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Need to catch your breath, change scenery? What if you took off to Spain on your own?
It's not just about hopping on a train or booking a cheap flight. It's about treating yourself to a real break, a different kind of freedom, stepping away from the daily grind for a while.
Spain is a complete country. Whether you want to wander aimlessly or walk the Camino de Santiago all the way to Santiago de Compostela, the possibilities are endless — and always enriched by those little moments you get to share, even briefly, with the locals.
After every solo trip there, I've come home exhausted but happy and recharged with fresh energy. And honestly, I've never felt lonely.
If you're hesitating about traveling alone, know that platforms like NomadSister exist where women open their doors to female travelers. It's a reassuring and authentic way to share part of the journey with fellow travelers.
Ready to chart your own course? Follow me.
Table of Contents
Why choose Spain for solo travel?
Is Spain safe for solo female travelers?
What to do alone in Spain?
Best destinations for solo travel in Spain
7, 10, or 15-day trips to Spain
Exploring lesser-known places
Practical tips for traveling alone in Spain
Ready to try solo travel? Start with Spain!
Why Choose Spain for Solo Travel?
Because it's simple: you're setting down your bags in a welcoming land where you immediately feel at ease.
I think back to my very first solo restaurant experience in San Sebastián: I was a bit tense, and the waiter unfolded his menu as if I were a longtime friend. It's those little gestures that change everything.
Between the mild climate (from north to south, east to west), lively city vibes or peaceful corners, safety, smiles, and a benevolent mentality... it's the ideal destination to launch into solo travel at your own pace.
Is Spain Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
It's a part of the world that's generally secure for a woman traveling alone. Obviously, like everywhere, there are some precautions to take, but personally, I've always felt comfortable there. Transportation is reliable, people are ready to help, and police presence in tourist areas is quite reassuring.
Safety-wise, the statistics speak for themselves: according to the 2024 Global Peace Index, Spain ranks 23rd worldwide. And if you look at crime rates, they remain relatively low.
So no, you don't need to be afraid. But yes, a bit of attention is still warranted: choose well-located accommodation, avoid deserted alleys at night, keep an eye on your belongings... In short, risk exists, like everywhere, but it's manageable. No need to worry, just some good practices and common sense.
What to Do Alone in Spain?
Stroll, nibble, observe
Local markets are a marvel for the curious. Sit at a counter, order a tapa, and observe local life. Each place has its energy, its colors, its habits. Nothing beats it for soaking up daily life.
Workshops and guided tours: rich experiences
Cooking classes, traditional pottery in Toledo, unusual visits, or free walking tours to get your bearings: perfect for learning and meeting people, even making friends.
Going out alone... no problem
Going out alone is totally doable – and often very pleasant to find yourself with yourself. In big cities, there are always people outside, even late, which makes the atmosphere quite secure. Choose lively places, observe a bit around you, and trust yourself. A dinner on a terrace, a show, or a concert are great steps to enjoy without pressure.
And if you're looking for calmer or more authentic experiences, some small towns are full of hidden gems, far from mass tourism. It's up to you to uncover them or let yourself be guided.
Best Destinations for Solo Travel in Spain
From Andalusian beaches to the Basque coast, passing through the wild coves of Costa Brava, from bustling metropolises to preserved small villages... there are as many possible trips as there are traveler personalities. The ideal is to mix must-sees with more confidential discoveries. Here are some ideas.
Traveling alone gives you a rare luxury: time for yourself. Take an audio guide, explore at your own pace, get lost in the details. And don't forget to book online for major sites like the Alhambra!
By the way, Spain also includes islands: Canaries, Balearics, Ibiza... But since we're staying on the mainland here, I'm preparing another post just for them. Stay tuned!
Madrid, ideal for solo travel
The capital is my favorite for starting a solo trip to Spain. The city's energy carries you as soon as you arrive. Between the lively streets of Malasaña, the tapas bars of La Latina, and the masterpieces of the Prado Museum, you don't have time to get bored. Take your time at the Prado: it easily deserves a full day if you really want to enjoy it.
Madrid – Glass Palace in Retiro Park
Another must-see located right in the center: the Reina Sofía Museum, which I particularly love. That's where I saw Picasso's Guernica for the first time – a visual shock. This famous painting is immense, overwhelming, and remains etched in my memory.
Madrileños are always up for a chat at the counter. And logistics-wise, nothing to complain about: smooth transport, efficient metro, schedules respected. It's also a real pleasure to relax in Retiro National Park, to walk in nature.
A ritual I love: stopping by Chocolatería San Ginés, anytime – it's open 24/7. Drinking creamy hot chocolate with crispy churros. Simple happiness I never tire of.
