A girl travelling alone in Europe
 

Hi !
I need some advices and-or thoughts about me, a girl, travelling alone in Europe for 2 weeks. Id like to go to Spain , Italy or Portugual. Which one do you think would be the best ?

Thank you

When?

At the end of august

None of those would be among my first choices - it will be very hot in all of those locations. But more important than the weather, we need to know what you are interested in. What do you hope to see/do/experience? What drew you to those countries. Also, how old are you? I hope we are advising a young woman, not a girl.

Give us some information about yourself and your interests

I would get some travel guides on Spain and Italy. They are both rich in culture, art, history, and food. It depends on your interest.

Yes, do look through some guidebooks! You can check them at your local library. I agree that the end of August is not ideal for southern Italy -- the heat can be oppressive. Enjoy discovering your options!

well you have chosen three countries where machismo seems to mean a wandering hand in a tram. You say "girl" could you give us some parameters on the age?

August is hot but the end (dependant on specifics) can see a slight reduction in tourist head count.

San Sebastián in Northern Spain, the culinary capital of Europe and some of the finest city beaches on the continent. Mild summer climate, therefore a favourite summer vacation playground for the Spanish and French for some 150 years. European Capital of Culture 2016. Recently voted #5 city in the world by Condé Nast Traveler.
http://www.sansebastianturismo.com/

CNN: "The world's best city is...": http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/16/tr...er-top-cities/

NYT: "To visit San Sebastián ... is to fall in love":
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/07/tr...anted=all&_r=0

San Sebastián city beaches: http://www.sansebastian.co.uk/beaches/

The Guardian, "Is San Sebastián the best place to eat in Europe?": http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandst...rink.shopping2

Agree - is this "girl" 16? Or a woman of 25? Or?

What interests and budget level.

How do you feel about REALLY hot (100) or would you prefer someplace more temperate?

Thank you so much everyone!
Im a 22 years old, so I'm a woman. I love when it is hot outside so it wouldnt be a problem for me. I like to go to the beach restaurants etc. I'm thinking to go in Barcelona, Malaga, Alicante .. what do you think about those places ?

Barcelona is vrey cool, very much a tourist spot with loads of people from all over. Some serious pick pocketing in particular areas. Good transport links and both a beach in town and a great beach resort a short train ride away. In Europe the train is the thing so get used to a very civilised way to travel.

Malaga is actually pretty nice though it has a hint of Southern Spain Euro-holiday hell, avoid Marbella which is far worse and if you see the words Toremolinos head for the hills.

Alicante, don't know.

In Italy the whole beach thing is very much organised which can be great but it would drive me nuts with loads of private beaches, running waiters etc. But there are places.

Portugal very much like the Spanish though, if you look at Google very closely you will see that some of the beaches are straight onto the Atlantic and some are actually sand dunes out in the Atlantic (around Faro) which can make for a different sort of holiday. Like Spain the place is packed as the whole of Europe comes south for the heat.

Generally all three countries in the beach resorts will have staff and restaurants speaking English though both Spain and Portugal will have more. The Algarve (Portugal's southern coast) has a high level of British retirees living there so the English skills will be high.

If you want party town you will do better on some of Spain's islands (the Canaries or better the Balaerics of which Ibiza is world famous as night time party town

The Barceloneta city beach is always great fun. All kinds of people and all kinds of activities until sunset and beyond. A bustling beach promenade and a great atmosphere local feel district just inland with the same name, Barceloneta: http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...taurants-spain

In Málaga, I think you should consider going to Torre del Mar just east of Málaga city. A very popular beach destination for young people from first and foremost all over Spain (4 kilometres long and extremely wide beach), and excellent nightlife. A very Spanish little town that comes alive during the beach season. http://www.torredelmartoday.com/

Torre del Mar nightlife: http://www.world66.com/europe/spain/...tlife_and_ente