Spain is a high vacation spot amongst solo vacationers, which isn’t shocking. Its cities are secure and walkable and have a variety of issues to do – from visiting spectacular architectural and historic buildings to tasting the native delicacies, which, by the way in which, varies from area to area.
If that is your first time heading to Spain, this information will make it easier to select the vacation spot for you and all of the important issues you need to know earlier than beginning your journey on this various nation.
The perfect locations to journey solo in Spain
Seville
The capital of Andalusia is full of tradition – from unbelievable Moorish-style buildings and fairly squares to scrumptious native meals and conventional occasions.
Seville is usually secure for solo vacationers, however it’s price keeping track of your belongings when visiting its sights.
Alcazar of Seville is, indisputably, the prettiest palace within the metropolis. Discover its rooms adorned with Nasrid architectural particulars, wander its gardens, residence to peacocks and wonderful flowers, and study the historical past behind the constructing.
Different must-see locations in Seville are the well-known Plaza de España, Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower, and Casa Pilatos.
In case you are a foodie like me, you don’t wish to miss out on making an attempt native dishes. Garbanzos con espinacas (chickpeas with spinach) is my favourite and a fantastic choice for vegetarians too. Different well-liked dishes are oxtail stew and huevos a la flamenca Gypsy eggs).
And let’s not overlook about flamenco! Seville is the birthplace of flamenco, so there isn’t any higher place to get pleasure from a reside flamenco efficiency.
The place to remain in Seville: Resort One Shot Palacio Conde de Torrejón 09
Barcelona
Barcelona is the most well-liked metropolis break in Spain. What’s to not love about Gaudi’s structure and vigorous environment? Whereas it’s a improbable vacation spot to go to by yourself, you have to be cautious about pickpocketing in important areas like Las Ramblas.
Throughout your time in Barcelona, head to La Sagrada Familia, which is essentially the most emblematic constructing within the Catalonian metropolis, and Park Güell. Ensure to ebook your tickets prematurely as these are very busy sights.
Don’t miss Barcelona’s important sights, however you may also wish to go to lesser-known locations like Casa Vincens (one other improbable creation by Gaudi) and the Horta labyrinth.
The place to remain in Barcelona: H10 Metropolitan
Madrid
Madrid is the right metropolis break for solo vacationers who love immersing themselves in historical past, artwork, and tradition. Town is residence to among the greatest museums and artwork galleries in Spain, like Museo del Prado and Museo Reina Sofia.
A must-see historic constructing in Madrid is the Royal Palace. Every room is adorned to perfection. You can be amazed by the grand chandeliers and different components, together with the ceilings. You may spend fairly a number of hours there.
One other unbelievable place to go to is El Retiro Park. It’s an oasis in the midst of a cosmopolitan metropolis. The park is residence to monuments, fountains, and essential buildings whereas providing a tranquil escape from town heart.
A go to to Madrid isn’t full with out making an attempt among the delicacies. For me, churros is the primary factor to attempt in Madrid. Sure, you could find them anyplace else in Spain, however churros in Madrid are superb. The perfect place to have them is Churrería San Ginés, a couple of minutes from Plaza de España.
In the event you love savory, then a very good dish to attempt is huevos rotos, typically translated as damaged eggs. It consists of fried potatoes, fried eggs, and Serrano ham. The mix is pleasant.
Concerning security, Madrid is secure in the course of the day; nevertheless, you would possibly wish to skip wandering Madrid alone at night time, particularly in quiet streets.
The place to remain in Madrid: Resort Soho Boutique Opera
Malaga
Malaga is likely one of the greatest locations for solo feminine vacationers. This lovely metropolis in Southern Spain has loads of issues to do.
What I really like essentially the most about Malaga is the mix of excellent climate, seashores, and tradition. Many vacationers suppose Malaga and the remainder of the Costa del Sol are all in regards to the coast and solar, however let me inform you that Malaga gives many different issues.
As a solo traveler, you’ll really feel secure strolling across the metropolis heart, and you’ll go to all of Malaga’s important sights on foot.
Among the unmissable sights in Malaga you shouldn’t miss are the Alcazaba, the Cathedral and, in the event you’re into artwork, the Picasso Museum; by the way in which, Picasso was born in Malaga!
In the event you spend greater than one or two days in Malaga, I extremely advocate visiting the whitewashed cities. Most of them are lower than an hour’s drive, and so they present a special expertise from town.
Frigiliana and Mijas Pueblo are my favorites. Their white painted and cobblestone streets adorned with flowerpots are very picturesque.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to go to the whitewashed previous city of Marbella or Estepona.
The place to remain in Malaga: Room Mate Valeria
Tenerife
Tenerife has at all times been a well-liked hotspot for households. Nonetheless, its status is altering, and lots of solo vacationers and digital nomads head to Tenerife.
It’s the largest island within the Canary Islands, and you could find all types of actions – from spending your time absorbing the solar at its golden or black sand seashores to seeing El Teide and exploring its pure parks.
Tenerife is a really secure island, and though it’s simpler to discover it by automobile, it has good transportation.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital, however Puerto de la Cruz and smaller cities like Garachico are full of historic buildings and tradition.
Additionally, in the event you love climbing, Tenerife is a paradise. Among the best hikes is the one which leads you to Masca, a village situated within the mountains. It’s the most original place on the island.
The place to remain in Tenerife: Occidental Santa Cruz Contemporáneo
Santander
Santander is likely one of the most underrated locations in Spain. This Northern Spain metropolis is ideal for solo vacationers preferring a quieter environment.
Town has fewer historic buildings than different Spanish locations but in addition has lovely golden seashores and is subsequent to scenic inexperienced landscapes.
Considered one of my favourite locations in Santander is Palacio de la Magdalena, a former Palace and royal summer season residence. It’s within the Magdalena Peninsula, overlooking the crystal-clear sea.
Town additionally gives improbable day journeys to different Northern Spain locations.
For instance, you’ll be able to go to Bilbao, discover quaint cities like Santillana Del Mar, or go on a hike to Saya-Besaya Pure Park.
The place to remain in Santander: Resort NH Ciudad de Santander
Associated learn: Highway-tripping Northern Spain in a classic motorhome
Granada
One other Andalusian metropolis that should make it to the checklist is Granada. Strolling round Granada is stepping again in time as its Moorish structure is current throughout town.
The Alhambra Palace is essentially the most symbolic historic complicated in Granada and a UNESCO World Heritage Website. You may spend a number of good hours exploring its palaces and gardens.
Nonetheless, there are different sights you don’t wish to miss both—for instance, Granada Cathedral and San Jerónimo Monastery.
However that isn’t all; Granada is likely one of the greatest locations to eat tapas. They’re reasonably priced and scrumptious, too.
The place to remain in Granada: Palacete 1620, Premium Suites
The way to get round Spain
Transportation on Spain’s mainland is usually good. In contrast to international locations just like the USA, cities and cities are comparatively shut to one another, so that you don’t must spend many hours driving to get to locations. Plus, you don’t even must lease a automobile.
After all, renting a automobile in Spain offers you extra freedom. You don’t want to fret about timetables, and regardless of being good, some locations aren’t well-connected by bus or practice.
Nonetheless, touring by practice in Spain is straightforward and comfy. In the event you head to Madrid or Barcelona, you’ll be able to just about get the practice to different improbable locations.
Buses are additionally secure, and most of them embody the fundamentals you would possibly want: WIFI and comfy seats and bogs. The one draw back is that touring from one vacation spot to a different will take you extra time.
In the event you determine to lease a automobile, motorways are in good situation, and Spaniards drive on the right-hand aspect of the street like in lots of different international locations, besides the UK and Malta.
The perfect factor about driving on this nation is the liberty and alternative to go to extra Spanish distant locations. Who doesn’t love visiting hidden gems?
If you wish to go to the Spanish islands (whether or not it’s the Balearic islands or the Canary islands), you will have a automobile as a result of it isn’t at all times straightforward to maneuver round with public transport.
The perfect time to go to Spain
There’s by no means a fallacious time to go to Spain; nevertheless, you would possibly wish to select completely different months or seasons relying in your journey preferences.
For instance, in the event you don’t like crowds and are at all times in search of methods to economize, go to Spain in the course of the low season. Early spring and late autumn are improbable instances to sightsee and journey on a price range.
If you would like a vibrant environment, don’t thoughts the warmth, and love the seashores, visiting coastal cities in the summertime is for you.
Additionally, Spain isn’t the most well-liked vacation spot for the Christmas vacation. Nonetheless, it’s good for immersing your self within the Spanish tradition, from celebrating Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) to consuming 12 grapes for luck on New Yr’s Eve and seeing the Three Kings Parade.
Associated learn: What’s Spain well-known for?
What to pack in your vacation to Spain
There’s this false impression that Spain is a heat vacation spot. The reality is Spain has completely different climates, so you actually need to examine the temperatures earlier than you begin packing.
Southern Spain, the Canary Islands, and the Balearic Islands are typically heat. Nonetheless, the temperature distinction between day and night time is critical within the winter, so you’ll nonetheless must pack a jacket.
Northern Spain is wetter and cooler, so don’t make the error of leaving your umbrella at residence.
Suggestions for visiting Spain alone
Spain is usually a really secure nation for vacationers, however that doesn’t imply nothing occurs. Equally, there are some things you wish to know earlier than your journey to Spain. These are a few of my high ideas for visiting my nation:
- Convey money with you. Most eating places, outlets, and sights settle for card funds, however it’s nonetheless doable to seek out small companies and even buses that don’t have a card machine. Subsequently, convey some money with you to keep away from in search of an ATM.
- Faucet water is secure to drink. I have to admit I’m not a giant fan of faucet water, however you’ll be able to really get monetary savings and keep away from pointless plastic waste by filling a reusable bottle from the potable fountains discovered in lots of parks.
- Use an anti-theft bag. Pickpocketing is the primary petty crime you’ll discover throughout Spain and the one which vacationers should pay attention to. Ensure to regulate your belongings in busy areas.
- Keep away from vacationer traps. It’s improbable to know every thing on a restaurant menu, however the eating places that sometimes have their dishes translated into a number of languages are vacationer traps. You’ll discover your self paying more cash for a not-so-authentic meal. Consuming paella overlooking Sagrada Familia would possibly sound like a fantastic thought, however most likely not in your pocket.
- Tipping isn’t obligatory. In reality, many Spaniards don’t tip or tip little or no (a few cents or euros). You tip primarily based on the service you obtained and the way you’re feeling on the day.
The way to meet others in Spain
We Spaniards are outgoing, pleasant, and direct, which is a cultural shock for different cultures. We don’t have a tendency to know a lot of “private house”; we kiss strangers relatively than shake fingers and invite anybody over.
If you wish to join with the locals, you will need to go the place the locals go.
Alternatively, if you’re extra desirous about assembly different vacationers, some good concepts are staying in hostels (sure, hostels have modified quite a bit and for the higher), in search of occasions on web sites like Meet Up, and reserving a tour or lesson.
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Cristina Reina is the founding father of My Little World of Travelling, a weblog that helps vacationers uncover Spain and its hidden gems. She is captivated with sharing native recommendations on her hometown, Malaga, and past.
