March, Monday to Friday 10:00 to 18:30, Saturdays from 10:00 to 19:00, and Sundays from 10:00 to 13:00 and 17:30 to 19:00.

Quart Towers

The Quart Towers of Valencia is a must-see for any female solo traveler visiting the city. The towers, built in the 12th century, were once part of the old city and are now two of the most visited tourist attractions in Valencia. From their imposing height, visitors can enjoy sweeping views over the city and out to sea.

The towers also have a rich history. Originally built as part of the defensive wall of Valencia, they were used to guard the city and protect it from attack. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the towers and learn more about their past.

Visitors who climb to the top can also enjoy stunning views over the old city and out to the Mediterranean Sea. The experience is unforgettable and a great way to take in all that Valencia has to offer.

Hours of Operation: Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10:00 to 19:00 and Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 14:00.

Visit Museums of Valencia

Museum of fine arts valencia.

Solo trip to Museum of Fine Arts in Valencia

The Museum of Fine Arts in Valencia is located in the historic center of the city. This museum houses some of Spain’s finest collections from artists like El Greco and Goya.

Spend a day checking out the impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, ceramics, and other artworks representing the best of Spanish art.

The building itself is also a stunning sight, with its beautiful neo-classical facade and stunning interior details. Located in Plaza del Museo, it’s easy to get to by bus or walking.

As you approach the museum, you’ll notice its lush gardens, and once inside, explore the massive collection of artworks on display.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Valencia also hosts several special exhibitions throughout the year, featuring works from international artists that are sure to delight with their beauty and creativity.

With its impressive collections, stunning architecture, and special exhibitions, this museum is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for any female solo traveler.

Hours of Operation: Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 to 20:00, closed Mondays.

Boutique Museo Lladro

This unique museum is located directly in the heart of the city, making it an ideal spot to learn about local culture and art. Here you can explore a vast collection of hand-crafted porcelain figures from Spanish artist brothers Juan, Jose, and Vicente Lladro.

The museum offers guided tours of both the main building and its exhibition rooms, where you can see over 3,000 pieces from the brothers’ extensive catalog.

You’ll also be able to purchase your own porcelain figures from the gift shop onsite. In addition, the museum provides educational programs for visitors, such as special activities for children and family-friendly workshops.

Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 9:00 to 16:00.

Ceramic Museum

Valencia is home to many museums, but one of the most interesting for any female solo traveler is El Museo Nacional de Ceramica y de las Artes Suntuarias Gonzalez Marti .

This museum houses a collection of ceramics from various periods and locations in Spain. It features works by famous Valencian potters such as Juan de Larrea, Francisco Cabezas, and Vicente Acero.

Many of the pieces in the collection are decorated with traditional Valencian motifs and colors, making this museum a must-visit for any art enthusiast or anyone interested in learning more about Valencian culture and history.

The permanent exhibition includes pieces from all over the Mediterranean, and visitors can also take part in educational workshops to learn about the techniques used to create them.

Hours of operation: 9 am-3 pm Tuesday – Saturday and admission is free for anyone under 25 or over 65.

This makes it an ideal choice for a budget-friendly day trip during your solo travels in Valencia.

Spend Solo Time At The Beautiful Beaches

solo travel spain female

My solo trip to the incredible city of Valencia included some time enjoying the sun! If relaxing on the fine golden sands of the city beach sounds fun, I would highly recommend checking out La Malvarrosa Beach!

From the historic old town, the beach is roughly a one-hour walk! That is a bit far of a walk for most, so you can consider taking public transport.

On the bus, you can reach La Malvarrosa Beach in just 20 minutes. If you don’t feel like sunbathing, enjoy the palm tree-lined promenade and boutique-lined avenues.

✈️ Are Ready to Travel Alone?: Take The Solo Travel Readiness Quiz!

Join a Bike Tour to See Valencia

If you are looking to make new friends on this tip, the best way to do it is by joining a tour ! I had a great time on this affordable bike tour that takes you around the city centre.

The tour is around 3 hours, so you don’t have to commit your whole day. Visit the most popular site’s truly fantastical collection of buildings , such as the Valencia Cathedral.

Other highlights include the Turia River and the beautiful garden, Palau de la Musica, and the gigantic playground of Gulliver. You will also make a stop at the City of Arts and Sciences.

❤︎ BIKE TOUR: Check Rates & Availability

Top Rated Spain Solo Tours To Book

  • Valencia Old Town Tour with Wine & Tapas in 11th Century Historic Monument
  • Tuk Tuk Valencia – Complete Tour (Center – Arts – Marina – Beach)
  • Discover Valencia Bike Tour

Where to Eat Solo in Valencia

Dining solo in Valencia Spain

When I first started solo traveling I used to be uncomfortable eating alone. But now, eating delicious food by myself is one of my favorite things about traveling alone.

I love the freedom of ordering whatever I want and either spending a long time or a short time dining.

Valencia Spain is also the birthplace of Paella, so it’s a must try in my opinion! It was actually the first place I have ever had Paella, and I have been dreaming of it ever since.

Overall, Spanish cuisine is my favorite, so dining alone in a city such as Valencia was a real treat.

Below are some of the best wine and tapas bars I found in Valencia!

Best Restaurants for Solo Dining in Valencia

Karak is a great place to enjoy an upscale meal on your own. This restaurant has creative European cuisine with tasting menus. I highly recommend you get a reservation if you plan to dine here.

Navarro is where I had my first-ever Paella! Sadly I do not have photos since my phone battery failed me after I got seated.

I would fly back to Valencia just to eat here again. You can get reservations by booking online, which I highly recommend.

Casa Montaña

If you are looking for great food and a traditional tapas restaurant , then you should make a stop at Casa Montaña. It is one of the oldest restaurants in Valencia.

I am a huge fan of Patatas Bravas, and Casa Montana did not disappoint!

Best Wine Bars in Valencia

solo travel spain female

On my solo trip to Valencia, I found the best wine bars! There are too many to list, but my top three favorites are listed below:

Vinostrum Bodega

I had the best time at Vinostrum Bodega , located in Plaça de Mossén Sorell. You can beat their selection of Spanish red wines and tapas.

Taberna La Sénia

If you are looking for a cozy little wine bar, Taberna La Sénia is the place for you. A charming wine bar I just happened to stumble upon by accident.

The section of wines changes often, or else I would recommend something. It is a very small place, but worth putting on your itinerary!

Bodega Albarizas

Bodega Albarizas boasts a casual and laid-back atmosphere and some of the best wines I had in Valencia!

A must-visit if you are looking for a wine bar in the city center of Valencia!

Where to Stay Solo in Valencia

I have a lot of thoughts when it comes to where to stay in Valencia and booking hotels and hostels when traveling alone as a woman.

My biggest piece of advice is to spend the money to stay somewhere comfortable and safe . If this means you have to save a little bit longer than normal, that’s ok.

People will tell you that it’s just where you are sleeping, you don’t spend much time there, so it doesn’t need to be fancy. In my solo travel experience, it needs to be a little fancy , as well as quiet and comfortable.

If your accommodations are less than great, it can impact your time at a destination.

For this reason, I am going to recommend the boutique hotels in Valencia I personally stayed at and checked out.

Pro Tip:  Even though I found Valencia to be super safe, I ALWAYS recommend getting   travel insurance  to avoid any mishaps. Lost luggage or getting sick can happen at any time.

MYR Marqués House

solo travel spain female

The rooms at the MYR Marques House are perfect for the solo traveling lady. These rooms are modern, and clean, and are in a great neighborhood in Valencia.

Located in the city center, this hotel and spa are highly rated among guests.

Check rates & availability

solo travel spain female

If you are looking for a boutique hotel with a pool in Valencia, look no further! The Caro Hotel is pure luxury, and has the most incredible mattress! Is this hotel expensive? Yeah, a little bit, but it’s so worth it!

Located a 4-minute walk from the Valencia Cathedral, it is the perfect place to stay solo.

Cosmo Hotel Boutique

solo travel spain female

In the heart of Valencia is the Cosmo Hotel Boutique ! A perfectly located hotel just 700 metres from Norte Train Station.

It is a 3-star hotel that features private rooms, a terrace, a bar, and an onsite restaurant! A great hotel for any solo female traveler!

Where to Travel Solo From Valencia?

Solo Trip to Granada from Valencia

If you are solo in Spain and are looking for smaller cities to travel to from Valencia, you should consider Granada! Granada is located in southeastern Spain, approximately 5 hours away by car .

When I visited Granada from Valencia I decided to save time and fly. There is also a train to Granada, but the journey is around 8 hours.

So the choice of how to get to Granada is up to you! Be sure to research and plan your time in Granada ahead.

Seville, Spain is also a great place for solo female travel from Valencia! If you find yourself in Seville you can do a tour to Granada easily.

If visiting Seville in the summer months, I suggest you find a hotel with a pool . Seville gets incredibly warm!

Conclusion: Spain Solo Travel Valencia

In conclusion, Valencia is an amazing destination for female solo travelers . With its vibrant culture, stunning historical attractions, and vibrant nightlife scene, there’s never a dull moment in Valencia.

I found it to be a very safe city with plenty of activities and transportation options tailored to solo women travelers .

Whether you are looking for some adventurous activities or want to just relax, Valencia is the perfect destination for your solo female travels.

I hope you enjoy this wonderful city as I did and may you come home with unforgettable memories and experiences!

FAQs Valencia Solo Travel

Yes. It is safe for solo females to take the bus or metro from Valencia Airport to the city center. The travel time should be around 25-30 minutes on both.

If you are traveling alone to Valencia with a lot of luggage, you should plan to take a taxi to the city center. The cost is around 21 euros and takes around 20 minutes.

The best time for a solo trip to visit Valencia is in the late spring to early fall. The weather will be warm and the city will be buzzing with excitement. The most popular festivals in Valencia happen in the summer months.

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Solo Valencia Travel Guide

Melissa Byron, a seasoned solo traveler since 2009, is the founder & visionary behind A Solo Woman Traveling. Drawing from her extensive personal experience globetrotting solo to over 40 countries, she has dedicated herself to a mission: crafting invaluable guides and itineraries for women who embark on solo adventures.

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Female solo travel in Spain

Female solo travel in Spain

Home » Spain » Female solo travel in Spain

Spain is a great country if you’re a woman planning to travel solo. The Spanish culture is open, friendly and generally nice. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona are great places to start your solo adventure! Here is a guide on how to better enjoy your female solo travel in Spain .

Social interactions

Spanish people are sometimes friendlier than other people from European countries . They are also more expressive and noisy (and it’s awesome). You might feel a little intimidated if that’s not your style but don’t worry, it’s normal there. Coming from Mexico, it almost felt like home to me. When you’re in social situations (say, hanging out with friends or new friends) it’s normal for people to be a bit touchy.  For example, it’s not uncommon that they touch your arm to emphasize what they’re saying or to kiss you on the cheek when they just met you . This doesn’t mean there are other intentions behind that, people are generally expressive that way.

If you’re feeling uncomfortable or under threat, even if the intentions of the others aren’t bad, don’t be afraid to say it clearly. People will understand. Don’t feel like you have to be polite. If the person isn’t leaving, talk to someone that can help you or a policeman.

Some guys think that because you’re foreign, you are more open to hooking up with them and they can be more straightforward with you because of that. Act confident and brush them off if you’re not interested, they will understand. Also, avoid revealing too much information about yourself like where you’re staying or that you’re a female solo traveler. If they keep asking those kinds of questions, that’s a red flag!

It can happen that someone approaches you out of nowhere and tries to get close to you. In this case, it may not be safe. Get out of that situation as soon as you can. Just as you would in any other place, exercise your common sense and if you’re feeling uncomfortable in any situation, try to leave.

Moving around

The easiest way of moving around is by using public transportation. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona have safe, clean and efficient metros and buses. Take advantage of those.

If necessary, you can take a taxi. Most of them won’t charge you more because you’re a tourist and it’s safe to use them. Also, avoid unlicensed taxis. Authorized drivers have their license for you to see it and the car has a certificate. You can also ask for the price you’ll be paying before getting in the car.

Hitchhiking is not safe, so prefer taking the train or the bus to move in between cities. Spain has a great train system but it can be more expensive. If you’re on a budget, get a bus. They’re also safe and sometimes they’re faster than the train! You can check the in and outs of moving between cities in this link .

Accommodation

If you’re on a budget, many hostels have female-only dorms, which is more comfortable if you’re a woman traveling solo. When you travel solo, you can sometimes feel lonely and hostels are a great way to connect with other fellow solo travelers . Check some of the best-rated hostels in Spain here .

Airbnb and booking.com are great sites to find decent, safe accommodation (don’t get deceived by dark patterns , though). Check the comments before making any reservation, especially the ones made by women. That way you can have a real idea of the place.

Female solo travel guide in Spain

Of course, you can’t miss cities like Madrid and Barcelona but there’s so much to explore in villages and other cities that you’ll feel like you barely have time! Just for starters, you can check these less explored villages in Spain that you’ll surely want to add to your itinerary. It doesn’t matter what kind of place you’re into, Spain probably has it : beaches, forests, desert… go explore!

Joining Facebook travel groups is also a great idea. That way you can connect with fellow travelers before arriving at your destination (or during). Walking tours are also good, most of the times they’re conducted by locals that can tell you a lot about the place you’re visiting. You can also meet other travelers during these tours!

Speaking about more specific activities, one thing you’ll notice about Spanish people is that they seem to always hang out in groups. That may make it easier for others to spot that you’re traveling solo. If you want to avoid feeling unsafe or uncomfortable by sitting alone at a restaurant, you can always go to markets. There, you can join the crowds, order delicious food and not be afraid of looking lonely. Also a good idea: have a sandwich on the go and explore the city while you eat some delicious Spanish food .

Guide on female solo travel in Spain

Though Spain is a multicultural and modern place, it can also be pretty conservative in some aspects. Catholicism has been part of all of its history so it must not be a surprise. 

