9 Surprising Places to Travel in 2025 for Solo Women Over 60

Are you searching for your next travel destination? Are you traveling solo? Traveling alone as a woman over 60 has its challenges, but definitely also has its perks.

I travel solo a lot and always make sure to research my destination of choice very carefully. Thankfully, we have access to lots of travel aides now, like travel mobile apps for example, that make it easier to plan and stay safe while traveling.

Top 3 Surprising 2025 Destinations for Solo Women Over 60

1. Salento, Colombia – This colorful mountain town is safe, friendly, and surrounded by some of Colombia’s most breathtaking landscapes. It’s a surprise because most travelers skip the countryside – but Salento offers charm, coffee, and incredible nature without the crowds.
2. Matera, Italy – With ancient cave dwellings turned into stylish hotels and art spaces, Matera feels like a journey back in time with modern comforts. It’s not on the usual Italian travel circuit, which makes it even more special for a quiet, one-of-a-kind solo trip.
3. Kotor, Montenegro – Kotor’s fjord-like bay, medieval Old Town, and peaceful atmosphere make it a hidden Adriatic treasure. It’s a great alternative to more touristy European cities, with fewer crowds and just as much beauty.
4. Keep reading to discover more surprising places to travel solo in 2025 with suggestions of what to do in each destination.

Read 20 TRAVEL APPS FOR WOMEN OVER 60.

How to Choose a Destination

Choosing a travel destination as a solo woman traveler over 60 involves considering various factors to ensure safety, enjoyment, and cultural compatibility. 

Safety

Prioritize safety by researching the destination’s current safety situation. Look for travel advisories, check crime rates, and read reviews from other solo female travelers. Choose destinations known for being safe for women.

Cultural Considerations

Understand the local culture and customs. Some places may have conservative dress codes or specific social norms that you should be aware of to respect local traditions.

Solo Female Traveler-Friendly Destinations

Some destinations are particularly welcoming and safe for solo female travelers. Consider places with a reputation for being women-friendly and where solo travel is common.

Language Barrier

Consider destinations where you are comfortable with the language or where English is widely spoken. This can be helpful in case of emergencies or when seeking assistance.

Read more: The Joy of Solo Travel: Why Older Women Should Embrace It.

Connectivity and Infrastructure

Check the availability of reliable transportation and communication infrastructure. Ensure that the destination has accessible public transport and a good network for staying connected.

Traveler Reviews

Read reviews and blogs from other solo female travelers. They often provide valuable insights and tips about their experiences in specific destinations.

Solo Traveler Communities

Join online communities or forums for solo female travelers. Ask for recommendations from those who have been to the destinations you’re considering.

Personal Interests

Choose a destination based on your interests and preferences. Whether you enjoy nature, history, adventure, or relaxation, pick a place that aligns with your passions to enhance your overall experience.

Legal and Social Rights

Be aware of the legal and social rights of women in the chosen destination. Understanding the local laws and customs will help you navigate the area more confidently.

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel for Women over 50.

Places to Discover in 2025 for Solo Women Travelers

You can always head to popular destinations like Amsterdam, Paris, or Barcelona, but let’s take a look at places that aren’t overly touristy and that are safe for older women to travel to.

Here are suggestions of some off-the-beaten-track destinations for solo older women to travel to in 2025.

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is a stunning medieval town tucked along the Bay of Kotor in southwestern Montenegro. With its fortified walls, winding alleyways, and red-roofed buildings framed by dramatic mountains, Kotor feels like a place out of time. It offers the charm of the Adriatic coast without the crowds of Dubrovnik, making it an ideal pick for solo travelers looking for beauty, tranquility, and culture in a walkable setting.

The town is known for its historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with Romanesque churches, local boutiques, and charming cafés. The surrounding bay – often called Europe’s southernmost fjord – invites you to slow down and take in the views. Kotor is peaceful, affordable, and has a warm, welcoming local atmosphere.

Things to do in Kotor:

• Wander the Old Town: Step through the Sea Gate and explore cobbled streets lined with 12th-century churches, museums, and artisan shops.
• Hike to the Castle of San Giovanni: For stunning panoramic views, follow the steep stairs up to the castle ruins above town. The climb is challenging but worth every step.
• Take a Boat Trip: Join a guided boat tour to see the famous island church of Our Lady of the Rocks or to visit the Blue Cave for a swim.

• Enjoy Fresh Seafood: Kotor’s harbor-side restaurants serve up excellent seafood. Try local specialties like black risotto or grilled calamari.

Try the #1 rated restaurant on TripAdvisor: Resto Bar Taraca

• Visit Neighboring Villages: Take a day trip to Perast or Herceg Novi, where life moves even slower and the scenery is equally enchanting.

Matera, Italy

Matera is one of the most visually striking cities in Europe. Located in the southern Italian region of Basilicata, it’s best known for the Sassi – ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs that once housed entire communities. Today, many have been restored into boutique hotels, art galleries, and cozy restaurants.