Seville: human warmth and Andalusian traditions
The atmosphere is festive, people are chatty and kind, and in spring, the scent of orange trees floats through all the streets. I spent hours strolling through the Santa Cruz neighborhood, admiring the Alcazar (book ahead, it's worth it!). The Triana neighborhood, more local, also offered me beautiful surprises. And Sevillian women... always ready to help you or slip you a good address.
Seville - La Giralda
My favorite: the terrace of El Pintón restaurant in an old Andalusian house in the center. Perfect for dining alone in a chic but relaxed atmosphere.
Barcelona: modernism and cosmopolitan energy
Gaudí's architecture in general and the Sagrada Familia in particular impressed me!
The Gothic Quarter is perfect for wandering alone, with its hidden little squares and artisan shops, rooftops, stylish cafés... and quiet neighborhoods to walk around alone, like Gràcia or Eixample.
Personally, I stayed five days and could have lived there! The atmosphere is young, activity options infinite. And having the sea 20 minutes from downtown is incredible luxury.
My favorite: a mosaic workshop inspired by Gaudí in the Born neighborhood. It was a real creative bubble, perfect for meeting other female travelers.
Granada and Córdoba: oriental immersion and flowered patios
I'm putting them together because they marry beautifully in an Andalusian itinerary. There's the Alhambra, the viewpoints and streets of the Albaicín neighborhood. In Córdoba, the famous Mezquita, but also hidden patios. You feel good there and everything is walkable.
My favorites: a bath at the Al Ándalus hammam in Granada. Silence, steam, mint tea... and wandering the judería at sunset. Total bliss.
Valencia and the east coast: between beaches, art and science
Valencia pleasantly surprised me. The historic center is charming, and you can bike to the beach via the Turia gardens. Plus, the food there is divine. The typical dish: paella!
My favorite: renting an electric bike and visiting the City of Arts and Sciences early morning when there's no one around.
7, 10, or 15-day trips to Spain
The country has about fifteen regions, each with its own treasures: Andalusia and its Moorish palaces, Galicia and its Celtic landscapes, the Basque Country and its exceptional gastronomy, Aragon and its wild Pyrenees... Faced with this richness, it can be difficult to choose. I've selected itineraries designed specifically for women traveling alone: accessible, safe, inspiring, with just the right amount of adventure.
7-day itinerary:
Option 1: Catalonia
• Barcelona (4-5 days): for the must-sees and enjoying the urban beaches of Barceloneta and nightlife.
• Montserrat (1 day): spectacular monastery perched in the mountains.
A detour... if you have time During my last trip to Catalonia, I had a car. After Montserrat, I took the road toward Zaragoza, then toward the Bardenas Reales Natural Park in Navarre.
This strange desert, with its western movie set appearance, evokes Arizona more than northern Spain. You can walk, bike, or drive freely. The walking loop is about 7 km, and it's in spring or autumn, far from summer's furnace, that the light becomes magical, golden, enveloping.
Option 2: Basque Country - Very safe region, exceptional gastronomy.
• Bilbao (3 days): Guggenheim Museum is unmissable.
• San Sebastián (3 days): urban beaches of La Concha, gastronomic quarter.
• Getaria or Mundaka (1 day): discover the wild Basque coast.
10-day itinerary: Madrid + Castile
Madrid (5-6 days): it's a minimum to give yourself time.
Castile excursions (4-5 days). All excursions can easily be done as day trips from Madrid.
• Toledo (1-2 days) - UNESCO World Heritage city-museum, blend of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures.
• Segovia (1 day) - Spectacular Roman aqueduct and fairy-tale Alcázar.
• Consuegra (1/2 day) - Don Quixote's windmills perfectly restored on a hill. Bus or car 1h15.
Royal palace in Aranjuez
• Aranjuez (1/2 day) - Royal palace and sumptuous gardens. Take the mythical Tren de la Fresa (Strawberry Train). Tourist train in period cars from the 1920s-1960s, runs on spring and autumn weekends.
Granada (3 days): Alhambra, Albaicín, Sacromonte and wellness break in Al Ándalus hammams.
Week 2: white villages route
Between Cádiz and Málaga, count about 400 kilometers to cover all stages. Arcos, Zahara, Ronda, Mijas... Perched villages, charming streets: perfect for a peaceful road trip over several days!
Exploring Lesser-Known Places
Want to avoid crowds, flip-flop groups, and waiting lines? Here are two places I discovered solo, somewhat by chance... and absolutely loved. Perfect places for a break from the tumult, conducive to local encounters and more intimate regional exploration.