If you’re visiting big cities, people will normally be more relaxed and open. But, if you’re visiting smaller towns and you’re wearing short shorts you might get some unwanted attention. Keep that in mind depending on the places you’re traveling to. Sometimes the worst thing that can happen is getting catcalled, but if you don’t like it, just avoid revealing clothing.

Safety tips

Though Spain is generally safe, there are things you can always do to feel safer:

  • Travel lightly, as it’s easier to take care of your things that way, especially if you’re using public transportation
  • Pickpockets are common, so keep an eye on your things at all times
  • Always have an offline map available in your phone so you know where you are at all times. Looking lost can bring unwanted attention to you
  • Always keep your drinks on your sight and avoid accepting drinks from strangers
  • Don’t travel with all of your credit cards in case you get robbed
  • Try not to have your phone out all the time, you may get robbed
  • Every city has rough areas, be sure to know where you’re going and if it’s safe. It’s always a good idea to consult with local experts that can guide you with that kind of information
Always remember, the world is not as dangerous as we always believe, you just have to be cautious and exercise your common sense.

Emergency numbers in Spain

  • Support for women: 24-hour helpline 900 580
  • All emergencies in Spain: 112 (no area code needed or Spanish SIM card)
  • Ambulance and health emergencies: 061 or 112
  • Local police: 092
  • Tourist helpline and emergency number: 902, 102, 112 (in English, French, German and Italian)

Spain is a great country! Don’t be afraid to visit it if you’re a woman traveling solo , you’ll have a great time. Just be alert to your surroundings and everything will be fine.

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Home / Blog / Destination / Spain / Barcelona / Spain for Everyone: The Solo Traveler's Guide to Spain

Spain for Everyone: The Solo Traveler’s Guide to Spain

You don’t need a travel companion to make the most of visiting a new place!

Solo travel may seem intimidating at first, but many who have put themselves out there to try it agree that it can be incredibly rewarding. You have the responsibility of figuring things out for yourself, but you also have more opportunities to meet new people and step out of your comfort zone. This guide to solo travel in Spain will show you some of our favorite activities for independent travelers, no matter where in the country you find yourself!

A blonde solo traveller is standing close to the Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona

What's Included

People-watch in Barcelona’s Parc de la Ciutadella

Barcelona’s many beautiful parks make for a great place to take a stroll and relax. On Sundays, we especially love hanging out in Parc de la Ciutadella . This vast and expansive green space is where locals and visitors alike congregate to spend a sunny afternoon. As a result, it’s particularly great for people-watching!

Just find a grassy spot in the shade to hang out and observe the rhythms of local life. You’ll see talented musicians, groups coming together to do yoga, little kids blowing bubbles and so much more! This one park contains so many facets of local life in Barcelona that it’s a must-visit spot for solo travel in Spain.

People standing next to the cascada monumental in

Blend in with the crowd at a local event or market

It seems like there’s always something going on in Spain! That makes it easy for solo travelers to join the crowd and make new friends. Plus, there’s something that will suit just about everyone’s tastes and interests!

If you’re in Seville, head to the huge art market that takes place every Sunday in Plaza del Museo. Take some time to simply wander around and look at the beautiful artwork. Strike up a conversation with a fellow art lover, or even with one of the vendors themselves if they’re not busy. You may even walk away with a new friend and a gorgeous piece of art for your home!

In Madrid and Barcelona , locals are particularly passionate about soccer. The two top teams in the country call those cities home! Head to Bernabéu Stadium or Camp Nou respectively to experience the passionate thrill of tens of thousands of fans cheering on their team.

For foodies, Valencia is a must when it comes to solo travel in Spain! The city is home to the mammoth Mercado Central ( Plaça de la Ciutat de Bruges, s/n ), the largest fresh food market in Europe. You could easily spend all day here wandering through the stalls and tasting fresh, local products.

The busy Central Market of Valencia

Sign up for a class and learn something new

While embarking on solo travel in Spain, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to broaden your horizons. Each major city and even many of the small towns offer plenty of classes (oftentimes in English) where you’ll be able to pick up a new skill and discover a talent you never knew you had!

In Madrid, join instructor Nicole for a relaxing yoga session in English (classes take place outside in spring and summer). Outdoor lovers who are visiting Granada should head to the sparkling Costa Tropical just 40 minutes outside of the city to try a scuba diving class ! Up north, catch some waves at San Sebastian’s iconic Zurriola Beach by signing up for a local surfing class . And if you really want to step out of your comfort zone, you can’t miss the opportunity to take a flamenco class in Seville !

Woman plating food at a cooking class while a group looks on.

Take in a spectacular show

If solo travel in Spain still seems intimidating, a great way to ease yourself into it is by going to a show. Everyone is sitting quietly in the dark, so you won’t need to worry about starting up a conversation with anyone! An obvious choice for this would be a flamenco performance, which are best seen in Seville or Madrid . Movie buffs should also include Malaga’s Cines Albéniz  ( Calle Alcazabilla, 4 ) on their itinerary. This fabulous theater shows all films in VOSE (meaning audio will be in the original language with Spanish subtitles), so there’s always something in English for visitors to watch.

Flamenco dancer performing in a red dress, with two guitar players and two singers seated behind her.

Get pampered at the spa

Treat yourself! Solo travel in Spain can be exhilarating, but it can also wear you out. No matter where you find yourself, seek out a spa at some point in your trip to treat yourself to a well-deserved pampering session.

As a tribute to Spain’s Moorish heritage, you’ll find Arabic baths in many major cities, including Madrid ( Calle de Atocha, 14 ), Seville ( Calle Aire, 15 ) and Malaga ( Plaza de los Mártires Ciriaco y Paula, 5 ). Here, ancient relaxation rituals come alive in a magical setting that will transport you to Spain’s iconic Moorish period.

If you’re up north, you can’t miss indulging in a spa day at La Perla in San Sebastian (Paseo de La Concha, s/n ). As one of the most luxurious spas in the country, this state-of-the-art facility prides itself on offering only the best of the best spa treatments.

Escape to a hidden beach in Barcelona

Most visitors to the Catalan capital will stick with La Barceloneta. This popular beach is a lot of fun, but can get quite crowded and touristy. Instead, we recommend getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city and taking the train to a lesser-known beach! These beaches are also a great option for solo travelers because it’s safer to leave your things unattended while you swim. Here are a few that are easily accessible from Barcelona.

  • Ocata   in the town of El Masnou features a long, wide beach and plenty of bars. Commuter trains can get you there from the city in less than 40 minutes.
  • Castelldefels   has gained popularity in recent years, making it a great place to meet new people. However, it retains an authentic feel and is still a far cry from the touristy beaches of Barcelona. Plus, it’s less than an hour away from the city!
  • Bogatell Beach   was created for the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. It’s still within Barcelona city limits, but much quieter and laid back than Barceloneta.

Birdseye view of Bogatell Beach half sand half sea

Try a social eating experience

One of the most intimidating parts of solo travel in Spain comes when it’s time to eat. Many first-time solo travelers are taken aback by the thought of sitting in a bar or restaurant by themselves. Luckily, social eating platforms such as Eatwith exist specifically for travelers who find themselves in these situations.

From cooking classes to rooftop dinner parties and so much more, you’ll be able to experience a meal with a local and maybe even end the day with a new friend. Another great option is to join a food tour and step inside the bars and restaurants locals have loved for generations. Again, you’ll meet great new people and eat the most authentic food at the places locals know best!

Group of people seated around a table toasting with small glasses of red wine.

Meet new friends who share the same interests

These days, it’s easier than ever for solo travelers to find locals and fellow tourists alike who have things in common with them. Platforms such as Meetup were created to bring together those who share common interests and provide fun activities. These events tend to attract both locals and expats in an international community, so you have the potential to meet friends from all over the world! If you’re staying at a hostel, ask at the reception about any events they may organize as well and take advantage of the unique setting to meet new people.

4 glasses on the table of red wine at a wine tasting.

Start a travel journal (and stick to it!)

Solo travel in Spain can be an incredibly personal experience. Keep track of your journey and reflect on your travels by starting a journal. Find a peaceful park, like Retiro in Madrid, or a buzzing cafe where you can sit and write. Note observations that have surprised you, memorable events or sights you’ve seen, and just how you’re feeling in general about the whole experience. You may be surprised what you can learn about yourself simply by putting pen to paper.

Get lost in a good book

After all, reading can be considered a journey as well! Whether you want to read about Spain itself or get lost in a completely different world, sometimes solo travel calls for kicking back and relaxing with a good book. Most major cities will have bookstores that offer reading material in English. A few of our favorites are Desperate Literature in Madrid (Calle de Campomanes, 13)  and  Hibernian Books in Barcelona ( Carrer del Montseny, 17 ).

With so much to gain from traveling solo in Spain, the only question left to ask is “Where to next?”.

Update notice: This blog post was updated on July 25, 2023.

If Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla or San Sebastian make their way onto your itinerary, be sure to include one of Devour award-winning tours. Come for the food and maybe leave with a friend or two! Find out more here .

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Is Spain Worth Visiting for Solo Female Travelers?

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Based on 24 experiences

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Things to do, budget-friendly, solo travel experience.

I traveled solo and was great .Food was delicious and accommodation was good and safe. I traveled by train and plane.The weather was sunny.I visited many places and I could spent a lot time oustside..

solo travel spain female

Hong Kong S.A.R.

Itinerary Hong Kong -> Gran Garania -> Sevilla -> Granada -> Valencia -> Cuenca -> Madrid -> Dubai -> Hong Kong I felt safe in Spain because I could speak Spanish People are nice I lived in the hostel, so I met many new friends all over the world.

I hiked the Camino Frances route across Spain this summer. It was a 550 miles trail from the French border to the Atlantic Ocean. I absolutely loved it! Every few miles there was an Albergue(cheap hostel) and centuries old village. You can embark the trail alone but never feel alone. If you are ever looking for a walk that is focused on self-reflection and spirituality set to a scenic Spanish country-side backdrop, this is for you.

solo travel spain female

Hey Girls, I did my first solo travel trip in Spain in October! The country was really beautiful and I felt safe at all times! The weather, the people, the architecture and the food was also great! I was first in Malaga and then in Sevilla, Valencia, Barcelona and Madrid! Every City was a blessing♥️🌏 I can highly recommend this country for solo travel, you will never be alone ♥️

solo travel spain female

I traveled through Spain and visited Madrid, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Toledo, Cadiz, Valencia and Barcelona. I would say that Barcelona was one of my favorite places, because I really enjoyed the opportunity to explore all of Gaudi's works. Seville was also amazing, I especially liked the Plaza de España there.

For many years I travelled alone in Spain - in big cities and small towns, in villages, making solitary hikes and using public transport, I never encountered danger or even an unpleasant situation. Sometimes people approach, but never aggressively, they respect "no". Of course, I always follow common sense rules - I do not wander at night in suspicious places, I do not enter strange alleys etc.

I travelled alone for the first time to Spain (Malaga, Granada and Madrid). I don't speak Spanish, but I noticed that most people speak English. Having Google Translate with offline translation to Spanish was nice, but I rarely felt it was even necessary. As for safety, I felt that Spain is very safe. I never felt in danger during my travels. Trains and buses in Spain are really cool. In Madrid, I stayed near the Plaza Mayor and felt that the location was perfect. I decided to stay in a hostel because I believe they are more sociable for solo travellers.

I made my first solo trip last October to Spain. I visited Madrid, Barcelona, and Majorca. Almost everyone spoke English and I felt very safe the whole time for 10 days. I was walking around Madrid alone at 1 in the morning, eating ice cream and frankly, I felt safer doing it alone than I would ever feel in downtown Chicago, where I live, which really says something. I traveled by planes, trains, and taxis/Uber. It was a wonderful experience.

I flew from Berlin to Madrid in search of the cheapest flight, which cost 250 euros, even though it had one layover. I arrived in Palma de Mallorca and had an 8-hour layover, which allowed me to visit the Cathedral in Palma de Mallorca. Then I arrived in Madrid and visited various places, such as Cibeles Square, Crystal Palace, Puerta de Alcalá, Retiro Park and Toledo Bridge. Using the OMIO app, I took a bus from Madrid to Barcelona at night, and the cost of travel there and back cost me 62 euros. I could sleep on the bus and saved two nights of accommodation. In Barcelona, I visited icons such as La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, Park Güell, and the Barcelona Cathedral, among many others. Upon returning to Madrid, I finished sightseeing by visiting the Royal Palace in Madrid, Plaza Mayor, Debod Temple, Cibeles Square and other places. One day, I went to Toledo, which is beautiful, and I took the bus from Plaza Elíptica for the journey there and back, which only cost 10 euros. For accommodation, I used Airbnb, finding places in Madrid for 22 euros per night and in Barcelona for 28 euros. These were simple accommodations with the basics and centrally located. To get around both cities, I used a 10-trip card, which cost about 10 to 11 euros. It was a great option, and I downloaded maps to plan my trips, creating circuits with nearby places to see as much as possible.

I made my first solo trip to Andalusia, in Spain. I stayed there for 10 days: 3 days in Seville, 1 day in Cordoba, 3 days in Granada and 3 days in Malaga. I felt safe all the time and there was always something interesting to do, so I never felt lonely or bored.

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Solo travel seville spain: everything you need to know.

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Gorgeous and sunny Seville is a city that most people immediately think of when planning a trip to Spain. Seville is the largest city in the southern region of Andalusia, so unsurprisingly, travelers will discover plenty of things to see and do on their visit. 

Furthermore, in a lot of ways, Seville is where you ought to visit if you want to enjoy a quintessential Spanish experience with Flamenco dancers and hot weather (I believe Seville is the hottest city in Europe). I know I truly felt like I was  in  Spain in Seville rather than just an international city that could be anywhere. 

Seville belongs on everyone’s European travel bucket lists.

