When I decided to travel solo, Andalusia felt like the perfect balance of cultural immersion, safety, and accessibility. The region’s mix of Moorish architecture, flamenco rhythms, delicious tapas, and welcoming people made it an ideal destination for a solo traveler like me. Plus, Andalusia’s cities are easy to navigate, and I felt comfortable exploring on my own.

Whether it was the warmth of the locals or the diverse landscapes—from the vibrant streets of Seville to the serene hills of Ronda—Andalusia offered a sense of freedom and security that I loved.

In this guide, I’ll share my personal experiences, including feedback on the hostels I stayed in, along with essential tips for solo travelers.

Also read: How Seville-based former Londoner turned flamenco dancer

Best Cities for Solo Travel in Andalusia

1. Seville: Bustling and Beautiful

Seville was the first stop on my solo journey, and while the city itself was vibrant and full of life, my accommodation experience wasn’t perfect.

🏠 Where I Stayed: The Spot Central Hostel

The Spot Central Hostel was well-located, right in the heart of Seville, which made it convenient to explore the city’s main attractions. However, the street was extremely busy and noisy at night, making it a bit difficult to sleep. The rooms were basic, offering little privacy, as I stayed in a mixed room with three beds. It wasn’t the most comfortable stay, but it got the job done.

A Recommendation: I heard from several travelers that La Banda Rooftop Hostel in Seville is amazing, with great social vibes and a fantastic rooftop. Unfortunately, it was fully booked during my trip, but based on multiple recommendations, I would suggest trying to book there if you can!

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2. Granada: The Perfect Solo Travel City

Granada quickly became my favorite city in Andalusia, and my hostel made the experience even better.

🏠 Where I Stayed: El Granado

This was by far the best hostel I stayed at during my trip. The vibe at El Granado was incredible, with friendly staff, great people, and plenty of activities to help solo travelers connect. The hostel is centrally located, making it easy to explore the city’s highlights like the Alhambra and the Albayzín district. The rooms were cozy and well-designed, with bunk beds, privacy curtains, and lockers. I stayed in a mixed room with four beds, and it felt both comfortable and secure.

I highly recommend this hostel to anyone visiting Granada. It really made my solo travel experience special.

3. Malaga: City Center Comfort

Malaga offered a mix of culture and beach vibes, and my stay there was comfortable, even if the weather didn’t fully cooperate.

🏠 Where I Stayed: The Urban Jungle

The Urban Jungle was clean and modern, located right in the heart of Malaga. Out of all the hostels I stayed in, the rooms here were the best. I was in a mixed room with four beds, and we even had our own bathroom, which added an extra layer of comfort. The only downside was that I visited in November, so it rained quite a bit, and I wasn’t able to fully enjoy their rooftop, which is the only communal space aside from the reception. The rooftop also closed early, around 11 pm, unlike other hostels where communal areas stay open later.

Despite that, it was a great stay overall, and I would definitely recommend it for those visiting Malaga during sunnier months!

Solo Travel Tips for Andalusia

Throughout my solo trip in Andalusia, I learned some valuable tips that made my experience even more enjoyable. From navigating new cities to making spontaneous plans, these insights helped me make the most of my adventure and truly embrace the joys of solo travel:

Choose Hostels with Good Reviews: All the hostels I stayed in had positive reviews from fellow solo travelers, which gave me peace of mind. Staying in well-reviewed accommodations in central areas made it easier to explore safely and meet other travelers.
Stay Aware in Busy Areas: Seville, in particular, can be very busy in the evenings, so I made sure to keep an eye on my belongings when walking through crowded streets.
Keep Your Plans Flexible: One of the best things about solo travel is the freedom to change your plans. If something doesn’t feel right or you want to explore a different area, don’t hesitate to switch things up.
Use Public Transport Confidently: Andalusia’s cities are well-connected by public transport, and I found buses and trains to be safe and reliable. Just be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Choose Hostels Over Hotels If you're new to solo travel, hostels can make your experience so much more enjoyable. Hostels offer a social environment that makes it easier to meet fellow travelers and join group activities like city tours or communal dinners. In my case, I had some of my best travel experiences thanks to hostel-organized activities, like a memorable hike in Granada.
Look for Women-Only Rooms One thing I learned the hard way is that it’s always a good idea to check if the hostel offers women-only rooms. While mixed rooms are usually fine, you might occasionally have an awkward experience—like that one time when a guy in my room walked around half-naked. To avoid these uncomfortable situations, I recommend opting for women-only dorms whenever possible.
Book Just a Couple of Nights at First Another tip is to never book more than two nights initially. This gives you the flexibility to extend your stay if you like the hostel or easily move on if it's not quite what you expected. Trust me, being stuck in a place where you don’t feel completely comfortable can put a damper on your trip. Keep your options open and stay adaptable!

