Stepping out on a solo adventure can feel like that first plunge into icy water—thrilling, nerve-wracking, and beautifully empowering. As women, there’s a special kind of magic in finding places that welcome us, trails that embrace us, and hidden gems that whisper encouragement.
Imagine feeling utterly free, surrounded by landscapes that stir your soul, and knowing you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. I’ve gathered a collection of routes, hostels, and hidden corners of the globe vetted by fearless women who’ve walked ahead. Ready to feel inspired, safe, and seen on your next journey? Let’s dive in together.
1. The Dolomites, Italy
When I first arrived in the Dolomites, I felt like I stepped straight into a postcard. Dramatic peaks, picturesque alpine meadows, and charming villages scattered like gems across the valleys made every step worthwhile. As a solo female traveler, this region felt both welcoming and incredibly safe. There’s something special about enjoying an espresso in a small mountain hut after a day of hiking, exchanging smiles and stories with other adventurers.
One of my favorite hikes here was the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop. It’s not overly challenging, yet it gives you some of the best views imaginable. Along the trail, you’ll meet hikers of all ages, and I loved the camaraderie that forms naturally on these paths. Hostels and guesthouses throughout the Dolomites cater specifically to solo adventurers, ensuring you’ll always find friendly faces and comfortable places to rest.
Plus, there’s nothing quite like ending a hike with authentic Italian pasta or local wine. You’ll never feel alone when the culture and food are this inviting.
Other Relevant Information:
- Best Months to Visit: June–September
- Ideal Duration: 5–7 days
- Top Trails: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Alta Via 1
- Recommended Hostel: Ostello Alpino Dobbiaco
- Safety Rating: Very High (Excellent for solo travelers)
2. Kungsleden (The King’s Trail), Sweden
Imagine hiking under the midnight sun—that’s exactly what Sweden’s Kungsleden offers. This 270-mile route is perfect for solo female travelers craving solitude, yet it’s dotted with cozy mountain cabins that break the isolation and offer warmth, conversation, and fika (Swedish coffee breaks). I remember chatting with a local guide at one cabin who shared tales of the Northern Lights dancing over the frozen landscape during winter. Such exchanges make Kungsleden feel both adventurous and warmly communal.
The trail is marked and well-maintained, making it easy for hikers of various experience levels. You can pick shorter segments or tackle longer stretches depending on your comfort level. No matter what part you choose, the pristine lakes, wildflower-filled valleys, and reindeer sightings will take your breath away.
Staying overnight in the STF huts was surprisingly comfortable, and the atmosphere there was genuinely friendly. Sharing stories and laughter with fellow travelers around a crackling fire is something I’ll always cherish.
Other Relevant Information:
- Best Months to Visit: Late June–September
- Ideal Duration: 7–14 days
- Top Trails: Abisko to Nikkaluokta, Saltoluokta to Kvikkjokk
- Recommended Hostel/Cabins: STF Abisko Mountain Station
- Safety Rating: Excellent (Very safe for solo females)
3. Matka Canyon, North Macedonia
Matka Canyon was a beautiful surprise—lesser-known but incredibly welcoming for women traveling solo. Just outside Skopje, this canyon feels like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. I loved kayaking down the peaceful turquoise waters framed by towering cliffs and lush vegetation. There’s an enchanting atmosphere here, like stumbling onto a secret you can’t wait to share.
The hike to the Monastery of St. Nikola Shishevski was peaceful and spiritually rejuvenating. Every corner revealed a new scenic spot, ideal for capturing memories or just savoring quiet reflection. I met fellow travelers along the path, and we quickly bonded over our shared awe at the canyon’s untouched beauty.
Nearby hostels and guesthouses warmly cater to solo travelers, creating an immediate sense of comfort and safety. The locals are remarkably friendly—always ready with advice or stories that connect you deeper to the place.