Albarracín (Aragon)
Perched in an ochre valley in the heart of Aragon, this medieval village looks like a movie set. The sloping cobbled streets, pink houses, the silence... it's just magnificent. I spent two days deliberately getting lost in the alleys, and I've rarely felt so much calm. I stayed with a host found via NomadSister, and we cooked a local chickpea dish together... an unforgettable memory.
Cáceres (Extremadura)
This beautiful city is a true, still little-known medieval jewel. UNESCO World Heritage listed, it combines Romanesque, Moorish, and Gothic architecture, yet it's rarely overrun. I loved walking there at night when the city center lights up softly. Great if you want Game of Thrones atmosphere without the dragons... or tourists.
Practical Tips for Solo Travel in Spain
What documents for solo travel to Spain?
If you're European Good news: it's super simple. No passport, no visa: your ID card is enough to enter the territory. Just one thing to check before leaving: that it's valid at least three months after your return. Avoids cold sweats at boarding.
I also slip my European health insurance card into my wallet — it allows reimbursement in case of health issues.
If you're from outside the EU Don't panic: for tourist stays under 90 days, many nationalities (Canada, United States, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, or South Korea) don't need a visa.
You'll simply need a passport valid at least three months after the return date, and sometimes an exit ticket from the territory.
Also think about travel health insurance covering care in Europe, as your national card won't suffice.
Bonus reflex: I photograph all my important documents and store them in the cloud. When I lost my wallet in Bilbao, it saved me.
Getting around Spain
Trains in Spain are fast, reliable, and comfortable. The AVE (Spanish high-speed train) connects major cities at full speed – Madrid-Seville in 2h30, Madrid-Barcelona in 3h15. For shorter journeys, regional trains are also efficient with stations often right downtown.
Bus-wise, ALSA and Avanza companies serve the whole country. Top comfort: wide seats, wifi, AC... and very affordable prices, ideal for small budgets.
Most important: don't hesitate to ask for help; Spaniards are generally delighted to explain or help, even with approximate English.
Don't speak Spanish?
Traveling alone and don't speak Spanish? Don't worry, it's not serious. But honestly, learning a few things before leaving can really help you feel more confident, especially in certain moments of solitude.
This language is easy to learn, and it helps you everywhere: at restaurants, hostels, on the street... And sometimes, it's your best travel companion for breaking the ice. Plus, people love when you make the effort. Even with a terrible accent, you'll see: a well-placed "hola," and voilà, magic happens.
And if you stress a bit before leaving, don't hesitate to ask questions on a female travelers' forum: you'll see you're not alone in taking the plunge!
Welcoming accommodations for women
When traveling alone, finding reliable, welcoming, and well-located lodging is essential. Personally, I alternate between several options depending on my budget and mood.
Youth hostels: perfect for meeting people, especially if you choose those with female dorms. In Seville, I loved Black Swan Hostel, super clean with a friendly atmosphere. In Madrid, I stayed at Generator Hostel steps from Gran Via: design atmosphere, optimal security with lockers in each dorm and a benevolent atmosphere.
Airbnb: downtown apartments let you live like a local and discover neighborhood markets.
Hotels: for nights when I want calm, I turn to small family hotels. I slept in an adorable Andalusian pension for under $60 per night.
And then there's NomadSister. I warmly recommend this platform if you want to stay with a verified host, 100% female, for welcoming and secure accommodation. In Valencia: my host even invited me to a seaside picnic with her friends. A precious moment when traveling alone.
When to go to Spain?
I recommend spring and early autumn. Temperatures are mild and prices much more affordable than summer.
Avoid August if you don't like crowds or intense heat. Many locals also go on vacation, so some shops or restaurants close.
Winter can also be nice with fewer people.
Ready to Try Solo Travel? Start with Spain!
No need to go to the other side of the world to live your first solo adventure. Spain is the perfect combo: cool atmosphere, varied landscapes, top culture... and you quickly feel confident there.
Whether for a long stay or simple weekend, it's a destination fully suited to solo travel. You can leave on a whim or after hours of research, doesn't matter: what's important is departure. Even without a precise plan, you'll never feel truly alone. And if you need a boost, I'm here to accompany you in your first steps.
Spain is full of gems, and you might well find much more than a destination there: a friend, inspiration, a new starting point toward other adventures.
Safe travels, future explorer!
About the Author:
A graphic web designer and photographer by passion, I have a genuine love for travel. My extended stays in Latin America, particularly in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, have fueled my appreciation for discovery and meaningful encounters. Writing allows me to share these emotionally rich and enlightening experiences while prolonging the joy of reliving each journey.
Whether you are an avid traveller or a first-time adventurer, all NomadSister editors are passionate about travel. They share their advice and experiences with the desire to give you wings!
