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Home » Europe » Portugal » ULTIMATE Guide to Solo Travel in Portugal | Destinations & Tips for 2024

ULTIMATE Guide to Solo Travel in Portugal | Destinations & Tips for 2024

Traveling Portugal on your ace might just be the best decision you will make this year.

Seriously, there is not much negative to say about the country. Portugal offers a tapestry of experiences for the solo traveler. From the historic cobblestone streets of the capital to flakey pastei de nata’s in Cascais to the honey-lit coastline of The Algarve, you’re in for a real treat for the senses.

It’s also one of the region’s more affordable countries, with good quality accommodation and food that will make sure your hard-saved cash goes a long way. It’s also considered relatively safe and is packed with friendly locals practically yearning for you to visit. Basically – it’s a win-win-win.

That said, planning a solo trip through this large and diverse country can be daunting. You might ask yourself: ‘ Where to go, at what time of year, and what places should be avoided? ’ But don’t fret; this is where I come in – providing you with the ultimate guide to traveling solo in Portugal – you’re welcome.

Follow along as I help you craft the perfect itinerary, plan out the necessities, and avoid any obstacles, with a dose of hype and excitement to motivate you…

5 Things to Do in Portugal When Traveling Solo

5 best solo destinations in portugal, the best travel apps for solo travel in portugal, safety tips for solo travelers in portugal, tips for solo traveling in portugal, how to meet people when solo traveling in portugal, final thoughts on your solo trip to portugal.

Backpacking Portugal is NEVER a bad idea. The country is overflowing with gorgeous natural scenery, dynamic cities, a wealth of culture and history, and some of the most welcoming locals in Europe. 

With this, here are some indoorsy and outdoorsy activities I recommend checking out as you make your way through the country as a solo traveler…

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1. Sip on Portuguese Port Wine in The Duoro Valley

The Duoro Valley is one of the most beautiful parts of the Duoro River. While traveling solo in Portugal , take a trip to the winding terraced vineyards that produce the country’s beloved sweet port wine. The only place in the world where port is legally produced, there is a lot to learn about this generations-old grape blend and fermentation process.

Visit the valley for a day tour and wine tasting , but make sure to stroll through the sleepy countryside villages and towns that line the river, too.

2. Unwind in a Natural Geothermal Pool in The Azores

You have to visit The Azores , a series of islands in the heart of the Atlantic that belong to Portugal. While this might be considered an entirely different trip to the Portuguese mainland, a guide to exploring Portugal would be incomplete without it.

Other than lounging on beaches and enjoying the adrenaline-packed adventures the islands are known for, soaking in a natural hot spring is a must-do here. The Poca da Dona Beija is a hot springs facility with five thermal pools set amongst a tropical landscape. Sign me up!

4. Kayak Under the Benagil Sea Cave

One of Portugal’s most exquisite natural phenomena, Benagil Sea Cave, is a massive cave along the rugged Algarve coastline. Only accessible from the water, you can swim or rent a kayak and paddle into the cave from the shore, passing through a natural opening.

Once in the cave, you’ll be rewarded with otherworldly scenery made up of a massive natural domed ceiling opening up into a near-perfect skylight of blue sky.

4. Experience the Magic of Fado Music in Alfama, Lisbon

You’re undoubtedly going to visit Lisbon if you head to Portugal solo and there are so many things to do here.

The faint sound of Fado music can be heard in just about any big city in Portugal, but the traditional music genre traces back to the 1820s in the capital of Lisbon. Head to the Alfama district to soak up the bittersweet sounds typical of the sorrowful musical genre. 

There are plenty of restaurants and bars that organize performances of the melancholic music in the Alfama neighborhood, where it was supposedly born. 

5. Cruise Through Aveiro on a Moliceiro Boat

The historical Aveiro is known as the Venice of Portugal, for good reason. The west-coast city is set along a lagoon called the Ria de Aveiro, which is known for its intricate network of canals and colorful boats. 

