Europe remains one of the best continents for solo travelers, thanks to its safe infrastructure, cultural diversity, and welcoming local communities. Lonely Planet experts have compiled a list of seven destinations where solo travelers will feel most comfortable, from sunny Mediterranean islands to remote archipelagos in the North Atlantic. Learn more about the best places in Europe for solo travel in our article

Electronic road vignette for traveling in Europe

REGISTER

Solo travel is becoming increasingly popular among Ukrainians, and Europe remains one of the most convenient continents for this type of vacation. Developed infrastructure, safe cities, friendly local communities, and a huge number of activities make European countries the ideal choice for those traveling without company.

Lonely Planet has published a selection of the best European destinations for solo travelers, compiling recommendations from its expert authors. The locations include Mediterranean islands with a rich gastronomic culture, quiet wine valleys, cities with a rich cultural life, and even remote archipelagos in the Atlantic.

We will tell you more about each of the seven destinations below.

Planning to get to one of these destinations by your own or rented car?

To travel on Europe's toll motorways, you will need an electronic vignette — a digital document confirming payment of the road tax. You can get one quickly and without queuing on the Visit World portal.

Sicily: an island for those traveling independently in Italy

Sicily combines several compelling reasons for independent travel: a rich history, stunning nature, and one of the most vibrant culinary traditions in the Mediterranean. Lonely Planet expert Nicola Williams emphasizes that the island, surrounded by three seas, creates a special atmosphere for quiet contemplation and a comfortable stay alone with yourself. The east coast offers guided hikes on the slopes of Mount Etna, visits to the chaotic fish market in Catania, and wine tastings in volcanic vineyards. And the ancient Greek theaters in Syracuse and Taormina host open-air performances, which are one of the most vivid experiences on the island.

Photo: Tripmydream

The western part of Sicily is also worth checking out. The island's capital, Palermo, impresses with the golden mosaics of the Cappella Palatina

in the Palazzo dei Normanni, and the unusual palace-museum of majolica tiles, Stanze al Genio, is considered one of the most original places to stay in all of Italy. The island of Favignana is worth a separate trip, where you will find the atmospheric Giardino dell'Impossible quarry garden with the option of staying overnight. The Aeolian archipelago, with its cobalt blue waters and secluded bays, adds a sense of true detachment from everyday life to the trip.

Naxos, Greece: active recreation for solo travelers in the Cyclades

The largest island in the Cyclades, Naxos is best known for its white sandy beaches and shallow waters, but it is actively developing its infrastructure for solo travelers. According to Lonely Planet author Helen Iatro, it is worth starting your acquaintance with the island in Chora, the medieval capital with the Venetian towers of Glezos and Della Rocca Barozzi. Next, you can try windsurfing with an instructor at the Flisvos Sport Club on Agios Georgios Beach or join a Naxos Bikes group tour on electric bikes through olive groves to Mount Zeus, the highest point on the island at 1,003 meters.

Photo: iStock

The gastronomic component of a trip to Naxos is no less interesting. In the village of Halki, there is a distillery where you can taste aromatic liqueur made from local PDO citron. Philema Food Tours organizes visits to dairy farms, where guests chat with farmers, feed animals, and participate in the production of the signature cheese “arseniko.” For those seeking relaxation, Mikri Viglia Beach offers sunset yoga classes — Melina Rigopulos of Soul in Motion leads sessions from June to September and organizes periodic retreats.

Aix-en-Provence: an elegant alternative to Marseille for solo travel in France

Aix-en-Provence is only 45 minutes by bus or train from Marseille, but has a completely different character — calmer, more refined, and safer. That's why Nicola Williams of Lonely Planet recommends this city for independent travelers who value a comfortable atmosphere. The best way to start your morning here is with coffee and a croissant under the leafy plane trees at Le Forbin, not far from the main street, Cours Mirabeau. Next, visit the Musée Granet, which houses works by Picasso, Matisse, Monet, and local artist Paul Cézanne, who repeatedly depicted the neighboring Mont Sainte-Victoire in his paintings. You can follow in Cézanne's footsteps on an electric bike, either on your own or with a group tour.

Photo: Dreamstime

The city has many locations that fit well with the leisurely pace of a solo traveler. The 13th-century Église St-Jean de Malte and the flower gardens of the Hôtel de Caumont palace gallery (1742) are located a few minutes' walk from the museum. The English-language bookstore and café Book In Bar has become a popular meeting place for local university students — it's easy to strike up a conversation here over a cup of latte or smoothie. In the evening, it is most pleasant to sit on the terrace of one of the cafes on Rue Verrerie, Place Richelieu, or Forum des Cardours

and watch the measured rhythm of Provençal life.

Vipava Valley, Slovenia: a wine route for independent travelers

The Slovenian Vipava Valley is a destination for those who appreciate wine, rural landscapes, and genuine hospitality. Lonely Planet author Daniel James Clark notes that sharing a bottle of homemade wine with strangers is considered the norm here, so solo travelers will certainly not be left without company. Hundreds of family wine cellars are scattered among the fertile vineyards, where wine is aged from the local golden Zelen grape variety. Among the most popular is Cejkotova Domačija.

