Solo Travel in Spain

Travelling solo in Spain is relatively easy. The country has a good transportation system and with many Brits deciding to chase the winter sun you won’t be short of company on the Costa del Sol. You won't ever be alone in Spain as you'll meet other travellers in Spain if you visit cities such as Barcelona, Seville and Madrid.

The official language is Castellano, the purest form of Spanish but several provinces have their own languages like Basque and Catalan and many dialects particularly in southern Spain are spoken.

If you are unsure where to go in Spain to meet others, you'll find plenty of tourists on the Costa del Sol. English is widely understood here, helped by the large number of ex-pats who have chosen to spend their later years in this area.

It's not really one of the Spanish places for culture but the Costa del Sol is a good destination to ease yourself gently into the country, especially if you don't know any Spanish. Head away from the tourist areas such as Benidorm and Alicante and you do do need to know a few basic phrases of Spanish in the more rural towns.

Spaniards are friendly and laid-back people. Between the hours of 2 pm and 5pm, it’s siesta time and everything except big supermarkets and shops in shopping malls close down. However, many Chinese and Indian-run bargain shops stay open all day, every day including bank holidays, so you will never be without the essentials. Be prepared that everything moves at a slow pace. The favourite word is ‘mañana’ – tomorrow.

Spain is known for its festivals so there is always plenty of opportunity to mingle with others. Spanish men can be known to flirt so don’t be surprised if you hear the word “guapa” (meaning beautiful) being directed at you.

Topless sunbathing is allowed on the beach and there are even nudist beaches if you prefer no tan lines. Just remember to cover up when you’re walking in town as shops and supermarkets won’t allow people to wear swimsuits inside.

Is Spain safe to travel alone? There is petty crime such as pickpocketing in the cities so keep an eye on your belongings if you are travelling to Barcelona etc. Beware of fake goods. Any design handbag you see at a fraction of the cost is fake and your money could be funding criminal activities.

Spain is a wonderful country to explore independently but if you are unsure of the best places to go in Spain, and the best things to do in Spain, you may prefer to visit on a group tour of Spain for your Spain trip instead.

Working & Volunteering in Spain

If you are thinking of working or volunteering in Spain, Global Work & Travel helps you to organise Spain volunteering placements and other opportunities around the world. Choose from one of their teach English in Spain programs, Spanish courses Barcelona or au pair in Spain and become a nanny.

Whether you want to teach English in Barcelona, au pair in Barcelona, learn Spanish in Barcelona (or learn Spanish in Valencia instead), their placements are ideal for solos and include all the support you need for a life-changing adventure. * Save £100/$100/€100 with the code ‘GatG.’

* Discover all Spain volunteering and working placements

Sant Lluis Menorca (photo by Suzanne Bluer)

About Spain

Spain has so many areas to visit from vibrant cities with a Spanish flair to traditional Spanish villages. Known for their siestas and fiestas, the locals know how to have a good time and enjoy lazy afternoons and long evenings. With a good year-round temperature, they have an outdoor culture with families, couples and groups gathering in the streets to catch up long after the sun has gone down.

The country is most famously known for the Camino de Santiago, a series of pilgrim routes which stretch from France to Portugal and Spain. Solo female travel on the Camino to meet others following the same route. But this isn’t the only spiritual place in Spain.

The Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat sits high on a rocky mountain where the statue of the Black Madonna graces the basilica. Many flock here to see the statue, the patron saint of Catalonia, and hike in the nature park.

* Click here to discover all activities and things to do in Spain

One of the ‘White Villages' of Andalucia (photo by Liz Granirer)

Andalucia

The country is made up of 17 regions, each one with different provinces. One of the most well-known is Andalucia, home to the Costa de Sol and mass tourism developments. But the Costa del Sol isn’t just a place for catching some sun.

Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is a Spanish gem founded by the Romans. Seville was an important port of the Spanish Empire and is home to Real Alcazar de Sevilla, one of the most popular things to do in Seville. This royal palace is one of the oldest in Europe. Andalusia was also the birthplace of the famous painter, Pablo Picasso who was born in Malaga, a Spanish city rich in history.

Once a Roman town, Malaga was then ruled by the Arabs and houses the Alcazaba, an 11th-century palace once used by the city’s governing Muslims. Then there’s Tarifa which is perfect for those who like the waves. Discover things to do in Malaga.

If you're unsure where to visit in Spain for its rich history, the World Heritage Site of Granada has some of the best examples of Islamic architecture that you’ll find in Spain and is one of the most beautiful places in the country.

The Alhambra is a Moorish palace and a stunning Medieval complex of palaces, courtyards and fountains fit for a queen. It is also said to be the birthplace of flamenco and is one of the best places to visit in Spain to watch a flamenco show and see traditional flamenco dancing.

There are numerous national parks in Spain but the most popular and the country's largest is Sierra Nevada National Park. See this natural unspoiled beauty area is doable on a day trip from Granada.

The Alhambra

Barcelona

Catalonia is a popular region in northern Spain, most famous for its capital city – Barcelona, one of the best cities in Spain for solo travel. This fascinating city has so much to offer that you should definitely take a Barcelona trip. You could easily spend a whole week there and still only have scratched the surface. Discover things to do in Barcelona here.

Barcelona is a city of amazing architecture and a living masterpiece of Gaudi, Dali and Miro. You don’t even have to make an effort to find their work as they are everywhere. Barcelona is home to the Sagrada Familia, one of the top things to do in Spain.

With unique architecture, numerous beaches and endless sightseeing, it’s easy to see why Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in the world but there is more to Catalonia than this cosmopolitan city.

It also has the Costa Brava, one of the most unspoilt stretches of coast in Spain. If you’re a beach babe, this is the place to enjoy Blue Flag beaches with Tossa de Mar as one of the favourites.

Tip – If you are staying in Barcelona for a few nights, consider purchasing the Barcelona Pass. It gives free entry to more than 20 top Barcelona attractions as well as fast-track entry and unlimited travel. * Buy the Barcelona Pass here

Barcelona

It may not have the beautiful beaches of Barcelona but what Madrid does have is an authentic Spain experience. As the capital of Spain, Madrid is one of the best cities in Spain to visit. It is bursting with culture, architecture, and art.

The highest capital city in Europe (at 650 metres above sea level), Madrid was rebuilt after the Spanish civil war and has a mix of buildings old and new, making it a beautiful city to visit.

Known for its art, museums and historical plazas, Madrid is also becoming a trendy place to visit with new gastro bars and cafes constantly popping up. There are plenty of things to do in Madrid and once you’ve visited the capital, the museums and El Retiro Park, lose yourself in the beautiful Sierra de Guadarrama mountains.

Head east on your solo Spain trip and you’ll find Valencia, the capital of the region with the same name. Located in the southwest of the Mediterranean, Valencia is an important port town with a mix of history and futuristic science buildings. It's one of the top cities to visit in Spain, and there are plenty of things to do in Valencia for solos.

Take part in the famous Fallas festival or just meander around the cobbled streets of the old town before exploring the dry river bed which is now the city’s much-loved park. Alicante is another popular destination within this region.

San Sebastian

The Basque Region

Head to the Iberian Peninsula, for the coastal city of San Sebastián, known for its picturesque bay. It’s the place to come for a Michelin-Star restaurant or a traditional pintxos bar. Explore the cobblestones of the old town, cycle along the banks of the River Urumea or sunbathe at La Concha beach – the city’s iconic symbol.

Go surfing or enjoy an evening at a concert in the park, or al-fresco in one of the many bars and restaurants. There’s a reason that this gorgeous city was voted the European City of Culture in 2016.

Also located in Basque county is Bilbao, a port city in the north, where you can also feast on pintxos (small tapas) at one of the pintxos bars. One of the tourist attractions here is the Guggenheim Museum, built along the riverside.

