Top 5 painting vacations for solo travelers

Pablo Picasso once said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” If your soul feels laden and in need of a spring clean, you’ll find artistic inspiration in our top five painting vacations for solo travelers. From Moroccan escapes that break free from single supplements to women-only creative retreats in Scotland, these vacations offer me-time that you, and your soul, will appreciate.

Keep reading to discover our best painting vacations for solo travelers.

1. Go single supplement-free in Morocco

Generous hospitality is a cornerstone of the traditional Berber culture found in the kasbahs which dot Morocco’s valleys, mountains and deserts. You’ll never be far from a sweet mint tea, proffered with a warm smile, and with no single supplement to pay this artistic adventure in the Atlas Mountains is uniquely geared towards solo travelers. Both beginners and more experienced artists are welcome.
Best time to go: March and October
Our top selling trip: Painting vacation in Morocco
See all our trips: No single supplement vacations
Read more: No single supplement vacations travel guide

2. Connect with nature in Crete

It’s not just the art that will nourish the soul in Crete – you’ll be painting in a landscape so pristine that it’s part of the Europe-wide programme, Natura 2000, to keep it that way. And you’ll share the wild coastline and tiny tavernas with a small group of new friends, relaxing and sharing insights to make connections both to the landscape through art, and to each other.

Best time to go: May to September
Our top trip: Painting vacation in Crete
See all our trips: Painting and art vacations
Read more: Painting vacations travel guide

3. Sketching & watercolours in the Scottish Highlands

Not many people venture to the far northwest of Scotland, but those that do rarely forget it, so captivating is the atmosphere here. Sketching and watercolour painting will capture vast, pristine natural landscapes where red deer wander and eagles fly; charming little fishing villages, and wonderfully moody skies. A little hiking is required for groups to get to the most remote areas but you’ll be rewarded a hundredfold. (note: groups must arrange own accommodation; advice provided).

When to go: May
Our top trip: Painting vacation in Scottish Highlands
See all our trips: Creative vacations in Scotland
Read more: Art vacations in Scotland travel guide

Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Painting or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.

4. Be tutored in southern Spain

Professional tutors guide you into the heart of rural Spain, where the clear Andalusian light reflects off Moorish mountain villages and illuminates colourful summer flowers. Don’t worry about traveling solo here. You’ll be part of a small group of like-minded artists – beginners or otherwise – on a painting vacation that is as much about art as it is about relaxation, fun and friends.
Best time to go: May to September
Our top trip: Painting vacation in Andalucia
See all our trips: Andalucia vacations
Read more: Painting vacations in Spain travel guide

5. Painting classes in Montenegro

Monet would have loved Lake Skadar. Its carpets of waterlilies provide perfect inspiration for landscape painters. Sit in the shade on the bank, your easel dug into the grass, eking out the moment when you’ll down tools and go for a swim. Tomorrow you’re off to Budva’s old town to sketch out the texture of its city walls. There’s time afterwards for wine tasting, too.

Best time to go: May and September
Our top trip: Painting vacation in Montenegro
See all our trips: Montenegro vacations
Read more: Montenegro vacations travel guide
Written by Sarah Faith
Photo credits: [Page banner: Eddy Klaus] [Morocco: Pauline FIGUET] [Scotland: Connor Mollison] [Spain: Jean-Baptiste D.]