Where to go on solo vacation: the best destinations are named

Finding a vacation companion isn't always easy as friends and family are busy people too, and your schedules may not match. Luckily, there are plenty of destinations in the world where you can go alone.

The online travel guide Lonely Planet has compiled a list of the best places in Europe where you will have fun even without company. Here's what its experts advised.

Sicily, Italy

On the island, a kaleidoscope of cultural and historical riches absorbs everything. The combination of sea (three seas to be exact), mountains, delicious food and wine, and active volcanoes means you'll never be bored in Sicily.

Start your journey along the Ionian coast in the east of the island. Hike the slopes of Mount Etna, stroll through the fish market in Catania, and enjoy local wine from volcanic vineyards. Performances in the ancient Greek theaters in Syracuse and Taormina will enchant you. So will the Aeolian archipelago with its cobalt blue waters and secret coves. In the west, the capital Palermo is the main center of attraction for tourists. The local luxurious architecture is mesmerizing.

Naxos, Greece

Because of its white sandy beaches and shallow sea, you might think that Naxos is a family vacation destination. But the largest island of the Cyclades is also an ideal choice for a solo traveler. There are countless attractions here, as well as excellent local cuisine and plenty of opportunities for extreme sports. Start with a stroll through the medieval main town of Chora and admire the Venetian-era Glezos and Della Rocca Barozzi towers. Then try your hand at windsurfing with an experienced instructor. If you prefer two wheels, grab an electric bike and hike through the olive groves to Mount Zeus, the highest point on the island at 1003 meters.

In the village of Halki, taste the aromatic lemon liqueur PDO, which is produced here at a small distillery. Dive even deeper into the island's culinary traditions by visiting a dairy farm and try your hand at cheesemaking.

Aix-en-Provence, France

Bustling Marseille is not for every solo traveler. But just 45 minutes by train from it is the chic Aix-en-Provence, where you will find everything from coffee and croissants to masterpieces of art. The city's Musée Granet in the Mazarin District is filled with works by Picasso, Matisse, Monet and the local genius Paul Cézanne, who painted the nearby Mont Sainte-Victoire many times. You can go on a bike tour to it.

Don't miss the 13th-century church of Saint-Jean-de-Malt, which is located next to the art museum, as well as the Hôtel de Caumont gallery. If you're looking for a more intimate atmosphere, head to the Plaça de Ville.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Palma de Mallorca is a welcoming city with well-lit public spaces, beautiful beaches, and plenty of restaurants, markets, and historical sites. It's easy to spend a perfect day on your own. Start your visit at the Mercat de Santa Catalina, the oldest food market in the city, which is full of tapas and local produce. Visit local patisseries and coffee shops.

Spend the day strolling along Passeig des Born, a tree-lined boulevard with many fashionable shops. Admire local landmarks like Mallorca's Cathedral with its peaceful Bishop's Garden and visit the historic Arabian Baths. In the evening, head to the Cineciutat, a non-profit cinema that shows movies in their original language. And don't forget to taste the local wines and vermouths.

Cluj-Napoca, Romania

The bohemian, measured Cluj-Napoca, located in northwestern Romania, offers everything that the bustling capital Bucharest does not. Despite being the largest city in Transylvania and the second largest city in the country, Cluj offers a more relaxed atmosphere, ideal for individual travelers. This is partly due to the thousands of students studying here, but also due to the city's compact layout. It impresses with its Baroque architecture of the Austro-Hungarian era.

Cluj is home to the famous TIFF Transilvania International Film Festival and the Electric Castle and Untold music festivals. But keep in mind that during the latter, housing prices here increase dramatically. In addition, the city boasts the largest number of coffee shops per capita in Romania, and a huge amount of lush greenery, as it is located between the Transylvanian Plain and the Apuseni Mountains.

Vipava Valley, Slovenia

If you're traveling alone, the Vipava Valley in Slovenia is the place to stop and enjoy wine with interesting strangers. Locals are happy to treat tourists to red wines. Hundreds of family-owned distilleries here compete in the quality of their wines. Gently sloping country roads wind through manicured vineyards with impressive karst mountains behind them. If a bicycle tasting tour doesn't appeal to you, hop on the seasonal wine train instead and take a five-hour train ride, stopping at local villages and vineyards. And if you decide to volunteer during the harvest in September, you can get very close to the local winemakers.

However, the spirit of Vipava can be found not only in a glass. You can climb to the top of the Trnovo Forest plateau to admire the panoramic views of the emerald valley. Go even higher on a paraglider thanks to the boreal wind, a favorite of the locals. Stay here in one of the many hostels and get creative in the art studios of Sinji Vrh Pension.

Faroe Islands

The wild, windswept North Atlantic is the perfect place for a lone traveler. At first glance, this seemingly inhospitable land, with its countless sheep, cormorants, and off-the-beaten-path locations, seems like an extreme choice. But look closer and you'll see a close-knit community that has long welcomed solo travelers. In fact, every year the islanders do just that, inviting volunteers to help with maintenance to stay on their farms or in their homes. Heimablídni (Faroese for home hospitality) is so ingrained that family meals with visitors have become standard.

Adventures await away from the sod roofs of Torshavn and the modern cultural spaces. Head to Lake Sorvagsvatn or the lonely Kallur lighthouse. Well-maintained roads, underwater tunnels connecting the islands, and regular ferries keep communities connected, while a surprisingly decent bus network allows you to explore the world alone without the need for a car. Among the sea pillars, cascades plunging into the ocean or the picturesque Saksun village, you will feel like a real hermit, but you will always be just a step away from a heart-to-heart conversation over a cup of tea.

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