The museum houses both modern and contemporary art by artist, Frank Gehry, but you don’t even need to go inside it to admire its futuristic architectural style. Other sites to see are the Cathedral, Archaeological Museum and Plaza Nueva.

If you do make it north, the Basque region is cooler than the rest of Spain but with temperatures of 26 degrees Celsius in the summer, it’s definitely worth a visit. From the Basque Country you can take a boat across the Bay of Biscay from Bilbao to England.

Coastline at Nerja (photo by Liz Granirer)

Other Places To Visit in Spain

Aragon is located in the north of Spain. Visit its capital, Zaragoza for historical buildings, its famous suspension bridge and the river Ebro for a panorama of the city. Or Nerja for caves and the Balcony of Europe where you can see Africa on a clear day.

There are plenty of water activities to do in Spain. Tarifa is considered one of the best places for kite surfing, one of the adventurous things to do in Spain

Murcia is a gateway to the south and has beautiful art deco buildings and plenty of art and culture to keep you occupied. Wine lovers will appreciate the region of La Rioja with more wine bodegas than you can visit in one stay. If you prefer seafood with your wine, the Celtic land of Galicia serves up a good prawn or two.

Although Pamplona is synonymous with the Running of the Bulls, one of the unique things to do in Spain (which we don't recommend), this region called Navarra has plenty of outdoor sports within the Pyrenees to get your adrenalin going.

Asturias is a very natural region of lush beauty or head to Cantabria for cave paintings from a bygone era. Admire cathedrals in the Roman city of Segovia in Castilla y León or spot a windmill in Castilla La Mancha. Merida is another Roman city with some of the most impressive ruins in the country.

Puig de Maria on Mallorca (photo by Liz Granirer)

Spain's Islands

And then there are the islands. Easily accessible from Barcelona by boat or plane are the Balearic Islands – Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza. Known as the party island, if you visit Ibiza from May to October expect to experience a hedonistic side of Spain.

Visit the cathedral of Palma de Mallorca and the fabulous beaches of Cala Ratjada or Andrax, or hop across to Mallorca to see Valdemosa, the monastery where Chopin and George Sand spent time.

The Canary Islands are also part of Spain but are further afield near the coast of Africa. If you are needing some winter sun these islands have year-round sunshine. Choose from Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa.

Whether you want to throw tomatoes at strangers at one of the festivals, sample cava in a vineyard, or walk along a world-famous pilgrimage, take a Spain solo trip for culture, adventures and plenty of stories to tell, no matter where you choose to visit.

Thinking of going to Spain? Global Work & Travel helps you to organise working abroad placements in Spain and around the world. Choose from au pairing, an internship and teaching abroad. Their placements include all the support you need for a life-changing adventure.

Tours in Spain

G Adventures Spain – Spain travel to Spain and it is easy to navigate your way around which is good news if you want to do independent travel. But if you prefer to sample a festival or walk the famous Camino de Santiago with some company, sustainable companies such as G Adventures offer some of the best Spain tours from a 4-day La Tomatina Festival to a 15-day Classic Spain tour. I have personally used G Adventures and recommend them for solos.

Most tours have an average of 12 people and there is no upper age limit. Once you book your trip you pay extra for any excursions you want to do when you’re there.

* Click here for the full itineraries, prices, and start dates

Intrepid Travel Spain is similar to G Adventures with an average of 12 people on each tour. Over 50% of people who book their trips are solo travellers. They tend to use hotels instead of hostels and have a more comfortable style of accommodation hence the trips can appear a bit more than G Adventures. Their tours to Spain range from an 8 day North Spain Discovery to a 24 day Spain, Portugal and Morocco tour seeing the best of Spain. Read our Intrepid Travel Reviews or click here for the full itineraries, prices, and start dates

Day Tours

Barcelona Slow Travel – Offers guided tours of Spain and authentic and sustainable experiences in the Catalonia region. Meet others whilst learning how to cook traditional tapas (one of the fun things in Spain to do). Hike Montserrat mountain, or cycle through vineyards instead. The tour guides are so nice they will make you feel as though you are a long-lost friend.

