As undeniable advocates for soul-fulfilling solo adventures in wild places, we’ve noticed something missing in the sea of Google’s ‘top solo travel destination’ guides – a reliable guide for soloists seeking adventure.
Deciding on your first, or next, travel destination can be hard, especially as a solo traveller. Relying on travel guides can be a great starting point for finding places that incorporate the right amount of fun and culture, in addition to safety and affordability. But if you’re looking for real solo adventure holidays, with a bit of human power behind them – cycling, trekking, kayaking, you name it – then a curated destination guide for solo travel can be quite hard to come by.
So, with our award-winning expertise in solo-friendly adventure holidays, which have been coined “the best group trips for solo travellers” by The Guardian, we got our expert trip designers here and decided to call a conclave.
The result? A trustworthy and adventurous-minded guide of the top 25 countries for solo adventure travel in 2025, made for those seeking their next experience abroad over the next year. Our experts’ handpicked destinations are further supported by various insights and highlights for solo travellers, including:
- Safety score, out of five, from the Global Peace Index (the lower the score, the more peaceful the country).
- How affordable a meal for one is at a local restaurant, for budget planning.
- Ease of entry for UK travellers.
- Global Biodiversity Index, on how much flora and fauna you might see
- Direct flight time from London to the capital city of the destination, for avid adventurers on the clock. Of course, many of these destinations are also reachable by train or ferry, especially if you’re based in mainland Europe.
We’ve also taken our own customer reviews from on the ground into account.
Here are the top 25 countries for 2025 solo adventure travel, chosen by travel experts with decades of experiences planning dream trips:
1. Italy
Coined as a triple threat by our experts, Italy’s enthralling culture, impeccable cuisine, and diverse adventures land it top spot as the best destination for solo adventure travel in 2025. With its capital city, Rome, roughly two hours from the Abruzzo mountains, which are home to bears and wolves (and less than three hours from London by plane), this European adventure hub is in arms reach for Brits with little time to spend away. It’s also easy to reach from around Europe.
With endless opportunities to trek, hike and kayak in and around the country’s beautiful towns, villages and coastlines, it’s no wonder that our Italian group tours have experienced one of the biggest jumps in travel interest this year. The Dolomites are renowned for their high, dramatic peaks; the cycling in Tuscany is sublime, while you can hike or e-bike through the Prosecco Hills for an even quieter experience, sampling the local produce as you go. Offshore there are dreamy waters to paddle, and mountainous islands like Elba to hike across.
Italy offers that rare mix of adventure and culture that keeps you wanting to come back.
Marta Marinelli, adventure creator at Much Better Adventures, says, “whether you’re hiking in the Dolomites, cycling through olive groves in Tuscany, or walking coastal trails in Liguria, Italy offers that rare mix of adventure and culture that keeps you wanting to come back. You won’t see it all in one go, but that’s part of what makes it so special: every region has its own striking landscapes, food, and way of life. It’s like multiple countries in one.
“Solo travel in Italy is never lonely,” Marinelli adds. “There are affordable trains and well-connected towns, so getting from one region to the next is usually pretty easy, and often ends up being spontaneous. Locals, especially in small towns or popular stops, tend to be curious and welcoming, and it’s often easier than you’d think to strike up a chat – even if your Italian’s a bit rusty.”
Solo travel highlights:
- Safety score: 1.69
- Average meal for one: £12.61
- Visa access: Visa-free/90 days
- Global Biodiversity Index score: 67.71
- Approximate flight time: 2 hours 32 minutes (London to Rome)
2. Japan
Coming in second as the best country for solo adventure travel is Japan. From omakase to onsens and powder-covered mountains, the historic, immersive culture of Japan spills into every activity imaginable.
Outside of Japan’s fast-paced capital city, Tokyo, the country’s sacred mountains and the vast pilgrimage trails of the Komano Kodo can offer slower yet captivating adventure travel experiences through cycling, trekking or kayaking. You can follow in the foosteps of ancient samurai, and visit remote temples, hidden in leafy forests, often with sublime views. All of that is in addition to the powder skiing.
Our adventure creator, Marta Marinelli, says: “Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, making it a fantastic destination for solo travellers. The trains are fast and efficient, towns are clean and easy to navigate, and the whole experience feels incredibly smooth, even when you’re bouncing between neon-lit cities and peaceful rural villages.
“That said, language barriers can sometimes make it harder to connect on a deeper level, and certain experiences – like private guided tours or solo hotel upgrades – can be pricey. That’s where joining a small group tour can really help: it’s a great way to share costs, go beyond the typical hotspots, and experience the country and its unique culture in a more immersive way.”
