A Solo Female Travel Guide for Traveling Solo in Spain
Planning to travel alone in Spain? This guide covers everything you need to know for traveling solo in Spain!
With its amazing food, affordable prices, beautiful beaches, extremely friendly people, vibrant culture, and endless amount of history, Spain is an incredible place to visit alone. There are many touristic cities where English is common which makes Spain a great time for first-time or seasoned solo travelers!
Whether you prefer a slower-paced, relaxing trip prefer to spend more time in nature on beautiful hikes, or just want to eat and drink your way through the country, Spain is sure to offer something to make a memorable vacation!
This Guest Post is By Taylor of Culture Craving Couple
Note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Read our Affiliate Disclosure here.
Quick Facts before visiting Spain:
💱Currency: Euro €
💶 Budget for a trip to Spain: The average daily cost for a trip to Spain is €150 a night for both food and accommodation.
💜 Is tipping required in Spain? Tipping in Spain is not required. Sometimes you will find it included in your bill at fine dining restaurants especially.
☀️ Best time to Visit: April or May if you want to avoid peak tourist time and very hot summers or September to October when the weather is mild.
🏥 Travel Insurance in Spain: I recommend SafetyWing which will cover you in case of trip cancellations or any accidents during your travels.
📞 Stay connected in Spain: Buy an e-sim with Airalo
Is Spain safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Spain is incredibly safe for solo female travelers. Forbes named it the safest on earth to travel solo as a female. The locals in Spain are incredibly friendly to tourists and are always trying to help you out, even if they don’t speak the same language. The cities in Spain have amazing public transportation both around the city itself and between the major cities making it easy to travel solo.
Of course, like all other countries, you do have to use your common sense. Don’t wander down back alleys, especially after dark, keep an eye on any drinks you order, and make sure you carry your belongings as close to your person as possible.
Violence towards women, and crime in general, is low in Spain. The most common crime you may run into is pickpocketing, especially in larger and more tourist cities such as Barcelona. There are some other scams to be aware of such as an older woman approaching you and handing you a piece of rosemary. If you take it, you will be expected to make a donation and the woman may help herself to some of your money while it is out.
As with traveling in any country solo, it’s always best to carry yourself confidentially, trust your intuition, and let a friend who where you plan to be just in case.
🤳 Best tripods for solo travel:
1. Simple, compact for mobile phones
2. DSLR tripod
What to pack for your solo trip to Spain
- This super cool scarf has a hidden zipper that allows you to hide important things like your passport or money. A useful thing to have for a solo traveler.
- A keychain flashlight is handy to have in case you’re ever walking alone at night and it’s too dark to see your surroundings.
- I always carry a mini first aid kit in case of any accidents and I can be a clumsy person!
- One thing I never leave home when traveling is a portable compact mobile phone charger like this one. I have run into a few situations where I was stuck in a tiny village in Italy and no one knew English. Sadly my phone died and I felt crippled without my phone. I was unable to use Google Translate to conversate or navigate anywhere. Also, be sure to carry a backup one too in case one dies, or just be sure to always charge it daily!
- My favorite tripod is this compact tripod for mobile phones – people constantly ask me how I take solo photos and this is how!
Travel Insurance in Spain for Solo Travelers
It’s definitely worth getting travel insurance whether you’re traveling alone or with others and I recommend SafetyWing which will cover you in case of any accidents or hospital visits. While it’s unlikely to happen, better safe than sorry!
When is the best time for Traveling Solo in Spain?
The best time to travel solo in Spain is in the shoulder season of Spring (March through May) and Fall (September through November).
During these seasons you will avoid peak tourist times and fewer people overall means less chance for petty crime such as pickpocketing. You will also experience pleasantly warm weather and avoid the excruciating heat that happens during the summer months in Spain. Hotels and experiences are also cheaper as it is not part of the busiest season for traveling to Spain.
Unless you enjoy very hot weather, you will want to avoid visiting Spain in July and August as temperatures soar and the streets are crowded.
Best Places to Travel in Spain As A Solo Female Traveler
1. Barcelona
Barcelona, the vibrant heart of Catalonia, is the perfect blend of art, culture, and history. Known for its iconic Sagrada Família, the whimsical creations of Antoni Gaudí, and the bustling La Rambla, this city is one you cannot miss on your adventures in Spain!
