For solo travelers, the Mediterranean is one of the most fantastic places to discover. Breathtakingly beautiful, with excellent weather and great beaches, as well as being packed full of the history and culture that Europe is famous for. Add in amazing, varied local cuisines, charming and welcoming locals, and transport infrastructure that makes getting around a breeze, and it is easy to see why so many lone travelers choose to pack their bags and explore the Mediterranean.
The only issue with the Mediterranean is how much choice there is! There is so much to see and do, and only so much time available, that deciding where to go as a solo traveler can feel overwhelming.
So if you plan to cruise through Europe on your own but don’t know where to start, here are seven of the best places to discover as a solo traveler.
Mallorca, Spain
The buzzing, bustling, vibrant island of Mallorca sits in the Balearic archipelago just off the coast of Barcelona, and is a stunningly beautiful and fascinating place to visit. Palma de Mallorca, the capital, boasts a rich, deep, and unusual history that is writ large in its blend of Moorish and Spanish architecture. The landscape of the island is dramatic and eye-opening, and a great place for lovers of the great outdoors. The island is small, and offers the chance to do an awful lot of exploring in a short amount of time, which makes it perfect for solo travelers.
Nice, France
Get a taste of the highlife in the Cote d’Azur, for a wonderful combination of sun, sea, and sand, as well as fine dining, stunning alpine landscapes, and a brilliantly historic city that dates back to when the ancient Greeks defined culture around the Mediterranean. Although this part of the world tends to attract a more upscale, luxurious type of tourist, Nice has long been a center for artistic, alternative, and more bohemian types, which gives it an edge that is incredibly attractive to the solo traveler.
Mellieha, Malta
Malta in general is extremely friendly for lone travelers, and the capital, Valletta, offers a lovely blend of history and modernity. Plus, everyone speaks English, which makes getting around a breeze! But for more adventurous solo explorers, a trip to the north of the island is well worth undertaking. The small village of Mellieha boasts one of the most precious beaches in Malta, while the Selmun Palace is the perfect place to learn more about the island’s history, particularly its relationship with the Knights of St John.
Paphos, Cyprus
Cyprus is a beautiful and underrated Mediterranean island destination, and one that should be on every solo traveler’s bucket list. Paphos is one of the highlights of this gorgeous island, a magnificently historic spot that has been continuously settled since before civilization began, and is famous as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and romance. The city is defined by its wonderful historic buildings and ruins, including ancient tombs, a dramatic and imposing fortress, and several other archaeological sites.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is the sparkling jewel of Croatia’s Adriatic coast, a marvelous walled fortress that stands out from the rugged cliffs, and is perfect to explore on your own. Safe, small, and affordable, its a wonderful place for single travelers. Dubrovnik has garnered international fame in recent years thanks to its appearance as a filming location on Game of Thrones, but despite its increased popularity it retains a charm and romance. Walk the walls at sunset and gaze out over the sea, and you’ll quickly understand what a special place this is.
Provence, France
The exquisite lavender and sunflower fields of Provence are one of the most iconic sights you can see in France, and indeed in all of Europe, and discovering this lovely part of the world is a great option for single tourists. The best part of solo travel in Provence is how easy it is, with fast, affordable trains that whisk you through the lavender fields from ancient Roman archaeological sites to medieval fortified cities. Explore Avignon, Arles, and Aix-en-Provence, and indulge your taste for historical tourism, fine dining, and wine all in one trip! And that’s before you even get to the glorious calanques of Cassis, the tiny hidden bays and picture-perfect beaches hidden at the bottom of sheer, magnificent cliffs.
Athens, Greece
Finally, no Mediterranean trip would be complete without a visit to Athens, the birthplace of European civilization and culture. Some of the most astounding and spectacular ancient monuments and landmarks can be found in the Greek capital, including the Parthenon and the Acropolis. Best of all, the most famous and stunning sights are all centrally located, which makes it easier to see them all on foot. The citizens of Athens are fabulously friendly and welcoming, and the city is surprisingly affordable (particularly when it comes to accommodation), which makes it a superb choice for solo travelers looking to get the most out of every penny on their Mediterranean vacation!
In Conclusion
These are just a few of the many amazing places to discover in the Mediterranean when traveling solo. With its stunning scenery, fascinating history, and delicious food and wine, the region has something for everyone. So why not ditch the traditional group tour and explore one of these wonderful destinations on your own? You won’t regret it!