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8. Don’t Overpack
It’s tempting to pack for every possible situation, but the reality is that traveling light is key to making solo travel easier. After moving between four cities in eight days, I seriously regretted packing that extra pair of shoes I never wore. Whether you're using a backpack or a suitcase, pack only the essentials—you’ll thank yourself later.

9. Choose Car Sharing Over Trains
While trains are a convenient way to travel around Andalusia, I discovered that car sharing through BlaBlaCar offers a more social and enjoyable experience. A three-hour car ride with locals or fellow travelers can lead to great conversations and connections that you might miss on a solo train journey. By the end of my trip, I preferred car sharing over other transportation options.

10. Have a Plan, But Don’t Overplan
It’s important to have a rough plan for your solo trip, especially when arriving in a new country. However, overplanning can limit your ability to be spontaneous. Things will inevitably change once you meet people or experience shifts in weather. Maybe you’ll want to join a group activity instead of going solo, or adjust your itinerary based on recommendations from other travelers. Try to leave room for flexibility and don’t book every single detail in advance.

11. Pre-book Selected Activities
While overplanning isn’t necessary, it’s a good idea to pre-book popular activities that you don’t want to miss. I made the mistake of not booking certain excursions early enough, and missed out on hikes like El Caminito del Rey in Malaga. Be sure to secure spots for must-do activities at least a week ahead to avoid disappointment.

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12. You Don’t Have to Be a Backpacker to Travel Alone
For the longest time, I thought solo travel was something only white backpackers did. My trip to Andalusia taught me that solo travel is for everyone, regardless of race or background. Most people I met weren’t even backpackers! As a Black woman, I realized we often deprioritize self-care, but solo travel can be a powerful way to reclaim that space for ourselves. You don’t need to fit a specific mold to enjoy solo travel.

13. It’s Okay to Be the Only Person of Color (PoC)
Throughout my trip in Andalusia, I was often the only Black female solo traveler I saw. While this is something I'm used to in different parts of life, this time I didn’t let it phase me. Rather than focusing on being different, I chose to see it as a strength. As a solo traveler, embracing your unique perspective can make the journey even more rewarding.

14. Differentiate Between Hostility and Curiosity
As a Black woman traveling solo, I occasionally faced awkward stares or received questions about my origins. It can be frustrating, but I learned to interpret most of this as curiosity rather than hostility. Unless someone clearly intended to be rude, I chose not to let it bother me. This mindset allowed me to enjoy my trip without feeling weighed down by others’ perceptions.

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15. Push Yourself Beyond Your Comfort Zone
Solo travel is all about growth, and one of the most valuable lessons I learned was not to limit myself. Before this trip, I thought solo travel wasn’t for me. But stepping out of my comfort zone proved otherwise. The independence I experienced, combined with the joy of meeting people without being bound to them, was incredibly liberating. It's normal to feel unsettled at first, but once you dive in, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you adapt.

16. Be Your Own Cheerleader
I’ve always been someone who feeds off the energy of others, but traveling solo taught me the importance of being my own source of motivation. During my trip, I often had to push myself to strike up conversations or try new things, which helped me build confidence. Solo travel allows you to practice positive self-talk and push yourself in ways you might not expect.

Also read: The Black in Spain series to hear more stories of Black women living in Spain