Tour added to wishlist!
Support Centre
Call us, we're open today 9.00am - 7.00pm Open today 9.00am - 7.00pm 01252391140 01252391140
Wishlist
Menu
Need a last minute getaway? Great savings on
Last minute trips

Solo Travel Guide: Travelling alone in Europe

Europe offers plenty of fun, safe and once-in-a-lifetime experiences for people who want to travel alone. Here's our guide to travelling solo in Europe as part of a small group tour.

Updated by: Caitlin Middleton - Travel Copywriter at Explore Worldwide
Updated: 3 March 2026

 

Solo travel in Europe has never been more popular. From sun-drenched Mediterranean coastlines to dramatic Nordic landscapes, Europe offers incredible variety within relatively short distances. Whether you’re craving cultural immersion, active adventure or simply the freedom to travel on your own terms, going solo opens up a world of opportunity.

But solo doesn’t have to mean alone. For many travellers, joining a small group tour strikes the perfect balance between independence and connection. A wide variety of travellers of all ages and from all walks of life join our small group tours. You’ll enjoy the flexibility and personal growth that come with travelling solo, while sharing experiences with like-minded explorers and benefiting from expert local guides.

Ready to get planning? Here’s our guide to the best solo destinations and tours in Europe, from Portugal to Greece and beyond.

Spain

Spain is one of our most sought-after Europe solo tour destinations. It’s welcoming, vibrant and wonderfully varied – from Moorish cities and whitewashed villages to coastal trails and tapas-filled evenings.

If you like Spanish wine and tapas, join our wine tasting walking tour through the Ribera del Duero region. For something more active, make the famous pilgrimage from Leon to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela on our Camino de Santiago Walking Tour or go trekking in the gorgeous Picos de Europa for stunning views and bonding memories with your group.

View Spain tours
Hikers walk down a gravel path, bordered by fields and vineyards, under a blue sky with scattered clouds, while hills rise in the background.

Our tour pick: Cycle Murcia

Our Cycle Murcia Tour in southern Spain offers an active and sociable way to explore this lesser-known corner of the country. Pedalling through the Murcia region, you’ll discover quiet country roads, citrus groves and traditional Spanish towns largely untouched by mass tourism. Expect scenic coastal stretches, rolling hills and rewarding descents, all balanced with plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere.

Murcia is famed for its sunshine – with over 300 days of it each year – making it ideal for cycling. Along the way, you’ll stop at local markets, sample regional dishes and experience authentic Spanish hospitality. Evenings are often spent sharing tapas with your group, turning new acquaintances into friends over plates of patatas bravas and fresh seafood.

If you’re keen to explore more of the country, take a look at our full range of tours in Spain for inspiration.

View Cycle Murcia tour

Italy

Italy has long captured the imagination of solo travellers. From world-famous art and architecture to unforgettable cuisine, it’s a country that rewards curiosity.

For a mix of food and walks, consider our Puglia food tour, or for something more challenging go hiking in the iconic Dolomites.

Cycling in Italy is also ideal for solo adventurers; on our Cycling Puglia tour, ride through hill towns, farmlands and the coastline by standard bike or e-bike. A more relaxing but just as adventurous way to travel is by train, and our Venice to Rome tour won't disappoint. For a dose of rich history, join our Ancient Sicily tour where you'll visit classical ruins, from well-preserved mosaics and Doric architecture to Neapolis Archaeological Park.

View Italy tours

Our top tour pick: Walking the Amalfi Coast

Our Walking the Amalfi Coast tour combines dramatic coastal scenery with cultural insight. You’ll follow cliffside paths high above the Tyrrhenian Sea, pass through terraced lemon groves and wander between pastel-coloured villages such as Positano and Amalfi.

This is more than just a walking holiday – it’s a chance to connect with local life. Learn about traditional limoncello production, sample regional dishes and hear stories from guides who bring the history of the region to life. Italy’s culture is deeply rooted in community and food, making it particularly welcoming for solo visitors.

View Amalfi Walking tour

Greece

Few destinations evoke freedom quite like the Greek Islands. Whitewashed houses, turquoise waters and ancient ruins create a timeless backdrop for solo adventure.

If you're looking for great company, delicious food and never-ending celestial views, Greece is an excellent destination for a solo holiday in Europe. Join like-minded travellers for a relaxed island hopping cruise around the Cyclades archipelago on our Highlights of the Greek Islands tour, or discover the gems of Europe's oldest capital city, Athens, on our Peloponnese Explorer trip. Those going solo can enjoy the best cuisine from Crete to the Peloponnese on our Taste of Greece food tour.

View Greece tours
Sunset illuminates a coastal village where white buildings line a rocky shoreline. The calm sea reflects vibrant pink and orange hues, set against mountainous terrain in the background.

