I had nothing
but excitement and a little nervousness when I packed my backpack,
booked a one-way ticket to Madrid, and boarded a plane last spring.
As a woman
going on her first solo trip, I had read a ton of articles, some suggestion,
some warning.
I fell in
love to Spain because of its architecture, art, tapas, and beautiful beaches,
but would I be safe there? Would I be able to handle this alone?
Here is the real deal about my time traveling alone in Spain, including my unexpected connections, confidence-building, and negotiating cultural customs.
 |
| Traveling Solo in Spain |
Traveling Solo in Spain
- Landing in Madrid - The First Jitters
To be honest,
I had a lot of questions as soon as I left the Madrid airport. I had no created
schedule, and my Spanish was at best poor.
I quickly
signed up for a free walking tour after checking into a comfortable hostel
close to Puerta del Sol.
It proved to
be the best choice I ever made, both for meeting other tourists and for
orienting myself.
Travel tip: There are several cheap and free walking trips in Spain that make solo tourists feel secure and connected.
Is Spain Safe for Solo Travelers?
In short: In a sensible way, yes.
Mostly
throughout the day, but occasionally at night, I walked through cities like
Madrid, Seville, Granada, and Barcelona without ever feeling threatened. I was
cautious too.
To avoid
being pickpocketed, I carried a crossbody bag, kept my phone handy, and stayed
out of dark alleys.
Petty
thievery is the main issue in tourist-heavy locations, particularly in
Barcelona. I always kept an eye on my surroundings and locked my backpack.
I lived by
this safety advice,
- Don't show off your valuables.
- Dress like a native to fit in.
- Always follow your gut.
Culture Shock and Sweet Surprises
The clock in
Spain is different. Lunch is at 2:00 PM. dinner at 9:00 pm. In the afternoon,
Siesta takes a break. I initially felt uncomfortable. I eventually adapted by
slowing down, eating leisurely meals, and rising late.
I still
recall watching flamenco dancers perform with fire and spirit while sitting by
myself in a tapas bar in Seville.
When they saw
that I was alone, the couple next to me shared their meal and inquired about my
travels. We spoke for hours on end.
I was most
taken away by how welcoming and open everyone was, especially to a solo
traveler.
Building Confidence - One City at a Time
Traveling
solo pushes you to totally and bravely present yourself. I struggled through
talks in Spanish, got lost in the small streets of Granada's AlbaicÃn, and even
danced with strangers at a Valencia festival.
Each
challenge was overcome. Every little thing, like ordering churros in bad
Spanish, working out a bus route, or sitting by myself at a sunset viewpoint,
unexpectedly increased my confidence.
My Favorite Solo Moments in Spain
Barcelona's
Park Güell at sunrise serene, vibrant, and incredibly motivating.
I will always
remember the thrill of hiking the Caminito del Rey by myself.
Discovering
the history, quiet, and breathtaking beauty of Granada's Alhambra
Drinking
coffee by myself at Madrid's Plaza Mayor observing the course of life
These were
times of empowerment rather than loneliness.
Final Thoughts - Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely “YES”
One of my
life's most life-changing experiences was traveling solo in Spain. I learned to
love my own company, trust myself, and appreciate the pleasure of moving at my
own speed.
I encourage anyone who is unsure about the safety or value of traveling alone in Spain to do so. You'll return with stories that are uniquely yours, stronger, and wiser.
Read: Tokyo
Alone - A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Culture, Food, and Safety