Other Relevant Information:
- Best Months to Visit: April–October
- Ideal Duration: 2–4 days
- Top Activities: Kayaking, monastery hikes, cave exploring
- Recommended Hostel: Shanti Hostel, Skopje
- Safety Rating: High (Friendly and secure environment)
4. Camino de Santiago, Spain
The Camino de Santiago isn’t just a hike; it’s a journey into self-discovery. Walking this historic pilgrimage route solo is incredibly empowering. It’s common to see women walking alone here, and I felt safe and supported every step of the way. Strangers quickly become friends as you share miles, stories, and occasional blisters.
I chose the popular Camino Francés route, starting in the charming French town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Each village along the way warmly welcomes pilgrims, offering affordable accommodation and hearty local meals that replenish your strength. The sense of camaraderie on the trail is unforgettable; sharing an evening meal with new friends from around the globe is something I treasure deeply.
The spiritual aspect adds another meaningful layer. Whether you’re seeking adventure, peace, or inner reflection, the Camino delivers an unparalleled experience, perfect for solo female travelers.
Other Relevant Information:
- Best Months to Visit: May–June, September–October
- Ideal Duration: 2–6 weeks, depending on the chosen route
- Top Routes: Camino Francés, Camino Portugués
- Recommended Hostel (Albergue): Albergue Verde in Hospital de Órbigo
- Safety Rating: Excellent (Very supportive environment)
5. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Patagonia’s Torres del Paine stole my heart instantly with its rugged beauty and inspiring wilderness. As a woman traveling solo, I felt secure navigating this well-traveled park. The iconic W Trek offers a comfortable balance between adventure and accessibility, and I found the camaraderie among fellow hikers instantly comforting.
The scenery feels like something out of a dream—glacial lakes, sharp mountain peaks, and windswept landscapes that make you feel both humble and powerful. Lodges, refugios, and camping grounds are conveniently located along the trek, ensuring you never feel isolated. I recall evenings spent around communal tables, exchanging stories and laughter, creating friendships that lasted far beyond the hike.
Patagonia’s magic is powerful, and Torres del Paine showcases it beautifully. Solo travel here doesn’t mean loneliness; it means adventure, empowerment, and endless memories.
Other Relevant Information:
- Best Months to Visit: November–March (Southern Hemisphere Summer)
- Ideal Duration: 4–7 days
- Top Trails: W Trek, O Circuit
- Recommended Hostel/Refugio: Refugio Torre Central
- Safety Rating: High (Very safe, well-managed trails)
6. Queenstown, New Zealand
If Adventure had a home, it would surely be Queenstown. This vibrant lakeside town radiates energy from every corner. My first visit here had me kayaking crystal-clear lakes in the morning and hiking breathtaking trails by afternoon. It feels as though Queenstown wakes up each day whispering, “What adventure shall we have today?”
Queenstown offers numerous trails, ranging from strolls around Lake Wakatipu to thrilling treks up Ben Lomond’s summit, offering panoramic views that leave you breathless—and not just from the climb. As a solo traveler, it’s incredibly easy to connect with other adventurers here, whether you’re chatting at bustling cafes or relaxing in friendly, social hostels.
And the hostels themselves? Warm, welcoming, and often overlooking landscapes so stunning that they feel unreal. Trust me; you’ll find yourself planning a return before you’ve even left.
Other Relevant Information:
- Best Months to Visit: December–February (New Zealand summer)
- Ideal Duration: 3–7 days
- Top Activities: Hiking Ben Lomond, kayaking Lake Wakatipu, jet boating, wine tasting
- Recommended Hostel: Adventure Queenstown Hostel
- Safety Rating: Excellent (Friendly, welcoming vibe)
7. South West Coast Path, United Kingdom
The South West Coast Path stole my heart quietly. Stretching across charming coastal villages, dramatic cliffs, and secluded beaches, this trail offers both solitude and community in perfect harmony. As I wandered past Cornwall’s wildflowers and Devon’s gentle hills, I quickly felt at home—like a traveler welcomed by old friends.