Valencia Explorers – Taking a walking tour is a great way to see this city. You’ll learn about the gargoyles and try some samples at the local market. Miguel, the tour guide is really informative.

CanaryRide – If you love motorbikes and want to hire your own or be a passenger on the back of a motorbike then Canary Ride is ideal. Operating in the Canary Islands, you will get taken on the best routes around the islands and be able to witness spectacular landscapes.

Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated Spain activities and top things to see in Spain. Choose from a guided tour of the Alhambra, priority access to the Sagrada Familia, or an excursion to the Caminito del Rey from Malaga.

Some of the tours require a minimum of 2 people but there are plenty to book as a solo including day trips and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. * Check Get Your Guide tours, prices and availability

Best Areas To Stay in Spain

There are so many areas in Spain that are good for solo female travellers. It really depends on what type of experience you’re looking for. Whether you want to relax and sunbathe on the Costa del Sol or sightsee in a beautiful Spanish city. These are my favourite places in Spain that may appeal to you for your best area to stay in Spain.

Valencia: Valencia is a beautiful coastal city on the eastern coast of Spain, known for its stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine. Areas that you may want to consider here are Ruzafa, El Carmen, and Cabanyal. These areas have a range of accommodation options, as well as plenty of restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions.

Barcelona: Barcelona is a vibrant and diverse city with plenty to offer solo female travellers. Neighbourhoods you may want to stay in are Eixample which is in the centre, Gracia with a small-town feel in the city, and Barceloneta, the touristy area by the beach. Everywhere in Barcelona is well connected by the metro and bus.

Madrid: Madrid is a bustling city with a rich cultural scene and plenty of things to do and see. Some safe and convenient neighbourhoods for solo female travellers include Salamanca, Chueca, and Malasaña.

Seville: Seville is a charming city in southern Spain known for its historic architecture, flamenco dance, and lively culture. Safe and convenient neighbourhoods for solo female travellers include El Arenal, Santa Cruz, and Triana. These areas are within walking distance of many of the city's main attractions.

Granada: Granada is a historic city located in southern Spain, known for its stunning Alhambra palace, Moorish architecture, and lively student atmosphere. Some safe neighbourhoods for solo female travellers include Albaicín, Realejo, and Centro. These areas have plenty of cafes, bars, and cultural attractions.

San Sebastian: San Sebastian is a picturesque coastal city in the Basque Country of northern Spain, known for its stunning beaches, culinary scene, and vibrant nightlife. The areas of Gros, Egia, and Centro are good to stay in as they have plenty of cafes and bars.

Accommodation in Spain

Different regions of Spain have their own traditional style such as posadas in historic towns, or haciendas – originally used as farms, most commonly known in the area of Andalusia. Then there are the campsites if you prefer somewhere more budget and out in nature.

You’ll find plenty of hostels in the major cities. These are a great way to meet others if you are backpacking in Spain alone. Head to the beach areas for a room in a resort if you are planning a beach location.

Expect to carry your luggage up a few flights of stairs if you are staying in an old building within an old area of town. Maybe you prefer to stay somewhere rural in your own villa near a vineyard? Or a tourist apartment such as holiday lettings Spain which you can rent by the week or even month if you are planning on staying a while.

Whatever accommodation you need there are plenty of choices including villas in Spain, and international hotels in Spain. For vacations in Spain where you can just lay in the sun and enjoy your accommodation without having to travel around and tour Spain independently, Expedia offers Spain tour packages which include flights, accommodation and car hire. * Check all Expedia Spain Packages

Below are our recommended solo female-friendly accommodations as recommended by our Girls about the Globe community. We have only included a few cities on this page so to see all of our solo female-friendly accommodations click here.

