A solo female traveler's guide to Spain

Solo female travel in Spain

Filled with culture, history, and beauty from the bustling streets of Barcelona to the olive groves of Andalucía, Spain is one of those countries everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Now we know what you might be thinking - “Can I really do all this on my own?”. The answer is a big bold YES! If you’re wondering how to female solo travel in Spain or even “Is Spain safe for solo female travelers?”, we’re sure your bags will be packed and ready to go before you reach the end of this guide to solo female travel in Spain. So whether you’re a solo travel vet, a first-timer, or somewhere in between, get ready to learn everything you need to know about female solo travel to Spain, all the way from the siesta to la fiesta…

Best time to visit Spain

There’s never a bad time to visit Spain, but there are better times to go depending on what you’re looking for and where you’re going. For sun-seekers and beach lovers, the Spanish coastline offers a sizzling slice of paradise from June to August, although temperatures can be swelteringly high further inland. If you fancy milder temperatures and fewer crowds, spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) offer the best of both worlds, allowing you to sit outside without waiting for a shady spot or jostling for a seat. If you’re looking for warmer winter sun than most other European countries, December through to February is a good time to visit - plus it’s low season so you’ll be able to avoid the crowds. 

Must see places in Spain

Madrid

The capital of Spain, Madrid is filled to the brim with world-class museums, delicious eateries, and gorgeously green spaces. Shop ‘till you drop on the Golden Mile, wander around Retiro Park, and visit El Prado and La Reina Sofía before heading out in the evening to get a taste of Madrid’s infamous nightlife. 

Barcelona

Famous for iconic landmarks like La Sagrada Família and Park Güell, but also for being on the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona is both a city break and a beach escape all in one. Stroll through the Gothic Quarter, people watch in Plaça Reial, and cheer on some of the best footballers in the world at Camp Nou. 

Ibiza

The island might be known as the party capital of the world, but there’s more to Ibiza than just its nightclubs. It’s also home to hidden coves, beautiful beaches, and gorgeous sunsets, and you can get a 30-minute boat over to Formentera to find idyllic stretches of sand and clear waters to rival the Maldives. 

Seville

This university city encapsulates the true essence of Andalucía, with lively festivals and warm weather all year round making it the ideal place to visit when traveling Spain as a solo female. Visit the Real Alcázar de Sevilla, marvel at the Catedral de Sevilla (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and enjoy some of the best tapas you’ll find in Spain (now that’s saying something!). 

San Sebastián

Known as Donostia in Basque, San Sebastián is renowned for its stunning beaches and world-class cuisine. From pintxos (small appetizers on a cocktail stick) to Michelin-star restaurants, this is the place to go whether you’re a foodie or not.

Granada 

The crown jewel of Granada is undoubtedly the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous Moorish monuments in the world. Aside from this, the city is known for its tapas culture, the cave houses found in the Sacromonte neighborhood, and the Sierra Nevada mountains nearby. 

Things to do in Spain

Try the local cuisine

Dig into steaming plates of paella in Valencia, bacalao (salted cod) served with olives and potatoes in the Basque Country, and refreshing bowls of cold gazpacho on a hot summer’s day in Andalucía. Eating tapas is ideal for solo female travelers in Spain - order a variety of dishes like patatas bravas dipped in spicy mayonnaise, pimientos de padrón sprinkled with salt, and croquetas filled with jamón.

Go hiking

Take trails over rugged mountain ranges, along rocky coastlines, and through picturesque countryside as you embark on adventures both long and short, from the Camino de Santiago to the Picos de Europa.  

Watch a flamenco show

Whether you find yourself in the birthplace of flamenco, Andalucía, or not, it’s worth watching a live flamenco show to witness the passion of this traditional Spanish dance and music. 

Soak in art, history, and Spanish culture

Discover the unique architecture of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, visit El Prado Museum in Madrid, and explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Alhambra in Granada.

Relax on the beach

There’s a beach for every kind of female solo traveler in Spain - find endless stretches of pristine sand on Formentera, rockpools and pebbly shorelines along the Costa Brava, and wild volcanic beaches in Cabo de Gata-Níjar in Almería. 

Learn Spanish

Learning Spanish is a great way of immersing yourself in the culture and connecting with locals. Either enroll in a Spanish course or do an “intercambio”, where learners exchange language skills with one another. Not only does this help build language proficiency, but it’s also an excellent way of making friends!

Look out for wildlife

Go bird watching in the Delta de l'Ebre Natural Park, spot whales and dolphins off the coast of the Canary Islands, or head to Northern Spain to be in with a chance of seeing Catabrian brown bears and Iberian wolves. 

Go to a fiesta

Enjoy a completely unforgettable solo trip and go to one of the many Spanish fiestas, like Las Fallas in Valencia, La Tomatina in Bruñol, Carnival in Sitges, Semana Santa in Sevilla, or La Merce in Barcelona… the list goes on!

Getting around Spain

Spain has an extensive rail network, with local trains trundling between towns and villages and high-speed trains taking you from Málaga all the way to Bilbao. Long-distance bus companies such as Monbus, ALSA, and Flixbus offer more affordable fares than trains, and it’s also common for travelers on a budget to use ride-share apps such as BlaBlaCar. This enables you to book a seat in a car already driving to your destination and gives women traveling solo the chance to chat with fellow passengers.  

