Exclusive Travel Guide

Everything You Need to Plan Solo Trips to Spain!

Looking for tips on traveling alone to Spain? I’ve got you covered! Since 2009, I’ve been exploring Europe and hitting plenty of Spain’s must-visit spots.

My travels have taken me to Barcelona and Madrid, as well as some lesser-traveled cities like Granada, Seville, and Valencia.

I highly recommend solo travel in Spain, but for first-timers, just a heads-up—you might run into a language barrier here and there. Nothing that should stop you, just something to keep in mind.

Let this travel guide help you plan an awesome trip!

Table of Contents

What you’ll find here

To best navigate this page, I created a table of contents below:

Destination guides Things to Do Best Time to Visit Travel Tips
Google Maps Common Questions Best Travel Apps

Hi, I’m Melissa

Your go-to girl for all solo things travel

Traveling solo has been my ‘thing’ since 2009! Having explored most of Europe on my own, I’ve gained a unique perspective and a genuine passion for helping other women reach their travel dreams. I even host small group trips for women who prefer exploring together!

If you’re looking for honest, real-talk advice from someone who’s seen it all, check out my ultimate travel guide for Europe!

The photo shows a woman standing outdoors in Seville, with a peaceful and contemplative expression. She is dressed in a casual, light-colored outfit, perfect for a warm day. The background includes a tree branch with green leaves framing the top of the image, and the architectural details of Seville can be seen in the distance. The scene captures a serene moment, possibly reflecting the calm and beauty of the city.
Ola!

What You Need to Do in Spain

Foods to Try

Paella, patatas bravas

Drinks to Try

Sangria, horchata

Best Spots to Relax

Costa Brava

Most Scenic Hikes

Camino de Santiago

Hidden Gems to Visit

Ronda, Albarracín

Best Way to Get Around

Trains, metro

Must-Have Experiences

Tapas hopping in Seville

Best Day Trips

Toledo, Girona

When to Visit Spain

  • Spring: The weather becomes milder and more pleasant, with temperatures in the south varying from 12°C to 20°C and in the north from 10°C to 18°C. Spring is perfect for enjoying Spain’s blooming landscapes.
  • Summer: Prepare for warm to hot temperatures. In the south, it gets really warm, with temperatures between 22°C and 35°C, while the north is cooler, ranging from 18°C to 25°C. Coastal areas benefit from a nice sea breeze.
  • Autumn: The climate is mild to warm, with the south experiencing temperatures between 15°C and 25°C and the north seeing temperatures from 13°C to 20°C. Autumn offers a chance to witness the beautiful change in nature’s colors and generally has fewer tourists.
  • Winter: In the south, temperatures range between 8°C and 15°C, while the north experiences cooler weather, typically from 5°C to 10°C. This season is the rainiest, particularly in northern Spain.

Travel Tips For Spain

Scams

Scams are common in tourist areas like Barcelona and Madrid. Beware of the “lucky rosemary” scam, where someone offers you a sprig for good luck and then demands money. Avoid fake petitions, often used as a distraction for pickpocketing. Taxi drivers may also overcharge—always check that the meter is running.

Safety

I never felt unsafe in Spain, but I was always mindful of my belongings. Pickpocketing is a big issue in crowded areas like La Rambla, Plaza Mayor, and on public transport. Keep your bag zipped and worn across your body, and avoid walking alone in quiet areas late at night.

Cash & Card

Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is useful for small purchases, markets, and rural areas. Some restaurants and taxis may require a minimum spend for card payments. Use ATMs inside banks to avoid skimming devices, and always decline dynamic currency conversion to get the best exchange rate.

Grab the Google Map

Granada

Beaches of Majorca

Majorca

The photo shows a woman standing outdoors in Seville, with a peaceful and contemplative expression. She is dressed in a casual, light-colored outfit, perfect for a warm day. The background includes a tree branch with green leaves framing the top of the image, and the architectural details of Seville can be seen in the distance. The scene captures a serene moment, possibly reflecting the calm and beauty of the city.

Seville

Exterior of the Mercado de Colón in Valencia, Spain, showcasing a red-brick facade with an ornate arched entrance, topped with decorative stone carvings and sculptures. The building's striking architectural details are highlighted against a clear blue sky, with a few people and café tables in the foreground.

Valencia

Exclusive Travel Guides for SPAIN

Here, you’ll find my best Spain guides, tips, and itineraries to help you plan your trip with ease and confidence.

Exclusive Guides

General Spain

Exclusive Guides

Granada

Exclusive Guides

Majorca

Exclusive Guides

Seville

Exclusive Guides

Valencia

Best Travel Apps for Spain

  • Google Maps App – For directions and finding local attractions, restaurants, and more. Don’t forget to download offline maps.
  • Renfe App – The official app for Spain’s regional train services, useful for checking schedules and buying train tickets
  • Google Translate App – Helpful for translating Spanish to your native language and vice versa, especially useful for menus and signs.
  • XE Currency App – For easy currency conversion, helping you keep track of your expenses.
  • The Fork App – To discover the best local restaurants and make reservations.

Questions Everyone Always Asks…

Yes, you can drink the tap water in Spain. It is safe to drink throughout the country, meeting strict international water quality standards. However, taste may vary by region due to differences in mineral content. While locals and visitors drink tap water, some people prefer the taste of bottled water.

In Spain, tipping is not obligatory but appreciated for good service. It’s common to round up the bill in casual dining or leave a small tip, around 5-10%, in more formal restaurants if you’re pleased with the service. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro is a typical gesture. In bars and cafes, leaving small change is also appreciated but not expected.

Yes, you can flush toilet paper in Spain. The plumbing system is designed to handle it. However, in some older buildings or rural areas, you might find signs asking you not to flush paper due to older plumbing. In those cases, follow the local guidelines provided.

Yes, Spain offers a growing number of vegan options, especially in larger cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville. Many restaurants now include vegan or vegetarian dishes on their menus, catering to diverse dietary preferences. Additionally, there are numerous vegan restaurants and health food stores across the country. While traditional Spanish cuisine tends to be meat and seafood-heavy, the increasing demand for plant-based options has led to a wider availability of vegan meals, even in some smaller towns and tourist areas.

Absolutely! Spain is one of the easiest and safest places in Europe for solo female travelers. I’ve explored it solo many times and always felt comfortable, even while dining alone at tapas bars, strolling through cities like Madrid and Seville, or relaxing on the beaches of Valencia. As always, keep your street smarts handy, trust your gut, and you’ll have an amazing, worry-free adventure in Spain.

If you’re traveling from the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, or most EU countries, you can enter Greece visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, starting in mid-2025, U.S. and other non-EU travelers will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization before entering. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a visa or residency permit. Always check the latest entry requirements before booking your trip.

A lively group of travelers poses joyfully in front of ancient Greek ruins under a vibrant blue sky. Their energy and smiles reflect the excitement of exploring historical landmarks together.

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