But what about solo travel in particular? Is it easy to travel to Seville alone? Would I recommend Seville to new solo travelers? Or is Seville better for a friends trip? 

solo travel in seville is a delight, just even taking pictures in the streets

I want to tell you not to fear! Seville is a little different from solo travel in Madrid and solo travel in Barcelona , to be sure, but at the same time, I think if you are familiar with Spanish and pace yourself in the heat, then you’ll be more than fine adding Seville to your Spain itinerary. 

Personally, I felt safe and happy (and full) in Seville. Actually, I don’t think I felt on edge a single time, with the exception of one staggering drunk man, which, to be fair, happens in every big city.

So, before diving into my advice for travelers, I want to share my experience with you to help you build lots and lots of confidence. 

Table of Contents

My Experience in Seville

I adore Seville. Adore, adore, adore. Every time I go to Spain I’m blown away. (I actually love solo travel in Andalusia period.).

To tell you the truth, I have been wanting to visit Seville ever since I watched the Rick Steves special on Easter Celebrations in Europe. And Seville didn’t disappoint in the slightest. 

As a traveler, I felt that Seville was a very accessible and beautiful city with a rich history, incredible food scene (ugh, I couldn’t get enough of the pork), and friendly people. Even though I spent only 2 days in Seville , I felt like I truly had a chance to experience this magical city.

Even though Seville was crowded for Easter Sunday, I never felt very overwhelmed, although admittedly I missed all the festivities from Palm Sunday onwards. 

solo travel seville spain tip: don't miss plaza espana

On my trip, I spent two days in Seville, including an extra day for a trip to nearby Jerez, and even though I could’ve easily spent a week (I actually just spent 7 days in Southern Spain ), I felt like two days was perfect for a “taste” of the city. 

Lastly, I thought Seville had excellent tourism infrastructure. Spain, in general, is used to tourists flocking to its cities, and I am always impressed by the variety of hotels and tour options in any given city, including Seville. 

Without a doubt, I want to go back to this magical Andalusian gem and soon.

walk the stairs in seville

Should You Travel Alone to Seville?

Yes, definitely!  In my opinion, Seville is one of the best cities for solo travel in Spain . I absolutely loved it as a base for exploring the rest of Andalusia. However, experiences for new and savvy solo travelers will be quite different in Seville.

exploring seville's colorful streets

New Solo Travelers

I always treat new solo travelers with care, especially if this is their first big international trip. However, I would recommend Seville to new solo travelers who understand some Spanish and have an appreciation for Spain’s history and culture.

Now, you won’t get ruined if you don’t speak Spanish, but I honestly thought English was more widely spoken in Madrid and Barcelona than in the Andalusia, including Seville. I would recommend starting with one of those two cities, getting your feet wet, and then venturing onwards to Seville.

Additionally, new solo travelers – especially the young and “young at heart” – might benefit from staying in one of Seville’s many hostels. Hostels provide chances to connect with other people, so you have some level of “support” while visiting Spain alone. 

solo travel in seville is always a good idea

Experienced Solo Travelers

Seville is also perfect for experienced solo travelers. As someone who’s been to Europe many times, I would have no hesitation recommending Seville to people who’ve visited many times alone.

However, I could also see savvy travelers feeling unimpressed with some of the tourist crowds, so I suggest building in some time to see the smaller cities in Andalusia in addition to Seville. Like I mentioned earlier, I had to time to go to nearby Jerez, which was a lot quieter and more laid back than bustling Seville. 

Seville has many great neighborhoods and quieter “pockets,” especially as you explore beyond the Seville Cathedral and Alhambra area, so I suggest grabbing your guidebook and moving beyond the “beaten path” to eliminate typical tourist annoyances, such as pushy vendors and overpriced tapas.

enjoy some quiet time in the alcazar garden with solo travel in seville

Travel Tips for Solo Travel in Seville

Obviously, I wanted to include some solo travel tips for Seville. A lot of these tips are practical for most other cities in Spain, and are meant to get your travel research off on the “right foot”.

For additional help, you’re always welcome to book a 1:1 travel coaching call with me where I can provide even more support for you. Feel free to reach out to me!

always have some money for street performers

Always Have Spare Euro Coins

Euro coins are valuable, which is especially important for US travelers to know. Unlike in the United States, you don’t want to just ignore your coins in Europe, especially not in Seville. Why not? Well. Seville is home to very talented street performers, including Flamenco dancers. 

Seriously, if you visit The Plaza de España at the right time, you will encounter incredibly talented Flamenco dancers. I could’ve watched this brilliant performers for hours on end.

It’s good manners to have spare coins to pay the performers for their hard work, especially if you film them.

solo travel seville tip: watch the heat

Don’t Underestimate the Heat

Heat in Seville (and all of Andalusia) is no joke.  I’m not kidding. If you live in a colder climate, Seville’s dry heat will be a shock to your system, especially in the summer months. As for me, I visited Seville in April, and temperatures still reached 32 C/90 F in the city center. Which is … warm.

But April has nothing on July and August. In summer, Seville experiences consecutive days over 100 F. To complicate matters, heat in Seville is very dry, so you won’t always realize that you’re experiencing heat exhaustion until much later because you don’t sweat at all. You need to be careful. 

My main bit of advice is to always stay hydrated. Bring a reusable water bottle with you, and keep it filled. 

you can climb the tower of the seville cathedral

As solo travelers, we want to see and do it all. It’s easy to push yourself in Seville. However, your health is important, and when you’re alone, you need to exercise additional precautions, so you don’t fall ill. 

If you’re brave enough to travel in summer, please, please, please stay indoors and rest during the hottest hours of the day. Everything is open later at night for a reason. It’s simply too hot to be outdoors in the middle of the afternoon.

However, if you must venture out, then lather up with sunscreen and wear a large floppy hat to protect yourself. Again, no one else will. 

exploring jerez's backroads in spain

Go on Day Trips

Seville is in a great location for day trips in Andalusia. The city is centrally located, and as the biggest city in the region, connections to other places are plentiful.

So I definitely recommend taking at least one day trip if you’re staying here for 3 days or longer. Andalusia is rich with options that are all accessible for a solo traveler. 

Just make sure to book your train and bus tickets in advance. Otherwise, tickets could sell out or rise in prices, which was a lesson that I learned the hard way.

cordoba's patios are stunning

In addition, as a solo traveler, don’t hesitate to opt for guided day trips if you feel more comfortable with a qualified guide.

For example, the Alhambra Palace in Granada is one of the most beautiful and famous sites in all of Spain, but tickets book out months in advance. By taking an Alhambra Palace Day Trip from Seville , you’re experiencing a true wonder for less stress than planning a visit yourself. You won’t have to worry about missing the last train or paying a premium for tickets. 

And getting lost? Not likely with a guide taking care of you!

Furthermore, Andalusia is home to some gorgeous white villages that aren’t always accessible by public transportation. Opting for a day trip saves you the stress of renting a car. 

close-up of art at plaza de espana in seville

Learn Some Spanish

Spanish is important. In Spain, English isn’t as widely spoken as neighboring countries, such as Portugal. You really ought to brush up on your Spanish skills. You don’t need to be fluent, especially in a big city like Seville, but knowing a couple phrases helps a lot. 

Trust me, locals appreciate your efforts to at least try to speak Spanish, especially in a place like Seville that sees so many tourists, not all of them considerate. 

You can use a Spanish phrasebook for your solo trip to Seville or a phone app, such as Duolingo, to practice your language skills. 

solo travel seville tip: enjoy the easter processions

Research Important Holidays

Holidays are major affairs in Andalusia. Research and prepare for holidays ahead of time to avoid disappointment on your visit to Seville.

For instance, I went to Seville at the end of Holy Week. Holy Week in Seville is at its most extravagant and popular in all of Spain. Travelers flock to Seville from all over the globe.

Without question, the Easter Sunday Processions were absolutely breathtaking, and I will remember the ornate floats being carried down the narrow streets for the rest of my life. I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. 

Keep in mind, though, that holidays mean higher prices and more people traveling. Hotels cost more, the streets are packed, and train tickets sell out. Go in with the mentality that things will be more expensive and budget accordingly. You don’t want any nasty surprises. 

the ceiling of the alcazar is amazing

Reserve Tickets in Advance

Book. Tickets. Ahead. Of. Time. I seriously cannot stress this enough.

In particular, reserving tickets in advance for Royal Alcázars of Seville and Seville Cathedral is a smart idea. These are two of Seville’s most popular attractions, and tickets will even sell out for days at a time.

Do you lose a little bit of flexibility by booking ahead? Yes. But honestly, as a solo traveler, your time is valuable and it is much better to have your tickets ready to go rather than stand for hours in the baking heat waiting in line to buy them. 

gorgeous cordoba in spain

As a solo traveler, you’re also able to purchase tickets as part of a guided tour. The tours allow you to skip the line, as well as connect with other travelers and learn some history too. 

For example, if you’re limited on time, this highly rated guided tour combines both the Alcazar and Cathedral , allowing you to enjoy an overview of those sites without the additional hassle. 

All in all, planning in advance and buying tickets is a smart idea to maximize your time in Seville as a solo traveler. 

Salmorejo is absolutely delicious

Eat Allll the Tapas – Even Alone!

I think solo dining is always the biggest concern for independent travelers. I know I feel super awkward requesting a table for one, and then feeling like everyone in the world is judging me (even though they’re not).

Fortunately, the tapas scene in Seville makes dining out a pretty easy tasks. Find a cosy neighborhood bar and order a drink or two, followed by some small plates also known as tapas.

You might also strike up some great conversations with other travelers and locals. Some of my most meaningful travel conversations have happened at the bar. 

falling in love with this alter in seville

Watch Your Belongings

Like anywhere else in Seville, keep a close eye on your personal belongings and store copies of all your important documents. I personally felt very safe in Seville, but as a solo traveler, you’re the only person who’s looking out for  you. 

First and foremost, you will want to purchase travel insurance for your trip to Seville. Travel insurance covers delays and interruptions, as well as injury and sickness overseas. You seriously don’t want to get stuck without. I personally recommend World Nomads for an affordable and comprehensive policy. 

gorgeous seville colors at plaza de espana

If you want to take even more precautions, then you can upgrade your travel gear for additional protection in Seville. For example, Pacsafe makes excellent day backpacks with theft protection. They also make crossbody bags for women if you’re looking for something a bit “lighter” to explore Seville with. 

Ultimately, my advice for solo travel in Seville is to be mindful and prepared, but not paranoid. Follow usual “street smarts,” and you should have absolutely no problems.

solo travel seville exploring

Excellent Accommodation for Solo Travel in Seville

Not sure where to stay for your solo trip to Seville? I listed a couple ideas here to start the research process! 

  • Black Swan Hostel Sevilla:   This gorgeous and bustling hostel is located in a perfect area for solo travelers. Only an eight minute walk from Seville Cathedral! You’ll be in the middle of all the action. See prices on Booking.com | Expedia.com  
  • Hotel Ateneo Sevilla:   Do you want to splurge on your solo trip to Seville? This stunning boutique hotel is set inside a Renaissance palace. Perfection. See prices on Booking.com | Expedia.com  
  • Hotel Boutique Casa de Colon: This hotel is set inside a really beautiful 19th century row home. Like all boutique hotels, the atmosphere creates a magical stay. See prices on Booking.com | Expedia.com  
  • La Banda Roofstop Hostel: This hostel is for outgoing travelers who want to socialize on their trip to Seville. You won’t feel alone here. See prices on Booking.com | Expedia.com  

exploring the alcazar in seville

I hope you all had a wonderful time reading about solo travel in Seville! As always, feel free to reach out to me if you want to learn more about solo travel in Europe, including Spain! 

Rachel Elizabeth

At 22, I took my first overseas trip to Bermuda. Took a break to follow the "American Dream." Had my self-esteem broken. Embarked on my first solo trip to Scotland at 26. The travel bug dug its way under my skin. I now book multiple trips a year.

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(Clockwise from top left) Deborah Ives diving in Thailand and at the Taj Mahal, Agra, northern India; Kay Johnson on Heissa Island, Aswan, Egypt; Joanna Moorhead in Venice; Kay Johnson in Petra, Jordan; Alison Henri and Monet’s Waterlilies at l’Orangerie, Paris

Long lunches, casual friendships, no one to worry about: solo holidays are brilliant for older women like me

I’ve been travelling alone for 15 years – and loving it. Now that others are catching up, here’s how to make the most of all that me time

I t’s a midweek morning and I’ve just woken up in a hotel room in Madrid on the first day of a minibreak. The day stretches deliciously ahead: shall I go first to the Prado, or the Reina Sofía museum? Shall I have brunch and a late-afternoon main meal, or tapas here and there? The Gran Via is just up the street; I fancy a wander around the shops, but I’ll probably leave that till later in the day.

The fact is, I can do exactly what I want, when I want, because I’m holidaying alone. Like an increasing number of older women in the UK and across the world (I’m 61), I’ve discovered the huge benefits solo travel has to offer. It helps me to recharge my batteries, it’s empowering and it doesn’t have to be horribly expensive (I generally travel off-season and midweek). It takes me out of my comfort zone in just the right way, allowing me to have the experiences, the food and the fun that I want.

Like many women who travel alone, I have a partner, but his life is a lot less flexible than mine and he doesn’t always want the kinds of breaks I do. Phocuswright, a US market research firm, reports that there was a 46% increase last year in people over 55 travelling without their significant other – and most were women. In the UK, the Association of Travel Agents says solo travel is up from 6% of trips in 2011 to 16% in 2023.

Deborah Ives, who works in international marketing, is not surprised. Fourteen years ago, shortly before her 50th birthday, Ives split from her partner and decided to go on her own to Borneo, a trip they had booked together. “I’d loved planning it and thought: sod this, I’m not going to let it stop me going,” she says. “I remember feeling absolutely petrified as I was about to board my flight at Heathrow. But I had the most amazing time. It gave me a real sense of adventure and freedom. I remember days when I thought: no one knows where I am right now. It felt exhilarating.”

Kay Johnson watching the sunset on Mount Sinai after an overnight hike in 2020.

