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Best Ways to Move Around Spain for Women Traveling Solo

Elena Sullivan — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 17:29:25 +0000

Often, when I start writing about Spain, I nostalgically try to draw parallels with my first solo travel experience in Spain in 2013, which I wrote about in my article “How traveling solo with a one-way ticket changed my life?” Now it is 2026, and it feels like solo travel for women has become both easier and more complicated. Easier because technology has developed so much, giving us more options for getting around. But at the same time, having so many options can make choosing more complicated or at least take much more time. On my first trip to Madrid, I used public transport, including metro. When I traveled solo to Barcelona, Seville and Valencia, I chose the same way of getting around. It was easy and straightforward. The first time, of course, I spent a little longer standing in front of the ticket machine, trying to figure out how to buy a metro card. Learning to do something for the first time and becoming more confident as you go is also part of the experience of solo female travel.

When my husband and I moved to Spain in 2025, (details I shared in this article “Moving to Spain from the United States. Our NLV Visa Journey to Costa del Sol”) new options were added to ways of getting around each city in Spain, including Uber and Bolt. Both apps entered the Spanish market after my solo travels around Spain. And I am pretty sure that if I were traveling around Spain alone again today, I would use these apps quite a lot. They are convenient and available in many Spanish cities, although not everywhere. For example, in Ronda, an unusually beautiful town about an hour from Marbella and around two hours from Málaga, these apps do not operate. In that case, your options are limited to public transport or taxis, which are usually found at designated taxi ranks marked with the appropriate signs.

Choosing how to move around is also an important part of planning the best solo destinations to visit in Spain. (BTW check out this article “Best Solo Travel Destinations in Spain for Women”) Some places are incredibly easy to explore by train or public transport, while others are much more convenient with a car or taxi. In the next section, I’ll look in more detail at the different options for getting around Spain and what I think works best for women traveling solo.

Best Ways to Move Around Spain for Women Traveling Solo

Uber or Bolt?

When I traveled independently around Spain, Uber was not yet available here, although it was already widely used in the United States, especially in San Francisco, the city where the company was founded. By the way, I have a few interesting articles about traveling in San Francisco here if you’d like to take a look: “My postcards of California San Francisco best places to visit on a first trip” and “Timeless elegance Palace of Fine Art San Francisco California.”

Today, in 2026, I would risk saying that most people around the world have heard of Uber. In Spain, the app is also widely used, together with its competitor, Bolt.

For women traveling solo from the United States, Uber might feel more familiar, simply because it is so widely used there. One thing that surprised me the first time I used it in Spain was ordering an Uber and seeing a car arrive with a Bolt logo. There is no need to worry, many drivers work with both apps. When this happened to me for the first time, I asked my friendly driver about it, and he explained how it works.

In general, I have found both apps very convenient and easy to use. Just keep in mind is that during rush hour, and especially during the busy tourist season in July and August, waiting times can be a little longer than usual, so it is worth planning some extra time.

Also, keep in mind that Uber and Bolt are not available in every Spanish city, particularly in smaller towns away from the main tourist centres. When these apps are not available, the easiest option is usually a local taxi. Taxis can normally be found at designated taxi ranks, and you can usually pay either by card or in cash.

Metro

The metro is available in many of Spain’s larger cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, Seville, Alicante, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca and Granada. Prices vary from city to city, but the system is generally quite similar. You can usually choose between single tickets and multi-ride or travel passes, which can be a good option if you are staying in a city for a week or more and plan to use public transport frequently.

I live in Torremolinos, near Málaga, and often use the metro myself. I find it very convenient, fast and safe, especially for solo female travel. If you are planning to travel solo around Spain, the metro can be one of the easiest ways to move around without having to worry about driving or parking.

For a more comfortable and predictable journey, I recommend checking the train times before heading to the station. The only time you may have to wait is if your train has just left. The usual interval can be around 10–15 minutes, depending on the city and line. If you would rather avoid waiting, simply check the official metro website for the city you are visiting and look at the timetable before you leave.