For solo female travelers, Barcelona offers a sense of safety and inclusivity, with its friendly locals and well-connected public transport. You can get lost in the beautiful streets of the Gothic Quarter, indulge in tapas at the lively La Plata, or simply bask in the sun at Barceloneta Beach.
From its world-class museums to its amazing shopping and its lively street performances, Barcelona offers something for everyone!
Best solo activity: A food tour in Barcelona is a must and is a great way to beat any loneliness that might come from being alone.
Where to stay: Casa Gracia is a modern hostel with both private or shared rooms in a quiet neighborhood that is still centrally located!
2. Madrid
Madrid, Spain’s capital, is a blend of historical grandeur and modern vibrancy. Renowned for its world-class art museums like the Prado and Reina Sofia, the city is a haven for art enthusiasts.
From the lively squares of Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor to the peaceful retreat of Retiro Park, the city pulses with authentic Spanish life! Dive into the local culture with a flamenco show at Cafe Ziryab, savor traditional churros at San Ginés, or simply wander down the busy Gran Via and explore the locally owned shops.
Trying the vermouth at Taberna La Concha is a must. It’s made in-house and known the be some of the best in the city, making it a unique Spanish souvenir as well! They also offer unique tapas with gluten-free options. Try the Thai curry fish meatballs if you’re feeling adventurous or stick the Spanish Aboldigas (meatballs) if you are not.
If you want an incredible view, grab a cocktail at the rooftop bar on the Círculo de Bellas Artes that overlooks all of the city!
Best solo activity: Take a day trip to Toledo or other nearby cities. Toledo used to be Spain’s capital. Now it’s the marzipan capital of Spain, so make sure to try some!
Where to stay: Dear Hotel Madrid has panoramic views of Madrid (as pictured above!) and is well located.
Read my full post on how to spend 2 days in Madrid
3. Seville
Seville, the enchanting Andalusian capital, is a fabulous blend of Moorish history, flamenco, and orange-scented streets. Some must-see places are the iconic Alcázar Palace and the massive Seville Cathedral.
Wander through the winding alleys of white-washed houses of the Santa Cruz quarter, which used to be the old Jewish quarter, experience the passion of a live flamenco show, or relax by the Guadalquivir River.
If you can plan a trip for April, the annual Feria de Abril festival showcases Seville at its most colorful, with traditional dances, dresses, and celebrations. When you’re in the Andalusian region you must try the local specialty of fried eggplant with honey, called Berenjenas con Miel. You will find them everywhere and they are good everywhere!
Best solo activity: Seville is the birthplace of Flamenco, so this is a must. If you can find a “Tablao” Flamenco, this is the most authentic as it’s not staged or choreographed. Book Tickets Ahead Here
Where to stay: Apartamentos Abreu Suites is centrally located and has an amazing rooftop pool.
While you’re in Andalucia, be sure to visit the best white villages and my absolute favorite of those is Olvera and Frigiliana.
4. Granada
Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is one of the most beautiful cities in the Andalusian region! The main attraction is the Alhambra, an absolutely massive palace fortress that you could spend hours exploring.
As a solo traveler, you will find Granada both welcoming and walkable, with its labyrinthine Albayzín district offering surprises at every turn, from hidden courtyards to panoramic views at the Mirador de San Nicolás which you must check out for sunset!
Granada is one of the cities where many restaurants still give you a free tapa with a drink order, which is perfect for saving a buck! A great place to grab a bite is the hidden gem, La Sitarilla. Once you’re finished wander down the aromatic alleys of the Alcaicería, the old silk market, and you might feel like you’ve taken a detour to Morocco!
Best solo activity: It’s time for some pampering with a visit to a traditional Arab bath!
Where to stay: Casa del Capitel Nazarí is affordable, super modern, and clean, and in a great place to explore Granada by foot!
5. Valencia
Valencia sits on Spain’s sun-drenched eastern coast and is a blend of historic charm and futuristic innovation. The city’s Old Town features a gorgeous Gothic cathedral and a bustling Central Market. Yet, a stone’s throw away, you have the modern City of Arts and Sciences. As a solar traveler, you will love Valencia’s breezy boulevards, palm-fringed parks, and the serene Turia River Gardens.