Exploring the city from a traditional Moliceiro boat tour is an incredible way to absorb the colorful pastel-hued buildings and unique art nouveau architecture that dominates the city. Just across the lagoon, the Sao Jacinto is a nature reserve that will make you feel a world away from the historic city.

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Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

One of the most important things in life is to be happy spending time alone. I’ve often found that I spent less time alone than expected when traveling solo in Portugal. 

Whether alone or with a new friend you’ve made along the way, here are five places you just can’t miss as you journey around Portugal:

Going to Porto was one of the best experiences I’ve had as a solo traveler. It’s safe (even as a solo female), accommodation is affordable, and the food scene is off the charts. It’s also super walkable, which, in my eyes, takes any city to the next level of awesome.

The city has a unique vibe that sets it apart from other Portuguese cities. The historic center is dotted with authentic Portuguese buildings, tiled buildings, and winding cobblestone streets, with a different hipster coffee shop or rooftop terrace around every corner. 

First on your agenda, stroll along the Ribeira, which is the historical center and a well-earned UNESCO World Heritage Site. The riverside streets adjacent to the Duoro River are home to beautiful, colorful homes, street tapas, and authentic streetside restaurants.

While painted tiles scatter the country, Porto is the best place to check out the Azulejos. Check out the Igreja do Carmo and Igreja de Santo Ildefonso churches for some epic blue and white tile art. Some even date back as far as the 16th century.

Decked out with art and surrounded by galleries and museums, Gallery Hostel Porto is the place to stay for budget culture vultures. Mingle with other guests on the summer terrace or winter garden and dig into nightly Portuguese family-style meals.

A few days in Lisbon will leave you head over heels in love with the city. Trust me, this is one of those cities you could visit year after year and never tire of. The colorful city is friendly and welcoming and has a unique history packed with beautiful buildings and parks to show for it. Not to mention, the lively art and culture scene. 

Best of all, Lisbon is safe AND one of the most affordable cities to travel in Europe. Here, Portugal solo travelers can really experience the lifestyle, food, and culture without breaking the bank. 

First things first, spend some time wandering the narrow alleyways and hilly cobblestone streets. You never know what cute cafe or magnificent church might await you beyond every corner.

Take a ride on the iconic Tram 28, which passes through the historic neighborhoods of Alfama and Graca. Grab a bite to eat at one of the stalls at Time Out Market Lisbon, and end your day with cocktails on one of the city’s many rooftop terraces.

I’ve had more fun at YES! Lisbon Hostel than I can remember at any other hostel. One of the most social backpackers in the city, it’s also super central and fitted with comfortable and clean rooms. Highly recommend!

Faro, The Algarve

Traveling around the Algarve alone is a dream come true. It’s safe, welcoming, and packed with adventures. Most specifically, the city is a sanctuary for nature lovers and adventure-seekers, but that isn’t to say there isn’t something for the culture fan and history buff, too.

Faro is the capital of the Algarve and one of the biggest cities in the area. Make time for all the best things to do and places to explore such as indulging in local seafood restaurants and visiting the historical side of the city.

The city is set amongst some of the country’s most spectacular coastal scenery, with steep, colorful cliffs, neverending beaches, and calm, warm seas. Oh, and Faro has over 300 days of sunshine each year. As you might expect, beach days are a must, and I could have easily spent days on end exploring different beaches, coves, and rocky outcrops. 

A traditional Portuguese villa in the heart of The Algarve’s capital, there are few places as atmospheric as Casa d’Alagoa . With organized sangria and BBQ nights and world-class local hospitality, you’ll walk away with plenty of new besties after traveling solo in Portugal’s Faro.

Lagos, The Algarve

A thriving town in The Algave’s western region, Lagos is a sanctuary for surfers, kayakers, and stand-up paddleboarders. It’s an ocean lovers’ dream, with coastal sites and gorgeous views from just about every point in town. 

If possible, Lagos comes even more alive at night. A huge nightlife scene and a calendar always packed with social events, music shows, live sports, and theatrical performances – there is always something to do once the sun sets.