Public Transport

Public transport is a very convenient way to travel around Spain, especially in larger cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Valencia. Along the Costa del Sol, the public transport network is also quite well developed, and you can use buses to move around the cities as well as between different towns.

When it comes to travelling along the Costa del Sol, buses operated by Avanza connect many of the coastal towns. Most cities have a main bus station where many routes begin, although buses often make stops in different areas before joining the main A-7 highway towards their destination.

Local buses also run regularly within the cities. Payment is usually made when you get on the bus, so as with any solo travel, I recommend keeping a small amount of cash with you. Depending on the city and route, card payment may also be available, but I would not rely on it completely. The buses usually have route maps and a screen or display showing the next stop, so pay attention if you are travelling somewhere for the first time and do not want to miss your stop. I also find it helpful to follow the route on Google Maps or Apple Maps, especially when using a bus route for the first time. Each bus stop has a timetable, and from my experience, buses generally arrive quite close to the scheduled time. For solo female travel, I find buses a simple and affordable way to explore Spain, especially when you want to move around without renting a car.

If you are planning your trip in advance and want to learn more about public transport in Málaga and along the Costa del Sol, it is worth checking the official website of the Consorcio de Transporte Metropolitano del Área de Málaga. You can find information about routes, timetables and transport options before your trip.

Local Taxi

Taxis can be especially useful in Spain when you are travelling at night, carrying luggage, or heading somewhere that isn’t well connected by public transport. In most Spanish cities, there are designated taxi ranks where you can easily find a car, or you can request one through the PideTaxi app, which operates exclusively in Spain and connects passengers with regulated local taxis in more than 120 cities and towns across the country. You can usually pay for your taxi either by card or in cash. Taking a local taxi is one of those small conveniences that can make a female solo trip feel much easier, especially at the end of a long day when you simply want to get back to your hotel without thinking too much about the journey.

Renting a Car

When we moved to Spain, we decided to rent a car for two weeks so that we could get used to our new surroundings and explore the area more easily. We used a company called “HARO Rent a Car,” and overall, the whole process, from booking online to returning the keys, was very smooth. We contacted the company by email and received confirmation with the date and time when we needed to come to their office. On the day, we arrived, signed the agreement, collected the car and were on our way. The whole process took no more than 30 minutes.

Having a car definitely gives you more freedom and comfort, especially when you want to explore places that are difficult to reach by public transport. Though, I didn’t feel that comfortable at all first couple of month driving in Spain. The narrow roads and small parking spaces meant that I was constantly paying attention and driving with more tension than usual.

One thing to consider when renting a car in Spain is if you want a manual or automatic car. If you are used to driving an automatic, especially if you are coming from the United States, make sure to book it in advance. Automatic cars can be more limited and sometimes more expensive than manual ones. If you are planning a longer road trip, also check your route for toll roads. Some of the main highways in Spain are toll-free, but there are still some peajes (toll roads), so it is worth knowing in advance if you will need to pay along the way. At the toll booths, you can usually pay either by cash or card, and the cost can range from around €3 to €10, depending on the road and distance. If you decide to rent a car in Spain, keep parking in mind. In many towns and cities, finding a free parking space can be challenging, and sometimes you may find yourself driving around for quite a while before finding somewhere to leave the car. This was one of those many things I had to get used to when we first arrived in Spain.

Bikes and Scooters

Bikes and scooters are another popular way to get around Spain, and they can give you a little more independence during your solo trip. With a bike, you can easily reach places that might be less convenient to get to by car or public transport, while also enjoying the city at your own pace.

In larger Spanish cities, there are plenty of bike rental stations, which makes renting a bike quite easy. In Barcelona and Madrid, as well as in many parts of Málaga, there are also dedicated bike lanes, so cycling around the city can be a comfortable option.

If you are one of those solo travellers who enjoys getting around by bike, there are several rental apps you can have on your phone. BiciMAD in Madrid, SEVICI in Seville, and RideMovi, which operates in several cities across Spain, are just a few examples.