The city’s beach, with its golden sands and blue waters, is the perfect spot to relax after lots of Spain exploration! Explore the vibrant, hipster neighborhoods of Ruzafa and sneak into a cafe for some locally-produced Valencia orange juice.
End that day by diving into a bowl of Paella, Valencia’s iconic dish. Restaurante Levante is off the beaten path and is said by the locals to be the best paella in Valencia!
Best solo activity: A paella-making class is a great way to get fed and meet some new people!
Where to stay: The River Hostel is a great budget option with female dorms in a beautiful and central location!
6. Mallorca
Mallorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, is home to beautiful coves, limestone mountains, and the dreamiest villages. While this Mediterranean island is not the most budget-friendly place in Spain, it does offer you a diverse landscape, from the bustling streets of Palma, with its majestic cathedral, incredible shopping, and historic Almudaina Palace, to the tranquil terraces of Valldemossa or Deia.
The island’s pristine beaches, like Es Trenc and Cala Agulla, are sun-soaked havens, while the Tramuntana mountain range has amazing hiking and beautiful views! With all of this in mind, Mallorca is definitely worth visiting as a solo traveler!
You can spend the day in the city, munching on the deliciously airy local pastries called ensaïmadas at Panaderia S’estacio, relax on the beach, or spend the day on the Mediterranean Sea on a Catamaran tour!
Best solo activity: A Catamaran tour is a fun way to get on the water, relax, and meet people at the same time.
Where to stay: Hostel Soller is in the center of the beautiful town of Soller, known for its citrus groves, and is a great budget option for visiting the island. Make sure you walk across the street to Mr. Mccoys Island Ices for the best, locally-made ice cream and sorbet you will ever have.
Read my full post on visiting the charming fisherman’s village, Cala Figuera
Cities to Avoid in Spain As A Solo Female Traveler
As Spain is one of the safest places to travel solo, there are not really any places that you must avoid. However, you may want to steer clear of Ibiza, a Balearic island that is known worldwide for its epic party scene. While the island itself is safe you will definitely run into more drunken partiers and run the risk of your drink being spiked, or other events like that. However, there are less touristic sides of Ibiza in the North East. It’s a quiet escape from the parties. In addition, Mallorca is worth visiting as an alternative.
Getting Around Spain
Most of the cities in Spain, from the larger ones to the smaller ones, are well-connected by train or bus and transport is quite easy. The national railway operator in Spain is Renfe and they have 2 high-speed lines called AVE or AVLO. If you see this when looking at a ticket, this will be a fast and comfortable option for you! There are also smaller train operators such as OUIGO and iryo. All are comfortable, clean, and safe.
The main train sites are:
Trainline has an excellent phone app that will help you book tickets quickly for anywhere in Europe!
Is it Expensive to Travel Solo in Spain?
Spain is quite affordable if you plan correctly. Eating in Spain is considered very cheap due to the “tapas” style of dining that is the norm. This is also a great way to eat for solo traveling as you can fill up on just one or two low-priced and incredibly delicious things. Wine is also very cheap if you want to make the meal a little nicer!
Spain also has incredible markets with local produce that you can use to cook your own meals if you prefer. It’s important to note that Spanish people eat out quite often which means the need for a well-stocked kitchen isn’t there. You may find a very small kitchen that doesn’t allow for much cooking depending on where you stay.
Spain is a highly-visited country which means there are lots of centrally-located, clean, safe, and fun hostels to stay at to conserve your budget. This is a great choice for solo travelers as you will be surrounded by people and it can help you feel less lonely. You can opt to stay in an all-female dorm or in a private room with a shared bathroom if you prefer privacy.
There are always Airbnbs available where you can choose between having the whole place to yourself or a private room within a building, usually with a shared bathroom and maybe a shared common area or kitchen.
The average daily cost for a trip to Spain is €100 a night for both food and accommodation. A hotel should cost an average of €70 a night and if you want to be on a super tight budget you can find hostels for €30-40 a night. If you include the cost of trains and transport, you may want to give yourself a budget of €150 per day to play it safe.
How Many Days in Spain is Enough?
While there is never too much time in Spain, you will want to spend at least one week in Spain. This will allow you to visit 2 of the major cities and attractions and possibly go on a day trip to a smaller city.