High-speed trains are usually the quickest transport option if you’re on the Spanish mainland, but it’s also possible to fly between destinations. The islands are accessible by plane or ferry, and travelers will typically still find good bus services there. Renting a car is also an option, and while driving in the cities may seem stressful and off-putting, the landscape usually transforms into a smooth and enjoyable ride once you’re out on the open road.  

Weather in Spain

The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plane, or words to that effect! Along the Mediterranean coast, you’ll typically bask in hot, humid summers and mild winters, perfect for beachcombing and dining al fresco. Summers can be scorching in the southern region of Andalucía, with Sevilla reaching 47°C in 1946 - one of the hottest temperatures ever recorded in Europe. Winters are pleasantly mild in the south, making it the ideal escape from colder climates.

Over in the central region, Madrid experiences swelteringly hot summers (reaching an average of 33.5°C in July), while winters can be chilly, even seeing occasional snowfall. Up north, the Basque Country and Galicia have lush, green landscapes thanks to frequent rain, and the region experiences cooler summers and milder winters. 

As for the Canary Islands, these offer a consistently mild climate throughout the year, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine making them an enticing destination for sun-seekers all year round. 

Accommodation for solo female travelers in Spain

From cozy caves in Granada to boutique stays in Barcelona, there are plenty of accommodation options for solo female travel in Spain. Pensiónes and hostales offer budget-friendly private rooms with no frills attached, while paradores offer a blend of luxury and history, sometimes at an affordable price. But if you’re up for a truly immersive Spanish adventure, try house and pet sitting with TrustedHousesitters. It’s your chance to live like a local in the comfort of a real Spanish casa, with furry friends for company!

Is Spain safe for solo female travelers

It might be a dreamy destination, but how safe is Spain for female solo travel? You’ll be glad to know that while some cities are known for pickpockets and scams, the country as a whole ranks as a safe country. The rate of violent crime targeting tourists is exceptionally low thanks to friendly locals and busy streets, even late at night. Nevertheless, it's important to take safety precautions, especially in larger cities like Madrid and Barcelona:

• Only carry what you need for the day and leave valuables at home. 
• Never leave your phone unattended on a table, even if you’re keeping an eye on it.
• Keep hold of your belongings even if you’re sitting in a bar or restaurant.
• Do your best to avoid looking or acting like a tourist. 
• Opt for a taxi when traveling late at night, especially if you’re alone.
• Share your travel plans with a friend or family member.
• Make a note of the Spanish emergency number, which is 112.

Meeting people and connecting with locals

Hanging out with Spanish people in friendly cafés and bars or joining in with local festivities is a great way of meeting new people. While many Spaniards speak English, making an effort to learn a few basic Spanish phrases can go a long way in breaking the ice and showing respect for the local culture. Remember that some locals may prefer to speak Catalan, Basque, or Galician, depending on which region or “autonomous community” you’re visiting. Meet-up apps and groups on social media can also be a great way of finding local events and like-minded people, and there are often specific groups for female solo travelers.female solo travelers. Finally, volunteering can help solo female travelers make local connections and contribute to the community, and there are lots of Spanish NGOs and organizations that welcome short-term volunteers.

Tips from a local

• Get away from the tourist trail - whether you’re in a city like Barcelona or you’re deciding where to go next, you’ll typically be rewarded for going where the tourists don’t. 
• Although Castellano (Spanish) is widely spoken, note that locals may prefer speaking to you in Catalan, Basque, or Galician, depending on where you are. 
• Don’t get caught out during siesta time - many shops and restaurants close between the hours of 2-5pm. Also, take note of any regional and national holidays when traveling to Spain, and remember that big supermarkets don’t usually open on Sundays.   
• Make sure you’re fully dressed before heading into town from the beach.
• If no one’s swimming in the sea but the beach is full, follow their lead. This usually means the conditions are too rough or the water is contaminated - flags on the beach should indicate whether it’s safe to swim or not. 
• Go for a menu del día and enjoy a three-course meal for less than €20. The Spanish eat their biggest meal of the day at lunchtime (traditionally followed by a luxurious siesta), so don’t miss out!  

Spain for solo female pet sitters

The sun-drenched shores of Spain are a paradise for solo female pet sitters, let’s take a look at what you can do there…

Things to do with dogs in Spain

• Go to a dog-friendly beach (or visit outside of the summer season)
• Take a hike in nature 
• Enjoy a siesta together
• Explore historic city centers 
• Go on a guided tour
• People watch in a plaza 
• Go on a boat tour
• Go shopping

Dog-friendly bars and restaurants in Spain

Dogs are often welcome in public spaces in Spain, and you’ll find that many cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating are happy to accommodate you and your furry friends. Although it’s rare for pups to be allowed inside places that serve food, the mild weather means that outdoor dining is often an appealing option for you and your four-legged friends. 

House and pet sits

If you feel the Spanish sunshine calling your name, why not take a look at house and pet sitting there? From fun-filled fiestas to serene siestas, what better way to enjoy the Spanish way of life than with a pet by your side?!