One of the best ways to explore the valley is by bike, riding between the underground tasting cellars. Gentle roads wind between well-tended vineyards and fragrant orchards against the backdrop of karst mountains. An alternative option is the seasonal wine train, which stops in local villages for five hours. In September, you can volunteer during the harvest and get a real feel for local life. In addition to wine, the valley offers hiking and biking trails to the Trnovo forest plateau with panoramic views, as well as paragliding flights using the strong bora wind. Hostels with shared accommodation and the Sinji Vrh Pension art workshops create additional opportunities for meeting people.

Palma de Mallorca: a welcoming city in the Balearic Islands for solo travelers

Palma de Mallorca is a city where solo travelers feel most comfortable thanks to its well-lit public spaces, variety of restaurants and markets, and compact location of major attractions. Lonely Planet author Chloe Braithwaite recommends starting your exploration at Mercat de Santa Catalina, the city's oldest food market, which has dozens of stalls selling tapas and local delicacies. Nearby is the Lluís Pérez Pastisser pastry shop, famous for its croissants with Iberian ham and sour cherry tomatoes. For coffee, head to Café Riu Tort or Mistral Coffee, where the beans are roasted on site.

Photo: majorcasunnyisland

Strolling along Passeig des Borne at your own pace is a pleasure in itself: here you will find both luxury boutiques and ordinary shops. For lunch, try El Toque de Queda with local cheeses and cold cuts or La Vasca with Basque cuisine. In the afternoon, explore the Catedral de Mallorca with its peaceful bishop's garden and the historic Banys Àrabs — Arab baths. In the evening, you can visit the non-commercial Cineciutat cinema, where films are shown in their original language, and end the day at Bar La Sang with natural wines or La Rosa Vermutería with traditional vermouth tasting.

Cluj-Napoca: Romania's best city for independent travel

Cluj-Napoca, the second largest city in Romania and the largest in Transylvania, has a relaxed atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the pace of Bucharest. According to Lonely Planet author Monica Suma, thousands of students and the compact layout of the city center create the perfect environment for solo travelers. The city has deep historical roots — part of the name “Napoca” comes from the ancient Dacian civilization, and the magnificent Baroque architecture dates back to the Austro-Hungarian era. At the same time, modern Cluj is thriving thanks to the development of the technology sector and is artistic and pleasantly cosmopolitan.

Photo: Depositphotos

The city's cultural life is rich in events: in June, the Transylvania International Film Festival takes place, and at the end of July and beginning of August, the Electric Castle and Untold music festivals attract huge numbers of visitors (it is worth booking accommodation for these dates several months in advance). The coffee culture deserves special attention — the center of Cluj has the highest concentration of specialized coffee shops per capita in the country, among which Narcoffee Roasters stands out. The culinary scene is also developing: the Casa Boema restaurant with a terrace in the courtyard is a perennial favorite. And for a panoramic view of the city between the Transylvanian Plain and the Apuseni Mountains, climb up to Cetăţuia Park.

Faroe Islands: a remote European archipelago for adventurous solo travelers

The Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic look like a place for a real expedition — rugged landscapes, sheep on the slopes, more cormorants and puffins than people. However, as Lonely Planet author Daniel James Clark notes, behind the outward unfriendliness lies a close-knit community with a deep tradition of hospitality — heimablídni. Every year, residents invite volunteers to stay on farms and in homes, and family meals are held throughout the archipelago, where bread is shared with guests. These include Heima í Stovu dinners and a traditional Faroese feast from Durita and Fróði with dishes made from dried and fermented lamb and fish, open to solo travelers.

Photo: Shutterstock

The archipelago's infrastructure allows you to travel without a car: well-maintained roads, underwater tunnels between islands, regular ferries, and a decent bus route network provide convenient connections between communities. Among the most popular routes are a hike to Lake Sørvagsvatn, which creates an optical illusion of floating in the air, and to the picturesque Kullur lighthouse. Sea cliffs, waterfalls plunging directly into the ocean, and Saxun's peat houses surrounded by fjords create a feeling of true detachment from civilization — while a warm conversation over a cup of tea is always nearby.

Traveling through Europe by car? Get an e-vignette at Visit World!

Many of these destinations are easily accessible by private or rental car, especially locations such as the Vipava Valley in Slovenia or routes through Sicily and Mallorca. It is worth remembering that in most EU countries, motorways are toll roads, and an electronic vignette serves as proof of payment of the road tax. This is a digital document that completely replaces the standard stickers on the windshield: all data is stored in an official database, and verification is carried out automatically by the vehicle number. Without an e-vignette, driving on toll roads is considered a violation, which is punishable by fines and police stops.

You can get an electronic vignette quickly and without unnecessary queues on the Visit World portal—it's a convenient way to prepare for a road trip through Europe and ensure a smooth journey.

Reminder! Traveling through Europe in 2026 does not have to be expensive, even despite the general rise in prices. Analysts have compiled a rating of the most affordable destinations where you can combine relaxation, experiences, and moderate expenses. Follow the link to learn about budget locations in Europe that are worth considering for your 2026 vacation.

Photo: Dreamstime

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.