Solo hiking here never felt lonely. I met friendly locals happy to share insider tips, delicious pastries, and cups of warming tea. The path is peppered with cozy inns and friendly hostels, each offering warm meals, stories from fellow hikers, and views worth a million pictures.
Whether you’re walking for an hour or days, each turn along this coastal route feels new, exciting, and safely inviting. Simply put, it’s a perfect introduction to solo hiking.
Other Relevant Information:
- Best Months to Visit: April–October
- Ideal Duration: 3–14 days (easily tailored to your timeframe)
- Top Trails: St. Ives to Penzance, Exmouth to Lyme Regis
- Recommended Hostel: Cohort Hostel in St. Ives
- Safety Rating: Very High (Welcoming atmosphere, easy navigation)
8. Lake District, United Kingdom
When I first arrived in England’s Lake District, the lush valleys, misty mountains, and serene lakes wrapped me up in tranquility. Walking solo here felt refreshingly peaceful; there was a deep sense of safety and warmth across the villages and trails. Each step invited reflection, punctuated by cheerful conversations at cozy pubs or tea rooms.
Routes like Helvellyn via Striding Edge offer thrilling hikes for adventurous spirits, while gentler trails around Windermere and Grasmere soothe the soul with quiet beauty. Wherever you go, local hostels exude warmth and hospitality, often filled with friendly faces keen to share stories or suggest hidden gems.
I still recall sipping tea on a quiet afternoon, watching the clouds dance across mountains. It was exactly the solo adventure I needed—a balance of introspection and connection.
Other Relevant Information:
- Best Months to Visit: May–September
- Ideal Duration: 3–7 days
- Top Trails: Helvellyn, Catbells, Scafell Pike
- Recommended Hostel: YHA Ambleside
- Safety Rating: Excellent (Welcoming locals and marked trails)
9. Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
Trekking Nepal’s famed Annapurna Circuit feels transformative. Walking beneath towering Himalayan peaks, each day offers both a physical and emotional journey, deeply meaningful for solo travelers. I found it profoundly inspiring—stepping from bustling villages into serene alpine silence, reconnecting with myself amidst nature’s grandeur.
The beauty of trekking here as a solo female traveler lies in the supportive community you’ll find. Travelers and locals alike are quick to offer encouragement, advice, and companionship. Tea houses provide cozy accommodations, delicious local meals, and chances to trade stories over cups of steaming chai.
I remember vividly the warm smiles at a family-run tea house, offering shelter during a chilly night. Moments like these defined my Annapurna experience—reminders of humanity’s warmth in a breathtaking yet challenging environment.
Other Relevant Information:
- Best Months to Visit: March-May, October–November
- Ideal Duration: 10–21 days
- Top Highlights: Thorong La Pass, Manang Village, Poon Hill sunrise
- Recommended Hostel/Tea House: Hotel Bob Marley (Muktinath)
- Safety Rating: High (Well-traveled route, supportive community)
10. Santa Cruz Trek, Peru
The Santa Cruz Trek through Peru’s Cordillera Blanca was a journey straight into the heart of adventure. With snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and deep valleys, each day felt like a celebration of nature’s power and beauty. It’s challenging enough to inspire confidence yet approachable enough to welcome solo women seeking adventure.
Along the way, the trail introduces you to fellow adventurers from all over the globe. Conversations flow effortlessly beneath starlit skies at rustic campsites. There’s an immediate sense of community, bonded by shared awe and accomplishment. Local guides are always available, providing added security and cultural richness if you desire.
My favorite memory was waking up early, alone yet blissfully content, watching sunrise colors paint the mountains. This trail is perfect proof that traveling solo doesn’t mean traveling lonely—it means traveling freely.
Other Relevant Information:
- Best Months to Visit: May–September
- Ideal Duration: 4–5 days
- Top Highlights: Punta Union Pass, Laguna Arhuaycocha, stunning mountain vistas
- Recommended Hostel (Huaraz base): Selina Huaraz
- Safety Rating: High (Well-marked trails, friendly guides available)
