“What’s one lesser-known European destination you’ve discovered as a solo traveler that left a lasting impression? How did this place surprise you, and what makes it ideal for solo exploration?”
Here is what 9 thought leaders had to say.
Kotor: Montenegro’s Medieval Marvel for Solo Adventurers
During my fifteen years booking European adventures, the medieval town of Kotor, Montenegro stands out as a hidden gem that completely captivated me when I visited alone three years ago.
Nestled in a secluded bay surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs, I expected just another pretty coastal spot. Instead, I discovered a UNESCO World Heritage site with a labyrinth of narrow marble streets and centuries-old churches—it honestly felt like stepping back in time.
What surprised me most was the balance of solitude and social connection. My mornings started hiking the ancient fortress walls for breathtaking bay views.
Evenings brought a different vibe, as locals welcomed me into authentic konobas (taverns) for conversations over local wine and fresh seafood.
Kotor works brilliantly for solo travelers because it combines the safety of a small, walkable town with the adventure of getting delightfully lost in its winding alleyways. I loved stumbling on hidden squares that never make it into guidebooks.
The “solo-friendly sweet spot” I found there offers enough infrastructure for comfort—good WiFi, English-speaking locals—while remaining untouched by mass tourism. That lets you experience genuine cultural immersion without the awkwardness solo travelers sometimes feel in more couple-oriented destinations.
Honestly, the places that aren’t flooding your Instagram feed are often where you’ll find your most authentic travel stories.
Joe Hawtin, Owner, Marin County Visitor
St. Ives: Cornwall’s Peaceful Haven for Solo Reflection
One of the most underrated solo travel spots I’ve come across in the UK is St. Ives, Cornwall. You’d expect a beach town to feel more “group-y,” but St. Ives is surprisingly solo-friendly. I spent a few quiet days there walking along the coastal path and sipping coffee while journaling at the harbourfront cafes. What surprised me most was how safe and slow-paced it felt. Ideal for reflection without feeling isolated. It’s perfect if you want seaside peace without the chaos of more touristy destinations.
Hamza Malik, Marketing Executive, Hire A Minibus With Driver
Mostar: Raw Beauty Beyond Tourist Crowds
As a solo traveler running Best Retreats, I stumbled on Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its raw beauty, cobblestone streets, the iconic Stari Most bridge, surprised me with its unpolished charm, unlike touristy Dubrovnik. Locals shared war stories over Bosnian coffee, making it feel personal. Ideal for solo exploration, it’s safe, cheap (meals ~€5), and walkable, with day trips to Kravice Waterfalls. You dive into history and connect easily, no crowds.
Chris Brewer, Managing Director, Best Retreats
Mostar: Where Solo Travelers Find Cultural Crossroads
One of the most unexpected gems I’ve come across is Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tucked into the Dinaric Alps and split by the turquoise Neretva River, it’s a city that feels like a crossroads of cultures — and solo travelers are treated like long-lost friends.
What surprised me most wasn’t just the beauty of the 16th-century Stari Most bridge or the layers of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture — it was how walkable and story-rich the entire city is. You don’t need an itinerary in Mostar. Wandering is the point. The old town draws you in with cobblestone alleys, tucked-away courtyards, and family-run cafes where you’ll end up sharing strong Bosnian coffee with locals without trying.
For solo travel, Mostar offers the rare combo of intimacy and depth: it’s easy to navigate alone, emotionally resonant, and safe — and there’s a slow, soulful rhythm to life there that makes you want to stay longer than planned. For those of us who design travel experiences professionally, it’s a destination that reminds you why people fall in love with travel in the first place.
Hassan Morcel, CEO, Dubai Short Term Rentals
Ljubljana: Compact Charm Perfect for Solo Exploration
Ljubljana, Slovenia, is a hidden European gem that left a lasting impression on me as a solo traveler. Arriving with no expectations and little knowledge of the city, I was immediately captivated by its charm and beauty. From the moment I stepped out of the train station, Ljubljana felt inviting. Its old town, with its pedestrian-friendly streets, is a treasure trove of stunning architecture, vibrant facades, and cozy cafes that exude a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
What made Ljubljana ideal for solo exploration was its compact size. I could easily walk from one end of the city to the other in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a day trip or a quick stopover during a longer journey.
But despite its size, Ljubljana has a lot to offer. The city is filled with history and culture, evident in its various museums, galleries, and monuments. One of my favorite spots was the Ljubljana Castle, perched on top of a hill overlooking the city. The views from the castle were breathtaking and offered an insight into the city’s past.
Michael Yerardi, Founder & CEO, Turning Point Home Buyers
Ljubljana: Subtle Transformation in Slovenia’s Capital
Ljubljana, Slovenia is one of the most subtly transformational places I’ve come across as a solo traveler. It’s a city that doesn’t shout for attention; it earns it slowly, and in the process, becomes unforgettable. Smaller than other better-known European capitals, Ljubljana caught me off guard with its unassuming tranquility, artistic undercurrent and a city center that’s practically tailored for solo exploration. There’s no rush here. Whether it’s idling on a riverbank with a book, popping in to a gallery squirreled away behind medieval facades or engaging in conversation with locals who appear genuinely intrigued by visitors, there’s nowhere quite like Burgundy at the end of a fine day.