Our top tour pick: Greek Island Wanderer

Our Greek Island Wanderer tour captures the magic of island hopping without the stress of planning ferries and accommodation yourself. Hop between hidden gems of the Greek Islands, with plenty of whitewashed churches, coastal walks, and authentic cuisine by the seafront. Beginning in Athens, you’ll travel by ferry to Syros for an afternoon of exploring olive groves and soaking up sea views, as well as free time to tour the village of Galissas. Later, you’ll have the opportunity to hop on a traditional Greek caique for a full day of swimming in crystal clear water, before enjoying a well-deserved barbecue lunch.

If island hopping is calling your name, browse our wider range of tours in Greece to see where else you could explore.

View Greek Island Wanderer

Portugal

Portugal packs remarkable diversity into a compact space. From historic cities to wild Atlantic landscapes, it’s an excellent choice for first-time solo travellers to Europe.

From the golden beaches of the Algarve to the exotic islands of the Azores, Portugal is an attractive destination for solo travellers looking to join a small group tour in Europe. Get to know your group over local dishes and waterfalls walks, get away from the crowds as you follow remote coastal trails or take a local train along the Douro Valley and visit winemaking estates on our Walks and Wine Tasting tour.

View Portugal tours
A hiker walks a winding dirt path surrounded by lush hills, overlooking a scenic lake and distant village under a partly cloudy sky.

Our top tour pick: Levada Trails of Madeira

Leading the way is our Levada Trails of Madeira tour. Madeira’s unique irrigation channels – known as levadas – create a network of scenic walking routes across the island.

Follow ancient footpaths along a vast network of mossy green levadas and feel on top of the world as you trek atop mountain passes on Portugal's lush island of Madeira. As a solo traveller, you'll never feel alone on this picturesque hike along narrow paths, up rocky trails and through wildflower meadows. Explore the cobbled alleyways of Funchal's old town and sample varieties of the local tipple at a traditional wine cellar before joining new-found friends for a feast of freshly prepared seafood in an alfresco taverna.

View Madeira Walking tour

Turkey

Turkey offers a fascinating blend of East and West, ancient history and dramatic landscapes. For solo travellers seeking something a little different, it’s a compelling choice.

If you're not sure how to start planning your solo trip to Turkey, our small group trips pack in all the highlights and lesser-known gems. Our Turkey in Depth tour visits the ethereal Cappadocia region with its iconic 'fairy chimneys', while our Upgraded - Discover Turkey tour soak in hot springs, visit ancient sites and stay at premium accommodation, where swimming pools and thermal waters await.

Combine Turkey's foodie and historical delights on our Taste of Turkey food tour. Travelling from Istanbul to Cappadocia, you'll be in-the-know with Turkish cuisine, from sampling street foods like grilled mackerel and chewy ice cream to fruit wine tasting and cooking classes.

View Turkey tours

Our top tour pick: Hiking Turkey's Lycian Way

Looking for an active solo adventure? Popular with solo travellers is Hiking Turkey's Lycian Way. Spend a week following Turkey's spectacular Lycian Way, with its scenic coastal trails overlooking sparkling turquoise waters. In between the rewarding hikes, cool off with swims in secluded bays and enjoy a boat trip to the fascinating sunken city of Kekova.

View Hiking Turkey's Lycian Way

Croatia

Croatia has rapidly risen to the top of many solo travellers’ wish lists – and for good reason. With its Adriatic coastline, historic cities and national parks, it offers incredible variety in a relatively small area.

Share treasured memories with other solo travellers as you discover the aquamarine lakes and panoramic mountain-top views of Croatia's Plitvice National Park by foot on our Walks and Coastal Towns of Croatia. Or jump in the saddle to ascend pearlescent limestone cliffs that rise from the azure-blue seas by bike on our Cycle Dalmatian Coast Tour.

Our Croatia Island Hopping tour takes all the hassle out of planning how to visit Croatia's islands. With the accommodation, transport and itineraries taken care of, you can simply enjoy the likes of Brac, Korcula and Mljet, three beautiful Croatian islands with lots of activities to try. This immersive trip also includes a guided walking tour of Dubrovnik and wine-tasting opportunities - plus you'll be in the know with you expert tour leader.

View Croatia tours
A cyclist pauses, gazing at a picturesque coastal town across the blue water. A white bench and dense trees frame the scene, with distant hills under a clear sky.

Our top tour pick: Upgraded - Highlights of Croatia

Our Upgraded - Highlights of Croatia tour showcases the very best of the country, from the UNESCO-listed old town of Dubrovnik to the cascading lakes of Plitvice National Park. Expect a mix of guided sightseeing and free time to explore medieval streets or relax by the sea.

Golden-sand beaches, topaz-blue seas and emerald-green hillsides adorn the southeast European country of Croatia. From the maze of red-roofed medieval buildings and narrow cobbled streets in Dubrovnik's Old Town to the shimmering aquamarine lakes and pearly-white waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park, solo travellers will find a whole host of wonders to discover here. Feast on freshly caught seafood with new friends, share treasured memories and toast fun-filled adventures with a glass of refreshing local wine.