To book, check prices or availability for all types of accommodation in Spain

St Christopher's Inn, Barcelona

There are countless hostels in Barcelona but this one is one of the better ones. Close enough to La Rambla and near the edgy streets of Raval, it’s situated in a great location to be able to walk to the main sites. What I love about this place is the communal bar area, lounge and courtyard which is ideal to meet others if you are solo.

They serve good food too. They also have female-only dorm rooms from 6 beds to 16 beds, or you can choose a bed in a mixed 4 dorm instead. Prices start from £16 per night for a bed in a 16-bed dorm.

Way Hostel, Madrid

This hostel is great for a late check-in. It has a 24-hour reception and is close to a metro station which is ideal when you first arrive in the city. You’ll find restaurants and bars nearby so you don’t have to go far to grab a bite to eat.

As well as organising weekly events the hostel can also arrange tours for you. Choose from a 6 to 12-bed dormitory or a 6-bed female-only dorm with a private bathroom. Prices start from £16 for a 12-bed dorm with a shared bathroom.

Quart Youth Hostel, Valencia

Named the same as the Quart Medieval Tower, this modern hostel is only 5 minute's walk from the old town. The hostel has private rooms with a shared bathroom and 6-10 bed dorm rooms. Bunk beds have their own curtains. You can also pay extra for a buffet breakfast.

The bathrooms are shared by guys and girls so you’ll need to feel comfortable with it being mixed. Reception isn’t open 24 hours so contact them if you have a late check-in. Prices are from £9 for a bed in a 10-bed mixed dorm.

Spain Yoga Retreats

Yoga Retreat Barcelona

This 6-day urban yoga retreat in Barcelona is situated in the heart of the city so you can spend your free time exploring Barcelona. The teachers are international and welcome all levels whether you’re a beginner or advanced. Every day there are morning and evening classes on the amazing rooftop as well as a vegetarian brunch. Prices start from €575 for a shared room.

* Check prices and availability: 6 Day Yoga Retreat Barcelona

Alicante Yoga Retreat

For those heading to Costa Blanca, this 4-day yoga retreat in the Spanish city of Alicante will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed. You’ll be near a beautiful seaside location with views of the mountains and the sea and there’s the opportunity to go on guided walks to explore the area. There are daily yoga sessions, plant-based meals and workshops and they offer a free transfer too. Prices from €480 sharing a room.

* Check prices and availability: 4 Day Alicante Yoga Retreat

Yoga Retreat Andalucia

The Soulful Boutique Yoga Holiday provides small yoga holidays in the Andalucia mountains. Take part in Vinyasa, Hatha and Yin yoga classes over 4 days in a typical Andalusian white mountain village. Go hiking, stargazing or learn how to cook delicious meals in an intimate setting with a maximum of 5 people on the retreat. Prices start from €510 for a shared room.

* Check prices and availability: 4 Day Yoga Retreat Andalucia

Yoga Holidays Spain

For all other Spain yoga retreats, I recommend Book Yoga Retreats. I love this platform. I booked my last yoga retreat through them and found it really easy to use. They list yoga and meditation retreats all around the world including retreats in Spain so you can find the perfect duration for you.

Whether that's a long weekend retreat in Barcelona or a week-long yoga holiday in Malaga. Just search by duration or price to find the one that resonates with you.

* Check prices, dates and duration for all yoga retreats Spain

How Long Do I Need?

When you are holidaying alone in Spain, there are so many places to see in Spain that just visiting one or two regions is a more favourable idea than trying to see so many. If you start from the north, in 14 days you can see Galicia, Barcelona, Zaragoza, Valencia, Murcia, Granada and Malaga. If you have extra time, fly across to one of the Balearics to add an island to your itinerary.

In one week you could see Barcelona and Madrid. Each city in itself needs at least 3 days without including the many side trips that you can do.

Travel Guide For Spain

If you are planning on traveling to Spain alone for the first time, our Girl about the Globe Guide to Spain is written by solo females for solo females.

