If you are looking for a destination to visit solo, Spain is a fantastic option. Although the whole country is safe, Southern Spain is one of the best regions for solo female travellers to visit.
It is easy to move around, locals are welcoming, and there is a wide variety of activities for all types of travellers – from visiting impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites to tasting the local cuisine and watching a flamenco show.
If you are wondering what to do in some of the most popular Andalusian cities, we are going to tell you our favourite activities, how to move around, and tips for making your solo trip to Southern Spain even better.
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5 Best Solo Travel Destinations In Southern Spain For Female Travellers
Although most cities in Southern Spain are safe for solo travellers, these are some of the most popular options:
1. Malaga
Malaga has to be one of the best cities for solo female travellers. The city is safe for tourists, well-connected by public transport, and walkable. You can visit the city in two days, because all the main attractions are in the old town, and you won’t get bored.
Some of the best activities for solo female travellers in Malaga are:
- Visiting the Alcazaba de Málaga
- Joining a food tour in Atarazanas Market
- Going to Malaga Cathedral
- Riding a bike on the beach promenade
- Going to the Picasso Museum Malaga
If you plan to spend more than two days in Malaga, there are also many fantastic day trips you can take on your own or by booking an excursion with a tour company like Get Your Guide.
Some popular day trips from Malaga are Nerja, Caminito del Rey, Ronda, and Gibraltar. Nerja is best for beaches and water activities, Caminito del Rey for hiking, Ronda for foodies, and Gibraltar for shopping.
You don’t necessarily need to stay in the city when you visit Malaga. You might want to consider staying in a nearby city like Marbella. However, I would choose Malaga over Marbella for a city break as there are more attractions.
2. Cordoba
Well-known for its Mosque Cathedral, Cordoba is another solo female travel destination to add to your Southern Spain itinerary. Walking in Cordoba city centre is safe, and you don’t need to use public transport to get to its main points of interest.
The best things to do in Cordoba alone include:
- Visiting the Mosque-Cathedral, known as La Mezquita in Spanish
- Going to the Alcazar de Los Reyes Católicos
- Seeing the traditional Andalusian courtyards like the ones in Palacio de Viana
- Taking a day trip to Medina Azahara
If you plan to stay in Cordoba longer than two days, you can also take easy day trips by train like Seville or Malaga.
3. Seville
Seville is one of the most popular city breaks in Spain. Its historical buildings, flamenco culture, and cuisine are only some of the reasons to visit Seville.
Despite being a big city, Seville is safe for solo female travellers. However, you might want to be careful with your belongings in touristy spots where pickpockets are prevalent. Also, be aware of women who may try to give you rosemary to bring you luck or offer to read the cards for you. Many will ask for money. Pickpocketing is the main concern for travellers in Seville, and I would also avoid visiting neighbourhoods like Las 3000 Viviendas.
Regarding things to do in Seville, here are some of the favourites for solo travellers:
- Exploring the Alcazar of Seville
- Visiting the Cathedral and its tower
- Walking Maria Luisa Park and stop by Plaza de España
- Catch a sunset at Setas de Sevilla
- Watching a Flamenco show
One of the best times to visit Seville is spring, because you won’t experience the crowds and heat that you would in the summer. Also, if you want to experience a traditional festival, you might want to plan your trip around the Seville Fair, which takes place in mid-April.
4. Granada
Granada is one of the most charming cities in southern Spain. You will love its vibrant atmosphere, historical sites and Moorish influence.
While Granada is mostly safe, avoid walking alone at night, especially in the Albaizin area, where you can find the famous viewpoint called Mirador de San Nicolás. Besides that, you can roam around the city without any other concerns.
Some of the best activities to do solo in Granada are:
- Visiting the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens
- Taking a guided tour through Albaicin to learn about its past influences
- Going to Granada Cathedral
- Having tapas in one of the many amazing tapa bars like Los Manueles Reyes Católicos, or going on a tapas food tour
While Granada City is a must-see, if you love visiting off-the-beaten-path locations, you must check out Las Alpujarras, a region near the Sierra Nevada ski resort. You will find beautiful and unique small villages in this area. For example, Pampaneira is famous for being one of the prettiest towns in Spain, and Soportujar is well-known as the witches’ town.
