I am heading back to Barcelona in early September for work, and I'm considering extending my stay for a TBD number of days for a solo adventure/vacation. I've spent time in several places in Spain: Barcelona, Madrid + nearby day trips, Valencia, Montserrat.. Does anyone have any recommendations for a holiday jaunt adding on to work trip? I was thinking of Morocco; always open to other destinations in Spain. Completely open to recommendations! (I'm a single female traveler and have travelled widely on my own, but do take safety into consideration.)
Posted by
Chicago
8166 posts
I would not go to Morrocco solo as a single female from the USA.
How about across the border north to France along to coast the Languedoc Rousillon region?
Posted by
Calgary, AB, Canada
563 posts
What about going to Collioure France? You can take the train. If you take the slower train you can also stop in Firgueres and see the Dali museuem if you haven't already. Otherwise, I think there is a fast train to Perpignan ( Fr) and then you backtrack to Collioure.
Collioure is a lovely little town, with cobblestone streets, a pebble beach, a hike up to an old castle etc. Excellent little restaurants looking out at the Meditteranean.
Posted by
Barcelona + Sweden
4180 posts
Hello, there are quite a few options for a multi-day side trip from Barcelona:
Balearic Islands: take a ferry or fly from Barcelona to the turquoise waters of Mallorca or its smaller laid back cousin Menorca.
Zaragoza: take the AVE to this ancient city with rich Roman/Islamic history and spectacular basilica, can be hot in the summers.
Basque Country: fly low cost to cultural capitals San Sebastian or Bilbao, weather should be nice early Sept.
Pyrenees Mountains: take the regional train from Barcelona to the mountain town of Ribes de Freser a good base for hiking/exploring the Vall de Nuria.
Languedoc: right across the border in France, accessible via Sants train station, medieval towns like Carcassonne and Béziers are a delight.
Hope this gives a few ideas! :)
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15788 posts
In March, after a trip to the French Riviera, I tacked on a 4-day weekend in Barcelona. There are cheap flights to Marseille and Nice and train times aren't bad either (4.5 hrs to Marseille). Morocco and Andalucia are great destinations but they'll be hot in mid-September.
Posted by
Washington DC
28089 posts
Much simpler: Girona with side-trips to Figueres (Dali Theatre and Museum), Cadaques and Besalu.
There are many interesting places in France not far from the border. I'd stick to that area rather than going all the way to Nice for such a short visit.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you all for the fantastic recommendations! I'm looking into what will fit for this trip and whatever ventures I don't take now are flagged for future trips. I really appreciate your input. I'm grateful for the rec of not visiting Morocco as a solo-travelling female. I had my reservations, and as much as I'd like to visit, that trip will be for another day when I'm not travelling alone. Thank you!
Jen