Almost half of Spanish travelers consider solo trips of four to seven days ideal, and more say they would take the train than lead for ground travel. Once uncommon, solo travel is gaining popularity as Spaniards opt for shorter trips and domestic destinations.
eDreams’ latest study puts numbers to the change. Forty-nine percent of people in Spain say the ideal solo trip lasts four to seven days, compared with the 43% international average. Only 5% would travel alone for more than two weeks.
DERTOUR Group says nearly half of solo trips in Europe are booked late, within 50 days of departure, reflecting a move toward spontaneous travel decisions.
Where people go matters, too. Thirty-two percent of Spaniards would pick a destination inside Spain, well above the 26% international average. Still, 31% are open to solo travel anywhere, below the 36% global average. Europe draws 27% of Spanish solo travelers, slightly above the international figure.
How people get there is changing fast. Planes remain the top choice for 59% of Spanish solo travelers, but 46% would take the train for ground travel, compared with 35% who would lead. In many other countries, cars still have a slight edge. That differs from the idea of hitting the road on a whim, as a recent report on Spain’s weekend travel trends shows.
The pattern reaches beyond Spain. The European Travel Trend Report from DERTOUR, cited by Hosteltur, says nearly three in ten Europeans are thinking about a solo trip in the next year. Singles are not alone in considering it: about a quarter of married or partnered people are also weighing a trip on their own. The report says freedom and flexibility now come first. DERTOUR Group’s European Travel Trend Report for summer 2026 also identifies Spain as one of the most popular destinations for short- and medium-distance trips, helping explain Spaniards’ interest in domestic and European solo travel routes.
For Spain, the figures point to a lasting change in how people spend their free time and get around. The train’s rise as the leading ground-transport choice suggests convenience and control matter, with sustainability also influencing travelers’ choices. As more Spaniards take short solo trips at home, the tourism industry will need to respond with flexible plans and easy rail links, while tailoring trips to this style of travel.