Back home, telling her friends about the trip, she sensed some were keen to try solo travel, but had worries and wanted advice. In response, she set up a Facebook group called Solo in Style. “For a long time, it was me, my sister and a few friends and we’d post something occasionally,” she says. She half expected the group to fold during the pandemic, but they kept it going with virtual journeys. Then, as the world started to reopen, the group’s membership shot up. “We’ve now got 485,000 members, with about 15,000 joining a month,” she says. “About 60% are from North America; most of the rest are from the UK, Australia and New Zealand. There are women in their 50s into their 80s in the group.”

One is Kay Johnson, 58, a nutritionist, who has enjoyed solo travel since she hitchhiked around the UK in her teens. When we speak, she is enjoying the sunshine in a park in Málaga. She got back into solo travel after her dog died in 2020. “I was devastated – it was the end of November and I thought: I need a break,” she says. “I booked to go to Egypt and, from the moment I got off the plane, I found this incredible energy. There’s a kind of excitement you lose as an adult that I’ve regained – I go somewhere and think to myself: I’m on my own and this is a big adventure.”

Alison Henri, 57, lives in Surrey and works in IT. She finds travelling alone easier than with friends. “Go in a group and you’ll always be waiting around for someone, or people can’t decide on what they all want to do. It’s much easier to go alone – I can spend as much time as I want in a museum.”

For me, as for others who do it, solo travel is partly about balance. I have four (now adult) children and a lot of my life revolves around them and their partners: it’s hectic and sometimes a bit chaotic. There are times in Spain or Italy when I’m in a restaurant and I look across and see a parent, or parents, juggling two, three or four young children, waiting for that moment of calm when they can eat their pasta or have their glass of wine. Twenty years ago, that was me; the fact that I can now sit and sip my Campari spritz unencumbered by anyone else feels like a reimbursement. It’s a freedom I didn’t imagine I would ever taste again, which makes it all the more precious.

Deborah Ives in Copacabana, Brazil, in 2016.

Netta Weinstein, a professor of psychology and clinical language sciences at the University of Reading, is researching the benefits of solitude, which she believes have been occluded by understandable worries about the dangers of loneliness . In a recent study, she found that there is a big difference between solitude that is imposed and solitude that is chosen. “Having space gives us time to connect with ourselves, and connecting with ourselves benefits our wellbeing,” she says. “But it’s an area we know very little about – most psychological research has looked at how we relate to others.”

The more she examined it, the more Weinstein discovered the rich benefits of time spent alone by choice. “There are patterns in time alone that researchers are only beginning to tap into,” she says. One of the main points seems to be the sense of autonomy that solitude can bring – and solo travel gives plenty of scope for that. “What we found was that, on any given day when people felt autonomous and competent in solitude, they feel better on that day.”

For aficionados like me, Ives, Johnson and Henri, it’s clear that the good aspects of solo travel outweigh the difficulties, but for many who have yet to try it, doubts simmer. One of the things I’m most often asked is how I cope with eating alone. “That can be difficult,” says Ives. “Then you look around the restaurant and see couples who aren’t talking to one another – what’s the difference? And there are good ways of coping: I’d choose a long, lazy lunch over dinner on my own – lunch is definitely easier.”

I concur, although I prefer lunches on holiday anyway, whether alone or with others, because it feels so decadent to linger over a midday meal and that is what holidays are all about. I’m also picky about where I sit. I wouldn’t, for example, take a table on my own in the middle of a crowded restaurant, especially if the other diners were all in couples or groups. I tend to go for a table at the edge of the room; if there isn’t one I like the look of, I move on. When I want a real treat, I go to a restaurant with live music: I’ve had some of my best solo evenings in jazz bars. In Madrid, I headed for a restaurant with live flamenco – it was magical.

Joanna Moorhead in Lisbon, in 2022.

For me, eating alone hasn’t been much of an issue in the 15 or so years I’ve been travelling solo, which I put down to my grandmother, who I now realise was my No 1 role model. Widowed in her 50s, Granny sold the family home and was fortunate enough to make enough money that she could move into a hotel. She lived there, and in other hotels, for the next two decades. I spent a lot of my childhood and adolescence with her; it was the 70s and she was stunning in her geometric outfits, high boots and ponchos. The idea that there was anything sad, second best or strange about being like her had no traction in my world: she was the coolest person in the restaurant every time, self‑contained and happy to be in her own space.

A question Ives says often comes up on her Facebook posts is: which places are easiest for solo travel? “Language probably comes into it. I think a lot of people start with a solo holiday in the UK and move on to a trip abroad,” she says. “Sri Lanka is one of my all-time favourite places and Portugal is big now.”

But the No 1 destination, she says, is the country I think I visit alone more than any other: Italy. Florence is probably the easiest city I’ve spent time in alone: it’s made for wandering and people-watching from cafes. Plus, in the busy art galleries, the Uffizi and the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, being alone is a distinct advantage – there is no one to get separated from amid the crowds.

Alison Henri on the Costa del Sol, Spain, in 2022.

Italian cities are also easy places to strike up a conversation with the people at the next table, who are often British or American, so language isn’t a barrier. I’ve had lovely evenings with people I only met because they were sitting nearby. Never worry about initiating a chat, because it’s always clear whether others want to talk or not. And, of course, starting out alone doesn’t mean you will end up alone: like my daughter, who is now backpacking around South America, I meet people all the time on my travels. Sometimes, my husband joins me for a few days if he can get the time off.

So, what has changed to make solo travel so attractive to women? For many of us, including Henri, it grew from a realisation that we enjoyed travelling alone for work. “I work in IT and was doing a lot of business travel – Paris and US cities – and that gave me a real flavour for it,” she says. “I started tacking holidays on to the beginning and end of work trips and I loved that time.” That is my story, too. Journalism took me to cities in Europe and other parts of the world; I added a few days to explore and realised I enjoyed these holidays as much as any others.

It’s also, I think and hope, about older women now having more autonomy and financial independence than our mothers did. If we have a partner who can’t or won’t come along, we’ll just do it anyway. “I meet far more older women than older men going it alone when I’m on my travels,” says Johnson. Ives agrees: “These days, older women tend to have a bigger disposable income than they had in the past and I think the growth in solo travel is partly because of lockdown. Now that we can do it again, we’re thinking: if not now, when?”

Tips for solo journeys

If you don’t want to arrive at an airport without being met, book a taxi, so that someone is waiting with your name when you get off the plane.

In restaurants, befriend the waiting staff. It’s fun to have someone to chat to, plus they will make sure you are not ignored and give you advice on what to try from the menu.

Accommodation can be expensive if you are alone in a double room, so look for single rooms, which even in more expensive hotels can be good value. Or try a hostel – many have single rooms.

In Italy, especially, try staying in a convent – I’ve stayed in lots in Rome, Florence and Venice. They tend to be central and have plenty of single rooms. If they have a curfew, it’s usually not before 11pm.

Smaller, family-run hotels can be easier than anonymous, corporate places – you are more likely to make friendly connections with the owners and staff.

Have a project, so your trip has a focus: it could be some art you want to see, an ancestor’s grave you want to find, or a trip to a vineyard to try wine you have always enjoyed.

Keep a diary – make voice notes if you don’t like writing – so you can remember what you did and how you felt once you are home.

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Several tour companies cater to female travelers, offering all-women trips and tailored itineraries everywhere from India to Iceland.

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In recent years, more women have sought solo adventures than ever before: In 2019, an estimated 32 million American women traveled alone, according to the U.S. Travel Association , and Google searches for “solo female travel” increased by an astounding 131 percent over the year prior. More recently, Kayak reported that solo ventures were up by 36 percent in 2023, and Condor Ferries found that 84 percent of solo-travel bookings were made by women from 2020 to 2021. While today a greater number of women are taking solo trips —thanks in large part to shifting societal expectations regarding gender roles, as well as increased financial freedom—there’s no question that women face unique risks when traveling alone . Here are some of the best destinations for women traveling solo and tips for how to go safely.

The best destinations for solo female travelers

It can be hard to distill an entire country’s level of safety into a single chart, let alone compare the entire world. But when you’re setting out on a solo adventure, it’s important to pull as much data together as possible. Luckily, the annual Women Peace and Security Index reveals global trends of women’s equality based on three “basic dimensions”: inclusion (economic, social, political); justice (formal laws and discriminatory norms); and security (how it protects against violence at familial, community, and societal levels).

The annual ranking, produced by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security in partnership with the Peace Research Institute of Oslo, uses reputable data sourced from national statistical offices, U.N. organizations, and international surveys such as Gallup. With this information, the report ranks countries based on how their governments and populations treat women—those who live in the country and those who travel to it. In short, the report offers an intensive look into countries, tackling the mini questions that fall into the umbrella query “Is it safe to go there?”

The top countries for women’s equality

The Women Peace and Security Index was published in early February, ranking 167 countries based on women’s equality. According to the report’s findings, Denmark was the top-ranking country, with particularly high ratings in financial inclusion and women’s perception of community safety. Switzerland followed closely in second, with similar findings for women’s perception of community safety and economic opportunity.

Singapore ranked the highest for women’s perception of community safety, but despite landing in the top spot for the safest country for women, didn’t rank on the overall list of destinations that exhibit women’s equality—potentially due to its low ranking for legal discrimination against women (such as laws or regulations that limit women’s ability to participate in society and the economy).

Here are the top 10 countries for women’s equality, according to the 2023 Women Peace and Security Index:

  • Switzerland
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand

The best cities for solo female travelers

Tourlane, a trip-planning and -booking service, released its list of the top cities for female solo travelers to visit in 2020 , inspired by some of the findings from the 2019–20 Women Peace and Security Index. The ranking, which includes 50 international cities, was curated by Tourlane’s female travel experts based on eight categories: female representation in local business, gender equality in society, legal equality, and safety, as well as the price of female-friendly accommodation, a taxi ride, a data plan, and the local mobile internet speed. On Tourlane’s list, Ljubljana, Slovenia, came in first place. The capital city scored 9.73 out of 10 points in the justice category, referring to the destination’s “low number of laws that limit or differentiate women from men.” It also received high women’s equality and safety rankings. Singapore landed in second place, but the city-state in Southeast Asia received the highest safety score of any destination on the list (a perfect 10 out of 10), making Singapore a clear choice for women who are interested in traveling solo but haven’t yet done so due to safety concerns. Here are Tourlane’s 10 best cities for solo female travelers:

  • Ljubljana, Slovenia
  • Vilnius, Lithuania
  • Tallinn, Estonia
  • Sydney, Australia
  • Vienna, Austria
  • Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Stockholm, Sweden
  • Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Barcelona, Spain

Tips for women traveling solo

 Woman wearing backpack in desert faces range of mountains in distance, with cloudy sky

Solo travel teaches you to rely on your instincts and gives you the opportunity to wholly pursue your own interests.

Photo by Joshua Resnick/Shutterstock

Book with a female-only tour company

Here’s a fun fact: According to a 2022/2023 study completed by Solo Traveler (a publication covering, as the name suggests, all things solo travel), 9 out of 10 solo travelers prefer to take tours all or some of the time. Solo women travelers make up one of the fastest-growing demographics in the travel market , and as such, an increasing number of tour companies are catering to female travelers with all-women trips and tailored itineraries. Women-owned and women-operated companies like AdventureWomen specialize in everything from mother-daughter treks in Costa Rica to all-female safaris in Botswana; others, such as Wild Women Expeditions, offer women-only outdoor expeditions—canoeing, cycling, hiking, and surfing trips—everywhere from the Galápagos to Mongolia.

Geographic Expeditions is introducing its first women-only itinerary on September 1, 2024, focused on Namibia, Africa. The country leads Africa in gender-equality efforts, according to the World Economic Forum, even surpassing some European countries and the United States. This particular journey will bring women together to experience a visit to the women-founded AfriCat Foundation (and a leopard safari across the savanna), a scenic flight over the Skeleton Coast, black rhino tracking with a female ranger from the Save the Rhino Trust , and more.

On another side of the world, Stellavision offers itineraries for self-identifying women focusing on size inclusivity. Founder Zoe Stella Shapiro teams with body-positive advocates—the first itinerary partner was Los Angeles–based creative Christina Winkelmann —to create robust experiences like private boating excursions, exclusive tastings with female vintners, and tours of ancient cave systems. Of course, non–gender-specific companies are also building new itineraries to appeal to female travelers. Intrepid Travel offers a series of Women’s Expeditions in Morocco, Kenya, and India, among other destinations. REI Adventures leads similar women-only adventures, among them multiday treks along the Pacific Crest Trail in California or through medieval villages in Tuscany’s countryside.

Some tours are even designed to explore gender equality. As part of its Tracing Norway’s Super Women , luxury travel curator Up Norway brings travelers on a 10-day journey around the country, including Varanger (to learn about 17th-century witch trials) and the remote island of Fedje (to learn about women’s empowerment in whiskey today). Accommodations, too, focus on spotlighting women and include a stay at Camilla’s House, which is named after Norwegian writer Camilla Collett, who was once a former tenant—and is widely considered Norway’s first feminist.

Don’t overlook adventure travel opportunities

Adventure travel is on the rise among women-identifying travelers, according to the Washington Post , especially those over the age of 40. While movies, TV shows, and even Instagram give adventure travel a male-centric haze, more women are embarking on trips to far-flung places than ever before. A report titled “ The Influence & Impact of Women in Adventure Travel ” from the Adventure Travel Trade Association shares that women comprise 57 percent of people booking through global travel companies—and when the travel company is women-led, the percentage jumps to 64. (Additionally, 54 percent of the global tourism workforce identifies as women.) Plenty of tour operators offer adventurous journeys from women: Sisters Traveling Solo , which has already sold out its 2024 tours; Wild Women Expeditions , an operator with tours in 27 countries; and Adventure Women , founded in 1982.

Look to social media

If you’d rather travel on your own without the help of a tour operator, you can still turn to online resources such as the Solo Female Traveler Network for planning assistance. The Facebook group has more than 535,000 followers (and several “sister groups” that focus on topics like LGBTQ travel and adventure “over 40” ) who share their top tips about travel experiences, both the good and the bad. To join the private Facebook group, you must fill out a questionnaire to verify you’ve read the rules—this ensures that the online community remains a safe space for female travelers to converse.