The atmosphere in Matera is both rustic and romantic. You’ll hear church bells echoing through stone alleyways and see golden light hitting ancient facades at sunset. As a solo traveler, you’ll find it peaceful, full of local culture, and easy to navigate on foot.

Things to do in Matera:

• Tour the Sassi Districts: Visit both Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano to explore a labyrinth of cave homes, historic chapels, and ancient cisterns.
• Explore the Rupestrian Churches: Matera’s rock-hewn churches contain stunning frescoes and offer insight into the city’s religious history.
• Sleep in a Cave Hotel: Many lodgings in Matera offer luxury and charm within restored cave dwellings – cozy, atmospheric, and unforgettable.

Try the Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa for an unforgettable experience. 

• Take a Walking Tour: Join a local guide for stories about Matera’s past, including how it went from “the shame of Italy” to a European Capital of Culture.
• Try Lucanian Cuisine: Dishes here are earthy and flavorful. Try orecchiette pasta, crapiata (a bean and grain soup), or Matera’s famous bread.
  

Salento, Colombia

Situated in Colombia’s lush coffee region, Salento is a brightly colored town that draws travelers looking for quiet charm, mountain air, and cultural immersion. Surrounded by rolling hills and coffee farms, the town has a distinctly relaxed rhythm, making it a favorite among solo travelers looking to experience Colombia beyond the big cities.

The town is safe, full of friendly locals, and offers easy access to natural wonders like the Cocora Valley, where the world’s tallest wax palms sway in the breeze.

Things to do in Salento:

• Hike the Cocora Valley: One of Colombia’s most iconic landscapes, the Cocora Valley offers trails through cloud forests and among towering wax palms.
• Tour a Coffee Farm: Join a guided tour at a local finca to learn how beans go from tree to cup – and enjoy a fresh brew with mountain views.
• Wander Calle Real: This pedestrian street is lined with colorful houses, artisan markets, and cafés where you can try local pastries and hot chocolate.
• Play Tejo: Head to a tejo court to experience this traditional Colombian game – it’s noisy, fun, and always comes with a local beer.
• Visit the Mirador: Climb the stairs at the edge of town for a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Tasmania, Australia

Tasmania, the island state off Australia’s southern coast, is a nature-lover’s paradise. With its wild coastlines, fresh seafood, and small towns filled with history and character, it offers a safe and peaceful retreat for solo travelers. The pace is slow, the air is fresh, and the scenery feels untouched.

You’ll find a mix of outdoor adventure and creative culture. Hobart, the capital, is home to galleries and harborfront markets, while the rest of the island beckons with hiking trails, wine regions, and dramatic coastlines.

Things to do in Tasmania:

• Explore Hobart: Browse the art at MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), shop for handmade goods at Salamanca Market, or enjoy a drink on the waterfront.
• Take a Road Trip: Drive through the Great Eastern Drive to Freycinet National Park, stopping at vineyards, beaches, and quaint seaside towns along the way.
• Visit Wineglass Bay: This iconic crescent-shaped bay is perfect for a day hike or a boat tour.
• Meet the Wildlife: Spot wombats and wallabies on a nature walk, or visit the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to see Tasmanian devils up close.

• Taste Local Flavors: Tasmania is known for its cheese, seafood, apples, and cool-climate wines – don’t leave without sampling a bit of everything.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is a small but vibrant European capital that blends historical charm with a youthful energy. The compact city center is free of cars and full of pedestrian paths, riverfront cafés, and leafy parks. For solo travelers, it offers the comfort of a quiet destination with the feel of a cosmopolitan city.

Ljubljana’s relaxed atmosphere, excellent public transport, and friendly locals make it an easy and enjoyable stop for first-time or seasoned travelers alike.

Things to do in Ljubljana:

• Stroll the Riverwalk: Meander along the Ljubljanica River, crossing the famous Dragon Bridge and Triple Bridge as you go.
• Visit Ljubljana Castle: Ride the funicular to the top of the hill and take in views of the city and distant Alps.
• Enjoy Tivoli Park: This peaceful park is perfect for a picnic or a casual walk among fountains, flowers, and statues.
• Sample Slovenian Cuisine: Try traditional dishes like štruklji (rolled dumplings) or bograč (stew), and enjoy a glass of local wine.
• Take Day Trips: Hop on a short train ride to Lake Bled or the fairytale caves of Postojna – both doable as day excursions.

Essaouira, Morocco

Essaouira is a charming coastal city on Morocco’s Atlantic shore with a relaxed vibe and a manageable medina. Unlike the sensory overload of larger Moroccan cities, Essaouira offers a gentler experience, perfect for solo travelers looking for culture and sea air without the chaos.

Whitewashed walls, bright blue doors, and ocean breezes give the town an artistic, almost Mediterranean feel. It’s been a haven for musicians, artists, and storytellers for decades.

Things to do in Essaouira:

• Explore the Medina: The walled city is filled with artisan shops, spice stalls, and quiet riads. It’s easy to wander without getting lost.

