Spain

If you’re over 50 and travelling solo, why Spain?

I love visiting Spain. Once you’re away from the concrete skyscraper tourist traps, it’s a country made for travellers who like to spend the day lazing about (preferably by the pool or on a beach), sit at a pavement cafe of an evening nursing an aperativo whilst people watching & judging, and then go out to eat well and late. It has world-class food, excellent value hotels (even at the top end of the scale), and towns and cities that are comfortable to explore alone. These guides have suggested destinations for independent travellers over 50, places like Sitges and the Balearics.

• Getting around: Spain’s high-speed rail has had an interesting history. Despite having Europe’s longest high speed rail networks, and the second longer in the world after China, until recently it was operating as a monopoly by Renfe. However, in 2021, the government overhauled and opened up it’s rail operator network, (most notably to AVE and Ouigo) and regional trains make multi-city itineraries easy and more affordable, reducing the need for either a car or taking a domestic flight.
• When to visit: Broadly speaking, spring and autumn are the probably the best seasons to visit Spain, because summer heat (specially in the south) can be brutal. But it really depends in where you want to visit, as the north and the Atlantic coast can be pretty wet and blustery in the winter months. Wildfires are now also becoming an ever increasing risk in the hottest parts of the country, in summer – for me, a good reason to skip August in mainland Spain.
• Ok to go solo: Meals are civilised, lengthy affairs of great food and even better wine, and nobody blinks at a table for one. Paella and sangria? do it! yes, they are tourist dishes, but they’re delicious, so go for it. 

How practical is Spain for a solo independent traveller aged 50+

The high-speed rail network makes a rail-and-stay itinerary realistic, but most people fly and then hire a car if they’re travelling any distance (or in the countryside), or get busy on the trip-hailing app of choice if city-bound. May, June and September to October are the sweet spots: the weather is kind, and the crowds aren’t as big. Remember the local rhythm: lunch is mid-afternoon, dinner is late, and plenty of places shut for a siesta. Sundays, many places are shut (it’s a fiercely catholic c0untry). I tend to budget €150-350 per day depending on how extra I’m feeling (or how boutique I want my hotel to be).

How safe is Spain for a solo independent traveller 50+

I’ve never felt any concerns travelling alone in Spain, although I always err on the side of caution when in the bigger cities – particularly Barcelona. Tourists around the Ramblas can find themselves leaving with less cash and electronics if they don’t keep a wary eye on things. If you’re on a beach and want to go for a swim, often the family sitting next to you will keep an eye on your belongings for a few minutes if asked. And as anywhere, never leave valuables on display in a parked car – even if you’re on holiday.