Besides the Solo Female Traveler Network, many private Facebook groups for female travelers seeking specific advice have cropped up on social media in recent years, among them Vegan Women Who Travel , Over 60 Women Travel Buddy Search Group , Wandering Moms , Women+ of Color Who Travel , and Latinas Who Travel .

The power of women in travel

In March 2021, AFAR’s Katherine LaGrave reported on women’s roles in the travel industry—and together, the statistics are staggering: “Today, 56 percent of leisure travelers are women, and over the past five years, they have steadily held this majority stake. Women make close to 85 percent of all travel decisions: where to go, when to fly, where to stay, what to see,” LaGrave writes. “Of affluent travelers with annual incomes upwards of $250,000, women also account for 54 percent, according to MMGY Global, an advertising agency specializing in travel, tourism, and hospitality. In total, women represent 60 percent of the wealth in the United States, and they notch 58 percent of all online sales. Importantly, women also live longer than men and outnumber them in a crucial travel bracket—retirees—making them an investment that yields greater, and longer, returns.” Still, that is not often reflected.

“Many women believe solo travel isn’t for them because of what they look like, or who they love, because most of the faces we see in travel media are that of older, white men,” says Beth Santos, founder and CEO of Wanderful , a membership-based women’s travel community that has grown to 45,000 members since Santos founded the group in 2008; Santos is also the author of the March 2023 book Wander Woman.

“Women [often don’t feel] ‘enough’: that their travels aren’t magical enough, or ambitious enough, or perfect enough, because of the picture-perfect photos that we see on social media,” Santos says of her work to build a community of women travelers. “I realized there is an important opportunity to talk realistically with women about the messages we’re being served about traveling alone, and to give women the tools to digest and analyze them more meaningfully.”

Why solo female travel is significant

In a January 2019 Vox article that explores the modern surge in solo female travel, writer Aditi Shrikant points out that because women have historically been portrayed as “fixtures of the home,” most early solo female travel wasn’t recorded or advertised. However, women have traveled on their own throughout history—in fact, the world’s earliest travel writings were produced by a woman named Egeria in 381 C.E. (The letters she wrote on her pilgrimage to Mount Sinai are regarded as the first existing travel memoir.) “Even in modern travel writings, there is that sense a woman needs a reason to travel,” Shrikant writes. “ Wild author Cheryl Strayed hiked the 1,100-mile Pacific Crest Trail only after a slew of debilitating life changes. Liz Gilbert’s famous quest in Eat, Pray, Love was prompted by her difficult divorce. These stories are inspiring but also uphold the status quo that women need a good, big reason to leave.”

Solo travel teaches you to rely on your instincts and gives you the opportunity to wholly pursue your interests. (You’d be surprised how much time you spend discussing what to do next when traveling with others .) Venturing into the world on your own will also push you beyond your comfort zone. That’s an experience every woman not only deserves to have but also is capable of having—which, in our humble opinion, is a “big enough” reason to leave.

This article originally appeared online in 2020; it was most recently updated on March 8, 2024, to include current information.

Malibu Creek State Park

A record on the high seas: Cole Brauer becomes first US woman to sail solo around the world

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On Thursday, Cole Brauer made history, becoming the first American woman to sail solo nonstop around the world. The 29-year-old from Long Island, New York, celebrated at the finish line in Spain by drinking champagne from her trophy.

Friends, peers and sailing enthusiasts had been cheering Brauer on since last October, when she embarked on her more than four-month journey.

Race organizer Marco Nannini told USA TODAY he started the Global Solo Challenge to "create a platform for sailors like Cole to showcase her skills and move on to a pro sailor career."

While at sea Brauer kept her more than 400,000 Instagram followers updated − and entertained − with videos from onboard First Light. The trip was extremely challenging and physically exhausting, Brauer said in one video from December.

In the post, she describes how frustrated she felt when she had to fix and replace different parts of the boat.

"I don't want you guys to think I'm like Superwoman or something," Brauer said. "Right now I've been feeling just broken," she added, describing how she had to fix the boat's autopilot system after injuring her torso against the side of the boat's hull amid intense waves.

Who is Cole Brauer?

Brauer is from Long Island and competed for the University of Hawaii sailing team. She went to high school in East Hampton, New York, her university team website says. She was the youngest of more than a dozen sailors, or skippers, in the Global Solo Challenge.

The professional sailor lives in Boothbay, Maine, and during the spring and summer, she can be also found in Newport, Rhode Island, gearing up for races, the Newport Daily News reported last year .

Brauer has sailed on First Light, a 40-foot yacht, for over five years, the outlet reported.

"I always said I wanted to race around the world in this boat," she told the newspaper.

From above and below First Light's deck, Brauer shared aspects of her journey with followers and die-hard sailing fans.

On New Year's Eve, she donned a dress and danced at midnight , and in another post, she showed off how many pull-ups she can do.

As the only woman racing solo, nonstop around the world in the first Global Solo Challenge, Brauer said she was determined to prove there's nothing women and girls cannot accomplish.

"I push so much harder when someone's like, 'No, you can't do that,'" Brauer told NBC Nightly News . "And I'm like, 'OK, watch me.'"

Brauer is the first American woman to sail solo around the world. But Kay Cottee of Australia was the first woman in the world to accomplish the milestone, sailing off from Sydney Harbor in Australia in November 1987 and returning 189 days later.

On her profile page on the Global Solo Challenge website, Brauer said she wanted to send a message to the sailing community that it's time to leave its male-dominated culture in the past. In the profile, Brauer took aim at a lack of equal pay and what she describes as harassment in the sailing industry.

"Just as well as this community has built me up it has broken me and my fellow female teammates down. I am doing this race for them," Brauer said.

Brauer and her spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

How long was Cole Brauer at sea?

Brauer was sailing for over four months after departing on Oct. 29.

She finished second in the race, behind a sailor who departed about a month before she did.

The start times differed because that first place boat, Phillipe Delamare's Mowgli, is much slower, Nannini said, explaining the race's staggered start times.

"The format means that if you enter on a slow, small boat you can still win, which makes it much more inclusive than an event where a bigger budget is a definite advantage," he said.

France's Delamare will win first-place prize money of 7,500 euros (about $8,140), Brauer will win 5,000 euros (about $5,430) and the third place finisher will win 2,500 euros (about $2,710), Nannini said.

How dangerous was Cole Brauer's sailing race?

A medical team including a nurse and a physician trained Brauer and sent her on her journey with medicines and medical supplies, in case of any health issues, according to her Instagram account.

Early in the race, Brauer administered her own IV with a saline solution after she became dehydrated, according to one video posted to her social media.

Brauer's most serious health scare happened in early December when she said gnarly ocean conditions caused the boat to jolt, throwing her across the inside of the boat and slamming her hard against a wall.

Her ribs were badly bruised as a result, and her medical team told her to alternate between taking Advil and Tylenol, Brauer said on Instagram.

"Rigging up a sleeping seat belt has been added to my priority list," she said in the post's caption. "I know I'm very lucky that this wasn't a lot worse."

What is the Global Solo Challenge?

The inaugural Global Solo Challenge is a nonstop sailing race in which competitors departed last year from A Coruña, Spain.

The race encompasses nearly 30,000 miles and takes place mostly in the southern hemisphere.

After leaving waters off the coast of Spain, sailors travel south and around Africa's Cape of Good Hope. The race then includes the two other capes that together make up the famous three great capes: Australia's Cape Leeuwin and South America's Cape Horn.

About half of the other competitors dropped out of the race, according to racing data posted online by the Global Solo Challenge.

Delamare finished the race late last month after embarking on his journey in late September 2023, according to race data.

Contributing: Associated Press

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Girl about the Globe

Making solo travel easier.

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Solo Travel in Malaga

Types of Girls about the Globe – Beach GatG, Party GatG, Cultural GatG

Malaga is one of the most popular cities in Spain (especially with Brits and Europeans. During my 6 week trip from France to Portugal, Malaga was one of my first stops on the Mediterranean coast. Below is my guide to how to travel solo in Malaga. I've included lots of practical information such as where to stay, which tour company to use and how to get around. Find out how to get from the airport and what to do in the evenings.

All companies included have been recommended by solo female travellers and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. Just choose the relevant section or read the full article.

Safety Tips For Malaga

About malaga.

  • Top Must-Sees For Solos

Sightseeing

Activities for all solos, malaga tours, things to do in malaga at night.

  • Where To Meet Others

Accommodation in Malaga

  • Where To Eat
  • Where To Drink

Getting Around Malaga

Malaga has a relaxed vibe about it. The streets are clean and it feels safe throughout the city. It is still a city though so beware of pickpockets and people selling flowers who demand money from you for the ‘present’ they give.

The people are open, warm and easy going, and are happy to converse with you in Spanish. If you get lost they help with directions and even the taxi drivers are helpful. If you hike to the Gibralfaro, there is a steep climb which can be a bit slippery so take care.

Did you know?

Malaga is one of the oldest cities in the world. It was founded in 770 BC by the Phoenicians.

Stay for – 3 nights

Malaga is a port city within the Andalusia region is located on the famous Costa del Sol. With 2800 years of history, Malaga is one of the oldest cities in the world. It has an important port and is also the birthplace of painter Pablo Picasso, arguably Spain’s most famous painter and sculptor.

African and Moorish architecture have an important influence here and it’s easy to become absorbed in the ancient history of the city. Romans, Arabs and Catholics have all had their rule here but the oldest historical remains are the walls of a Phoenician settlement, visible in the Picasso museum. Admire the Moorish castle of Gibralfaro, and the Roman amphitheatre at its foot before exploring the Alcazaba – an 11th century palace which overlooks the city. This fortress is one of the best-preserved in Spain.

Malaga is a city which promotes art at every corner, especially in the urban art scape of Soho. Street art decorates many a building and the city has outstanding museums that shouldn’t be missed. The most elegant street in Malaga is Called Larios which was built at the end of the 19th century. Even the street is lined with marble. And then there is Picasso, and the Casa Natal Picasso (his birthplace). This official heritage site is in the historic centre and contains his well-known paintings.

It’s easy to see where Picasso got his inspiration from in this rich, cultural city. History is everywhere you look in the city and historical buildings are a stone’s throw from one another. Small, intimate streets beckon you to explore them, whilst tapas bars entice you to dine in them. Being a port city, it has a beautiful harbour promenade which is lined with atmospheric restaurants and cafes.

Although it is a large city, and part of the Costa del Sol which is known for being touristy, it never has that overcrowded feel, even on the beach, of which there are plenty to choose from (La Malagueta is one of the closest). With history, culture, and more than 320 days of sun each year, there really isn’t any reason not to pay a visit to Malaga, no matter what age you are.

Top Must-sees for solos

Below we have included the top 5 must-sees for solos. There are more attractions to see in Malaga including the museums beaches and but if you're short for time these five are must-sees. Click on the link below to see all of the sights in Malaga.

* Check prices, dates and availability for all Malaga day tours 

1. Alcazaba

This has to be Malaga’s most impressive monument. Built in around 756AD this fortress palace which overlooks the sea was created as a defence against pirates. It was rebuilt in the 11th century by the Sultan of Granada. As a palace to Moorish rulers, inside its three remaining walls, you’ll find three palaces and more than 100 towers. Entrance is approx €2.20 or you can buy a joint ticket with the Gibralfaro. There is free entry Sundays after 2pm. (TIME 3-4 hours)

* Check prices, dates and availability: Alcazaba

2. Castillo de Gibralfaro

Built in the 14th century, this Moorish castle was used by the Phoenicians and Romans before being made into a fortress in 1340. The castle is divided into two parts and has an Interpretation Centre where you can learn about the history through its former inhabitants. You can also see the old Phoenician baths and well as well as the watchtower. The castle is open from 9am to 6pm and until 9pm in the summer months. Entrance is approx €2.20. Take a 2 hour E-bike tour from Gibralfaro to Balnerario and visit the best of Malaga (TIME: 2-3 hours) 

* Check prices, dates and availability: Gibralfaro to Balnerario

3. Roman Amphitheatre

Built in the 1st century AD, this Roman amphitheatre is the oldest monument in the city. Located at the foot of the Alcazaba, it is one of the only Roman ruins in the Andalusia region and is separated in 3 parts with the orchestra, the stage and the public seats. There is a visitors centre which teaches you about the history. Admission is free. (TIME: 1-2 hours)

* Find out more information: Roman Amphitheatre

Tip – All these 3 sites are so close to each other so you could easily spend a whole day in this area.

4. Catedral de Malaga

The Malaga cathedral known as Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, is a national landmark in the city. Built between 1528 and 1782 it is one of the best examples of religious Spanish art and has influence of both baroque and Renaissance styles. Inside are 40 finely carved statues of saints. The gardens and courtyard with orange trees are nice to visit too. Entrance costs €5 for the cathedral and museum. (TIME 1-2 hours)

* Check price, dates and availability: 2 Hour Historical Centre & Cathedral Tour

Escape the crowds

At Parque de Malaga amongst the palm trees, fountains and Renaissance sculptures. You are guaranteed to find a green space to yourself within this 33-hectare park which is free to wander around.

Lose yourself

Walking down Calle Larios through the countless streets which lead to Picasso Square.

Get a great view

Along the walkable walls at Castillo Gibralfaro where you can watch the sunset. If you prefer to be inside for a great view, the 15th floor terrace of the AC Hotel Malaga Palacio has great views and great food to match.

Interact with the locals

Playa de Pedregalejo, once a fishing village, this beach area is now full of bars and restaurants. Locals and tourist flock here during the day and night.

Places to enjoy the sun

On any of the beaches! Malaga has numerous beaches to relax on and although they aren’t up to Caribbean standards they do have sand. Playa del Campo de Golf is a long sandy beach where you can spend your afternoon watching kite surfers. If you prefer to sunbathe without a bikini, there is also a nudist beach at Playa de Guadalmar as well as a bird watching zone (not to get confused). The water can be a bit cold so swim if you dare.

