Featured image: Here’s how to travel solo in Spain, like this woman in Plaza d’España, Seville | Photo by lucigerma via Envato

With cultural, historic and culinary experiences, Spain appeals for longer stays

by Carolyn Ray 

If you’re a solo woman traveller, you know how important it to choose not only a desirable location but also a country that offers cultural, art and history experiences that satisfy your curiosity. In a recent survey of Canadian women over 50, Spain emerged as a top choice for women among European countries, with 95 per cent of respondents saying they would recommend Spain to other women. Of these, 44 per cent said they prefer to travel solo, and 24 per cent travel with a friend.

In the survey, which was conducted by JourneyWoman on behalf of Spain Tourism, most women said that safety was the most important factor in making travel decisions, followed by culture and history and affordability. The majority of women (93%) said that sustainable tourism practices were also an important factor.  

What do women love about travelling solo in Spain?

Women said Spain’s art and culture appeal the most, along with its history and culinary experiences.

“My first solo trip to Spain was over 15 years ago and I instantly fell in love with the culture,” says Canadian solo traveller Donna Richardson. “What struck my heart was the overwhelming importance of family and how they treat their seniors. I was 52 years of age back then, now 68 and my love for the Spanish culture has never waned.”

UNESCO World Heritage Sites and festivals in Spain

While the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona may be Spain’s best-known attraction, there are 50 properties on UNESCO World Heritage list, including the Alhambra in Granada, Prado Museum in Madrid, Park Guëll in Barcelona and Seville Cathedral in Seville.

“The Alhambra Palace in Granada is a must visit when in Andalusia,” says Richardson. “Tickets need to be ordered for the Alhambra months in advance, especially if you want to visit the Royal apartments. Many miss out on going across the Darro River to wander the streets of Albaicín. There is a view of the Alhambra from that side which is gorgeous.”

Not only does Spain have many fiestas and festivals, including Semana Santa (Holy Week) in April, Seville’s Feria de Sevilla (April Fair) is very popular. Created in 1847 as a cattle fair, the Feria is a celebratory event where traditional Andalusian dress is worn. Throughout the week, people gather in the ‘casetas’ or tents, for dancing, sharing and bullfights until the early hours of the morning.

Malaga, an ancient city in southern Spain, boasts the Alcazaba Fortress, Roman Amphitheatre and Gibralfaro Castle. Picasso was born in Malaga and art lovers can visit his childhood home, Casa Natal Picasso, the Picasso Museum and the Iglesia de Santiago church where his parents were married and he was christened.

Richardson says Cordoba is one of her favourites. “Every May, residents in Cordoba open their courtyards to display their gardens for the Patios de Córdoba. In Córdoba, you will be amazed by the Mezquita and the Jewish quarter.” she says.  The Mezquita-Catedral is one of the most famous monuments of Western Islamic (Moorish) architecture in Spain. Built from 784-786 AD by Abd al-Rahman, its 800 granite and marble striped arches in the main Muslim prayer space are a place of wonder.

Culinary travel in Spain

For women who love both food and art, Bilbao is a must-see in the heart of the Basque Region. Once an industrial city, its revitalization began in the late 1990s with the opening of the Guggenheim Museum. This is the home of pintxos, perhaps the best-known Basque food, and you’ll find people out on the street at all hours enjoying fresh fish, crab and other delicacies. In Bilbao, a food tour is a must to understand the turbulent history of this region, and the pride that people feel in Basque culture and language, which is one of the oldest languages in Europe. Book a food tour here! 

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Other memorable treats include fried artichokes (alcachofa) in Jerez de la Frontera, near Cadiz; espinacas con garbanzos, and spinach and chickpeas in Seville and bocarones, roasted sardines and fried chichherones (fried pork). In Galicia, the food is mouth-watering and irresistible, with pastel de cuajada, flan, biscotti and tarte. Pulpo, cheese and grilled scallops in the shell. Not to mention bread, potatoes, seafood, peppers, eggs, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and soups.

“Make sure you try salmorejo, a traditional cold soup,” Richardson says. “Es muy delicioso! Speaking of delicious, and if you like fish, try the famous espetos which are sardines skewered and grilled over olive wood. The smell is unbelievable! The sardines only have sea salt on them and are a real treat. Chiringuitos (beach bars) line the beaches during high season, but you can still find some open during low season. Pull up a chair, grab a plate of espetos, a beverage and enjoy the sea air.”

Disclaimer:  This article is part of an ongoing series sponsored by Spain Tourism, which did not review it prior to publication. 

Learn more about Spain

Visit the Spain Tourism website for ideas to plan travel to Spain.

Safety tips for Spain

When the streets are crowded, make sure you keep your cross-body bag in front of you and consider using Wise for ‘tap and pay’ rather than using actual currency. Be cautious posting your current location on social media, particularly your hotel; it’s always better to post when. you get home. Find more cybersecurity travel tips here.

How to get around Spain

Spain has a very good train network. With the OUIGO high-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid (about 2.5 hours), and the Renfe train. Book your train trip here on Trainline.

Where to stay in Spain

There are many beautiful bed and breakfasts and smaller boutique hotels in Spain. To look for hotels recommended by women in Spain, click here or check Booking.com.

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