View Highlights of Croatia tour

Iceland

Iceland feels like stepping onto another planet. Geysers, waterfalls, glaciers and volcanic landscapes create a dramatic setting for solo adventure.

Iceland consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, making it appealing for solo travellers. However, distances are vast and weather can be unpredictable. Joining a small group ensures expert guidance and safe navigation of ever-changing conditions.

View Iceland tours

Our tour top pick: Land of the Midnight Sun

Our Iceland – Land of the Midnight Sun tour makes the most of the country’s extended daylight hours during summer. Explore the Golden Circle, walk along black sand beaches and witness powerful waterfalls such as Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss.

View Iceland midnight sun tour

Gran Canaria

For year-round sunshine and varied landscapes, the Canary Islands are hard to beat.

Gran Canaria’s mild climate makes it ideal for winter sun walking holidays. As a solo traveller, you’ll appreciate the balance between sociable group hikes and downtime to relax in charming villages or by the coast.

View Canary Island tours

Our tour top pick: Canary Islands Walking

Our Canary Islands Walking – Gran Canaria tour reveals an island far removed from its beach-resort stereotype. Venture inland to discover volcanic craters, pine forests and dramatic ravines. Walking routes showcase sweeping views across the Atlantic and into rugged mountain interiors.

View Canary Islands walking tour

Poland

Poland may not be the first country that springs to mind for solo travel in Europe – but that’s precisely its appeal.

Poland is also excellent value compared to many Western European destinations, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious solo travellers.

View Poland tours

Our tour top pick: Hiking in the Polish Carpathians

Our Hiking in the Polish Carpathians tour ventures into the unspoilt landscapes of southern Poland. Rolling hills, wooden churches and traditional mountain villages provide a peaceful backdrop for rewarding hikes.

The Carpathians offer a slower pace of travel. You’ll encounter warm hospitality, hearty cuisine and a strong sense of local culture. Travelling in a small group enhances the experience, offering shared encouragement on trails and lively conversation over evening meals.

View Hiking the Polish Carpathians tour

Food, water & nutrition

Staying energised is key to making the most of active solo holidays in Europe. Whether you’re walking coastal trails or cycling rural backroads, a few simple habits can keep you feeling your best.

Sip little and often. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty – especially in warmer destinations such as Spain, Greece or Turkey. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill regularly.

Snack smart. Nuts, dried fruit, cereal bars and fresh local produce from markets make excellent trail companions. On many walking tours, lunches are relaxed affairs – think rustic picnics with bread, cheese, olives and seasonal vegetables.

One of the joys of travelling in Europe is sampling regional cuisine. From Italian pasta to Croatian seafood, food is central to the experience. If you have dietary requirements, these can typically be accommodated on small group tours – just ensure you notify your tour operator in advance.

Eating together is also one of the easiest ways to bond with fellow travellers. Sharing meals turns strangers into friends and often becomes a highlight of the trip.

The benefits of small group tours for solo travellers in Europe

While independent travel has its charms, small group tours offer distinct advantages for solo travellers:

Instant community: Meet like-minded people from around the world.
Expert guidance: Local leaders provide insight you might miss on your own.
Stress-free logistics: Accommodation, transport and many activities are arranged for you.
Safety and reassurance: Particularly valuable in remote or unfamiliar destinations.
Balanced freedom: Enjoy structured activities alongside free time

Many solo travellers find that joining a small group enhances, rather than limits, their independence. You can focus on the experience itself – the landscapes, cultures and connections – without being weighed down by planning.

For more inspiration, read our guides to the best solo trips for women, 10 unusual places to visit as a solo traveller, and the best solo tours in the UK.

Frequently asked questions about our solo tours in Europe

Planning your first solo trip to Europe? Here are some common questions to help you prepare.
Is Europe a good destination for solo travellers?
Yes, Europe is an excellent destination for solo travellers. The continent is vast in history and culture, with countless historical sites, museums and traditions. Europe has an extensive and reliable public transport system and well-established tourist infrastructure. From the rural countryside of Spain to the striking ancient architecture of Italy, and from the golden-sand beaches of Portugal to the pearlescent seas of Croatia, there is plenty for solo travellers to explore in Europe.
Is Europe safe for solo travellers?
How big are the group sizes on your Europe trips?
What does a single supplement mean?
Will I have time to explore independently?
What types of Europe group tours does Explore offer?
Are small group tours suitable if I don't know anyone?
What age groups join solo tours?

Don't just travel, Explore!

Solo travel in Europe is about more than ticking off landmarks. It’s about stepping outside your comfort zone, connecting with new people and discovering destinations in a deeper, more meaningful way. Our small group adventures are designed with solo travellers in mind.

Ready to start planning? Discover our full collection of holidays for solo travellers and take the first step towards your next European adventure.

View all Europe tours
A small village with red-roofed houses sits quietly in a lush green valley, surrounded by rolling hills and rugged mountains under a clear blue sky.

Love this? Now read: