Top Spiritual Destinations In The World for Solo Travelers In 2026

Looking for the top spiritual places in the world for solo travelers seeking spiritual awakening and personal growth? Whether you’re craving clarity, healing, or a sense of connection, traveling alone to spiritual destinations can become a powerful gateway.

As someone with Master’s degrees in Biblical Studies and Archaeology, I’ve spent years studying the spiritual roots of humanity—both in books and out in the world. Travel has always been a spiritual act. Across cultures, pilgrimages, retreats, sacred festivals, and healing journeys have helped people reconnect with themselves and something greater.

And that’s exactly what this post is about.

These destinations are more than beautiful—they’re portals. From ancient sacred sites to modern-day vortexes, each location offers a unique chance to step into stillness, symbolism, and soul-led discovery. You’ll find solitude, rituals, nature, and history—and maybe even something that shifts your path.

Ready to find your next sacred stop?

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Delphi, Greece

Delphi, Greece is a UNESCO World Heritage site that was a sacred place in ancient Greece because the Greeks believed it to be the center of the universe.

This was marked by the Omphalos, or “navel of Gaia”, or holy stone, which you can see on a visit. The ancient Greeks considered this to be the place where heaven and earth meet.

Delphi is known as the home of the Oracle of Delphi, without whom no important decisions were made in ancient Greece, as well as The Temple of Apollo (the son of Zeus who embodied spiritual clarity), a pilgrimage site, and the sanctuary of Athena Pronoia, among others (many deities were worshipped here).

Delphi also features the stadium that was the precursor for the Olympics and more significant places. It sits on a cliff with magnificent views, which makes this site feel even more spiritual.

Where to stay: Arion Hotel

Sedona, Arizona, USA

I recently spent some time in Sedona, Arizona exploring as well as learning about vortexes – a modern term, and the specific “vortex” spots – like Cathedral Rock, The Chapel of the Holy Cross, Airport Mesa, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon – were also labeled as vortexes by a tourist in modern times.

However, the area’s spiritual energy is known from indigenous tribes, and you can go and find your own “vortexes”, or places where you feel the energy, through spending time in nature, meditating and grounding.

Sedona has opportunities for hiking and tours, spiritual experiences and retreats that blend the ancient and modern, including things like yoga, sound baths, meditation, labyrinth walks and more.

You can find many opportunities at The Sedona Chamber of Commerce’s Metaphysical Spiritual Association.

Where to stay: Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas (I stayed here – it’s right in uptown with hot breakfast and access to the neighboring timeshare’s hot tub, sauna and more (sales-pitch free).

Huahine & Raiatea, French Polynesia

I spent a month traveling solo in French Polynesia recently with around to a week each on the islands of Raiatea and Huahine, both of which are known for their significant spiritual archaeological sites, or maraes.

Both of these islands are also known for their unspoiled nature; they’re not as touristy as islands like Tahiti and Bora Bora, and not as many people live on these islands (the kids on Huahine even travel to other islands to attend school).

In Polynesian traditional beliefs, mana is a deep spiritual energy that exists in nature, places and people, but people must work to earn and keep it. The maraes are sites believed to hold stronger mana.

Raiatea

Raiatea has the biggest archaeological temple site that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Taputapuatea. This marae is the most sacred site in French Polynesia, where the god of war, ‘Oro, was worshipped.

Where to stay: Fare Vavae

Huahine

Huahine is known as the main spiritual center of the islands (it’s also known as the “Garden of Eden”), and has the largest concentration of marae of any island, over 200 of them. Fare Pote’e has many of these along with a museum. Huahine also has the Anguilles Sacrees, or blue-eyed eels, believed to be a sacred gift from the gods for abundance and life.

Where to stay: Huahine Beach House

La Senda, Costa Rica

La Senda is home to the world’s largest labyrinth, the Tamarindo Labyrinth (one of 14 labyrinths in Costa Rica), and is home to two spiritual vortex locations. The largest one is located on land that now belongs to a wellness farm and spiritual retreat center.

The Tamarindo Labyrinth has 14 levels to represent the 14 levels of life and was built using the principles of Kundalini and sacred geometry. It takes around an hour to walk through as you meditate and connect with nature (particularly the cactus, which attracts Prana, or life force, according to indigenous tribes) in a serene environment.

Where to stay: La Senda Retreat Center

Jerusalem, Israel (& Beyond)

I first visited Israel in 2012, which started my dream of participating on archaeological excavations there, which I did for many years, including while living there for two years on my own. Israel and Jerusalem are full of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well.

I connected deeply with my own spirituality in Israel, and I came to know and appreciate the spiritual energy and significant history of the many sites and locations all over the country.

Whether you’re looking to connect with your own spiritual roots, learn about others, or just feel the spiritual energy (Jerusalem is a spiritual/energy vortex), Israel has all you’ll need, including amazing natural sites with everything from mountains, to beaches, to deserts, to the Dead Sea and multiple pilgrimage destinations and spiritual festivals.

Be sure to visit the Galilee region, archaeological sites like Tel Dan, Zippori, Megiddo, and many more, as well as spending a night in the Negev, where the night sky is completely clear for stargazing.

Where to stay: Ramat Rachel Resort

Giza, Egypt (& Beyond)

I visited Egypt on a yoga retreat in 2021 (and did a week of solo travel afterwards), and it made an excellent post-pandemic trip for wellness and spirituality. I had dreamed of seeing the archaeological sites – both from childhood and my archaeology studies – and they exceeded my expectations.

The pyramids in Giza are a spiritual vortex location and a must-visit. Beyond these, other ancient temple sites, especially Hatshepsut, Abu Simbel, Luxor at night, Philae (on an island) and Kom Ombo, and royal tombs like the Valley of the Kings are excellent places to see evidence of ancient spirituality and feel the magic of these amazing wonders.

I also highly recommend spending the night on the Nile on a Felucca to get closer to nature and feel more connected to ancient Egypt.

You can also tour historic places of worship in Egypt including synagogues (particularly the one in Alexandria), Christian sites (especially The Cave Church), and many mosques that are spiritually significant.

Where to stay: Turquoise Pyramids Gate Hotel City Centre

Big Sur, California, USA

Big Sur, California is known for its spiritual vortex known from the Esselen, Rumsen, and Salinan tribes who believed that creation began at the summit of Pico Blanco, also the location where they believed humans survived the great flood.

You can visit Big Sur and drive the coastline, visit a spiritual retreat center like the iconic Esalen, and more activities.

Where to stay: Alila Ventana Big Sur, All Inclusive Adults Only

Petra, Jordan (& Beyond)

I visited Jordan a couple of years ago on a tour and the archaeological sites, Wadi Rum desert and more sites exceeded my expectations.

The ancient Nabateans inhabited sites like Petra, and you can also find spiritual sites significant to Judaism, Christianity and Islam here, including the Baptism site at the Jordam River; Mount Nebo, where Moses saw the Promised Land; and the Madaba mosaic; the Dead Sea, where you can exfoliate and float effortlessly, among others.

Be sure to spend a night in the Wadi Rum Desert and a day exploring, to find the petroglyphs and other places, and to connect with your spirituality in a remote setting (the desert is connected with spiritual lessons and breakthroughs in most religious traditions).

Where to stay: La Vie Boutique Hotel

Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago, also called the Way of St James, has been a major spiritual pilgrimage route from ancient times through the present day. Since many people come to walk this route, your journey will connect you with nature and stillness while also connecting you with fellow travelers and community.

The entire trail is 500 miles, but you can walk a portion of it or the entirety; it’s up to you. People bring only basic necessities and forgo technology, which forces you to experience stillness and learn spiritual and personal lessons, which help to undergo a spiritual transformation.

Manitou Springs, Colorado, USA

Manitou Springs is located at the foot of Pikes Peak and is located on the traditional lands of the Cheyenne, Mountain Ute and Arapaho tribes. “Manitou” means “great spirit”, and this location is also well known for its mineral springs, which remain a popular healing destination from at least the 19th century.

The mineral springs are open to the public and you can find many spas as well as wellness centers with healing modalities including Reiki, sound therapy and more.

Where to stay:

• SunMountain Center
• Manitou Wellness Center
• Cliff House at Pikes Peak

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is known mostly for Shinto and Buddhist traditions, and has over 1500 temples and shrines. As Japan’s ancient imperial capital, it has been spiritually significant for a long time, which means you can experience the energy and beautiful natural landscapes here as well as the sites, which include Buddhist temples, meditation areas and more.