Driving is the best way to get around The Algarve, but if you don’t feel comfortable renting a car and navigating foreign roads alone, there are also plenty of bus and train options to get from A to B. Take note: accommodation is slightly pricier in Lagos, but that isn’t to say you can’t visit here on a budget.

Made for the solo traveler who likes to party, Cloud 9 Hostel is located right in the heart of Lagos’s historic center, close to the beaches and the revered city nightlife we love Lagos for. Enjoy sundowners overlooking the sea from the rooftop terrace, prepare a family meal with new friends in the kitchen, and enjoy movie nights together.

Just a short drive or train ride from Lisbon, Cascais is a small beach town with an exciting history. Sure, the coastal town is known for its sandy beaches, picturesque fishing port, and perfectly maintained buildings, but it’s also home to the medieval Nossa Senhora de Luz Fort and the Citadel Palace.

Between beach days, spend your time exploring the iconic forts, palaces, and museums. Throw in some freshly caught local seafood, and we have ourselves a winning location for solo travel in Portugal.

Visit the Boca do Inferno for a slice of natural heaven, and grab a bite to eat at the Mercado da Vila – the perfect day in Cascais. Another great thing about this town is that it’s just a short distance from Sintra, where you can visit multiple palaces, castles, and medieval ruins on a day trip.

Designed to feel like home away from home, Ljmonade Hostel is nestled in a residential street in the heart of the old city. Other than the grand house, the hostel organizes hikes, surfing, paddling, yoga, diving, and horseriding adventures, along with family dinners. You won’t even need to try to be social here, and you will still leave with new friends.

Having the right apps for travel makes your life a whole lot easier. Here are some of my personal favs.

• Hostelworld : The top accommodation application for finding hostels
• Couchsurfing : To connect with locals renting out cheap (or even free) accommodation. Not advised for solo female travelers in Portugal .
• Booking.com and Airbnb : Your go-to apps for finding hotels, bed and breakfasts, and self-catering rentals
• GetYourGuide and Viator : Tour applications to find tours and experiences in the area. Make sure to check the reviews
• Tinder, Bumble, Hinge : Dating apps with a ‘friend mode’ to help you meet people in your vicinity
• Travello : To connect with other travelers visiting the same place as you
• TravelSmart : A safety precaution with relevant embassy information, national holiday alerts, and other safety features
• Bolt : Portugal’s equivalent to Uber
• DeepL : Translate: Break the language barrier between Portuguese and English
• The Fork : For finding the best-reviewed restaurants and to make reservations
• Too Good To Go : Reduces food waste by filling your tummy with discounted restaurant food
• Holafly : An e-SIM application that allows you to download a data-only SIM card without installing a physical card. Learn more about the best SIM card deals for Portugal .

If meeting like-minded travellers is your goal, check out the current popular Facebook groups for travellers in Portugal.

Stop stressing about your phone service when you travel abroad.

Holafly is a digital SIM card that works smoothly like an app — you simply pick your plan, download it, and voilà!

Roam around Europe, but leave the roaming charges for the n00bies.

Maintaining a good awareness of your surroundings is essential when traveling solo. It’s always better to be safe and cautious rather than sorry. Learning how to travel safely is of paramount importance – wherever you go!

As always, busy tourist centers are often the target of petty crime. Hold onto your bags and use a money belt when using public transport. Always keep your valuables out of sight (or leave them at home altogether).

There are a few scams around. Make sure to use well-marked bank-affiliated ATMs and be aware of accommodation scams while traveling solo in Portugal. 

As a solo female traveler in Portugal, try to stay in a group at night or stick to well-lit areas that are considered safe. Remember – there is safety in numbers. Keep an eye on your drinks, and never accept anything from a stranger. Use marked official cabs or Bolt. You know the drill – trust your instincts.

• Book yourself into hostels for at least half of the nights you plan to spend in Portugal. This is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to meet other tourists.
• Sun Lovers Hostel in Albufeira has all the luxuries of a hotel, with the vibe of a hostel. It’s just a short stroll from the party street and hosts BBQ nights, pizza nights, and beer pong events. One of the most vibey hostels in Faro, Casa Da Madalena is a rebuilt authentic Portuguese house with a staff made up of well-traveled locals and ex-pats. Making friends has never been so easy.
• Sure, group tours might not be your thing, but there is no denying the benefits of meeting other travelers on a tour.
• Plan your trip yourself. While others’ advice, online itineraries, and local knowledge provide a good guideline, you should always make sure to design your itinerary based on what you want to see and how you want to spend your time.
• Take the time to understand the local religion and culture. Locals are always appreciative and more open with those who are respectful. A top Portuguese solo travel tip is to learn a few Portuguese words.
• Prepare for all weather conditions. Depending on where you are and the time of year, the weather in Portugal can change quickly.
• Socialise, but appreciate your own space and time. Traveling alone can be lonely at times and rewarding at others. Make the most of this alone time to spend learning about yourself.
• Organise travel insurance. Make sure you have insurance to cover injuries, illness, lost baggage, and flight cancellations and delays.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

• Go on a pub crawl or food tour : Whether organized by your hostel or externally, I’ve always found pub crawls and food tours to be one of the best ways to socialize. Let’s be honest: is there a better way to meet and mingle with new friends than over an ice-cold beer or plate of food?
• Stay in a hostel : As mentioned, this is a sure way to meet other travelers, those traveling solo, in particular . Most hostels have common areas like bars and restaurants and also organize tours for guests to join in on.
• Use social media for what it was designed for : Open yourself up to new friendships (in a safe environment) using connections from mutual friends you know from home. Facebook groups and Instagram pages often advertise events and festivals happening in each city.
• Attend local cultural events : Check the calendar for any Portuguese festivals or celebrations. An important Portugal solo travel tip: these events are usually attended by locals and tourists and can be a great way to meet people while also learning a thing or two about the local culture.
• Volunteer : Not only will you be making a tangible change and giving back to a community, but volunteering in Portugal is one of the best ways to meet other travelers. Why not try teaching English in Portugal !?
• Commit to a membership at a club : Especially if you’re in a place for more than a week, join a gym, yoga studio, or shared office space to meet people with similar interests in the area.
• Take advantage of shared spaces : Open yourself up to new communities by spending time in social bars and coffee shops. This is especially convenient if you’re a digital nomad.

Portugal is one of my favorite places in the world. It’s a dream come true for all types of travelers but is particularly wonderful for solo female adventurers. 

Why is it such a top contender for solo travel, you ask? Well, other than an exquisite natural landscape and a history spanning millennia, it’s also relatively safe. Oh, and it’s an incredibly affordable option compared with the rest of Western Europe. 

Speak no Portuguese? No worries, English is super widely spoken, and friendly locals will almost always be willing to help you when needed. It’s this kindness and local warmth that makes it easy to navigate the country solo. Even as a solo traveler, you’ll never truly be alone while traveling Portugal. 

The combination of cultural heritage, exciting history, and natural wonder make it the perfect location for solo travel in Portugal . Hopefully, this guide will help you plan your itinerary, have a good idea of where you want to go and what you want to see, and understand basic safety advice. 

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Darren Griffiths

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Girl about the Globe

Making solo travel easier.

Solo Travel in Portugal

Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) – Cultural, Digital Nomad, History, Music, Ocean, Wellness, Wine GatG

If you’re looking for a fantastic travel destination in  Europe that is perfect for solo female travellers, Portugal should be on your list. This beautiful country in Europe offers plenty of activities and attractions for all kinds of solos. When you solo travel in Portugal, you can surf, sightsee, visit wineries and learn about Portuguese history as you visit stunning castles.

I spent a month in Portugal and loved my time here. To help you plan a solo trip to Portugal, I've put together a solo guide including the best places to visit in Portugal, how to get around and recommended tours and accommodations for solos. Just click on the relevant section or read the full article for Portugal solo female travel.

N.b. For every booking made through this article, I donate money to projects helping vulnerable girls about the globe. Thank you for helping to make a difference to their lives. 

Solo Female Travel in Portugal

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Travelling alone in Portugal is relatively easy. That's why I've given it 4 out of 5 stars. The Portuguese are usually very friendly people who are passionate about their country, culture, history and traditions which makes for a very interesting and unique culture.