We have chosen the best destinations in Spain for women travelling solo, included all of our favourite must-sees, restaurants, bars, and recommended accommodations for you to stay in, and added a few solo and local tips too. We know that not every woman travels the same so we’ve split this guide into different types of solos.

Find out how to escape the crowds, the best places to interact with the locals, where to go for the best view and what to do in the evenings. Follow our 7-14 day itinerary for a recommended route and discover how to plan a trip to Spain, one solo footprint at a time. * Find out more about our Spain guide book here

* If you prefer Lonely Planet or Rough Guides click here for all Spain guide books.

Packing List For Spain

If you’re unsure what to pack for your solo female travel to Spain, we have created a guide of our favourite solo travel products to help you decide what to pack. One of our must-have travel products for Spain is a money belt. We’re not saying that you will get pickpocketed but it’s always best to be preventive rather than reactive and money belts are a good way of hiding your money.

If you are planning on travelling to Spanish cities then it’s a good idea not to have your purse on display. Find out why we love this money belt and click on the link to discover all of our favourite travel products:

* Click here for all of our recommended travel accessories for solos

Money Belt

If you are visiting cities known for pickpockets you can store your cards and money in a money belt. They are easy to disguise and wearing a money belt under your jeans is a great way of avoiding pickpockets. For solo female travel in Spain they are ideal and this one has a softer material than the cheaper ones which have a tendency to sweat with your body heat. You can hand wash it too. * Check prices on Amazon

Travelling Around Spain

How to travel around Spain by train – Spain has a good infrastructure and travelling in Spain by train is easy but it can be a bit costly. If you have limited time then a high-speed train can be the best way to travel in Spain or choose a slower more scenic one that is cheaper if you are watching your budget. If you are planning on travelling to neighbouring countries, it may be worth investing in one of the Interrail train travel rail passes.

Flying across the country is a good option if are planning to see more than one region in a short space of time. For trips to Spain, airports such as Girona are hubs for low-cost airlines but you can pretty much get a cheap flight from Barcelona (less than an hour away) or Madrid. Vueling offers internal flights at reasonable prices.

How to travel in Spain by bus – Bus transportation in Spain allows you to travel all around the country. For backpackers, it is the best way to travel Spain as the buses are cheaper than the train but they do take longer. Some of the smaller bus stations can be a bit confusing with a lack of bus times shown so you have to ask when you buy your ticket at the counter which bus stop to wait at.

Instead of taking public transport in Spain, Flixbus is a cheap bus service which operates in Spain as well as other places in Europe. It is the best way to get around Spain if you’re on a budget, and the cheapest way to travel from Madrid to Barcelona. Click here for the buses

If you are touring Spain on your own it's easy to hire a rental car and navigate your way around to do your own day trips in the places that you choose. One-day car rental starts from €70 a day. I have personally used Discover Cars and recommend them. * Check prices for car hire in Spain

* Search for flights, trains and buses in Spain

From The Airport

Madrid – Both Terminal T2 and Terminal T4 have Metro stations which run to the Nuevos Ministerios Metro station in the centre of Madrid from 6 am in the morning until 2 am. Tickets cost 5 Euros. To take a taxi, head to the taxi rank outside of the airport terminal.

Taxis cost at least 30 Euros and take approximately 20 minutes. An express bus runs 24 hours a day to Atocha RENFE and takes 40 minutes.

Barcelona – There is a metro which runs through both terminal 1 and terminal 2. The R2 train runs from terminal 2 to Sants Estacio and takes 25 minutes (look for the Renfe sign). A ticket into the city will cost €5 one way for the train ticket or you can buy a 24/48/72 hour card and take the metro instead.

The Aerobus is available from terminals 1 and 2 and runs to Placa Catalunya. It costs €5.75 for a single ticket. Taxis are available but they are the most expensive option costing approx €30 for the 30-minute journey.

Seville – From Seville airport, it takes 30 minutes to get into the city by bus. A single ticket will cost you €4. There is also the option of a taxi which is quicker and will cost at least €20.

