The ultimate solo travel guide to Spain: everything you need to know
Solo travel in Spain is an unrivalled experience – a sun-kissed haven where vibrant culture, captivating landscapes and rich history converge. Considered one of the world’s safest countries for solo female travellers, Spain’s appeal extends beyond the headline attractions to quieter, lesser-known corners too, such as colourful Cudillero in the north and the World Heritage City of Merida in the west. These dazzling spots offer a more nuanced and authentic mix for the solo traveller.
In the south of Spain, unravel the historic streets of Granada, home to the impressive Moorish and Andalusian influence of the Alhambra Palace. Bask in the sun-soaked streets of Seville, where architectural wonders, like the Royal Alcazar Palace and the Catedral de Sevilla, beckon. Further south, you’ll discover the windswept beauty of Tarifa, perched at the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula, and experience the vibrant energy of Málaga.
Beyond the sights, Spanish cuisine reflects the differing cultures and characteristics of the many regions. Try steaming, freshly-cooked paella, Pulpo a la gallega (octopus) smoked in paprika and authentic gazpacho (cold soup), all washed down with a spice-infused Sangria.
For those seeking the perfect blend of cultural immersion and social connections, joining a group solo travel adventure with Flash Pack opens the door to curated experiences and shared moments with like-minded travellers. Here’s everything you need to know about a group solo trip to Spain.
Spain travel facts
A country of varying cultures and influences, Spain is a stirring mix of majestic landscapes, spirited cities and ravishing coastline. There are impressive landmarks, from the Royal Palace in Madrid to the astonishing Alhambra Palace in Granada. Across the regions and islands, Spain also has a large number of national parks, showcasing a diverse range of landscapes that contribute to its status as one of Europe’s biodiversity hotspots.
There’s a staggering 50 Unesco World Heritage Sites throughout Spain, including the historic centre of Córdoba in southern Andalucia, the Moorish architecture of the Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín Quarter in Granada, and the cathedral, Royal Alcázar and The General Archive of the Indies in Seville.
Is Spain good for solo travel?
With a mix of vibrant and historical cities, a wealth of ancient Moorish, Roman and Spanish sites, and rich culinary culture, and arresting coastlines, Spain is an impressive destination for the solo traveller. Start with tapas in cosmopolitan Madrid, before heading to Seville where you can group paddleboard on the Guadalquivir River. For some of Spain’s impressive artistic flare, visit Gaudi by electric tuk tuk in Barcelona.
Alternatively, you can book a small group trip to Spain, avoiding the leg work and utilising the in depth knowledge of a local guide throughout. You’ll also be able to share the experience (and your tapas) with a group of like-minded solo travellers. Find out more about solo travel with Flash Pack.
Best places to visit in Spain
With an abundance of bustling cities, from central Madrid to the northeastern coastal city of Barcelona to southern Seville in Andalusia, it’s hard to know which direction to head in first. So what should you do on a solo trip to Spain? On Flash Pack’s 11-day Cities of Spain: wine, Gaudí & flamenco adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the major cities and sites, while also encountering some unrivalled and unique local experiences.
You’ll start your trip in the country’s capital, Madrid, where you’ll enjoy an experiential tapas tour with your fellow Flashpackers. From here, you’ll traverse the country from top to bottom, ticking off Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, and Seville. Along the way, you’ll visit the Roman ruins of Mérida, the 13th-century fortress of the Alhambra Palace and the historic backstreets of Alcázar. There’s also a slew of one-off experiences, including a private flamenco lesson in Albaicín’s medieval Arab Quarter, a kayaking excursion along the cliffs, coves and beaches of La Herradura in Andalusia, and a traditional paella-making class.
Where to stay as a solo traveller in Spain
What are the hotels like in Spain? From design hotels to paradors (hotels in historic buildings) to fincas in the countryside, Spain has a mix of smart and seductive places to stay. In the large cities, design, spa and smaller boutique hotels reign, with new contenders regularly popping up. In the wine region around Penedes, vineyards with rooms pop up among the vines. Along the coast in La Herradura, you’ll unearth hip hotels and apartments with views.
Opting to share a room on a group solo trip to Spain with Flash Pack can also be a savvy choice. It not only levels out the costs, allowing you to experience the same luxury accommodation at a reduced price, but it also fosters lasting connections with fellow travellers. If you prefer a private room, that’s not a problem either.
How to get to Spain
Despite having over 50 airports, most direct international flights to Spain land at the tens of larger hubs on both the mainland and surrounding islands, including Madrid–Barajas Airport, Barcelona-El Prat Airport and Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport. Direct flights from the US land largely at Madrid and Barcelona, but you can also reach the likes of Seville Airport, Granada International Airport and Valencia Airport non-stop.
