Packing a bag and hitting the road on your own can be daunting, but it's also one of the most rewarding ways to travel and guarantees exciting and unusual experiences.
And when it comes to solo travel, there are few better places to explore than the Mediterranean.
Getting around Europe and the other countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea tends to be relatively easy, with excellent infrastructure and a wealth of good quality, affordable accommodation.
Locals and fellow travelers tend to be friendly, welcoming, and helpful to solo adventurers. And of course, the countries around the Mediterranean boast some of the most beautiful places to visit and explore in the world!
From the rocky, sun-drenched islands of Greece and the rugged Croatian coastline to the sweeping grandeur and elegance of Italy's Amalfi coast and the wild beauty of Turkey, every corner of the Mediterranean is filled with gorgeous sights, remarkable experiences, and exciting things to do.
And that's before you discover the extraordinary, diverse cuisines each country has to offer!
So if you are interested in discovering the joys of traveling alone, and want to make the most of your next trip to Europe, read on and take a look at some of the top places to visit in the Mediterranean on a solo adventure!
Where To Go in the Mediterranean
Sardinia, Italy
The mountainous, wild landscape of Sardinia, just off the coast of Italy, makes it a fantastic choice for solo travelers looking for a more adventurous, backcountry experience.
The island (the second largest in the Mediterranean) boasts miles and miles of incredible hiking trails, while the 1,600 miles of craggy coastline is dotted with sheer cliffs, beautiful hidden bays, and some stunning stretches of sand.
Despite being relatively undiscovered, Sardinia is also easy to get to and easy to get around, making it the perfect mix for lone travelers.
Levanto, Italy
While the Mediterranean might not be well-known for its surfing culture (enthusiasts head to the Atlantic coastlines of Morocco, Portugal, and France), there are plenty of great waves past the Straits of Gibraltar.
Levanto is one of the best spots for surfing in the Med (it hosted the World Surfing Championships back in 2011) and a delightful place to visit as a solo tourist.
Surf towns are almost always laid-back, relaxed, and friendly and therefore perfect for solo travelers. Levanto boasts plenty of fun, affordable hostels to stay in, where you can meet fellow travelers and get involved in the surf scene.
Whether you are a veteran surfer or a total beginner, you'll find a crew, and when the sun goes down, there is a great atmosphere in town. As a bonus, Levanto is only a few short miles away from the iconic Cinque Terres, a must-visit destination for any European explorer.
Athens, Greece
Athens, the ancient capital of Greece, is a spectacular destination for solo tourists.
The inhabitants are friendly and welcoming, the main attractions are all easily walkable, and it boasts an extraordinary history and culture that you won't find anywhere else in the world.
Stay centrally, and explore the remarkable ruins and splendid sights that stand as a testament to the richness and importance of the culture of Ancient Greece, including the Acropolis, the Agora, and Syntagma Square.
Venturing out of the center is also easy and safe, thanks to Athens' excellent public transport system.
Few places in the world, let alone in Europe, offer such a collection of historic sights concentrated in one area, making it an excellent destination for solo travelers interested in ancient history.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is the jewel in Croatia's sparkling crown, a genuinely stunning fortified city clinging to the rocky Adriatic coastline that has only become more popular and exciting since featuring in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones.
Despite its popularity on the tourist trail, Dubrovnik retains its charm and a sense of drama. It's an excellent destination for lone travelers as it's safe, surprisingly affordable, and full of experiences you can do on your own.
One of the best things to do in Dubrovnik is to wander the narrow, cobbled streets and climb the vast fortified walls, drinking in the sea views and enjoying the quiet once the crowds have gone home for the day.
Marseille, France
On the south coast of France, Marseille has had a bit of a reputation as an edgy, alternative, and seedy city over the years. But that's not necessarily a bad thing.
While the city has significantly cleaned up its act in recent years, the area's edge, color, and dynamism make it a wonderfully vibrant place to hang out and perfect for a solo traveler.
As a port town, Marseille has always been a melting pot for different cultures (going back to 600 BC!), and the diversity of the oldest city in France makes it a fascinating place to explore, with something new to discover around every corner.
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This story is brought to you in partnership with Royal Caribbean.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours.
- World Nomads for travel insurance.
- Hostelworld for booking hostels.
- Rail Europe for train passes.
