Solo Holidays

Eating chocolate cake, watching your favourite movie with no interruptions, enjoying a quiet pamper session - some things are better done alone. That’s why we’ve got plenty of singles’ jollies with solo-friendly prices and as much or as little entertainment as you fancy. Why let anyone else cramp your style, that’s what we say. Stretch across both sides of the bed, double-up on dessert, hit that snooze button - there’s only you to please! Sound ideal? From the beaches of Malta to the maze-like streets of Marrakech, check out some of our top hotels for singles below - perfect for flyin’ solo.

Why choose On the Beach for your next singles holiday?

Long story short - we'll make sure your trip is an absolute breeze. We send loads of happy beachers off on their jollies each year, and we'd love you to be part of the family. Our low deposits and flexible payment plans (with no sneaky fees) make booking a doddle, while our great-value hotels mean that you're always in for a bargain.

We're trusted by our customers

On the Beach Secure Trust Account — Your money is protected

Deposits from £30pp
Payment plans with no fees

The home of holiday perks

Best hotels for singles

Where to go for a singles holiday

The best part of solo travelling? You make the rules. Whether you fancy a classic beach break, something a bit more long haul (Mexico for one, please), or a simple apartment base where you can throw down a bag and explore for the day - we've got you covered. Ready to sunbathe on your schedule and eat where you want to? These holiday faves are just the place for a bit of you-time.

Lively singles' holidays

Solo travelling doesn't always mean you're going to throw on a backpack and head somewhere rural. Who says you can't still get your groove on? From pool parties and DJ sets to evening entertainment that you can watch front-row or listen to from your balcony - this lively bunch know exactly how to party, no matter the headcount.

Relaxing singles' breaks

So you're jetting off for less party more peace-and-quiet? We got you. Who doesn't love a bit of quality you-time in the sun? From infinity pools and dreamy sundecks to cocktail bars and beaches right on your doorstep - these hotels all have a little something that's best enjoyed all to yourself.

Singles' holidays with the best locations

Whether it's the beach or a bustling town centre - being close to the action is always a bonus on holiday. Less time commuting (save that for the office, thank you), more time exploring. Grab your beach towel, shopping bag or whatever your holiday essentials are, and get yourself to one of these crowd-pleasers.

Safest Destinations for Solo Travellers

Look, we're not saying you need bubble wrap and a bodyguard to travel solo – but peace of mind never hurts. According to the UN Global Peace Index, some destinations are so safe they make your local Tesco car park look dodgy. Iceland tops the charts (despite having 130 active volcanoes), followed by Portugal, Austria, Denmark, Slovenia, Malta, and Singapore. These spots combine low crime rates with excellent public transport, English-speaking locals, and the kind of welcoming atmosphere that makes solo travel feel less "I'm alone in a foreign country" and more "I'm on a proper adventure."

For solo female travellers especially, these destinations offer that extra layer of security – well-lit streets, reliable local support, and communities where a solo diner or walker is completely normal. Iceland's famously progressive attitudes and Portugal's laid-back charm mean you can explore freely without that nagging "should I be doing this?" feeling. Malta brings the Mediterranean sunshine with British familiarity (they drive on the left and speak English), while Denmark and Austria combine safety with stunning cities perfect for wandering. You're not being paranoid – you're being smart. And smart means you actually enjoy your jolly instead of constantly checking over your shoulder.

Tips for First-Time Solo Travellers

Right, so you've decided to take the plunge and book your first solo jolly. Brilliant move. But if you're feeling a bit "what have I done?" – that's completely normal. Here's the thing: solo travel isn't about being Billy No-Mates in a foreign country. It's about having the freedom to do exactly what you want, when you want, without negotiating over whether to go to the beach or the bloody museum again.

Start with an all-inclusive resort if you're nervous. Sounds boring? Not at all – it removes the daily stress of finding restaurants and means there's always somewhere to grab a drink and potentially chat to other guests. Breakfast buffets are your friend: nobody looks twice at someone dining alone when everyone's just loading up on scrambled eggs. Speaking of which, bring a book or download some podcasts. Having something to "do" while eating alone makes it feel less awkward, even though (spoiler) nobody's actually judging you.

Choose destinations with easy transport links and English-speaking locals. You don't want your first solo adventure to involve mime-based directions to the loo. Mediterranean resorts are brilliant for this – think Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece. They're set up for tourists, which means you're never the only person wandering about alone. Join activities at your hotel: water aerobics, quiz nights, evening entertainment. They're actually decent fun and you'll naturally meet other holidaymakers without the forced "networking" vibe.

Finally, if you want to have fun and meet people, remember to stay connected but not glued to your phone. A quick message home is fine; live-streaming your entire holiday to prove you're okay defeats the point. Face the discomfort and get out of your comfort zone because the holiday of your dreams is on the other side of it. We're not saying be reckless - trust your instincts, but also remember: that little voice that says "everyone's staring at you" is lying. Most people are too busy worrying about their own flip-flop tan lines to care that you're flying solo and some of them are just waiting to meet someone like you!

Solo Holidays for Over 50s

Let's address the elephant in the room: solo travel over 50 isn't some brave expedition worthy of a documentary. It's just a bloody good idea. you're old enough to know what you like and young enough to enjoy going out and getting it. Whether you're newly single, happily independent, or just fancy a break from your other half's snoring, going solo in your 50s, 60s, or beyond comes with some brilliant perks. You've got the time (hopefully), the money (definitely more than in your 20s), and crucially, zero interest in sharing a bathroom with six backpackers named Jake.