If you want to explore all the cities in this guide, then 3 weeks to a month in Spain will be ideal!
Solo Dining in Spain
Eating out alone is one of the top fears in traveling solo. But did you know, people in Spain eat lunch and dinner super late? Lunch is typically at 2pm and dinner is after 10pm! So, a great hack to calm those eating alone fears is to dine early. if you’re used to eating at 7 pm, you will likely have the whole restaurant to yourself and even spot some other same solo travelers with the same idea!
Plus, traveling solo is all about building confidence, and who cares what others think if you’re eating on your own. It might also be a way for you to spur conversation with the bartender if you dine in less awkward places like the bar. Ask what their favorite local place is or thing to do in the city to start a conversation. Another tip for eating solo is to call the restaurant ahead and ask them to place you in a seating area that is not right in the center of everything. Perhaps at the bar or in a corner where attention won’t call towards you.
You can also take cooking classes or a food tour so you don’t have to dine solo!
Top Solo Travel Trips and Packing Items for Traveling Solo in Spain
🤎 Get your FREE Solo Travel e-book! Gain confidence in traveling this beautiful world solo with my 14-page ultimate solo travel guide
1. Download an offline map such as City Maps 2 Go (Download on iPhone | Android) or Google Maps and mark all the places you want to go ahead of time so you can navigate effectively.
2. Sign up for GiffGaff, a sim card so you can use your phone for cheap during your visit to Italy. It’s a UK provider but you can use it anywhere in Europe. This is really great because you can use your phone’s data and text using iMessage or WhatsApp. The cost is around £15 and it will last you a couple of weeks. They will send you a SIM card free ahead of your trip. Here’s a link to save £10.
3. Bring an EU adapter so you can keep charged. It’s important to note some of the voltages change and won’t work for your hairdryers, etc. Therefore, you need to get an adapter that will adjust for the voltages like this one.
4. Bring an extra debit card so that if one stops working you aren’t stuck without any money. When taking money out of an ATM always decline conversion or you’ll be charged more. This is a sneaky trick not everyone knows and will save you a lot of money. Also, when you make purchases at any store always opt for the currency of the country you are visiting to not incur additional charges. Often your instinct is to do it in your own currency but don’t ever do that!
5. Always let a friend know where you are & share your location with them via your mobile device. I use WhatsApp to share my location or find friends on the iPhone.
6. Learn key phrases in Spanish so that you can respond in case of an emergency or tell someone to get away from you if they are dangerously approaching you. It’s always good to learn basic phrases when traveling anyway. Write down a few emergency phrases in case anything happens.
7. Meet friends! Solo travel doesn’t mean alone travel. Pick up a conversation with someone at a local coffee shop, go on a group tour using my favorite tour site Get your Guide, take a cooking class, or stay in a hostel!
8. Always get travel insurance when traveling especially alone. You never know what could happen. I recommend SafetyWing because it’s simple and flexible. It will cover your medical emergencies and transportation, protect you against trip cancellation, and even protect the gear you travel with. Click here to find out more.
9. Bring a tripod! Just because you’re traveling solo doesn’t mean you can’t get wonderful photos. One of the most common questions, I get asked is who takes all my pictures when I travel solo. I used to ask strangers but now that I bring my tripod, it’s a game-changer. I take most of my photos by myself and you can see how they look on my IG account here! Be sure to follow me for the best solo travel tips as well! I recommend getting a simple smartphone tripod like this. It is lightweight, easy to carry around, and also easy to set up. Or, if you’re more advanced and have professional camera gear, this one by Manfrotto is really great.
📸 Be sure to check out my post on the Best Camera Gear for Solo Female Travelers!
Hopefully, this post inspires you to travel to beautiful Spain solo and gives you some inspiration for where to go and how to navigate the amazing country!
For more reading, you may also like these:
👩 Solo Travel Guide to Italy
🤎 Solo Travel Tips & FREE solo travel e-book!
📸 Best Camera Gear for Solo Female Travelers
👩❤️👱♀️How to Meet Friends Traveling Solo
♀ Best Places for Solo Female Travel
🍴Tips for eating out alone
🤫 Travel Secrets & Tips
👩 Solo Travel Interview with Samantha
💬 Solo Travel Quotes to Inspire You