Solo travel highlights:
- Safety score: 1.53
- Average meal for one: £5.11
- Visa access: Visa-free/90 days
- Global Biodiversity Index score: 153.58
- Approximate flight time: 13 hours 46 mins (London to Tokyo)
3. Norway
Dramatic kayaking in fjords beneath high mountain walls, picturesque hikes on remote mountain peninsulas, and otherworldly Arctic biking expeditions under the northern lights. These are all experiences you can tick off your bucket list in the third best country for solo adventure travel – Norway.
In addition to its breathtaking fjords and vast mountains, Norway is also another world-class skiing destination, whale-watching hotspot and popular white water rafting destination. And if you travel further north, you can experience a rare phenomenon called ‘the midnight sun’ – where the sun remains above the horizon for 24 hours each day during summer months.
Norway’s adventures are spread far and wide across the country’s wilderness and seascapes, and there’s an incredible diversity to the landscape. An adventure in Norway can mean a quiet forest walk, a dramatic fjord adventure, a paddle around the remarkable Lofoten Islands or watching for polar bears in magical Svalbard.
Norway is the perfect, safe, solo travel destination for an active weekend away in the wilderness. “I think that a lot of people who come here have had Norway on their radar for years, but most people are still surprised by the beauty,” says Jan Neilsen, a kayaking guide on the fjords. “The whole spirit of the area is serene, and very pretty. Even our airport pick ups are very, very scenic.”
Solo travel highlights:
- Safety score: 1.64
- Average meal for one: £16.71
- Visa access: Visa-free/90 days
- Global Biodiversity Index score: 36.45
- Approximate flight time: 2 hours 5 mins (London to Oslo)
4. Spain
Spain comes in fourth place as one of the best solo travel destinations according to our experts, so it’s no surprise that our solo-friendly group tours across Spain have experienced unprecedented jumps in travel interest this year.
It’s been well-documented that certain areas of Spain have campaigned against mass tourism in recent years. These campaigns are against just that: overtourism. This remarkable country, so distinct in culture and remarkable landscapes, remains a dream to explore as a solo traveller if done responsibly, with community in mind. You’ll find rural communities as welcoming as they’ve always been, and if you travel in the shoulder (rather than peak) season, it’s always a lot quieter.
Wine lovers should take in the Rioja Wine Region of the Basque coastline on bike, and tackle the famed Camino de Santiago
It’s Spain’s roaring landscape with hut-to-hit trekking in the Pyrenees, endless bike paths, and coastal adventures that land it high in our experts’ rankings – along with their great taste in wine. Hike in the Picos de Europa in the north of Spain and you can walk a limestone dreamland where the rugged coast meets 2,000m mountains. The culture here in Asturias, in the north, is utterly unique – local sidra is poured from heights to carbonate it and cheese is aged in caves to add to the maturity. Wine lovers should take in the Rioja Wine Region of the Basque coastline on bike, and tackle the famed Camino de Santiago while they’re at it.
Give the all-inclusive resorts of the Canary Islands a miss, and instead hike from the quiet highlands of Gran Canaria – summiting Pico de las Nieves, the highest point on the island at a hefty 1,949m, and visiting Roque Nublo, the ‘Spanish Stonehenge’. You’ll see stunning biodiversity on quiet trails, and you’ll contribute to crucial income streams helping remote communities.
Spain offers affordable, safe and solo-friendly adventures rated 4.9/5 by our travellers, in stone’s throw from the UK with no need for a visa up to 90 days.
Solo travel highlights:
- Safety score: 1.6
- Average meal for one: £11.77
- Visa access: Visa-free/90 days
- Global Biodiversity Index score: 74.49
- Approximate flight time: 2 hours 25 mins (London to Madrid)
5. Albania
After its meteoric rise in popularity as a summer hotspot on TikTok, leading to 4.9 million posts about the country, Albania’s crystal clear waters, warm weather and pristine coastlines have gained it the title of a ‘European Maldives’ – and the fifth best destination for solo adventure travel in 2025. The remarkable mountains in the north of the country are also now attracting a lot more attention.
While slightly less developed and polished than its neighbouring Greece, Albania is a diamond in the rough for those looking for truly authentic culture, quirky towns and beautiful beaches, in addition to safe and budget-friendly adventure.
The country can still get busy in the summer months, though, so our expert’s advice is to avoid peak season in Albania and visit instead in the shoulder seasons. We’re talking April-May and September-October. This way you get all the beauty of the country to yourself – and distribute the wealth of tourism throughout the year.