Fly to Madrid for pretty boulevards, pristine parks and impressive Baroque architecture. For the historic amphitheatre, aqueducts and thermal baths of Merida, fly to Seville. For the opulent 13th-century Alhambra Palace, the lofty Sierra Nevada mountains and stunning coastline, and a taste of traditional flamenco dancing, fly to Granada. For the perfect pairing of paella and vermouth, fly to Valencia. And, for impressive art and beach life, fly to Barcelona.
How to get around Spain
There’s an extensive and inexpensive domestic flight network that operates across the length and breadth of the country and to the islands, including Ibiza, Majorca and La Palma, saving on time flitting between cities if you plan to cover a lot of ground. The main internal carrier is Iberia but routes are also available through the likes of Vueling and Air Europa. It’s just over an hour to fly between Madrid and Seville, while Barcelona to Tenerife is around 3.5 hours.
Trains are a great option for solo travel in Spain as they are are quick and reliable, with a vast rail network of high-speed and intercity trains connecting large swathes of the country. En route, you’ll have a window to some dramatic landscapes, like the Sierra Nevada mountains or Spain’s glorious coastline. For those places that aren’t privy to an airport or train station, buses offer a cheap and reliable alternative to seeing the country. With Flash Pack, you have a little more time to take in the scenery, safe in the knowledge that all internal travel is arranged for you.
Best time to visit Spain
Spain has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Spain is in the late spring (April to May) or early autumn (September to October), when temperatures are pleasant and crowds a little lighter on the ground. But if you enjoy smouldering hot days, peak season (between June and August) when temperatures reach 36°C will hit the right note.
Spain solo travel itineraries
On Flash Pack’s 11-day Cities of Spain: wine, Gaudí & flamenco trip, you’ll begin your adventure in the thriving and trendy capital Madrid and end in cool and coastal Barcelona. Along the way, you’ll visit Granada, where the Alhambra Palace awaits exploration, and you’ll get to find your rhythm on a flamenco lesson in Albaicin. You’ll venture into the captivating landscapes of the Sierra Nevada for a hike, then seamlessly transition to the sun-soaked beach of La Herradura for some relaxation.
You’ll also veer off the main routes to visit an orange grove estate and take in a fascinating Vermouth workshop. And you’ll head to a local market to buy ingredients for a traditional paella, which you’ll then learn to make and enjoy over a three-course meal, toasted with some local Sangria.
What to pack for solo travel in Spain
For the large cities there’s plenty to see so take some comfortable walking shoes for visits to the likes of the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona or El Retiro Park in Madrid. The climate in Spain is largely warm, so lightweight, breathable fabrics are a must, along with flip flops or sandals for leisurely days. For coastal regions, you’ll want swimwear, a sunhat, sunglasses and a strong factor sun cream. For solo travellers, a dry bag and quick drying towel are also great assets to have on the beach.
However, during the winter months, the weather can be cold or wet in certain areas. In the Sierra Nevada mountain range, you can expect heavy snowfall. Come prepared with a weather-proof jacket, trousers and boots that grip the snow if you’re planning on spending time in the area. In the north, rain tends to come at this time of year, so bringing a raincoat is essential. And you’ll need a universal adapter as plugs are C of F type.
Solo travel advice for Spain
Spaniards are known for being warm and welcoming and are used to people visiting the vast and varied cities and terrains. The siesta is still an important part of Spanish culture, although you will notice it less so in the larger cities. If you’re visiting smaller towns, be prepared for some shops and cafes to close between the hours of 2pm to 5pm. Across the country, meals are eaten later than you might expect, with evening dinner starting as late as 11pm. Drink and conversations are expected to flow around the table for some time after, too.
By joining a group solo trip to Spain, you get all the perks of solo travel but with the support of a Pack Leader and other like-minded travellers to experience share the journey with.
Is it safe to travel solo in Spain
Thousands of visitors travel to Spain every year and most trips are trouble-free. However, do check out the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (UK), the Department of State Travel Advisories (US) or your country’s local government guidelines for the latest advice before travelling. Once there, follow local advice and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Keeping an eye on your belongings, especially in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, is advised to avoid classic scams that use distraction techniques. For extra peace of mind and an additional layer of safety, consider travelling solo as part of a group solo adventure. It will mean you can take in the heady mix of sights and landscapes on offer in the company of a local guide and other like-minded solo travellers.
Ready for your next adventure? Try group solo travel to Spain with Flash Pack – designed exclusively for people in their 30s and 40s, seeking the independence of solo travel within the safety of a group.
A cool 98% of Flashpackers arrive solo to join our group adventures. So, you’ll be in good company – whether a first-time solo traveller or a seasoned pro looking for like-minded new friends.
Images: Flash Pack, Unsplash