Choose destinations with a bit of substance. Beach holidays are brilliant, but throwing in some culture, history, or decent restaurants makes for a more satisfying week. Cyprus combines stunning coastline with archaeological sites and harbour-side tavernas where solo diners are completely normal. Malta offers similar Mediterranean sunshine with the bonus of English being widely spoken and driving on the left (if you fancy hiring a car without your blood pressure spiking).

Adults-only properties can be worth the premium: less shrieking, more civilised pool vibes, and generally a better class of evening entertainment (actual musicians rather than foam parties). Many hotels now offer organised excursions and activities that work brilliantly for solos – wine tasting, cooking classes, cultural tours – where you're part of a group but not forced into some grim singles night setup. Finally, as you're not tied to school holidays, travel in shoulder season (May, June, September, October) when it's quieter, cooler, and full of other sensible people who've realised peak summer is a sweaty nightmare. You'll get better prices, easier sightseeing, and the kind of relaxed atmosphere that makes solo travel genuinely restorative rather than stressful.

FAQs

When it comes to solo travelling, the world is your oyster. Or whatever you want it to be, really. That's kind of the point. Spanish hotspots like Majorca and Costa Blanca are great if you're looking for something packed with entertainment and close to the local bar scene, while Greece is perfect for something a little laidback and - dare we say it - luxurious.

Craving something a bit further afield? Mexico's white-sand beaches and tempting food scene is something you won't want to share. Or how about trying Thailand? It's a popular choice for solo travellers thanks to its tropical rainforests, solo-friendly activities and famous beach parties.

The short answer? Whatever you want! That's the perk of travelling solo. You can live to your schedule and do the things that you want to do. Why not book some excursions if you fancy getting out and about but don't know where to start (you might even meet some fellow singles), or do some research into the local area and give one of the local restaurants a try. Or? Just stay at the hotel! There's nothing wrong with enjoying some quiet time by the pool, and we're not one to shy away from a beach day.

Most hotels cater for solo travellers, which means you'll have the pick of the bunch when it comes to board bases. If you're jetting off to explore the sights and get out and about, we recommend a half board or bed and breakfast board basis - perfect for getting some fuel before your day, and then making the most of the local bars and restaurants during your travels. Prefer something a bit lower-maintenance? All inclusive is the way to go. You'll have all your meals, drinks and - in most cases - entertainment, taken care of. You'll barely need to lift a finger! Talk about ideal.

Signing up for tours and excursions is a great way to meet people on holiday - whether you end up meeting couples, families or other solo travellers, a group outing is always a great ice-breaker. Or...just have a chat! Instead of drinking alone on your balcony, hang out at the hotel bar or grab a seat to watch the entertainment, and you might be surprised at just how easy it is to strike up a conversation.

Travelling alone means you can explore the destination that you choose at your pace. Simple! If you're eager to get away but you're not sure who to go with, why not take yourself on holiday? You can set your own schedule, explore as much or little as you want to and it's a great way to build confidence and become comfortable in your own company. You might even meet a few likeminded travellers along the way!

Honestly? Yes, especially for first-timers or anyone anxious about solo dining. All-inclusive removes the daily stress of finding restaurants and means there's always somewhere to grab food or drinks without feeling self-conscious. Buffet-style dining is particularly solo-friendly – no awkward "table for one" moments, just load up your plate and sit wherever feels comfortable. The social atmosphere around pools and bars makes meeting people easier. That said, don't feel locked in – building in a couple of nights out at local restaurants lets you explore independently and experience authentic local culture beyond the resort bubble.

While we don't do segregated "over 50s only" hotels (that would be weird), adults-only properties naturally attract a more mature crowd. Look for hotels with wellness facilities, cultural activities, and sophisticated entertainment rather than foam parties and DJ nights. Cyprus and Malta are particularly popular with over 50s solos – the combination of culture, cuisine, and comfort appeals to travellers who want more than just beach and booze. Many hotels in these destinations offer organised excursions, wine tasting, cooking classes, and proper evening entertainment that works brilliantly for solo travellers of any age.

Absolutely. Start with short-haul destinations (3-4 hour flights maximum) in familiar cultures – Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Malta. Choose all-inclusive resorts for your first trip to remove daily decision-making stress. Book hotels in established resort towns rather than remote villas – you want restaurants, shops, and people nearby. Consider joining a group excursion on one of your days to ease into social interaction. Most importantly, remember that millions of people travel solo every year. You're not doing anything revolutionary or dangerous – you're just having a holiday at your own pace.

Beyond the usual beach holiday essentials (swimwear, sun cream, flip-flops, that book you've been meaning to read for three years), bring a portable phone charger, a good pair of walking shoes for exploring, and a small day bag for excursions. Download offline maps and entertainment (podcasts, audiobooks, Netflix shows) for your phone. Pack a couple of smarter outfits for dinners out – even solo, you'll feel better making a bit of effort. Bring any medications with prescriptions, travel insurance documents, and copies of important documents separate from originals. Oh, and a sense of humour – things will go slightly wrong, and that's half the adventure.

Trust your instincts – if something feels dodgy, it probably is. Keep accommodation and excursion details with someone back home. Stick to well-lit, populated areas at night. Don't advertise that you're alone (telling strangers "my partner's back at the hotel" is fine). Use hotel safes for valuables and keep emergency cash separate from your daily spending money. That said, don't be paranoid – the Mediterranean resorts we feature are genuinely safe with low crime rates and millions of solo travellers annually. You're statistically WAAAY more likely to get sunburnt than have your trust in people burnt. Stay aware, stay sensible, but don't let any of that stop you enjoying yourself.