  • Even if you don't buy anything the Ataranzas Market is worth a visit to see its architecture. Inside the large stained-glass window and arches are the usual produce you’ll find at a Spanish market including cured meats, cheese and of course fresh tapas. The market is open daily from 8am-2pm and is closed on Sundays.
  • Baños del Carmen has a flea market every Sunday where you can buy cute handmade goods such as jewellery and other handicrafts.
  • On the first Saturday of every month there is an art and crafts market in Soho which also sells second-hand clothes.

Active GatG

  • Malaga has a long promenade so just don your trainers and walk or run along it.
  • In the province of Malaga is the Caminito del Rey, a picturesque walkway which is perfect for hiking. Translated to “The King’s Little Pathway” in English this steep, hazardous path winds through cliffs and isn’t for the faint hearted. Hike past the Los Gaitanes gorge and Hoyo valley either as a self- guided hike or join a private tour which picks you up from your accommodation.

Adrenalin GatG

  • If you’ve never tried your hand at kitesurfing, the Costa del Sol is an ideal opportunity to try this adrenalin sport. The best place to kite surf here is at Los Monteros. Learn how to do this watersport with a 3 hour guided class.
  • If throwing yourself of a cliff in the name of bungee jumping sounds appealing, get your adrenalin flowing at Puerto de la Torre.

Arty & Museum GatG

Malaga has some great art galleries and museums. It feels as though there is a museum around nearly every corner. Here are our favourites:

Picasso Museum – Malaga’s must-see museum, not just because Picasso was actually born in this city but because it offers a rare insight into his past. In his former Renaissance home, you can see Roman, Phoenician, and Moorish artefacts amongst his artwork. It may be a small museum but it has one of the best collections of his work. Take the free audio guide to learn more. You may find yourself waiting in line to get in so get here early if you can.

Museo Carmen Thyssen Malaga

This art museum is based on the collection of Carmen Cervera, wife of Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza. The paintings are mainly from Spanish artists from Andalusia from the 19th century. You can see the styles as they change throughout the ages. This place is well worth the entrance fee and is easy to find your way around.

Museo del Vidrio y Cristal

This glass museum is such a hidden gem. The enthusiastic owner guides you through the history of glass from the Phoenicians until today. It is such a special experience and one that will warm your heart.

There are so many more such as the Museum Jorge Rando – a beautiful space with interesting artwork dedicated to the painter, Jorge Rando; the Centre Pompidou – a colourful cube building which displays modern art; or the Classic Car Museum which if you love cars is worth a visit.

Budget GatG

Find out how to salsa for free at The Sound which holds free salsa lessons nearly every night.

Cultural GatG

El Palo is a quaint fishermen village with colourful fisherman houses near the beach. Although the fishing culture appears to be fading, and you may not spot fishing boats bringing in their catch at dawn, you can still enjoy a sardine skewer cooked on a barbecue (made from an old fishing boat) on the beach.

History GatG

Malaga is incredibly rich in history as it was first a Roman town that has been then ruled by the Arab Reign and that then has become a Catholic annex for the 15th-century kings. Start by the Roman Theatre that dates back from the 1st century BC and has been used until the 3rd century AD. The theatre has been gradually dismantled throughout the centuries, during the Arab Reign and after for construction material. As a result, it lay underground until it was discovered in 1951 when the town was planning the construction of a House of Culture. Needless to say, the House of Culture was rapidly destroyed to leave room for the archeology.

There is such a mix of history in Malaga, with Arabian, Roman and Spanish influences. Malaga itself feels as though it is an open-air museum. Just walk around the old town for historic arts and architecture. Spend time at the castle, fortress and amphitheatre.

Nature GatG

Escape in some nature and enjoy some quiet from the city in the Parque de Malaga. The park has more than 100 years of history and has an open-air theatre and fountains amongst its tropical plants. Find it at the Paseo del Parque.

El Torcal is a very unique place and is only one hour’s drive from Malaga. The eroded rock formations are a great place to hike around within an ancient landscape. You can even rock climb them too.

Shopping GatG

You’ll find boutique shops here as well as international brands. For fashion shops head to Calle Larios with plenty of fashion, shoe and boutique shops plus cocktail bars to reward yourself with afterwards. Find traditional espadrilles, sombreros and other Spanish goodies at Calle Especeria.

There are several vintage shops in the city so explore the historic backstreets for unique shops or outside of the city to the Factory Outlet Malaga for some bargains. Most of the shops are open from morning until 9pm at night but local ones close for siesta between 2-5pm so check the opening hours.

Wellness GatG

Treat yourself to an Arabian bath at Hamman Al Andalus , With thermal pools, a steam room and a jacuzzi you can enjoy an 1.5 hour spa session and upgrade to a massage to make the experience even more special.

Wildlife GatG

Along the beach you’ll find Malaga’s birdwatching zone, an urban area for bird lovers. The Guadalhorce river has more than 200 species of bird and is the perfect place to see flamingos, kingfishers, eagles and ospreys.

  • At Antigua Casa de Guardia, one of the oldest taverns in Malaga which remains virtually unchanged since the early 19th century. It’s an atmospheric sherry bar where you can still see wooden barrels and your tab is written in chalk. They serve wines and vermouth at reasonable prices too. Find at Alameda Principal 18.
  • Almacen del Indiano – If you want to try Spanish ham and olive oil, this little place is more of a shop than a bar but you can get to try excellent Spanish wine and sample local cuisine at the same time. Find at Calle Cisneros 7.
  • Converse with others on a wine and tapas tour and enjoy the best of the traditional wines in Malaga with others. The tour starts in the oldest winery in the city and lasts for 2 hours.

Have a tourist moment

Having tapas at the Gibralfaro Castle or whizzing through the city on a  segway tour.

Don’t have much time?

If you don’t have time to visit the museums, just walk around the old city and admire the street art. Malaga is a piece of artwork in itself.

Where to wear your heels

On the terrace of Hotel Room Mate Larios, this minimalistic terrace bar oozes chic. You don’t have to be a guest at the hotel to access the terrace which you can reach by lift from Calle Larios. It’s not cheap as you pay for the view of the cathedral which looks beautiful lit up at night but it’s definitely swanky.

While the weather is warmer in Malaga, do check the temperatures before you pack all your summer clothes. For example, the warmest temperatures in January and February tend to be around 15 to 18 degrees Celsius.

Solo travel in Malaga

Day Tours – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities and day tours in worldwide destinations including Malaga. Choose from a guided tour to Caminito del Rey, a visit to Museo Picasso including an audioguide, or a tour of the Roman Theatre and Alcazaba. There are several to choose from and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online.

* Check all tours and prices here

If you’re worried about getting lost whilst navigating yourself around the city, join a Malaga Bike Tour and pedal your way through Malaga within a group instead. During the 3.5 hour ride you’ll learn about the culture and famous landmarks before the option of stopping for a drink in a local beach bar.

Take a free walking tour where you tip at the end depending on how informative you found the tour. A walking tour lasts 2.5 hours and your guide will point out places that you may have not thought of going to.

Being Spain, it seems only fitting to watch a flamenco show. This tour takes you to the historical centre of the city to watch an original flamenco show and enjoy a drink at the same time.

Longer Tours in Spain

G Adventures – Malaga is easy to travel to alone but if you are planning on seeing more of Spain and looking for some company to do it with, sustainable companies such a s G Adventures offer tours from a 4 day La Tomatina Festival to a 15 day Classic Spain tour. I have personally used G Adventures and recommend them for solos.

Most tours have an average of 10 people and there is no upper age limit. Once you book your trip you pay extra for any excursions you want to do when you’re there.

* Click here for the full itineraries, prices, and start dates

Intrepid Travel   is similar to G Adventures with an average of 12 people on each tour. Over 50% of people who book their trips are solo travellers. They tend to use hotels instead of hostels and have a more comfortable style of accommodation hence the trips can appear a bit more than G Adventures. Their tours range from an 8 day North Spain Discovery to a 24 day Spain, Portugal and Morocco tour. With both tour companies you share a room with someone of the same gender or you can pay extra for your own room.

Solo travel in Malaga

In The Evenings

Malaga come to life at night especially within the plazas and all the side streets venturing of them. If you wander the centre of the city as the sun falls you’ll find street music and bands playing within the centre. Or go shopping as most of the bars are open until 9pm.

Learn how to salsa at The Sound Bar in the centre of the city. They host free sessions nearly every night.

If you feel more comfortable walking with others in the evening, take a Malaga at dusk walking tour which takes you around the most emblematic monuments. Afterwards you can enjoy a drink on a terrace with views of the city.

The Microteatro is a gastro and cocktail bar with a difference. They offer a creative concept of theatre and show 15 minute plays. Even if you don't enjoy Spanish it’s something interesting to do in the evening. Find at Calle San Juan Letran 12.

Malaga has a university and the bars and clubs around El Palo and Pedregalejo are always a hive of student activity.

Discover the nightlife of Malaga in a group by joining a pubcrawl with others. Visit 3 bars and get entry into the best club in town on a Night Tour.

The main club scene is around Plaza de Uncibay and Plaza de la Merced.

Where to Meet Others

Where to meet others

Malaga has lots of meet up groups from language exchanges to workouts and meditation sessions. Just join the platform (which is free) and see which events are happening during your stay.

Local’s tip – “Visit the white town of Mijas Pueblo. It’s beautiful!”

Solo’s tip – “Playas del Palo is quite far from the city centre but it has a nice fine sandy beach and the restaurants are cheaper.”

You'll find hostels, hotels and Airbnb in Malaga. If you are looking for a good area to stay in Calle Larios is a good choice. This beautiful promenade is located in the centre with everything reachable by foot. If you decide to stay with a local you can save $20 off your first Airbnb stay when you book through this link.

For those of us budget Girls about the Globe we have listed below the solo female-friendly hostels as recommended by our community. For all other accommodation click the link below. 

* To book, check prices or availability for all accommodation in Malaga

Solo Travel in Malaga

If you are looking for somewhere cheap to stay in Malaga, this bed and breakfast has 4 and 6 bed dormitories as well as single or double rooms (you could even treat yourself to the suite with hot tub if you’re feeling flush). You can rent a bike and explore the area or just catch the bus from the nearby bus stop. Prices include a continental breakfast.

  • Prices from €15 per night for a bed in a 6-bed mixed dormitory room
  • To book, check prices or availability for Barbatuke

Solo Travel in Malaga

Picnic Dreams Boutique Hostel

Boutique and chic, this hostel is about 15 minutes from the beach. Although they have a 10 bed dorm, if you are looking for somewhere sociable to stay in your own room, the hostel offers double or twin rooms which have air- conditioning and soundproofing (so you can get a good night’s sleep). Recently renovated, all facilities are brand new giving it that clean, modern touch. The location is central and the hostel can arrange any tour you need during your stay. 

  • Prices start from €30 for a bed in the 10-bed mixed dorm
  • To book, check prices or availability for Picnic Dreams Boutique Hotel

Solo Travel in Malaga

Alcazaba Premium Hostel

Is this really a hostel? Located just a few minutes walk from the beach is this premium property in Malaga. Called Alcazaba Hostel because it is literally only 2 minutes away from Malaga’s most important landmark. The location is unbeatable and the staff are super friendly. There is a very cool rooftop bar so you can mingle with the other guests. It is in the party area so expect a bit of noise. The hostel has a range of dormitories from 6 to 10 bed, including a 8- bed female only dorm. Breakfast is optional. 

  • Prices start from €36 for the 8- bed female dorm
  • To book, check prices or availability for Alcazaba Premium Hostel

Solo Travel in Malaga

Where to Eat 

Typical food and drink

There are many restaurants in Malaga whatever your budget. Find restaurants serving Mediterranean food, beach restaurants with open grills, and more tapas bars than you will have time to entertain. Just follow the crowds of locals to any restaurant. You may even be lucky enough to be serenaded by an accordion player as you dine.

Malaga is known for its fried fish (“pescaito frito”) such as boquerones (anchovies) and calamari but barbecued sardines are also a dish synonymous with this area. Try the ensalada Malagueña, their typical dish made from cold potato salad with cod, green olives, onion and oranges (it sounds strange but it’s a great twist). Don’t forget to try the Malaga sweet wine too.

Make the most of the Merienda time in Malaga, the hours between 5 and 7 PM, where any excuse for a sunny snack is welcome: Coffee, typical Spanish churros, and yummy cakes. Enjoy a glass of sweet Malaga wine with the locals, in La Casa del Guardia, the oldest tavern in town. 

Restaurants

$ – Da Saveria. If you need a change from Spanish cuisine, pop into this Italian restaurant instead. With chequered tablecloths and pictures of all things Italian on the walls you’ll feel at home in this family-run restaurant. You have to go off the beaten path to find it but the pizzas are definitely worth the hunt. Find at Calle Ancha del Carmen n 30.

$$ – Garum . This Mediterranean restaurant is in a lovely location overlooking the ocean. It is a great place for people watching so you won’t feel that awkwardness when dining alone. You can sit outside in the summer months too. Choose expertly cooked dishes such as grilled octopus, prawns or tuna plus tapas dishes. Find at Calle Alcazabilla, 1.

Restaurants for typical cuisine

$ – Terral Gastrobar . This small and intimate gastrobar offers tapas dishes such as iberian pork as well as Mediterranean and other European dishes. The black pudding is definitely recommended but see if you can reserve a table in advance just in case it’s busy. Find at Calle Moreno monroy 6.

$ – Gloria Hoyos . With an interesting selection of tapas, the food here is full of flavour. The hosts are really welcoming and the place has a chilled vibe. They have really nice burgers and cater for vegetarians too. If you stay into the night you may even be there for the DJ. Find at Calle Carreteria 89.

$$ – La Barra de Zapata. Close to the cathedral, they offer a bit of a twist on tapas dishes. Try the pimientos de patron, or the beef carpaccio (which are to die for), or opt for a Russian salad instead. With both the food and service standards being high it’s definitely worth a visit. It’s a favourite with the locals too. Find at Calle Salinas 10.