Some of the places you can visit include:

• Hiking the Fushimi Inari Taisha, which has a mountain path through a tunnel-like structure leading to a shrine that is meant to represent one’s journey to enlightenment
• See the amazing view from Kiyomizu-dera, a temple that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has zero nails holding it together
• Visit Zen Rock Gardens, historic towns and neighborhoods, and seasonal festivals
• There are shrines where you can write your wishes, eat a meal on a river floor at Kifune Shrine, and many more unique sites.

Where to stay: Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA

Big Horn County, Wyoming, USA

Big Horn County in Wyoming is home to the Medicine Wheel and Medicine Mountain, a National Historic Landmark and a prehistoric archaeological landscape that continues today as an important spiritual place for Native American ceremonies.

You cannot enter the wheel, but you can see it, as well as watching the ceremonies. Native Americans have oral traditions of people being healed at the wheel and even today, they spend up to a year preparing for a pilgrimage to this site.

Big Horn County is also known for places that offer spiritual practices including yoga and meditation, such as Plains Sun Dance Lodge.

Where to stay: Horseshoe Bend Motel, Lovell

Uluru, Australia

Uluru is a 1,140-ft sacred sandstone rock formation and spiritual vortex, and, with a circumference of 5.8 miles, the largest rock monolith in the world. It’s believed to be the site of creation of the indigenous Anangu people.

Uluru is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park (Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park), renamed and protected after the indigenous community fought for the site.

The trail to the top of the rock is closed due to indigenous beliefs that it should not be climbed, but there are many other hikes around the rock, as well as the more than 40 sacred sites in the surrounding area. Today, you can learn about the indigenous Dreaming stories, as well as see the rock paintings and more with an experienced guide.

Uluru is also an excellent place for stargazing and reconnecting with nature and stillness. You can go on a retreat, participate in indigenous experiences, and more on a visit.

Where to stay: Ayers Rock Resort

Lake Rotopounamu, New Zealand

Lake Rotopounamu is another spiritual and energy vortex, believed to hold the planet’s elemental water vortex and one of the most magnetic locations on the planet. It is thought that the lake has chakra from the mountain Pihanga, which is female, and is the consort of the nearby male mountain, Tongariro.

The lake is easy to miss, as you’ll need to park and hike about 20 minutes to get to this serene lake that’s fed by 7 streams. It’s located in Tongariro National Park. The hike around the lake takes 1.5-2 hours, and it’s best to walk anti-clockwise, as this is the direction that the energy vortex is said to flow.

Where to stay: The Powderhorn Chateau

Tulum, Mexico

Tulum, Mexico is a popular spiritual destination that is another spiritual and energy vortex. Tulum has a history going back 66 million years – scientists think that this is the spot where the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs hit the earth. The crater, called Chicxulub, was found buried off the coast of Chicxulub. Cenotes are the holes caused by the asteroid’s ruptures in the earth, and were first used for spiritual purposes by the Mayans.

The Mayans, who lived here as early as 564 BC, called Tulum “Zamà”, or “place of the dawning sun”, and you can see ruins today including Temples to their gods as well as tracking the sun’s movements.

Tulum is also close to a UNESCO site and protected biosphere, Sian Ka’an, which the Mayans named because it means “Origin of the Sky”.

Today, Tulum attracts a spiritual and arts community, and there are many retreats and spiritual practices happening here. Be sure to find one that aligns with your values and needs.

Where to stay: Hotel Poc Na Tulum

Big Island, Hawaii, USA

Hawaii has multiple spiritual destinations and energy vortexes, and many of these are located on the Big Island. Hawaiians have many legends as well as gods/goddesses that are associated with these sites and that bring them mana, or spiritual energy.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the main places to visit; the indigenous tribes here had sacred ceremonies associated with some of the volcanic summits, including the highest peak in Hawaii, Mauna Kea, where only the high-ranking chiefs were allowed to climb. Today, you can hike or drive the mountain and see the ancient temple sites as well as using the telescopes to stargaze.

Another place to visit is Pu’ukoholā Heiau, which came to be known as a place of lasting peace following an ancient civil war.