What makes Ljubljana so suitable for the solo traveler is that it can be equally stimulating and peaceful all at once. It provides for the isolation without the loneliness. It slows you down to think, but it’s so visceral and alive — stoop musicians playing in your ear, markets, food festivals — that you can stick your toe in when you’re ready. It was a good reminder that the most impressive discoveries of travel aren’t necessarily the most audacious ones — they’re often the ones that subtly redefine who we are and how we see ourselves in the world.
Kristina Bronitsky, Director of Consumer Marketing, RedAwning
Mestia: Europe’s Hidden Alpine Jewel Awaits
I nearly skipped Mestia—and ended up flying into what may be Europe’s most breathtakingly remote airport, designed like a luxury lodge in the middle of the Caucasus Mountains.
As the founder of Mexico-City-Private-Driver.com, I’ve spent years crafting seamless, high-end transport experiences in one of the world’s most complex cities. That’s why when I landed solo in Georgia’s Svaneti region and saw the newly built Queen Tamar Airport, I felt an immediate connection. It was everything I strive to offer in my own business: elegant access to a place that still feels undiscovered.
Mestia surprised me in every way. With fewer than a dozen commercial flights per week, no tour buses in sight, and scenery that looks like Switzerland 50 years ago, it felt like a window into how travel used to be. I hiked past ancient towers, stayed with local families, and navigated winding alpine roads that felt as intimate as some of the historic backstreets I show my own clients in Mexico City. The scale of silence and authenticity was humbling.
For solo travelers, it’s perfect: safe, affordable, and human. The hospitality is deeply personal—I was invited into homes for wine and khachapuri by strangers I’d just met. And that new terminal in Mestia, praised internationally for its design, makes the region far more accessible than it seems on a map.
Just like our private rides in Mexico City that turn stressful urban chaos into peaceful journeys, what Georgia did in Svaneti was turn the inaccessible into the unforgettable. It reminded me that the soul of any great trip is not just the destination—but how you arrive.
Martin Weidemann, Owner, Mexico-City-Private-Driver.com
Ljubljana: Slovenia’s Walkable Gem for Solo Travelers
Ljubljana, Slovenia is the solo travel gem nobody’s talking about—but everyone should be.
Tucked between Italy and Croatia, it’s walkable, safe, and full of unexpected charm. What surprised me most was the blend of storybook architecture and laid-back cafe culture—plus how easy it was to meet locals. The city pulses with creativity, from riverside art markets to live jazz in the squares. It’s ideal for solo travelers: compact enough to feel cozy, vibrant enough to stay curious.
I’m David Quintero, CEO of NewswireJet. As someone who travels solo to recharge and think clearly, Ljubljana gave me both inspiration and peace.
David Quintero, CEO and Marketing Expert, NewswireJet
Veliko Tarnovo: Bulgaria’s Medieval Hillside Secret
A lesser-known European destination that left a lasting impression on me as a solo traveler is definitely Veliko Tarnovo, a charming historic town in northern Bulgaria. I discovered it in November 2020, during a long weekend, while interning in Sofia in the field of EU project management. Although the capital had much to offer, I felt the urge to explore something different—something quieter, more introspective. That’s how I found Veliko Tarnovo.
What struck me immediately upon arrival was the town’s dramatic scenery. Built across hills and overlooking a winding river, Veliko Tarnovo is enveloped in greenery, even in the late autumn months. The layers of the town cascade down the slopes, creating postcard-perfect views at every turn. I remember standing on a terrace, mesmerized by the sweeping vista of tiled roofs, stone houses, and the majestic Tsarevets Fortress rising above it all. It felt almost surreal—like I had stepped into a forgotten chapter of a medieval storybook.
What surprised me most was how alive the town felt, despite its small size and relative obscurity. The cobbled streets of the old town were lined with artisan shops, cozy cafes, and locals who were genuinely warm and curious about where I was from. There was a strong sense of identity, of heritage worn with pride but never flaunted. As a solo traveler, I felt safe, welcomed, and free to follow my own pace—whether I was hiking to panoramic viewpoints, exploring the fortress at sunrise, or simply reading a book in a quiet cafe.
Veliko Tarnovo is ideal for solo exploration because it offers the perfect blend of cultural depth, natural beauty, and introspection. It’s not overrun by tourism, which makes it easy to connect with the place and its rhythm. You can have meaningful conversations with locals, enjoy affordable and delicious Bulgarian cuisine, and wander for hours without ever feeling lost. I absolutely recommend Veliko Tarnovo to anyone seeking a destination that offers solitude without isolation, history without pretension, and beauty in every direction, as Veliko Tarnovo is a rare gem.
Luca P. De Cristofaro, EU Project Manager, United Citizens of Europe