Vegetarian Restaurants

$ – Vegetarian El Calafate. This vegetarian-friendly restaurant even has it in the title. Serving gazpacho, tapas and plenty of vegetables, you won’t have to wait long to get served here. The portion sizes here are large but if you’re unsure of what to order then opt for the set evening meal which will cost you less than €13. Find at Calle Andres Perez 6.

$$ – El Gastronauta . Small with a relaxing atmosphere, this restaurant is located steps away from one of the busiest areas in one of the side street. The food is delicious and the service very welcoming. Try the vegetarian tacos, eggplant with cheese or go Spanish with patatas bravas. They are known for their paella but cater for vegetarians too. Find at Calle Echegaray No 3.

Enjoy a Coffee and a Cake

Recycle Bike Cafe – Near to Atarazanas Market is this funky cafe with bicycles hanging from the wall. If you don’t drink coffee they have tasty smoothies as well as energy breakfasts. With good WiFi you can plan the rest of your trip from a friendly, quirky atmosphere. Find at Plaza Enrique Garcia Herrera 16.

Casa Aranda – Enjoy a traditional hot chocolate and churros at this cafe complete with an outside terrace. Located on a street full of packed churro places, this is definitely one of the best. Find at Calle Herreria del Rey 1.

Dulces Dreams – This cafe is in a lobby boutique hostel so it’s an ideal place to meet others in nice decor. Take advantage of sitting outside whilst tucking into a brownie cheesecake or fresh fruit and yoghurt. The service is super friendly too. Find at Plaza Martires 6.

Street Food

Head to Mercado Central Atarazanas before 2pm on a weekday for the tapas bar which serves the freshest shrimp skewers at a reasonable price.

Solo Travel in Malaga

Where to Drink

La Tranca – This bar has a great atmosphere and buzz. It’s one of the most friendly bars in the city and a great place to order a vermouth and enjoy some tapas. Find at Calle Carreteria 93.

The Shakespeare – If you are missing England, this brew pub is a taste of England in Spain. They have a good range of beers and spirits and you’ll feel instantly relaxed as you walk through its doors. You can always choose a seat at the bar to chat to the bar staff for some entertainment if there is no live music playing. Find at Calle Muro de Puerta Nueva 5.

La Madriguera Craft Beer – This bar is small and cosy with a warm atmosphere. If you love beers then it’s right up your street with 12 draught beers to choose from. They also offer snacks so you can sample a craft beer from a local brewery and tuck into nachos whilst you decide on your next brew. Find at Calle Carreteria 73.

If you enjoy walking, Malaga city is a good city to explore on foot but it does have good transport systems too.

Hiring a bike is a good way to explore the never-ending quay and you could cycle to the city’s closest towns (or El Palo beach if you want to stay closer).

You can also get around by bus with a company called EMT. The buses cost approx €1.50 for a single ticket or you can buy a multi trip card which is rechargeable and can be bought from the EMT office at Alhameda 15. The buses have air-conditioning. Check the citys’ bus stops with this website.

There’s also the hop on hop off bus which not only takes you around the city but gives you the history and facts about the various points of interest. Tickets cost from €18 and there are 14 stops around the city.

From Malaga Airport

Whether you stay in Malaga city or one of the areas outside, you’ll find direct airport buses to take you to various areas. Line A Express goes to the city centre and takes approx 25 minutes. It cost approx €3 which you pay on board the bus. Buses run from 7am until midnight.

The train takes approx 12 minutes to the city centre and other areas of the Costa del Sol. The station Centro-Alameda is the stop for the city and trains depart every 20 minutes costing approx €3.

There is also a taxi rank at Terminal 3. You may have to pay extra for your suitcase or backpack so expect to pay at least €11 for one way. Check modes of transport on Rome2Rio.

Travelling Onwards

Intercity buses run frequently to other places in the Malaga province. Malagas’ main bus station is at Paseo de los Tilos. From here you can travel all over Spain such as Madrid, Valencia, and Cordoba and even onto France.

Being a port city means that you can take a boat from Malaga to Melilla, a province of Spain on the coast of Africa, neighbouring Morocco. It does take 4.5 hours so be prepared.

The RENFE train runs from Malaga to other coastal areas such as Fuengirola. Check here for routes.

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Thanks for a great post – I’m just considering a solo Malaga trip and this has really helped inspire me!

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What an amazing reading on solo trip to Malaga – exactly what I was looking for! Thank you ♥️

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Sailor Cole Brauer makes history as the first American woman to race solo around the world

Aboard her 40-foot racing boat First Light ,  29-year-old Cole Brauer just became the first American woman to race nonstop around the world by herself.

The New York native pulled into A Coruña, Spain, on Thursday after a treacherous 30,000-mile journey that took 130 days.

She thanked a cheering crowd of family and fans who had been waiting for her on shore.

“This is really cool and so overwhelming in every sense of the word,” she exclaimed, before drinking Champagne from her trophy.

The 5-foot-2 powerhouse placed second out of 16 avid sailors who competed in the Global Solo Challenge, a circumnavigation race that started in A Coruña with participants from 10 countries. The first-of-its-kind event   allowed a wide range of boats to set off in successive departures based on performance characteristics. Brauer started on Oct. 29, sailing down the west coast of Africa, over to Australia, and around the tip of South America before returning to Spain.

Brauer is the only woman and the youngest competitor in the event — something she hopes young girls in and out of the sport can draw inspiration from.

“It would be amazing if there was just one girl that saw me and said, ‘Oh, I can do that too,’” Brauer said of her history-making sail.

It’s a grueling race, and more than half of the competitors have dropped out so far. One struck something that caused his boat to flood, and another sailor had to abandon his ship after a mast broke as a severe storm was moving in.

The four-month journey is fraught with danger, including navigating the three “Great Capes” of Africa, Australia and South America. Rounding South America’s Cape Horn, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet, is often likened to climbing Mount Everest because of its perfect storm of hazards — a sharp rise in the ocean floor and whipping westerly winds push up massive waves. Combined with the frigid waters and stray icebergs, the area is known as a graveyard for ships, according to NASA. Brauer  said  she was “so unbelievably stoked” when she sailed past Cape Horn in January.

Marco Nannini, organizer of the Global Solo Challenge, said the comparison to scaling Mount Everest doesn’t capture the difficulty of the race. Sailing solo means not just being a skipper but a project manager — steering the boat, fixing equipment, understanding the weather and maintaining one’s physical health.

Nannini cited the relatively minuscule number of people who have sailed around the world solo — 186, according to the International Association of Cape Horners — as evidence of the challenges that competitors face. More than 6,000 people have climbed Mount Everest, according to  High Adventure Expeditions .

Brauer stared down 30-foot waves that had enough force to throw her across the boat. In a scare caught on camera, she badly injured her rib   near the halfway point of the event. At another point, her team in the U.S. directed Brauer to insert an IV into her own arm due to dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.

She was able to stay in constant communication with members of her team, most of whom are based in New England,   and keep herself entertained with Netflix and video calls with family through Starlink satellites.   That’s also how Brauer was able to use Zoom to connect with NBC News for an interview, while she was sailing about 1,000 miles west of the Canary Islands.

While Brauer was technically alone on First Light, she had the company of 450,000 followers on Instagram, where she frequently got candid about life on an unforgiving sea while reflecting on her journey.

“It all makes it worth it when you come out here, you sit on the bow, and you see how beautiful it is,” she said in an Instagram video, before panning the camera to reveal the radiant sunrise.

Brauer grew up on Long Island but didn’t learn to sail until she went to college in Hawaii. She traded in her goal of becoming a doctor for life on the water. But she quickly learned making a career as a sailor is extremely difficult, with professional racers often hesitant to welcome a 100-pound young woman on their team.

Even when she was trying to find sponsors for the Global Solo Challenge, she said a lot of people “wouldn’t touch her with a 10-foot pole” because they saw her as a “liability.”

Brauer’s message to the skeptics and naysayers? “Watch me.”

“I push so much harder when someone’s like, ‘No, you can’t do that,’ or ‘You’re too small,’” Brauer explained.

“The biggest asset is your mental strength, not the physical one,” Nannini said. “Cole is showing everyone that.”

Brauer hopes to continue competing professionally and is already eyeing another around-the-world competition, but not before she gets her hands on a croissant and cappuccino.

“My mouth is watering just thinking about that.”

Emilie Ikeda is an NBC News correspondent.

Australian Women's Weekly

Four incredible solo travel ideas for women

L ong gone are the days when women travelled only with a partner or family. Today, female-led travel is on the rise, and almost two-thirds of travellers worldwide are women. 

These days, Flight Centre ’s typical in-store customer is a 49-year-old female looking for solo travel inspiration. And they’re prepared to splash out: Last year women spent 31 per cent more than men in Flight Centre’s stores. 

There are many reasons women are embracing solo travel, says Luvena Lee, the Team Leader at Flight Centre Zetland. They include the opportunity to meet new people; getting out of their comfort zones in pursuit of personal growth; the freedom of being able to do what they want, when they want; and not missing out on exploring the world when family and friends may have other priorities. 

It’s not all about fun or sight-seeing, though. “Some customers who are booking solo travel are looking to unplug and use the trip as a time to disconnect and reflect before making big life decisions,” says Luvena. “Not only do they create unforgettable memories, they gain new perspectives which they can take back to their careers or families.”

Whether you’re making solo travel plans, organising a trip with girlfriends, or joining a group experience aimed at female travellers, we’ve rounded up some exciting possibilities to whet your appetite for your next trip.

Women travelling solo

Meg Jerrard and Mar Pages co-founded the Solo Female Travelers Facebook group in 2015, and it’s now a thriving community of 300,000 women who love to travel. The COVID-19 pandemic brought a big spike in membership as people “re-evaluated where their lives were going and sought out others to connect with,” Meg says. 

The pair launched small group tours in 2021 when members told them, “We’d love to connect with other like-minded women to travel together.” This addressed the key challenges of women’s travel that members had noted in surveys: Safety, getting lost, and the fear of being lonely.

Highlighting successful women in their destinations is a meaningful part of their tours. In Tuscany they take guests to female-owned wineries such as Fattoria di Fugnano, owned by Laura Dell’Aira, who defied her Sicilian family’s wishes when she opened the winery at the age of just 23.

In Tanzania, tour participants can join a local woman to shop at the markets and then cook a meal together. If camping or caravanning appeals, the Rolling Solo community will connect you with like-minded women across Australia. Their tag-along road trips take place across all states, and you can join with just a car and a small tent.

Soul sisters

“I walked the 800km Camino de Santiago in 2017 solo after raising my sons, and was captivated by the experience and personal transformation that occurred on foot,” says Darene Puttergill, co-founder of women’s pilgrimage program Soul of My Feet. “It was like a rite of passage, stepping into the fullness of myself and the world.” There she befriended Canadian Sylvie Chouinard “and we decided we had to return with other women and guide them through the same soulful journey.”

Since then, Darene, from Noosa, and Montreal-based Sylvie have led groups along ancient paths in Spain, Italy and Portugal. “Without exception,” Darene says, “everyone has come away with profound personal insights.” The next pilgrimage is planned for April 2024. 

Queens of the jungle

Eager to answer the call of the wild? There’s a tour for that. “We identified a gap in the market where women were seeking adventure but hesitant to venture out on safari on their own,” says Bench Africa’s Julie De Palo.

Cue the Escorted Ladies Tour, a female-led exploration of Kenya’s best-known parks, including Tsavo and the Masai Mara. Wildlife isn’t the only attraction: Guests participate in activities such as cooking classes and Masai beadwork lessons. The best part? There’s no single supplement. “This means women can enjoy the privacy of their own room, and pay the same as if they were travelling as a couple,” Julie says. 

Coasting along

Make a team of four and join one of Wild Women on Top’s Coastrek fundraising walks, which take place in many parts of Australia, including the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, part of Western Australia’s stunning Cape to Cape Track, and a bushwalk taking in Lake Burley Griffin in the ACT. It’s not just about the destination: Training with friends ahead of the walk and working together to fundraise for the Heart Foundation make it a feel-good adventure with your favourite women. 

Top tips for novice solo travellers

• Take a book: Reading at a solo dinner dissolves your self-consciousness.

• Be kind to yourself: Choose a familiar destination for your first solo adventure.

• Earmark someone to check in with each day: A concierge, fellow traveller or family back home.

• Follow your instincts: If you don’t feel safe, move on.

• Pack light, as you and your baggage will be going everywhere together.

Solo travel ideas for women

Luvena Lee, who is a Flight Centre travel expert has revealed the global hotspots that solo women travellers are flocking to for their next adventures

• European countries such as Iceland and Switzerland.

• New Zealand

• Southeast Asia

The post Four incredible solo travel ideas for women appeared first on The Australian Women's Weekly .

Four incredible solo travel ideas for women

Cole Brauer Becomes First American Woman to Sail Solo Around the World

The 29-year-old sailor placed second in a grueling four-month circumnavigation race across some 30,000 miles of open water.

AJ McDougall

AJ McDougall

Breaking News Reporter

Class 40 monohull

Sebastien Salom-Gomis/AFP via Getty Images

A sailor went to sea, sea, sea—and became the first American woman to sail alone non-stop around the world. Cole Brauer, 29, of Long Island, New York, made history on Thursday after sailing into A Coruńa, Spain, four months after striking out of the same harbor on the Global Solo Challenge, a treacherous 30,000-mile journey that saw her traverse three oceans.

Brauer, 5-foot-2 and 100 pounds soaking wet, was the youngest and only female competitor among the 16 people who competed in the challenge. She placed second in the race, which took her 130 days to complete.

She and her 40-foot sailboat, dubbed First Light, were met by a crowd of jubilant family, friends, and admirers. “This is really cool and so overwhelming in every sense of the word,” NBC News quoted her as saying as she drank Champagne from her trophy.