5. Cadiz
Cadiz isn’t as popular as Malaga, Granada, or Seville, but it is worth visiting. Interestingly, Cadiz is the oldest city in Spain. When you walk around Cadiz, you can see the influence of many civilizations, including the Phoenicians.
It’s a safe city with lots of beautiful sights to be discovered. Some of the unmissable attractions include Cadiz Cathedral and Torre Tavira.
The best activities to do for solo female travellers in Cadiz are:
- Visiting Cadiz Cathedral
- Climbing up Torre Tavira
- Having traditional fried fish at Mercado Central de Abastos
- Exploring Santa Catalina Castle
- Watching the sunset at La Caleta
If you plan to stay longer than two or three days, you might want to discover some of the prettiest whitewashed towns in the Cadiz province. For example, you can go on a day trip to Jerez, famous for its wines, or Vejer de la Frontera, an enchanting town with cobblestone streets, Moorish arches and gorgeous mountainside views.
How To Travel Around Southern Spain
If you are planning a trip to Southern Spain from abroad, check out flights to airports like Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) and Seville Airport (SJV), as these are the largest airports in this area. You can either rent a car or take a bus to other cities.
Travelling within Andalusia is easy by public transport, especially if you plan to travel within the large cities. Trains and buses are comfortable, budget-friendly, safe, and usually modern. However, if you want to visit more off-the-beaten-path destinations, it is better to rent a car.
Motorways in Spain are in very good condition, but if you want to visit the mountainside villages, you need to be careful on the road. Many of them are windy and narrow. I recommend checking out the road on Google Maps, and taking a look at the weather conditions before heading to these towns.
Tips For Women Travelling Solo In Southern Spain
- Travelling solo is rewarding, but if you want to meet other travellers during your time in Southern Spain, check out Meet Up for events or take guided tours, which are easy ways to make friends with other travellers. If you stay longer, you can also search for Facebook groups such as Girls Who Travel to connect with other female solo travellers.
- The best time for solo female travellers to visit Spain is during the shoulder seasons. There are fewer crowds, and accommodation and flights are cheaper. Also, you will avoid the scorching weather in summer.
- Bring cash with you. You can pay by card in most places, and cards like Wise are perfect for travelling to countries where the currency is different from your home country’s. However, some smaller shops, street market stalls, and buses still rely on cash.
- Andalusia has many amazing hiking trails and natural parks. If you plan to visit any of them, I recommend checking All Trails and going with someone who knows the route. Make sure to read this article about 10 great hiking spots in Spain before you go!
- Bring sunscreen with you. Southern Spain is one of the sunniest parts of the country, and it is quite sunny even in winter. You will also need mosquito spray in the summer, as they are very active, and it can be annoying to try and fend them off.
- Book your accommodation in the city centre or closest to the city centre as this will help you avoid not-so-nice areas and feel more comfortable walking in the evening. Staying in a hostel or hotel might be a better option than booking an apartment, and you will have more opportunities to meet other travellers.
- If you are on a tight budget, there are ways you can save money while travelling around Southern Spain. Overall, this region is cheaper than others, but you can save money by eating tapas or “menú del día” (a set menu that usually includes a starter, a main course and a dessert for 10 or 12 euros) and going to attractions on their free admission days or hours.
Last Thoughts On Travelling Solo In Andalusia
In conclusion, Andalusia is an exciting destination to visit, and there are plenty of fun activities to do solo. Overall, it is safe, and there aren’t any major concerns for female travellers. Of course, you want to take the same precautions as you would in other destinations around the world, such as avoiding walking late at night in dark and quiet streets, getting intoxicated, and leaving your belongings unattended.
Cristina Reina is the founder of the blog My Little World of Travelling. She was born and raised in Malaga and loves helping others discover her hometown and other destinations in Southern Spain. She shares insider tips so travellers can have more authentic experiences and discover the local culture.
