The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Spain (2024 update)
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Solo travel is not for everyone, but if you're looking for something fun, challenging, and different, it's worth exploring.
When thinking about solo traveling in Spain, the first two places that come to mind are Madrid and Barcelona. While these two cities are definitely worth exploring, there are a lot of underrated Spanish regions like the Basque country, Andalucia, and Cantabria with beautiful cities worth exploring for solo travelers.
So if you are not too sure where to start when visiting Spain and are looking for destinations for solo travellers this guide can be a great starting point. So let's get started.
How to Prepare for Your Solo Trip to Spain
Preparing for a solo trip to Spain involves thoughtful planning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some essential steps to get you started:
1. Research and Plan Your Itinerary
Before embarking on your adventure, research the destinations you want to visit in Spain. Create a flexible itinerary that includes major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, as well as lesser-known gems such as Granada and Valencia. Consider your interests—whether it's art, history, food, or nature—and plan accordingly.
2. Book Accommodations in Advance
Spain offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxurious hotels. Booking your stays in advance can save you time and money, especially during peak travel seasons. Look for places with good reviews and central locations to make your travel more convenient.
3. Pack Wisely
Pack light but include all essentials. Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a reusable water bottle, and a small first aid kit are must-haves. Don’t forget your travel adapter for electronic devices.
4. Stay Connected
Having a reliable way to stay connected is crucial for solo travelers. Consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international phone plan. Download useful apps for navigation, translation, and local information.
5. Get Travel Insurance
One of the most important steps in preparing for your solo trip to Spain is securing travel insurance. Travel insurance provides peace of mind by covering unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
We recommend SafetyWing as a reliable option for travel insurance. SafetyWing offers comprehensive coverage tailored for travelers, ensuring you are protected throughout your journey. Their plans are flexible and affordable, making it an excellent choice for solo travelers.
What are the best cities in Spain for solo travelers?
Bilbao - Basque country
During the Camino de Santiago, I spent a few days in Bilbao. When I first started exploring the city, I had no real expectations. Of course, I knew the Guggenheim was a must-see museum to visit but that's it. What I didn’t know was that Bilbao was one of the best places to visit as a solo traveler.
The first thing you can do on your own in Bilbao is spending time strolling in El casco Viejo or old town. From restaurants, 15th-century gothic cathedra, and parks, you will never get bored. The scenic River Nervion flows through the heart of Bilbao, making it super nice to take long walks next to the river, especially in the evening.
One of my favorite thing to do in Bilbao was eating, of course. Dedicating a few days to restaurant hopping is not a bad idea, especially if you are into food. I met a lot of people when eating alone, so that´s also a great way to meet locals.
Rio-Oja Restaurant was one of the best ones I tried. They serve typical food, and the prices are reasonable.
San Sebastian - Basque country
San Sebastian is the posh part of Basque country, so expect everything to be a bit pricey. It’s got lovely landscapes, and an amazing beach (La playa de la Concha) in the middle of the city where you can go for a stroll.
San Sebastian city center also has a lot to offer, from parks, museums, promenades, etc. The great thing is that it´s not too big, so you can get around by bike or by foot.
Santander - Cantabria
No need to go to Barcelona to get the beach in the city center, Santander has it all, good food, beaches, and great nightlife. It is a lot less crowded than busier hubs like Barcelona or Madrid. If you happen to be in Santander during the Summer, La Playa de El Sardinero is a great spot where you can chill and soak up the sun. It has beautiful scenery, it also has a magnificent bay of wide, spotlessly clean sand
Seville - Andalucia
I was blown away by Seville. I think Seville represents what everyone thinks when thinking about Spain. People are loud, party a lot, and the streets seem to be always full of life no matter what time it is. This is something that I really enjoyed.
There are so many activities you can do on your own in Seville, from going to watch a flamenco dance, to visiting the magnificent Real Alcazar or spending time in Plaza de España. If you book a hostel in the city center, as I did, it’s pretty easy to walk pretty much everywhere.
Seville is also pretty close to Cordoba, another beautiful city I didn´t get a chance to visit but also known for being a great spot for solo travelers.
Granada - Andalucia
Granada is definitely my number one place out of all the cities I have visited as a solo traveler in Spain. I love that it´s not as touristy as other big cities. Prices are also very reasonable, and in most restaurants, unlike other big cities, tapas are free which is definitely a great add-on.
The landscapes are breathtaking. The city is surrounded by mountains. A great way to visit the city alone, and to meet new people along the way is to take one of the city tours where you will discover more about Andalucia’s Moorish history. Of course, El Alhambra is a must-go place, where you can end up getting lost for hours. I certainly did!
Another must-see are Granada´s cave houses in Sacramonte. I got the chance the spend the evening in one of these houses with locals. After the fall of the Moorish empire in the 1500's, the Roma arrived and carved cave homes into the hillside. These days much of Sacromonte has become a tourist spot.
If you are looking for a place to stay for solo travelers, El Granado is a fantastic hostel where you get to meet a lot of people. They also arrange daily activities such as dinners, yoga classes, hikes, etc. making it easy to explore the city and its surrounding.
Barcelona - Catalunya
I couldn't conclude this list without mentioning Barcelona. The city where I have been living for the past 5 years. I know Barcelona inside out, and I can say that it is one of the safest cities to visit as a solo Black traveler. Of course, there are some places that can be a bit dodgier than others but again, nothing compared to other busy European cities.
As a solo traveler, the city offers the perfect playground to spend a lot of quality time on your own. There are countless places to visit from La Sagrada Familia, or strolling in popular neighborhoods like El Gothico quarter, Gracia, La Eixample, La Barceloneta, etc.
For the most adventurous solo travelers, there are also a lot of hiking spots easily accessible by train from Barcelona like Montserrat, or even Tibidabo.
If you want to escape the city center, places like Badalona offer a more quiet place to enjoy the beach with less crowd.
Madrid - Castilla y León
Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is a fantastic place to visit on your own. There are a few neighborhoods definitely worth spending time in such as Malasaña, Lavapiés, and Barrio de La Latina. The best things to do alone in Madrid going shopping in many of the vintage shops in the city, go for a coffee in La Plaza Mayor, visiting one of the many museums, or take a stroll in el Parque de El Retiro.
Since the city is quite big, I strongly recommend taking full advance of the public transportation in Madrid by buying the tarjeta transporte publico, once you get it you can easily top it up throughout your stay.
Is Spain safe for solo female travelers?
Spain is considered to be a fairly safe city for solo travelers, however, like everywhere else there are certain places where you need to be more careful than other.
As a solo Black traveler, overall I found Spain relatively safe although racism towards African descent does exist. In my experience, it usually manifests in the form of microaggressions. I have never personally experienced anything particularly bad.
You might also like: 6 important lessons for first-time Black female solo travelers
When is the best time to travel to Spain?
Depending on where you go in Spain, it will vary a lot. I would not recommend traveling to places like Seville in the middle of the Summer. It can get up to 40 degrees there, making it unbearable to visit the city.
To me, the best time to travel in Spain is usually between April and June or September and November. That way, you can avoid the busy season, and the weather is still relatively pleasant in most places.
All in all, if you are a solo traveler considering a trip to Spain, I would say, make sure to spend time in both major cities but also venture off the beaten path as you will definitely come across a few hidden gems.
