Spain is a country like no other and it is the perfect destination for anyone planning a solo adventure. Traveling solo offers a whole host of benefits and is a great way to increase your self-confidence, decision making and assertiveness.
Traveling by yourself in Spain is easy as public transport and accommodation is relatively inexpensive when compared to other European countries. So, without further ado, here are the top places to visit in Spain for solo adventurers.
Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is the final destination of the famous pilgrimage, Camino de Santiago.
If any trip is ideal for a solo traveler, not only when looking at Spain but probably the whole world, it’s the Camino.
Most pilgrims travel alone and meet new people along the way. It’s part and parcel of the trip. The cathedral in Santiago de Compostela is the final stop along the way, and it’s a beautiful monument to experience. It makes it even greater when you’ve been traveling on foot for several weeks, anticipating what is there, and finally arriving – it’s an experience like no other. Santiago is not exactly the typical solo trip, since you will always find people to talk to. But it is the ideal journey to start out on, all by yourself.
Granada
Granada is a unique and beautiful city, famous for its grand architecture and narrow cobbled streets. The quiet, relaxed atmosphere and spectacular views of some of the most iconic buildings in Spain make it the perfect destination for any solo adventure.
There is beauty at every turn, and you can’t leave Granada without visiting the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens, which is one of the oldest surviving Moorish gardens in the world, dating back to the 14th century.
Granada is a relatively small city and the people here are warm and friendly, which makes it easy to meet new people while traveling. It’s also a very popular destination for exchange students from all over the world, so meeting young people is particularly easy!
Barcelona
This might be an obvious choice, but this enchanting seaside city is a must for anyone planning a solo adventure in Spain. Barcelona is a bustling cosmopolitan city renowned for its world-class food, nightlife and culture and is home to the architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi. You can’t take a solo trip to Barcelona without paying a visit to the still-unfinished Sagrada Familia which was designed by Gaudi in 1882.
Other must-see attractions include the Picasso Museum, the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, the Olympic Stadium, and of course, La Rambla, the most famous street in Barcelona. There are so many events and festivals all year round in this beautiful city that you’ll never be stuck for something to do.
Staying in a hostel is the best way to make friends while travelling by yourself, and there’s no shortage of inner city hostels to stay in if you want to be amongst all the hustle and bustle of Barcelona. Or, if you’re looking to relax by the beach, Barcelona has an amazing selection of seaside hotels to choose from, such as the Hotel Arts which offers luxurious 5-star accommodation and has a spectacular view overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. This hotel hosts some important events in the city, for example, it was the official hotel of the EPT (European Poker Tour) this year, and it also provides venues for wedding celebrations and reunions. This sun-soaked Mediterranean city is one that you can’t miss out on your solo adventure.
Valencia
Valencia is an essential place to visit when it comes to solo travel in Spain. It is the third largest city in Spain, but not yet overrun by tourists such as other cities like Barcelona or Madrid. Valencia is a safe and small city best known for its stunning beaches, unique architecture and mouth-watering Spanish cuisine. This city is packed with exciting things to see and do.
Read next: Where to stay in Valencia
If you’re a foodie then Valencia is one place you can’t leave off your list. The Mercado Central is one of the largest fresh food markets in Europe, with hundreds of stalls selling fresh fruit, meat and veggies where you can sample the local specialty cuisines and strange delicacies. Of course, no trip to Valencia would be complete without a tour of The City of Arts and Science, a cultural and architectural complex that houses a variety of attractions, museums and buildings.
Bilbao
Bilbao is a beautiful and quaint city located in Northern Spain surrounded by rolling green hills and is home to some of the coolest modern architecture and avant-garde structures in Europe, making it an ideal location for solo travelers in Spain looking for something a little bit different.
Some of the top attractions in Bilbao include the Guggenheim Museum, the Church of Saint Anthony as well as Azkuna Central Arts Centre. Bilbao is one of the most unique places in Spain and is a must for solo travelers who love art and architecture.
Hopefully this list has helped you plan your solo adventure through Spain and that you’re now aware of some of the best destinations for people traveling alone, as well as some of the more underrated gems and less visited cities.
Conclusion
Spain has many interesting cities to visit. If you’re a solo traveler, these destinations are just as good as if you were traveling with friends or family. Spain is the second most visited country in the world, so whether your goal is to meet locals, other travelers, or simply to stick by yourself – you will always be able to find the purpose you’re looking for. Have a nice trip!
Content in this article
Leave a reply