Brauer set out from A Coruńa on Oct. 29, sailing down Africa’s western coast and around the Cape of Good Hope before making her way east towards Australia. She rounded South America’s notorious Cape Horn before finally heading back towards Spain.

She kept her audience of more than 400,000 Instagram followers up to date along the way, posting frank updates as to the brutal conditions she was enduring. In one terrifying caught-on-camera moment, Brauer was thrown across her boat as it was tossed by 30-foot waves, landing so hard that one of her ribs cracked.

“I don’t want you guys to think I’m like Superwoman or something,” she said in a video posted shortly after, saying she had to keep making repairs and recalibrations despite feeling “broken.”

“It’s all part of the journey, and I’m sure I’ll be feeling better once the work is done and I’ve gotten some sleep,” she wrote in the caption. “But right now things are tough.”

Speaking on NBC’s Today on Thursday from Spain, Brauer explained to the hosts, “There really is no option at that point. You’re so far away from land—there is no rescue, there’s nobody to come and grab you. You kinda just have to keep moving along.”

More than half of the Global Solo Challenge’s sailors have dropped out so far, according to NBC News. Brauer said she hoped that her big finish could inspire younger women to get into sailing—and start busting records of their own. “It would be amazing if there was just one girl that saw me and said, ‘Oh, I can do that too,’” she told NBC.

With her voyage at an end, Brauer told WBZ-TV on Thursday that she was excited to enjoy a cappuccino and croissant on dry land. It seemed like she wasn’t quite ready to rest on her laurels, however. “It hasn’t really hit me yet. Everyone’s so excited, but for me it hasn't really sunk in that I now hold these records,” she said in a statement. “It just feels like I went for a little sail, and now I’m back.”

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast  here .

READ THIS LIST

Gang rape of travel blogger in India triggers nationwide outcry

Reports of horrific sexual assaults on women have become familiar in india.

Uniformed men bring three people with bags over their head and ropes around their waist down a hallway.

Social Sharing

WARNING: This article contains graphic content and may affect those who have experienced​ ​​​sexual violence or know someone affected by it. 

The woman in the Instagram video appeared shaken. Her face was swollen and bruised. Sitting beside her husband, she began recounting her ordeal.

"Something happened to us that we wouldn't wish on anyone," she said in Spanish, with captions in English. Her husband then said: "We were assaulted in the tent. We were beaten. They put a knife to our necks and she was raped by seven guys."

In the video that has since been deleted, the woman said the assault on her and her Spanish partner — both travel bloggers — took place in a forest late Friday in eastern Jharkhand state's Dumka district in India where they were camping on their way to neighbouring Nepal.

The couple, who had been documenting their trip for more than 200,000 followers on an Instagram account, were found by a police patrol van which took them to a hospital, where the woman told the doctor she had been raped.

Police in Jharkhand confirmed the incident and arrested three men over the weekend. On Monday, police said they were searching for four more suspects.

  • After brutal assaults on 2 women and widespread violence, India's PM finally speaks
  • Here's why India's Manipur state has been gripped by months of violence

The Associated Press generally doesn't identify victims of sexual assault.

The case triggered a nationwide outcry over one of India's rampant problems: a decades-long struggle to curb rising sexual violence against women.

Reports of horrific sexual assaults on women have become familiar in India, where police recorded 31,516 rape cases in 2022, a 20 per cent increase from 2021, according to the National Crime Records Bureau.

The real figure is believed to be far higher due to the stigma surrounding sexual violence and victims' lack of faith in police. Women's rights activists say the problem is particularly acute in rural areas, where victims of sexual assault are sometimes shamed by the community and families worry about their social standing.

"Often, the victims are victimized further with insults, and it makes it very difficult for them to report the crime to the police. In such cases, women think it is best to keep quiet," said Mariam Dhawale, a women's rights activist and general secretary of the All India Democratic Women's Association.

Sexual violence in spotlight since 2012

Rape and sexual violence have been under the spotlight since the brutal 2012 gang rape and killing of a 23-year-old student on a New Delhi bus. The attack galvanized massive protests and inspired lawmakers to order the creation of fast-track courts dedicated to rape cases and stiffen penalties.

The woman raises one hand in the air as water spray clouds the entire frame.

The rape law was amended in 2013, criminalizing stalking and voyeurism and lowering the age at which a person can be tried as an adult from 18 to 16.

Despite stringent laws, rights activists say the government is still not doing enough to protect women and punish attackers.

"Often, investigations in rape cases are messed up by the police and timely evidence is not collected. These cases get dragged on without any convictions and the culprits walk free," Dhawale said. She said convictions remain rare and cases often remain stuck for years in India's clogged criminal justice system.

In the last few years, the conviction rate in rape cases has hovered below 30 per cent, according to several government reports.

High-profile rape cases involving foreign visitors have drawn international attention to the issue. In 2022, a British tourist was raped in front of her partner in Goa. Earlier this year, an Indian-American woman said she was raped at a hotel in New Delhi.

Culture of downplaying harassment

In January, the Supreme Court restored life sentences for 11 Hindu men who raped a Muslim woman during deadly religious rioting two decades ago. They had been released in 2022, when they were garlanded with flowers by their families and a lawmaker from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governing Bharatiya Janata Party.

  • Indian woman condemns release of her 11 convicted rapists
  • Fake online auction of Indian Muslim women sparks outrage; 2 suspects detained

Last year, female wrestlers demonstrated against the head of the wrestling federation, accusing him of repeatedly groping women. After months of protests, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, an influential lawmaker from Modi's party, was charged in court with stalking, harassment and intimidation. Singh has denied the accusations.

Dhwale said even though high-profile rape cases get media attention, a culture of downplaying sexual harassment and violence against women remains prevalent in India.

"We are continuously on the road to protest, sometimes to get a single case registered. It shouldn't be like that," she said.

For anyone who has been sexually assaulted, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services via this Government of Canada website or the Ending Violence Association of Canada database . ​​If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911. 

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    Confidently Travel Solo In Spain [Free Course] Before we get into our guide to solo female travel in Spain, I invite you to grab a seat in Jessie's free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course. The 6-day course is designed to help you feel confident traveling on your own. Lessons include: Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them

  5. Ultimate Guide For Solo Travel in Spain + Map

    Yes - Spain is often touted as one of the safer European countries for solo female travelers, and it has been my experience that this reputation is mostly well-earned.. Most cities, from major hubs like Madrid and Barcelona to smaller towns, are accustomed to receiving tourists and make an effort to ensure their safety.

  6. Solo female travelers visiting Spain

    A few resources for solo female travelers in Spain. Whether you're a seasoned solo female traveler, or someone looking to get her solo travel feet wet, Spain is a wonderful choice for a destination. Here are a few resources for solo female travelers in Spain. The emergency number in Spain is 112.

  7. 4 Essential Tips for Safe Solo Travel for Women in Spain

    Coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel: The situation around the world is changing dramatically. Various governments have changed their travel warnings to restrict travel during this time. To understand how this may impact cover under your policy, please go to our FAQs and select your country of residence.. For the latest travel warnings and alerts around the world, read about lockdowns and border ...

  8. Solo Travel in Barcelona

    4. Sagrada Familia. Barcelona has to be best known for its famous Roman Catholic Church. Designed by Antonio Gaudi, the famous architect, in a neo-gothic style, work began on the basilica in 1882 and is one of the longest-ever construction projects with work due to be completed in 2030.

  9. 10 Best Places in Spain for Solo Travel

    Granada is definitely one of the best small cities for backpackers and solo travellers in Spain. It certainly packs a punch when it comes to historic and cultural attractions. The crowd-pleaser here is the Alhambra, a hilltop Moorish palace that overlooks the city and is the most visited attraction in Spain. Ticketing was introduced in xxxx.

  10. Spain Solo Travel: Everything You Need to Know

    Solo Travel Spain: Alone & Happy in Segovia Spain. 4 Reasons You Should Travel Alone to Spain. Now let's talk about the reasons why Spain ought to be your next solo trip. Again, I understand your nervousness, but please don't let anticipatory anxiety put you off from taking an adventure around this fantastic country.

  11. Women Who Travel Solo: Solo Travel in Spain

    Women Who Travel Solo is a weekly column that shares the stories of women's solo travel adventures in hopes of spreading the message that traveling alone is not only safe, but wildly rewarding. Inspire other women to travel solo by sharing your story with Something In Her Ramblings . Email Lauren at [email protected].

  12. A solo female traveler's guide to Spain

    Seville. This university city encapsulates the true essence of Andalucía, with lively festivals and warm weather all year round making it the ideal place to visit when traveling Spain as a solo female. Visit the Real Alcázar de Sevilla, marvel at the Catedral de Sevilla (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and enjoy some of the best tapas you'll ...

  13. Solo Travel in Madrid

    The metro is the best way to get around Madrid as it connects the whole city. A single ticket costs 1.5 Euros to travel for 1 to 5 stations. If you are planning on taking a few trips consider buying a Bus travel card 10 for 12.20 Euros which is cheaper than individual tickets.

  14. Is Spain Safe for Solo Female Travelers? (The Ultimate Travel Guide for

    The Wrap-Up: Is Spain Safe for Solo Female Travelers. The short answer is yes. Solo travel in Spain is one of the safest destinations. The transport system is easy to navigate and reliable, while the tapa culture provides an excellent way to meet locals and sample delicious local dishes. Solo female travel is an experience you will remember.

  15. Solo in Spain: Your Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Spain

    The best cities in Spain for a solo trip. Solo in Seville. Solo in Malaga. Solo in Madrid. Solo in Palma de Mallorca. Solo in Valencia. Solo Travel Tips for Spain. Other great destinations for solo travel in Spain. How to travel around Spain on your own.

  16. The Ultimate Barcelona Guide for Solo Female Travelers

    Now, let's move onto the best things to do in Barcelona as a solo female traveler. Gaudi Architecture. Antoni Gaudi was a Catalan architect who created some quirky, modern buildings all around Barcelona and Catalunya. His works are a far departure from the traditional Gothic, Romanesque, and Moorish architecture you'll find around Spain.

  17. Ultimate Guide for Solo Travel in Valencia Spain

    The Quart Towers of Valencia is a must-see for any female solo traveler visiting the city. The towers, built in the 12th century, were once part of the old city and are now two of the most visited tourist attractions in Valencia. From their imposing height, visitors can enjoy sweeping views over the city and out to sea.

  18. Female solo travel in Spain: tips and advice

    Local police: 092. Tourist helpline and emergency number: 902, 102, 112 (in English, French, German and Italian) Spain is a great country! Don't be afraid to visit it if you're a woman traveling solo, you'll have a great time. Just be alert to your surroundings and everything will be fine.

  19. Spain for Everyone: The Solo Traveler's Guide to Spain

    Solo travel in Spain can be an incredibly personal experience. Keep track of your journey and reflect on your travels by starting a journal. Find a peaceful park, like Retiro in Madrid, or a buzzing cafe where you can sit and write. Note observations that have surprised you, memorable events or sights you've seen, and just how you're ...

  20. Best Places to Go in Spain as a Solo Female Traveler

    The post Best Places to Go in Spain as a Solo Female Traveler appeared first on Dreams in Heels - Travel and Lifestyle Blog by a Latina Abroad. Spain is a country brimming with vibrant culture ...

  21. Is Spain Worth Visiting? Solo Female Travel Index

    Renowned for its delectable cuisine, it is the homeland of tapas, paella, and an array of world-class wines. The country's allure is further intensified by warm locals, lively fiestas, and the passionate rhythms of Spanish guitar. Spain is currently ranked #14 best country for solo female travellers. Check full ranking.

  22. Solo Travel Seville Spain: Everything You Need to Know

    Bring a reusable water bottle with you, and keep it filled. Admiring the Seville Cathedral. As solo travelers, we want to see and do it all. It's easy to push yourself in Seville. However, your health is important, and when you're alone, you need to exercise additional precautions, so you don't fall ill.

  23. Long lunches, casual friendships, no one to worry about: solo holidays

    In the UK, the Association of Travel Agents says solo travel is up from 6% of trips in 2011 to 16% in 2023. Deborah Ives, who works in international marketing, is not surprised.

  24. Solo Female Travel: What to Know And Where to Go

    In recent years, more women have sought solo adventures than ever before: In 2019, an estimated 32 million American women traveled alone, according to the U.S. Travel Association, and Google searches for "solo female travel" increased by an astounding 131 percent over the year prior. More recently, Kayak reported that solo ventures were up by 36 percent in 2023, and Condor Ferries found ...

  25. Cole Brauer first US woman to sail solo around globe

    On Thursday, Cole Brauer made history, becoming the first American woman to sail solo nonstop around the world. The 29-year-old from Long Island, New York, celebrated at the finish line in Spain ...

  26. Solo Travel in Malaga

    Solo Travel in Malaga. Types of Girls about the Globe - Beach GatG, Party GatG, Cultural GatG. Malaga is one of the most popular cities in Spain (especially with Brits and Europeans. During my 6 week trip from France to Portugal, Malaga was one of my first stops on the Mediterranean coast. Below is my guide to how to travel solo in Malaga.

  27. Sailor Cole Brauer makes history as the first American woman to race

    The 5-foot-2 powerhouse placed second out of 16 sailors who competed in the Global Solo Challenge, a circumnavigation race that started in A Coruña, Spain, with participants from 10 countries.

  28. Four incredible solo travel ideas for women

    Solo travel ideas for women. Luvena Lee, who is a Flight Centre travel expert has revealed the global hotspots that solo women travellers are flocking to for their next adventures ... Spain, June ...

  29. Cole Brauer Becomes First American Woman to Sail Solo Around the World

    Brauer, 5-foot-2 and 100 pounds soaking wet, was the youngest and only female competitor among the 16 people who competed in the challenge. She placed second in the race, which took her 130 days ...

  30. Gang rape of travel blogger in India triggers nationwide outcry

    The rape of a travel blogger by multiple men has triggered a nationwide outcry over one of India's rampant problems: a decades-long struggle to curb rising sexual violence against women.