“You only see the flashy, glitzy part of a beach resort in summer,” says guide and expert Ricardo Fahrig. “Here you see what really goes on without the crowds.”
Adventure lovers have a whole world to explore in the country’s diverse landscapes, like hiking and wild swimming in the Albanian Alps on some of the higest peaks in the Balkans. There’s also kayaking in the Adriatic Sea, and pedalling through epic landscapes from the shores of Lake Ohrid to rugged mountain passes. The coast of Albania looks over to Crete – quiet and dreamy.
Solo travel highlights:
- Safety score: 1.81
- Average meal for one: £8.55
- Visa access: Visa-free/90 days
- Global Biodiversity Index score: 44.09
- Approximate flight time: 3 hours (London to Tiranë)
6. Portugal
Go biking, hiking and yoga on the wild island of Madeira, explore the Azores, or visit the wine trails and Atlantic coast of Portugal. It’s hard to go wrong here. Portugal is the sixth best destination for solo travel with a range of adventures that allow you to soak up the sun while getting a sweat on.
The Algarve’s beaches are already a hotspot for summer holidays, but look beyond the usual hotspots and you’ll find long-distance trail networks like the Fisherman’s Trail, which introduces you to the authentic, rural, wild side of Portugal.
“It’s all about getting people off the beaten path and trying to sustain people,” says Luis Coelho, who has worked in tourism in his native Portugal for decades. He recommends going to small cafes, and areas “where people still live without the internet, far from any Instagram stories.” As with Albania, visiting during the off-season is a great idea in Portugal. It can be cheaper, and the weather is still good.
Inexpensive and laidback, the country is a perfect solo travel destination with friendly locals and easy to navigate public transport. The fact that Portugal boasts islands with year-round sunshine and that mainland beauty is a huge draw.
Solo travel highlights:
- Safety score: 1.37
- Average meal for one: £9.25
- Visa access: Visa-free/90 days
- Global Biodiversity Index score: 51.23
- Approximate flight time: 2 hours 52 mins (London to Lisbon)
7. Nepal
Nothing can prepare you for the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal, the land of mountains, where the Himalayas rise higher than anything else on planet Earth.
This remarkable place – of prayer flags and high, high peaks – ranks seventh on our list as a solo adventure haven not for the faint-hearted. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself by climbing to Everest Base Camp, or like the sound of trekking, rafting and canyoning through the lush jungles of Chitwan, Nepal is home to thrill-seeking adventures that will push you to achieve one-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Arriving into Nepal is a sensory overload, but you’ll soon find that the welcoming nature of Nepalis makes this a fantastic place to travel solo.
Kirsty Holmes of Much Better Adventures recently got back from solo travelling around the country. “While it’s undeniable that arriving into Nepal is a sensory overload, you’ll soon find that the welcoming nature of Nepalis make this a fantastic place to travel solo,” says Kirsty. “In the cities, many people speak English and are well-versed when it comes to helping international travellers. If you’re planning to go trekking, a local guide is mandatory in many of the national parks and protected regions, and they can facilitate your stays at village teahouses in the Himalayas. From hiking in the Annapurna region to travelling by coach to Chitwan, I soon felt at home in this small but diverse nation.”
Remarkably affordable and safe, this Himalayan dreamland is deeply influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism, and it will open your eyes not only to spectacular scenery, but also rich traditions and incredibly warm hospitality.
Solo travel highlights:
- Safety score: 2.07
- Average meal for one: £1.40
- Visa access: Visa on arrival / eVisa/150 days
- Global Biodiversity Index score: 102.56
- Approximate flight time: 11 hours and 30 mins (London to Kathmandu)
8. Montenegro
The balkan peaks, coasts and canyons are calling for a fun-filled weekend away, and word is getting out. Montenegro now correctly has a reputation as an adventure playground, full of lush greenery – and our experts rank the idyllic country as eighth best in the world for the UK’s solo travellers.
Indisputably beautiful, the Montenegrin coastline is known for its tall mountains, serene monasteries, glistening lakes and array of beaches – its spirit of adventure humming throughout.
The Tara Canyon is the the longest and deepest canyon gorge in Europe, ideal for packrafting and kayaking. You get a special connection with nature here. The water you get on the Tara, you don’t see very often. It’s crystal clear.
Globetrotters can hike, SUP and kayak Montenegro’s coast, raft its wild-water canyons, or push themselves to a Balkan three peaks challenge, all while making the most of their visa-free 90 days in a safe and affordable holiday haven.