• Walk the Ramparts: Stroll along the historic city walls and look out over the Atlantic while seagulls wheel overhead.
• Take a Cooking Class: Learn to prepare Moroccan dishes like chicken tagine with preserved lemon or vegetable couscous.
• Relax on the Beach: While swimming can be tricky due to waves, Essaouira is perfect for long beach walks or camel rides along the shore.
• Listen to Live Music: Discover the town’s musical roots by attending a local Gnawa music performance – deeply spiritual and rhythmic.

Lecce, Italy

Lecce, located in the heart of Italy’s Puglia region, is a feast for the eyes and the senses. Known for its ornate baroque architecture and golden limestone buildings, the city is full of history, elegance, and vibrant street life. It’s less touristy than Rome or Florence, making it perfect for solo women seeking culture without the crowds.

Warm hospitality, delicious food, and endless photo opportunities make Lecce a slow-paced gem with plenty to explore.

Things to do in Lecce:

• Discover the Baroque Churches: Visit Santa Croce, Lecce Cathedral, and other architectural marvels scattered across the old town.
• Take a Cooking Class: Learn to make local favorites like orecchiette pasta or pasticciotto, a custard-filled pastry beloved in the region.
• Shop for Artisan Goods: Lecce is known for its papier-mâché craftsmanship and local ceramics—both make great souvenirs.
• Catch a Local Festival: Depending on when you visit, you might see a sagra (food festival) or religious procession.
• Day Trip to the Coast: You’re just a short drive from the turquoise waters of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas – Gallipoli and Otranto are both worth a visit.

Kamakura, Japan

Kamakura is a small coastal city just an hour south of Tokyo that offers history, nature, and a relaxed seaside vibe – without the overwhelming crowds of larger Japanese cities. Once the political center of medieval Japan, Kamakura is now a peaceful retreat filled with centuries-old temples, bamboo groves, and beachside cafés. Its calm, welcoming atmosphere makes it especially appealing for solo travelers looking to experience traditional Japanese culture at a slower pace.

Kamakura blends the spiritual and the scenic. From forested hills and quiet shrines to surfing beaches and artisan bakeries, it’s a place where you can unwind and explore on your own terms.

Things to do in Kamakura:

• Visit the Great Buddha (Daibutsu): This iconic 13-meter bronze Buddha statue sits in the open air and has been serenely watching over Kamakura since the 13th century.

• Walk the Daibutsu Hiking Trail: This scenic path winds through peaceful woods, linking several temples and offering a quiet break from city life.
• Explore Hase-dera Temple: Known for its beautiful gardens, ocean views, and statues of Jizo (protector of travelers), this temple is a tranquil spot for reflection.
• Stroll Komachi Street: This lively shopping street near the main station is great for browsing handmade crafts and trying local snacks like sweet potato ice cream.
• Visit Hokoku-ji Bamboo Grove: Tucked away behind a Zen temple, this small grove feels like a secret escape where you can sip matcha in a teahouse surrounded by bamboo.
• Relax by the Beach: Kamakura’s beaches are popular with locals and surfers – take a walk along Yuigahama Beach or stay for a peaceful seaside sunset.

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

St. John’s is the easternmost city in North America and one of Canada’s most colorful and charming hidden gems. With jellybean-hued row houses, rugged coastlines, and an unmistakably friendly spirit, this small city feels welcoming the moment you arrive. It’s steeped in maritime history and offers solo travelers a mix of cultural depth, natural beauty, and local hospitality.

Many visitors don’t realize how distinct Newfoundland is from the rest of Canada – its culture, dialect, and music are truly one of a kind. St. John’s is a perfect base for exploring lighthouses, puffin colonies, and dramatic Atlantic cliffs.

Things to do in St. John’s:

• Walk Signal Hill: Hike up to this historic site for panoramic views of the harbor and learn about the first transatlantic wireless signal.
• Visit The Rooms: This modern museum and gallery combines art, history, and a café with one of the best views in town.
• Explore Jellybean Row: Stroll the steep streets and photograph the famously colorful row houses that give the city its cheerful look.
• Take a Boat Tour: Join a cruise to spot icebergs (in season), whales, or puffins along the craggy coastline.
• Listen to Live Music on George Street: Catch traditional Newfoundland folk music at one of the cozy pubs – solo visitors are always welcome to pull up a seat.
• Try Local Dishes: Sample salt cod, toutons (fried bread dough), or fresh mussels while enjoying a chat with friendly locals.

Read more: Ultimate Guide – Things to Do in Atlantic Canada This Summer.

Stay Safe While Solo Traveling

These destinations offer unique experiences and opportunities for solo travelers to explore new cultures and landscapes. It’s important to research the safety and cultural norms of a destination before traveling, especially for solo women travelers.

Read SOLO TRAVEL OFF THE BEATEN PATH AFTER 60 – 6 ESSENTIAL THINGS TO KNOW.

Also read 25 TRAVEL DESTINATIONS 2024 – MUST-VISIT PLACES FOR WOMEN OVER 50.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you traveled to any of these destinations? Will you travel this year? If so, where will you go? Tell us about it in the comments below.