* Feel more confident on your Spain solo trip with someone waiting for you at the airport when you pre-book a transfer with Hoppa, a reliable and safe service for solo females.

Travelling Onwards (check visas before you travel)

When you are traveling Spain, you can practically get all over Europe from Spain with the trains and bus services. Renfe is the national train system which will take you to the major cities. Interrail offer a Spain pass but you can just buy your own train journeys separately if you need them. Hiring a car will get you to places off the beaten track and give you more freedom and flexibility.

Flixbus offers an Interflix ticket – 5 cities for less than €99 so you can travel from Madrid to Paris, for example from just €39. They make traveling in Spain and onwards easy for those of us on a budget.

Busabout is a sociable hop on hop off bus service where you can meet others and travel through Spain as part of your bus pass. If you are going to Spain alone, they are great for keeping your independence and also travelling with others that you meet on the bus.

Where can I go from here?

Paris – 2 hours 15 mins
Lisbon – 1 hour 30 mins
Tangier – 1 hour 30 mins

* All flying from Madrid

How To Be a Conscious Traveller in Spain

Here’s how to be a conscious traveller in Spain. Help put your tourism dollar back into rural communities. Look at walking holidays in Spain in other lesser-known areas instead of just the Camino de Santiago, and consider community-based projects and tours to help rural tourism.

Although the majority of bull rings in the country lay dormant or have been converted into shopping centres and outdoor music venues (in Barcelona, for example), bullfighting is still one of the traditional activities in Spain. Avoid any bullfights and Pamplona, which is famous for the ‘Running of the Bulls.’ Not taking part in the festival shows your support.

You’ll find public water fountains throughout Spain that you can use to refill your water bottle. Most tap water is okay to drink too but check with your accommodation first if you’re unsure. If you’re heading to a Spanish beach, check that it has a blue flag, which means the beach has been cleaned and benefits swimmers and marine life.

Social Impact Projects

Support local artists in Lanzarote – Lanzarote is known for its artisan crafts ranging from ceramics to embroidery, and basketwork to drawn work. Stroll through the craft markets, such as Teguise market on Sunday or Arrecife market on Saturday and support local traditions and local artists. Or better yet, go to the Farm Workers’ Museum House where they host regular educational workshops with artists from around the island.

Back to Eco – In the many streets of Barcelona one can find Back to Eco, a clothing shop with a mission (same team as Infinitdenim). This shop and organization promote circular fashion by reusing and recycling textiles. They also host regular workshops where they teach how to repair, recycle, and reuse denim (truly eco).

Stay Eco in Spain

Sleep Green

Sleep Green is an adorable and cosy youth hostel located in beautiful Barcelona. At the heart of the business lie people and the environment. The hostel is very aware of its own environmental footprint and tries to reduce it by using renewable energy, being committed to recycling, and organizing regular staff training to keep staff updated on environmental measures.

Check prices, dates and availability: Sleep Green

Hotel Casa Camper

This stunning hotel located just 2 minutes from the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, is situated in a historical 19th-century goth tenement and surrounded by bars, restaurants, and galleries. The hotel boasts innovative water-recycling technology which lowers their water consumption dramatically, uses energy-saving lights and eco-conscious cleaning products, as well as has solar thermal panels. Eco and chic? Yes, Casa Camper can do both!

Prices from £155 / €181 per night for a camper room
Check prices, dates and availability: Hotel Casa Camper

Issues affecting vulnerable girls in Spain

Spain is an economically advanced country that still struggles to close the gap between rich and poor. Limited financial resources could cause a lack of access to health care, education and nutritious food for children.

Refugee children and children from a different ethnic background such as Roma are often discriminated against and are more likely to suffer psychological and physical abuse, especially if the children are held in a detention centre. Access to education for refugee or migrant children is often limited or sometimes even prohibited. Read more…

Spain has committed to closing the gender pay gap, pushing shared parental leave further, and combating violence against women, sexual assault, and forced marriage. Read more here and here.