Scooters can be just as convenient, but there are a few things worth knowing before you rent one. Electric scooters are subject to local traffic rules, and in many places you can’t ride them on sidewalks or pedestrian areas. Parking is another thing to keep in mind, as you generally can’t simply leave the scooter anywhere you want. Each city has its own rules, and some have designated areas where shared scooters must be parked.

As you can see, getting around Spain is relatively easy, thanks to the well-developed public transport system and the availability of modern apps for booking taxis and rides. Before we bought a car here, we often used either Uber or public transport. Which one we chose depended mostly on how quickly we needed to get somewhere and how far away our destination was.

Now that we have a car, I still often choose the metro when I need to go to Málaga or to one of the towns in the direction of Fuengirola. During the busy tourist season, taking the metro can actually be faster, and it also solves one of my biggest concerns – parking. When I take the metro, I simply don’t have to think about where I am going to leave the car. If comfort is your priority, there are several ride-hailing apps available, and sometimes the easiest choice is simply to order a car and enjoy the journey without worrying about traffic, parking or changing transport.

All images in this article were taken by Elena Sullivan, ArsVie Photo Studio and are protected by copyright. If you are interested in using any of the them, please contact me for permission. Thank you for understanding!

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Gaudí and the Magic of Architecture in Barcelona

Elena Sullivan — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 23:08:01 +0000

When people talk about architecture in Barcelona, it’s impossible not to think of Gaudí Barcelona — the colorful mosaics, dreamy curves, and soaring spires that make the city so iconic. From the famous architecture in Barcelona like La Sagrada Família and Park Güell to hidden modernist gems tucked into quiet streets, the city feels like an open-air museum.

Traveling to Barcelona back in 2013 was a dream come true. I had been saving and planning for months, and when I finally boarded the plane to El Prat Airport, I was buzzing with excitement. Like so many travelers, I had my checklist of must-sees — La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló but what I secretly looked forward to most was wandering. I wanted to sit at cafés, sip sangria, watch people pass by, and let the city unfold around me.

At first, I thought I’d approach the trip like a former art student, methodically studying the architecture in Barcelona, dissecting the details, memorizing the history. But the city had other plans. Instead, I let myself flow with the rhythm of the streets. I wandered without rushing, camera in hand, soaking in the mix of Gothic, Modernist, and whimsical facades. I didn’t keep track of every fact or date, and yet, even years later, what stays with me is that feeling: joy, awe, and the sense of being very present in a place that feels alive with creativity.

Gaudí and His Creative World

When people think of famous architecture in Barcelona, one name always rises to the top: Antoni Gaudí. He’s everywhere, in the twisting spires of La Sagrada Família, the colorful mosaics of Park Güell, and the wave-like curves of Casa Milà. Depending on the source, Gaudí architecture in Barcelona includes between 12 and 20 works, and seven of them have been named UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Gaudí wasn’t just an architect; he was a visionary. Born in 1852 in Catalonia, he pushed the boundaries of design at a time when most buildings still looked traditional. His work blended Gothic drama, Art Nouveau elegance, and his own organic imagination: think trees turned into columns, mosaics made of broken ceramic shards, and facades that look like living creatures.

One of his most fascinating techniques was using weighted chains and mirrors to model arches and columns, flipping them upside down to see how gravity could shape beauty (like my photo print World in Miniature). It’s part engineering, part poetry. And what makes Gaudí Barcelona landmarks so enduring is that his creations still feel fresh, surprising, almost otherworldly, like stepping into a dream where buildings breathe and ripple.

La Sagrada Família, of course, is his crown jewel. A cathedral that has been under construction for over 140 years and is still evolving. Walking inside, you feel like you’ve entered a stone forest, sunlight filtering through kaleidoscopic stained glass. Park Güell, on the other hand, feels playful and lighthearted (like the Daisy Echo print), a park of dragons, mosaics, and fairytale shapes overlooking the city.

Even today, Gaudí architecture Barcelona isn’t just about the buildings themselves, it’s about the spirit they bring to the city. His work invites admiration and imagination, reminding us that architecture doesn’t have to be rigid or predictable. It can be alive, joyful, and deeply human. (like in this European Street City Life Collection)

As I wandered, I often felt like I was peering through a giant kaleidoscope, every street corner revealed something vibrant, intricate, or unexpected (like Fountain of Cibeles). The city is rooted in reality, of course, but there’s always a twist, a detail that makes you pause and smile. Perhaps that’s Gaudí’s magic: his touch is everywhere, inspiring his contemporaries and generations of architects after him.

