Backpacking Spain: Solo Travel Guide | 2025

Is Spain a good backpacking destination?

100% Yes! Spain is a great backpacking destination, with stunning tourist attractions, a fantastic atmosphere, great public transport, and many backpacker hostels to stay in!

However, you’ll want to time your trip right if you’re on a budget. Certain areas of the country can get very pricey in the high season.

PROS:

• Diverse: You’ll be spoilt for choice with things to do in Spain from sightseeing and partying to nature and food
• Great hostels: Solo backpackers will have a great choice of social and party hostels
• Easy to get around: Spain has an affordable and reliable public transport system
• Safe: Spain is a safe country for solo female travelers and many people speak English

CONS:

• Seasonality: Spain is a popular beach destination, so the coastline gets incredibly busy in the summer
• Not the cheapest: Certain places in Spain, specifically Barcelona, can get pricey in the summer
• Unpredictable weather: The south of Spain is known for its sunny weather, but the north regions of Galicia and Basque Country get quite rainy 

Best Time To Visit Spain

So, when to go to Spain as a backpacker? 

I visited Spain in the summer, spring, and autumn – loved each season for a different reason.

However, overall the best time for backpacking in Spain is spring and early autumn.

Spring and autumn, also known as the shoulder season for most of the country, is the best time to take advantage of the great weather and lower prices.

Winter is generally the cheapest time to travel to Spain, but some regions get very rainy, making it harder to enjoy your time in the country. 

Certain areas, like the Canary Islands, will be much more enjoyable than others, for example, Galicia.

Also, Spain is hardly a Christmas market destination, so you don’t get that aspect in the winter either. 

Finally, we have summer – Spain’s peak season!

Spain is a popular summer beach destination, and I loved my time in Barcelona in August. 

However, accommodation prices in Barcelona in the summer are through the roof. I’m talking 100€ for a bed in a hostel dorm!

Of course, you can still find affordable options, but the most popular hostels will be pricey.

Cheapest Way To Get To Spain

The cheapest way to get to Spain is by flying or taking a bus if you’re in one of the neighboring countries. 

Flying to Spain

Basically, every larger city in Spain has an airport, and it is easy to reach from all over Europe.

Flights are usually much cheaper than trains too!

If you’re coming from overseas, you’ll probably land in Madrid – the largest Spanish airport. 

Once you’re in Madrid, you can take domestic flights directly from the airport or public transport from the city center.

✈️  Find the cheapest flights to Spain here!

Taking a bus or a train to Spain

If you’re following a backpacking Europe itinerary from Portugal or France you can also take a bus to Spain!

I took a bus from Portugal to Santiago de Compostela and from France to Bilbao. Both are affordable and work great.

You can also take a train from France to Spain, but I found it unreasonably expensive. However, if you have an Interrail Pass it is another option to consider!

Getting Around Spain

You don’t have to worry about getting around Spain as a backpacker. Renting a car is not necessary, as public transport works great in most of the country!

Taking a bus or a train

I got around Spain by bus and train. You can reach virtually every place on the backpacking Spain route by bus or train.

Buses are the more common choice for budget travelers, as they are usually significantly cheaper than trains – there is just one train operator while there many bus operators.

Both bus and train prices in Spain increase closer to your travel date. The increase is more dramatic with train prices. 

I booked my train from Madrid to Seville about 2 weeks in advance, and the price was half of what it was the day before the trip.

I suggest you always compare the prices before booking your tickets as the difference can be significant. Sure, trains are more comfortable but buses are fine too. 

 🚌 Check bus timetables and prices here!

Flying

Spain is a large country, so you can also take a domestic flight if you’re going from one side of the country to another.

Flying is the only option if you want to go to the Canary Islands, but it is also the easiest way to get to the Balearic Islands from Madrid.

Renting a car

Finally, you can rent a car. I don’t think you’ll need to in continental Spain, but it can be useful on the islands. 

The Canary Islands are one place where you’ll probably want to have a car, as the best things to do are not on the public transport routes.

FUN FACT: Blabla Car is quite popular in Spain. It is a ride-sharing platform where you can join others on their car journeys. You still have to pay, but it can be quicker and more comfortable than a bus!