FAQs

Can I drink the water? Not everywhere in the country. Check with your accommodation before you drink the tap water or take your own water filter with you.
Is tipping expected? It isn't expected but if you do experience good service you can leave a 10% tip (Spain isn’t known for its great customer service).
Fixed price or barter? Fixed prices in shops but you can try your bartering skills in any of the markets.
Any ATMS? Yes.
Which side of the road do they drive? The right-hand side.
Good for vegetarians? Meat is part of the culture but there are lots of restaurants catering for vegetarians, and vegans.
Any Seven Wonders of the World? No.

Plan a Trip to Spain

To help you plan your Spain solo female travel, below are useful facts and websites such as visa and vaccinations required, and local costs and airlines that fly there to help you plan your vacation in Spain.

Budget – £50 a day

Capital – Madrid

Population – 47 million

Language Spoken – Spanish as well as regional languages such as Catalan or Valencian.

Local Currency – Euro

Vaccinations Required For Travelling to Spain

Flying time to Spain from the UK – 2 hours

Useful Info

Airlines to Spain

Best Time to Go – June, July

Plugs Required

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain

Spain's Sacred Sites

Events & Festivals in Spain

Local Cost Guide

Local Customs & Etiquette

Dial 112 for emergency services

Lingo – Useful Spanish Phrases

Weather in Spain – Below is an annual weather chart for Spain

Did you know? Bullfights have gone out of fashion in Spain. In fact, in some provinces, the bloody sport has been banned. The question was what to do with the old bullrings. Two brilliant solutions are to be found in Barcelona where the bullring has been converted into a high-tech ultra-cool shopping mall. The solution in Tarazona near Zaragoza was to convert the bull ring into flats, each of which, naturally, has at least one half-circular wall.

Issues in the Country

Due to high rising housing costs, anti-tourist protests have been taking part in Spain. Barcelona, San Sebastian, Bilbao and the island of Mallorca have all held protests at both the changing faces of their cities and the fact that they can no longer afford to live there. As locals, they are being priced out of their cities due to tourism. Read more here…

Stay Eco

EcoTara Canary Islands Eco-Villa Retreat

Casa Olea in Andalucia

Volunteering

Volunteer with Esperanca in Barcelona and hand out food to the homeless on weekend evenings.

From dog rescues to teaching English, find a volunteering placement through Go Overseas.

Cultural Experiences

Take part in the famous Las Fallas Festival in Valencia; one of the fun things to do in Spain.

Experience a traditional calcotada from January to March, a must do in Spain if you are here during these months.

Mind Body & Soul

D-toxd

D-toxd is a retreat for your body, mind and life. Located 30 minutes from Benidorm, the closest villages are Lliber and Benissa. They have 4 unique personalised programs. Retreats last 7 days and cover fitness, weight loss, detox and relaxation, all in an amazing setting.

Kaliyoga Retreats

These retreats are high-end but you get to stay in your own ensuite room with world-class vegetarian food. All of the retreats are alcohol-free and they don’t just offer yoga retreats either. You can choose from a pure juice retreat, a yoga and raw health retreat, a season cleanse, or even a change of life retreat.

Valencia Mindfulness Retreat

This bed and breakfast in Valencia offers morning meditations, yoga and pilates. Situated in the historical centre near la Plaza de la Virgen this restored Victorian mansion is a great mindful escape.

Treat yourself at Mas Salagros

Enjoy wellness at this eco-resort and ancient baths. Immerse yourself in steam baths, a thousand jets or float in a salt bath instead. Each of the rooms are decorated with 100% natural and ecological materials.

Map of Spain

Contributors

Inka Piegsa-Quischotte is a contributor to many travel magazines and websites. She is also the owner of Glamour Granny Travels as well as the author of a guidebook for solo travellers to Galicia/Spain and a literary guide to Istanbul.

Solo Travel in Spain