My Nikon camera was my constant companion on that trip. Looking back, I wish I had taken even more photos, because Barcelona architecture is endlessly photogenic, the kind of city where every snapshot feels like a postcard. Instead of overanalyzing, I let myself play the role of flâneur: walking, noticing, photographing, simply being there.

So here are a few of my favorite postcard-moments from famous architecture in Barcelona, glimpses of a city that is both ancient and modern, serious and playful, structured and whimsical. A city where architecture doesn’t just shelter life, it is life.

If you enjoyed reading this article you might also like “What I Learned About Love Traveling Solo in Barcelona” and “Seduce me with your Spanish words my Valencia solo trip

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What I Learned About Love Traveling Solo in Barcelona

Elena Sullivan — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 14:13:58 +0000

October 2013…

It was 8 AM when the plane landed at El Prat Airport in Barcelona—the first stop of my audacious journey. I stepped off the plane with a racing heart and hopeful eyes, dragging behind me a red suitcase and a backpack carrying my camera, my silent companion through it all.

The warm Mediterranean air wrapped around me like an old friend, instantly inviting me into the unknown. I had no idea what this city held for me, or what the next one would reveal. But something inside me whispered that this trip would change everything. And it did.

I embarked on that trip as a young woman standing on the edge of reinvention, choosing comfort over fashion, dressing casually each day to keep the road smooth. I was peeling back old layers, slowly remembering who I was before life told me who I should be. I learned that discovery isn’t a destination—it’s a process.

It’s a kind of playground meant for the kind-hearted and the brave, for those daring enough to step outside their comfort zones in search of extraordinary experiences that loosen the knots inside and set the soul free.

Exploring Barcelona felt like being dropped into a dream painted in bold colors and old stories. Every street, every building, every shadow held a secret for anyone willing to look and listen. I’ll never forget running my fingers along the weathered stone walls in the Gothic Quarter (Barrio Gótico), or how my eyes couldn’t get enough of the kaleidoscope of color and whimsy in Park Güell. I stood in awe before the towering masterpiece of La Sagrada Família, trying—and failing—to comprehend its enormity.

Those moments didn’t just fill my heart—they enriched my visual vocabulary, sharpening how I see the world, and continue to inspire my branding photography and art.

Witnessing Love as a Solo Traveler in Barcelona Spain

One afternoon, I found myself sitting on a bench near Plaça de Catalunya, enjoying a chocolate ice cream that was melting faster than I could eat it. The sun filtered through the trees, people bustled around me, and I let my head turn slowly in every direction, observing with the kind of curiosity that only comes when you’re far from home and have no expectations.

I watched couples stroll hand in hand, exchanging gentle smiles and soft laughter, pausing now and then for a kiss or a whisper. There was something so tender in the way they looked at each other—like they knew a language only the two of them spoke. As I sat there alone, a surprising mix of emotions stirred inside me. I felt joy for them—real, heartfelt joy—but also a strange ache. Their happiness was beautiful, yet unfamiliar. I wasn’t jealous. It was more like I was witnessing a kind of connection I hadn’t known was possible until that very moment. A quiet part of me wondered, Will I ever feel that? Will someone ever look at me like that?

I didn’t have the answers then. But what I realized is that it’s okay not to have experienced every kind of love yet. Sometimes, just knowing it exists, seeing it with your own eyes in a quiet square in Barcelona, is the first step in believing it might find you too—one day, when you’re ready.

That trip taught me more than how to navigate new streets or pack light. It taught me to slow down, to feel deeply, to embrace the sweetness and the ache, and to live as an open-hearted observer of life.

It reminded me that being a stranger in a city isn’t lonely—it’s liberating.

And in the spaces where I felt most unknown, I ended up finding pieces of myself I didn’t even know were missing.

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