Spain Bucket List For Backpackers

It’s hard to narrow down all the best things to do in Spain, as the country is so big offering many unique experiences. 

My Spanish bucket list is basically endless at this point, as I keep learning about more cool activities in the country!

Here are, in no particular order, some of the iconic things to do in Spain:

1. Watch a flamenco performance in Seville

When I think of Spain I think of flamenco, so naturally, it was the first thing I wanted to see when backpacking Andalucia. 

You can watch flamenco performances in Seville or Granada in dedicated flamenco houses or for free at Plaza de Espana and La Carboneria bar in Seville.

2. Admire the sunset from bunkers in Barcelona

The bunkers of Carmel is one of the coolest viewpoints in Barcelona, and it is completely free to visit. I biked to the viewpoint, and that was quite a workout!

Once you climb the viewpoint you’ll get a stunning panoramic view of the city, and it is so much fun seeing the iconic Barcelona buildings from afar.

3. Hike a section of Camino de Santiago

Hiking Camino de Santiago is truly a bucket list experience! When I visited Santiago de Compostela I was in awe of everybody arriving at the Cathedral after completing the trial.

However, you don’t need to commit to a month-long pilgrimage from France to Santiago de Compostela, you can take some of the shorter trails too!

4. Try all the tapas in Andalucia

Tapas culture in Andalucia is one of my favorite things about Spain. 

So what happens is that you go for a drink in a bar, and you get a small dish of snacks for free.

But it is not just nuts or olives that you get, I’ve been served sandwiches, potatoes, filo pastry, chicken (that I don’t eat, but still) for free!

5. Go surfing in San Sebastian

Did you know that you can surf in Spain? While the most popular surfing destination in Spain is the Canary Islands, you can also do it on the north coast, specifically in San Sebastian. 

6. Watch a football game in Madrid

Football is practically the national sport in Spain, and you have to watch at least one game with the Spanish fans. 

Two of the most popular Spanish football clubs are Real Madrid and Barcelona, and watching one of their games is a bucket-list experience. 

7. Wander Alhambra Palace in Granada

You’ll see many impressive historical monuments in Spain, but Alhambra Palace in Granada might be my favorite. 

If you’re thinking should you visit Granada or Cordoba, I’d say go to Granada just for Alhambra and the picturesque Albayzín neighborhood. 

8. Party in Ibiza

Ibiza is easily the most popular party destination in Europe. If you’re into dancing until the early morning at beach parties with famous DJs, you should spend at least 2 days in Ibiza.

9. Beach hop around Mallorca

Ibiza’s neighbor Mallorca is another fantastic Spanish island to discover, and one of the best European summer destinations.

It is one of the places where I recommend renting a car, as the best beaches are scattered around the island and the easiest way to get around is by driving. 

10. Participate in La Tomatino Festival in Buñol

Spain is home to several interesting traditional festivals, but the La Tomatino Festival in Buñol might be the most unique one I found.

The festival is basically a tomato fight that takes place on the streets of Buñol in August. You’ll have to pay to participate, but it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

11. Hike Caminito del Ray on a day trip from Malaga

If you love hiking, but only have 7 days in the South of Spain, Caminito del Ray is a perfect activity to add to your itinerary. 

This fun hiking trail is just a quick drive from Malaga, and short enough that you can still spend some time on the beach once you’re back in the city. 

12. Admire the works of Gaudi in Barcelona

Barcelona is a dream destination for architecture lovers. Even if you think you’re indifferent to architecture, you’ll be impressed with Gaudi’s works in Barcelona. 

Of course, you have to see the famous Sagrada Família Basilica. The interior is also quite incredible, but admiring it from the outside is free!

Other iconic spots in Barcelona are Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and the Cascada fountain at Parc de la Ciutadella.

13. See the orange trees in Valencia

There is something about the bright orange trees lining the streets of Valencia that makes it so special.

While you’re in Valencia, you can’t miss trying the iconic Valencian paella and vino de Naranja.

14. Discover the volcanic Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are the perfect winter in Europe destination if you want to escape short and cold winter days, and surf on the beach instead!

Spain Backpacking Route

Spain is a large country, and I’d say you will need a month to do the whole tour of the country – excluding the islands. 

I visited Spain many times, exploring a different area of the country each time.

I spent about 2 weeks in the south of the country, about a week in the north of the country, a week in Tenerife, and about a week around Barcelona.

Spain is well-connected by public transport and affordable flights, so it is easy to get around and discover the country in one go.

As I said, you’ll need at least a month if you want to do it at a relaxed pace – and I’d always vote for a slower travel experience. 

So, how do you hit all the experiences I’ve listed above?

Here is the ultimate backpacking route in Spain you can adapt depending on how much time you have in the country!

San Sebastian – Bilbao – Santiago de Compostella – Madrid – Seville – Cordoba – Granada – Malaga – Valencia – Barcelona – Mallorca/Ibiza

By following this route you won’t have to take any flights or go back on yourself. 

If you’re doing a round trip from Madrid you can start there and fly from the islands to finish the route in the north. 

 🚌 Check bus timetables and prices here!

Best Hostels In Spain

Solo travelers are in for a treat with hostels in Spain. You’ll find every type of hostel you can think of, from flashpacking digital nomad spots to social and party hostels. 

Madrid

• Onefam Sungate: Overall the best hostel in Madrid
• The Hat Madrid: Best for solo female travelers
• Cats Hostel Madrid Sol: Best budget hostel

Barcelona

• Onefam Ramblas: Overall the best hostel in Barcelona
• Kabul Party Hostel: Best party hostel in Barcelona
• Yeah Hostel Barcelona: Best for solo female travelers

Seville

• La Banda Rooftop Hostel: Overall the best hostel in Seville
• Onefam Catedral: Best party hostel

Malaga

• The Lights Hostel: Overall the best hostel in Malaga
• The Urban Jungle Rooftop: Great hostel I stayed at!

Granada

• El Granado: Overall the best hostel in Granada
• ECO Hostel & Coworking: Best hostel for solo female travelers

Bilbao

• Latroupe La Granja: Overall the best hostel in Bilbao

Valencia

• The River Hostel: Overall the best hostel in Valencia

Budget For Backpacking Spain

OK, let’s talk about your Spain travel budget. 

Spain is not one of the most expensive European countries, but it is not one of the cheapest either. 

You should plan to spend €50 to €90 per day while backpacking in Spain.

• Hostels: 30-50€ per night
• Food: 10-20€ per day
• Drinks: 0-15€ per day
• Transportation: 0-20€ per day
• Activities: 0-50€ per day

Sure, you won’t spend the same amount of money every day, but on average it should even itself out.

If you’re traveling to Spain in the shoulder season, you can expect to spend less than if you’re traveling in the peak summer season.

Accommodation will be your biggest expense, and it will dictate the rest of your travel budget. Hostels in Spain range from 20-100€ per night, so the difference is quite dramatic.

If you’re backpacking Spain on a budget, you won’t get to eat out for every meal. I usually eat out for lunch and have breakfast and dinner in my hostel when backpacking in Europe anyway.

Going out for drinks is totally personal, but if you plan to party in Spain expect to pay about 5€ for a beer and 10-15€ for a cocktail. 

Public transport in Spain is quite affordable, and you won’t pay more than 20€ for a bus ticket on most routes. 

Finally, if you like sightseeing, most activities in Spain will be free for you. I didn’t do any paid activities in Madrid, but I paid to visit Alhambra in Granada and Mezquita in Cordoba. 

If you’re planning your entire budget for backpacking Europe, the cost of travel in Spain is the average compared to the other countries.

Is Spain safe for solo female travelers?

Yes! Spain is one of the safest European countries and a great destination for female travelers and first-time solo travelers!

Spain is a very touristy country where most people speak at least a basic level of English. 

You won’t have any issues getting around as long as you stay on the popular route, as basically everyone working in tourism speaks English.

Interacting with locals in English can be harder with older people in rural areas, but it is unlikely for most backpackers anyway.

Final Thoughts: Backpacking Spain

Spain is one of the best countries to backpack in Europe!

I loved how you can go from party places like Ibiza and Barcelona to culture hotspots like Granada and Cordoba. If you like nature, Spain is home to many national parks, beaches, and mountains to discover. 

The laid-back atmosphere with many affordable hostels is perfect for backpackers. Spain is a diverse country that should be on your itinerary!