The essentials to know
- Spain ranks 27th on the 2024 Global Peace Index, reflecting an overall low level of crime.
- Citizens of many non-EU countries (Canada, the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, South Korea) don't need a visa for tourist stays of under 90 days.
- A dense, efficient rail network (Renfe) makes it easy to get between major cities on your own.
- Hostels remain the main place where solo travellers meet each other, with dorm beds costing around $16-21 depending on the city, based on 2026 data. GBP prices are converted from EUR at an approximate rate (27 Aug 2026) — to be reconfirmed before publication.
What matters for this profile
Three criteria matter most for this profile: how easy it is to find your way around without a travel companion, the density of places suited to spontaneous encounters (hostels, tapas bars, markets), and a level of safety that lets you go out alone in the evening without thinking twice about it. Bilbao is described as a "safe, manageable, stimulating" environment, anchored by the Guggenheim. Granada is cited as one of the favourite destinations for a first solo trip, driven by the Alhambra and a student atmosphere. The Camino de Santiago offers a built-in social structure: you're guaranteed to cross paths with other walkers.
Comparing destinations
| Destination | Ideal for | Social atmosphere | Perceived safety | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bilbao | First solo trip, culture | Food scene, pintxos bars | High | Well connected |
| Granada | Student atmosphere, heritage | Hostels, nightlife | High | Good transport links |
| Camino de Santiago | Walking, gradual encounters | Community of walkers | High | Multiple starting points |
| Barcelona | City life, art | Plenty of hostels | Caution in the evening in certain areas (e.g. El Raval) | International airport |
| Madrid | City life, museums | Plenty of hostels | High in central areas | Main air hub |
Best-suited destinations
Bilbao
Best entry pointA compact city, transformed by the Guggenheim, described as one of the best entry points for a first solo trip in Spain.
Granada
Student atmosphereA student atmosphere combined with heritage (the Alhambra), regularly cited at the top of destinations for a first solo trip. Find all the practical details in our full guide to Granada.
Camino de Santiago
Built-in social structureYou choose your own dose of solitude and company as you go, stage by stage: a route rather than a single city, but one of the most cited experiences for a successful solo trip.
Madrid and Barcelona
Safe betsRemain safe bets for the sheer density of options, calling for common-sense caution in a few specific areas rather than general worry. Find all the practical details in our full guide to Barcelona.
Practical tips
- Choose well-located accommodation, even if it costs a little more, rather than the cheapest option on the outskirts.
- Avoid deserted side streets at night, as in any big city.
- Be wary of overly friendly approaches in heavily touristy areas (e.g. La Rambla in Barcelona), without becoming suspicious of everyone.
- Photograph your important documents and store them in the cloud.
- Free walking tours are a good way to meet other solo travellers from day one.
Hotels that meet the criteria
Three examples that meet these criteria, in Bilbao, Granada and Barcelona:
