With compact countries, charming cities, and endless outdoor activities, Europe has long been a popular solo travel destination for people of all ages. But with such a large continent to explore, narrowing down where to go on a solo trip can be difficult. Luckily, the beauty of solo travel is that you don't have to compromise on your destination, so you can follow your heart's desire to some of Europe's most unique and fascinating places.
To help you find them, we asked our expert writers to share their recommendations for the best places to travel solo in Europe. Here are their picks.
1. Sicily, Italy
Recommended by Nicola Williams
On an island so dazzling with its kaleidoscope of culture and historical riches, travel companions can become a boring nuisance. Solo Sicily is an unbridled delight; its combination of seaside, mountains, fine cuisine, sun-drenched wine and erupting volcanoes means you'll never be “bored.” In fact, this sunlit island surrounded by three seas has an inspiring atmosphere that encourages quiet reflection and a sense of security in solitude.
Start your journey on Sicily's enchanting eastern Ionian coast. Climb the steep slopes of Mount Etna with your guide and mingle with locals at Catania's chaotic fish market. Sip wine in the sunshine in volcanic vineyards. Drama lovers will be enchanted for days by performances under the stars at the ancient Greek theaters of Syracuse and Taormina. So too will the Aeolian Islands, a paradise on earth, with cobalt blue waters and secret coves to match every mood and moment. In the west, the capital Palermo weaves a fascinating tale in glittering golden mosaics at the Cappella Palatina of the Palazzo dei Normanni. Meanwhile, Stanze al Genio is a rare palatial residence for art collectors, a museum of majolica tiles and one of Italy's nicest B&Bs for solo travelers. So is the Giardino degli Possible, a strangely romantic and evocative quarry garden with Favignana's enchanting butterfly-shaped room.
Dine by the water in the pretty village of Chora on the island of Naxos. Getty Images
2. Naxos, Greece
Recommended by Helen Iattolo
With its white sandy beaches and shallow waters, you'd be forgiven for thinking Naxos is only suitable for families. But the largest island in the Cyclades is aiming to lure solo travelers to experience its myriad attractions, from its fortified capital and farm-to-table cuisine to dopamine-pumping watersports. Start by exploring the medieval town of Chora and admire the Venetian towers of Glezos and Della Rocca Barozzi. Then try windsurfing with an expert instructor at Flisvos Sports Club on Agios Georgios Beach. If you prefer two wheels, join Naxos Bikes on an electric bike and hiking tour through olive groves to the island's highest point, Mount Zeus, at 1,003 metres (3,290 feet).
Afterwards, stop in the village of Halki to sample Naxos's aromatic PDO Citron liqueur at a small distillery. Immerse yourself further in the island's culinary traditions with a visit to a dairy farm hosted by Filema Food Tours. Chat with farmers, feed the animals, and help make Naxos' specialty, Arseniko cheese. Once your belly is full, calm your mind with sunset yoga at Mikri Vigla's Kite Beach. Melina Rigopoulos of Soul in Motion hosts sessions from June to September and also hosts occasional retreats.
Traditional flower market in the old town of Aix. Getty Images
3. Aix-en-Provence, France
Recommended by Nicola Williams
Not everyone can get around Marseille alone, a notoriously noisy metropolis in the hot south of France. But it certainly suits solo exploration along the elegant boulevards of its cleaner, safer, slower-paced sister city, a 45-minute bus or train ride away. Start your trip to Aix-en-Provence with café crème and croissants beneath the emerald-leafed plane trees of Le Forbain, just off the fountain-dotted boulevard Cours Mirabeau. Time slows down at the Musée Granet in the Mazarin district, where works by Picasso, Matisse, Monet and local Paul Cézanne, who painted nearby Mont Sainte-Victoire many times, are on display. (Following in his footsteps on an e-bike makes an inspiring day trip, whether solo or with a group tour.)
Don't miss the 13th-century Church of Saint-Jean-de-Malthe, next to the museum, and the flower garden of the Hôtel de Caumont (1742), a palatial art gallery, just a 5-minute walk away. Afterwards, enjoy a smoothie, shake or chai latte at Book In Bar. This English-language bookstore and café is a meeting point for students from Aix's prestigious university, so it's a must-visit if you want to mingle. As the sun goes down, enjoy people-watching from the café terraces of bustling Rue de Verrie, Place Richerme or Place Cardour. For a more intimate atmosphere, try Place de l'Hôtel de Ville.
Located in one of the most beautiful gardens in Old Parma, Banis Arabus is the perfect place for a solo traveler. Shutterstock
4. Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Recommended by Chloe Braithwaite
Palma de Mallorca is a welcoming city with bright public spaces, beautiful beaches, and an abundance of restaurants, markets, and historical sites, meaning solo travelers won't have a hard time finding the perfect relaxing day on their own. Start your visit at Santa Catalina Market, the city's oldest food market, and fill up on tapas and local produce. Nearby Lluís Pérez Pastisser is a delicious pastry café known for its croissant ibérico con tomatitos, a flaky croissant filled with Iberian ham and tangy cherry tomatoes. Café Riu Tort serves great coffee, while Mistral Coffee prides itself on its locally roasted beans.
Spend the day strolling along the tree-lined Rue de Borne, lined with both high-end and low-end shops. For a satisfying lunch, try El Toque de Queda, which serves up a selection of charcuterie boards featuring local cheeses, or try authentic Basque cuisine at La Basca. Spend the afternoon exploring cultural landmarks like the Cathedral of Mallorca, with its tranquil Bishop's Garden, and the historic Banis Arab (Arab Baths). In the evening, head to CineCiutat, a non-profit cinema that shows films in their original language. Then, round off the day at Bar La Sangue for natural wines, or reserve a seat at Vermuteria La Rosa for a traditional vermouth tasting.
Babos Palace in Cluj-Napoca, a cosmopolitan city with a large student population. Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock
5. Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Recommended by Monica Suma
Bohemian and laid-back, Cluj-Napoca in northwestern Romania has a completely different character to the much bigger, noisier (and often chaotic) capital Bucharest. Despite being the largest city in Transylvania and the second largest in the country, Cluj (as it is more commonly called) exudes a different, more relaxed vibe, perfect for solo travelers. And that's partly down to the thousands of students studying here and the city's compact layout. The city dates back to pre-Roman times (“Napoca” comes from the Dacians), but stands out for its stunning Baroque architecture, which dates back to the Austro-Hungarian period. Easy to explore and increasingly in demand with a thriving tech sector, modern Cluj is artsy, has loads of fun and has a fantastic cosmopolitan vibe.
It's home to the acclaimed Transylvanian Film Festival and the crowd-pleasing Electric Castle and Untold festivals (avoid late July and early August unless you book months in advance or can afford exorbitant hotel rates). These days, it's got a lot of modern energy. The centre is dotted with speciality coffee shops, the most per capita in the country (Narcoffee Roasters is excellent). The food scene is equally exciting: country-chic Casa Boema is a longtime favourite with its oasis-like courtyard terrace. And best of all, nature is right on your doorstep. Walk to Cetazia Park for panoramic views of the city sandwiched between the Transylvanian plains and the Apuseni Mountains.
Slovenia's Vipava Valley is perfect for a bike tour and wine tasting with new friends. Getty Images
6. Vipava Valley, Slovenia
Recommended by Daniel James Clark
If you're traveling solo, Slovenia's Vipava Valley is the perfect place to relax and enjoy wine. And you're never drinking alone. In this welcoming, wine-obsessed community, sharing your best home-grown wines with strangers is the norm. Beneath the valley's fertile soil, hundreds of family-run microbreweries, like Cejkotova Domačija, are stacks of barrels aging the golden, fruity Zelen native grape variety. Biking between these underground tasting sites is a solo traveler's dream. Rolling country roads wind among manicured vines and fragrant orchards, with dramatic Karst mountains towering beyond. If a bike tasting tour doesn't appeal to you, hop on the seasonal wine train instead for a five-hour train ride that stops at local villages and vineyards. With friends, you can't go wrong. Volunteer during harvest in September and you'll practically become part of the family.
The spirit of Viapava isn't just found in a glass: low-key solo adventures abound. Hike to the top of the Turnovo Forest Plateau for panoramic views of the emerald valley. Catch the strong, locally prized Bora winds and fly even higher in a paraglider. There are several hostels that offer community, and creative connections abound at the Sinj Vur Pension's arts workshop.
The remote Faroe Islands are the perfect place to get out on your own and get involved in local projects. Getty Images
7. Faroe Islands
Recommended by Daniel James Clark
Arcing out of the turbulent North Atlantic like storm-strewn emeralds in the rough, the Faroe Islands are pristine, dreamy and utterly enchanting. At first glance, this desolate land dominated by sheep, gannets and puffins looks like an intrepid expedition. But look closer and you'll find a tight-knit community that has long welcomed solo travelers. In fact, every year the islanders do just that, hosting volunteers in their farms and homes to help with maintenance. Heimabridni (Faroese for home hospitality) is deeply rooted and family meals are the norm. Some require group bookings, while others, like Heima í Stovu's supper club or Durita and Fróði's traditional Faroese feast of skerpikjøt (air-dried lamb) and ræst (fermented lamb and fish), welcome strangers with whom to share and tell stories.
Away from Tórshavn's turf roofs and modern cultural spaces, little adventures abound. Hikes to the floating Lake Sórvágsvatn or the cinematic Karur Lighthouse require no support. Well-maintained roads, undersea tunnels connecting the islands and regular ferries keep the community connected, and a surprisingly extensive bus network makes it possible to explore alone and without a car. In Saxon, surrounded by towering sea rocks, plunging waterfalls or scenic fjords, you'll feel like a true castaway, but you'll never be far from a heart-warming conversation over a cup of tea.