Where to stay: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Isle of Arran, Scotland

The Isle of Arran is known for many spiritual sites including the Holy Isle and Machrie Moor Standing Stones, a 13th century monastery, a healing spring, and a modern-day Buddhist retreat. It’s also known for stories of fairies, believed to live in various spots (so many that most places on the island have them).

There are also spas, ancient castles, amazing outdoor viewpoints, beaches and mountains here where you can connect with nature, as well as more things to experience, including award-winning ice cream!

Where to stay: The Douglas Hotel

Macchu Pichu, Peru

Macchu Pichu is a spiritual and energy vortex, known from ancient times by the Incas, and the place where they worshipped the sun god, Inti. Macchu Pichu was thought to be the meeting point of the Incan gods of the sun, moon, mountains, water and more, which also created a lot of energy.

The Sun God Festival happens each year around June 21, the winter solstice, but may be a different day surrounding the 21st. The Incan Sun and Earth gods were considered to have created the earth together, meaning Machu Pichu is another place where creation myths exist in a spiritual vortex area.

Where to stay: Ausangate Hotel Machupicchu

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, USA

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas is best known as a location to visit for its natural thermal springs that have been used for centuries. There are also historic bathhouses right in the middle of town that you can use.

Aside from the baths and springs, you can go hiking and biking in the mountains and check out the unique geological formations. You can also camp here and explore the town.

Where to stay: Lookout Point Lakeside Inn

Rishikesh & Varanasi, India

Both Rishikesh & Varanasi, India are located along the Ganges River and are considered to be highly spiritual locations.

Varanasi is known as the city of death and rebirth, and is a Hindu pilgrimage site as one of the most holy cities, where people travel to the river for forgiveness and death; a visit to this site can be intense, and it’s definitely not a tourist site.

Rishikesh is the world capital of yoga and “city of birth”. Out of the two, Rishikesh is more inviting because the ashrams are open to all kinds of visitors, whereas Varanasi is more likely to not allow entry or to charge high fees.

Where to stay: Rudram Hotel Yoga & Ayurveda Retreat

Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia is a popular spiritual destination and home to six spiritual vortexes, caused by the intersection of ley lines that represent the purification of elemental energies including the earth, fire, water, air and ether. Some think this is the main purification center for the entire world.

Bali is home to many healers, as well as spiritual sites like Pulaki Temple, Pemuteran and more. You can participate in Balinese ceremonies and retreats along with visiting these spiritual locations.

Where to stay: Sabana Ubud

Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island, Chile is full of mana from the famous moai, ancient stone carvings that are believed to be guardians of the culture. Its indigenous name is Rapa Nui, and it is a UNESCO site and National Park.

Easter Island is another place that is thought to be the center, or navel of the world, marked by a magnetic stone with smaller stones marking N, S, E and W directions. Of course, the island also has multiple spiritual and energy vortexes in one of the most remote places on earth that is still full of mystery today.

You can visit on your own or on a tour, and camping outside under the full moon is believed to bring more magnetic vibrations.

Where to stay: Hare Nua Hotel Boutique

Lago Atitlán, Guatemala

Lago Atitlán, Guatemala has a spiritual vortex and attracts many spiritual seekers. There are shamanistic rituals, yoga and meditation and more that you can find on a visit.

You can also take part in indigenous Mayan rituals like fire ceremonies, temazcal (sauna), astrology reading, cacao ceremonies, sacred time keeping and more practices.

You can also walk around the lake and discover your own spiritual depths as you contemplate your surroundings, which include volcanoes, because the lake was formed by the volcanic activity.

Where to stay: Porta Hotel del Lago

Mount Kailash, Tibet

Mount Kailash, high in the Himalayan mountains, is a sacred pilgrimage site for many religions including Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and Bons. Some of these believe the mountain is the home of certain gods, and some believe it to be the center of the universe. It is forbidden to climb to the summit, and the pilgrimage involves traveling around the base of the mountain.

Going on an organized tour to visit Tibetan Monasteries & Temples is another great option for spiritually-focused travel. You do need a permit to enter these, which is why a tour is recommended. You can observe Tibetan people going on pilgrimage to the temples, as well as participating in meditation and yoga retreats. Going during a festival can be an even more enriching experience.

Where to stay: InterContinental Lhasa Paradise, an IHG Hotel

Tour: 15 Days Mt Everest and Mt Kailash Kora Pilgrimage Group Tour

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

New Orleans is one of the most historic cities in the US, and is known for a range of spiritual practices from Voodoo to Catholicism. Festivals like Mardi Gras are a great way to experience the community feel of the city, plus the parades have Krewes and floats influenced by mythology, and many of the traditions are influenced by Native American culture.

I’ve lived in New Orleans for many years and there’s definitely spiritual energy here. You can visit the St. Louis Cathedral to learn about Catholicism, as well as Voodoo sites and tours to learn about West African spirituality.

You can even go beyond (pun intended) and check out the many ghost tours, vampire tours and cemeteries here to experience the supernatural, as well as things like tarot readings.

Where to stay: NOPSI Hotel New Orleans

Glastonbury, England

Glastonbury, England is considered to be a spiritual vortex because of ley lines, solstice alignments and connection to the heart chakra. It’s also known for its many legends and myths such as Avalon, King Arthur and the Holy Grail.

Glastonbury Tor, where many people say is the world’s heart chakra, is a hill that has a cave, a labyrinth and an ancient tower, where many people say they feel spiritual energy. Glastonbury is also a major pilgrimage site for pagans. Chalice Well and Galstonbury Abbey are other vortex destinations here.

Glastonbury is located near Stonehenge, another spiritual vortex and a UNESCO Heritage site with ancient standing stones.

Where to stay: The Crown Hotel

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

Table Mountain is a flat-top mountain and spiritual vortex in Cape Town, which is considered to be the Earth chakra. Millions of people visit the National Park each year; you can hike or take a cable car up the mountain and enjoy the views over Cape Town.

Cape Town is full of amazing nature, where you can find inner peace and tranquility. You can find some of the best spas and wellness centers in this area as well.

Where to stay: Vineyard Hotel

Es Vedrà, Ibiza, Spain

Es Vedrà is a limestone rock formation that rises from the ocean. It’s considered to be a spiritual vortex and the third most magnetic spot on the planet (the first two are the North Pole and the Bermuda Triangle). Es Vedrà is also a place full of myths and legends, which include the location of Atlantis, the home to Sirens of Greek mythology and the birthplace of the Phoenician goddess Tanit.

You can see the rock on a boat tour, SUP or the beach, as well as from various viewpoints. Just be careful exploring because there are many steep cliffs and more things to be aware of. Sunset is the most magical time to sit and watch the rock.

Where to stay: OKU Ibiza

Lincoln, Vermont USA

Lincoln, Vermont is a small US town that somehow attracts many spiritual seekers. The town has been inhabited from Native Americans onward, and there’s a popular peace village called Sunray that is based on Cherokee Peace Villages. Mount Abraham, also called Hope Mountain, is the sacred mountain of the Abenaki, Mohegan, Narragansett and Wampanoag peoples.

There’s also a Tibetan Monastery and Buddhist practice group, as well as the Metta Earth Institute that is an ecological holistic retreat center.

The Quakers also settled in Lincoln and there’s a historic and strong Christian presence here as well.

The ley lines here are said to constitute a spiritual vortex, coming from the land and river, in a study known as geomancy.

Where to stay: Launchpoint Lodge

👉 For even more spiritual destinations in the US, check out my guide here.

More About Spiritual Travel & Vortexes

Many of the spiritual destinations in this post are known for having spiritual and energy vortexes, which are places believed to have a thinner veil between the physical and spiritual realms. This is usually from ancient beliefs, as well as factors like geological structures and more things.

👉 Read more about vortexes and how they can aid in spiritual and personal growth in this post.

🌌 Your Path Is Personal—But You’re Not Alone

Spiritual travel isn’t about checking off locations—it’s about letting each destination reflect something already stirring within you.

Whether you’re drawn to ancient temples, magnetic landscapes, or sacred stories etched in stone, the deeper invitation is always the same: to remember who you are and reconnect with what matters most.

And the best part? You don’t have to figure it all out ahead of time. Just follow the pull. Choose one place that speaks to your spirit—and begin.

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