Solo travel highlights:
- Safety score: 1.75
- Average meal for one: £8.41
- Visa access: Visa-free/90 days
- Global Biodiversity Index score: 43.07
- Approximate flight time: 2 hours 53 mins (London to Podgorica)
9. Jordan
A Middle Eastern oasis loaded with natural beauty, ancient wonders and landscapes plucked straight from a playbook, Jordan secures ninth place as the best country for solo adventure travel in 2025.
It has seen a significant decline in international tourists due to concerns about its location on the map, but our adventure creator Marta Marinelli recently visited.
“A lot of people are hesitant to visit Jordan because of the ongoing tragic conflict in nearby Israel and Palestine,” says Marta. “But in reality, Jordan is completely safe and politically stable. Locals are incredibly welcoming, and would at no point make a solo traveller feel uneasy, meaning great solo travel for women.”
Magical sunrises and a sky packed with stars await, with sandstone canyons, valleys and mountains swooping across Jordan’s horizon. In Wadi Rum, travellers can bounce through the area’s endless dunes and dramatic red rock formations in a 4×4, or take on the steep but manageable scramble to Jordan’s highest peak, Jabal Umm ad Dami.
Locals are incredibly welcoming, and would at no point make a solo traveller feel uneasy, meaning great solo travel for women.
Those looking to push themselves further can hike or bike the dusty trail from Petra to Little Petra (spanning over 23 square miles) all the way to the jaw-dropping Treasury of the Pharaoh, an ancient and elaborate rock-cut tomb.
Jordan’s mesmerising sights offer safe, serene and affordable adventure for solo travellers without the usual crowds of a place so beautiful, and by exploring on an adventure you help distribute the wealth of tourism beyond the famous sites.
Solo travel highlights:
- Safety score: 2
- Average meal for one: £5.34
- Visa access: visa on arrival / eVisa
- Global Biodiversity Index score: 52.12
- Approximate flight time: 5 hours 16 mins (London to Amman)
10. Greece
Another Balkan paradise to make the top ten best solo travel destinations is Greece. Of course, this is already a popular destination for those looking to visit the wonderful mix of bleached cliffside villages in Santorini, the party areas of Mykonos or rich history in Rhodes, Greece is soaking in sun, culture and delicious cuisine loved by many. But a good solo adventure trip will take you away from the busy spots and into authentic Greece – while still guaranteeing that rough beauty.
With around 6,000 islands and islets off the mainland, there’s a lifetime of hiking, kayaking and wild swimming that awaits in the hidden coves, caves and beaches of the around the Ionian Archipelago. While it’s impossible to see everything in one go, each island is as beautiful as the next so you’ll never be missing out.
But with all this beauty to absorb, many overlook the wild side of mainland Greece. In the north, adventure seekers can hike, kayak and raft in Greece’s best kept secrets – exploring high peaks, gorges, forests and rivers in the Pindus Mountains.
Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece, awaits those ready to summit the ‘Mountain of Gods’. “It’s a very attractive mountain,” says Athanasios Pitenis, a local mountain guide who grew up below Olympus. “When you spend time here, around it, you just want to go up. You have the mythology, which makes it so different to other mountains – the 12 gods and the throne of Zeus – and then the Greek hospitality, the hiking tour and the environment and people here.”
Solo travel highlights:
- Safety score: 1.79
- Average meal for one: £12.61
- Visa access: Visa-free/90 days
- Global Biodiversity Index score: 64.11
- Approximate flight time: 3 hours 43 mins (London to Athens)
Top 25 countries for 2025 solo adventure holidays
Methodology
Our experts here at Much Better Adventures drew on decades of experience in solo adventure holiday planning and personal experience to forge an expert-led list of the 25 most desirable locations for solo adventure travel in 2025.
To further support the expert-led list, various relevant data points were gathered to demonstrate desirability of solo travel destinations, including Global Peace Index Score (Vision of Humanity), average meal prices for one person (Numbeo), British passport strength and visa access (Passport index), average customer rating of Much Better Adventures’ tours in each country, cost of living (Numbeo), and touristic infrastructure score (WEF). A Global Biodiversity Index was also consulted, as was the Travel & Tourism Development Index 2025 (World Economic Forum). Data correct as of May 2025.
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Stay safe out there: Our guides are well-researched, short summaries, designed to
inspire but not for navigational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee
completeness. Outdoor activities come with serious risk, and individuals must take full personal
responsibility for their own safety. Much Better Adventures, and the authors, disclaim any
liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of the information from this article.