It's also easy to get around and you can get by if you don't know any Portuguese although Spanish can sometimes help in the rural areas if you're struggling with being understood in English. 

Lisbon is a popular choice with digital nomads so you'll be able to meet others here especially if you join the Meet Up platform before you go. Selina is a chain of coworking places and hostels where you can mingle with others and attend their evening events. Portugal is also becoming a more popular destination for the wellness solo with plenty of yoga retreats you can book here. 

Yes! In recent years, Portugal has become one of the safest countries in Europe. Violent crime is almost nonexistent and petty crimes like pickpocketing happen very rarely too.

Portugal is safe and there are no known areas to avoid, but always be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when travelling at night.
 Try not to walk around alone in dark or deserted areas, and be aware of your surroundings.

Colares in Sintra National Park

Portugal is located in southern Europe. It borders Spain to the west and north, France on its eastern border, as well as Morocco across from Gibraltar Strait. This beautiful country is home to some of the most stunning scenery in Europe, and it offers plenty of activities and attractions that are perfect for solo travellers.

Portugal is divided into 7 different regions with the most popular being the Algarve in the south, Lisbon the capital, Porto and the north, central Portugal, and Alentejo. I've included an overview of the best destinations for solos below. 

* Before you solo female travel in Portugal, check what paperwork or visas are required for Portugal  

Lisbon is the country's hilly capital. It's built on seven hills so you'll need some comfortable walking shoes to get around. One of the best ways to see Lisbon is on foot, and there are plenty of walking tours available. This is a great way to learn about the city's history and culture while getting some exercise too!

The Castelo de São Jorge is a great place to visit if you want to learn about Portugal's history and culture. It was built by the Moors in 1147, but after being captured by Christians around 1250 it became a royal palace for many years until becoming state property again in 1834.

The Jeronimos Monastery is one of Lisbon's most popular tourist destinations and it's easy to see why. This beautiful monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the architecture is simply stunning.

Take a ride on the tram especially one of the historic trams, as they offer the best experience. Lisbon's trams are a fun way to get around the city, and they offer great views of the scenery too. 

Portuguese food is delicious so make sure to sample some local food when you're in the capital. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Lisbon. Be sure to try some of the traditional dishes like bacalhau (salt cod) and Pastel de Nata (Portuguese custard tarts). Take a food and wine tour or cook your own Pastel de Nata in a cooking class with a local baker. 

In the evenings, if you're looking to enjoy some nightlife but don't want to go out alone, you can meet others on a sunset boat party with a live DJ. Watch the sunset in front of the Belem Tower whilst cruising down the Tagus River. 

Tip – If you're planning on seeing a lot of attractions in Lisbon, it's worth considering a Lisbon Pass for 24, 48 or 72-hours. As well as free public transport and entry to the top museums and attractions, you can also save money in selected restaurants and shops too.

The stunning Belem Tower

When you're in Lisbon make sure to visit the Belem Tower . It's one of the iconic photos of the city and is a must-see for anyone visiting Lisbon. It's located on the banks of the Tagus River and offers views of the cityscape. Belem also produces its own version of Pastel de Nata called a Pastel de Belem. Cycle along the river from Lisbon to Belem on an electric bike tour!

Santa Marta Lighthouse in Cascais

Cascais is a small town in the Lisbon region of Portugal. It's known for its beautiful beaches, great restaurants and lovely architecture and is only 30 minutes from the city by train. One of the nicest beaches here is Guincho with gorgeous sand dunes just north of Cascais. If you don't mind walking, take a hike past the marina to the Santa Marta Lighthouse for an amazing photo. 

Sintra National Park

Pena Palace in Sintra

If you want to escape the city, take a day trip to Sintra National Park . Located in the foothills of Portugal's Sintra Mountains, this small town is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and some of the country's most beautiful buildings including Palácio da Pena (Palace on top) which looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale! This is one of the most stunning places I visited in Portugal. 

Central Portugal

Baleal in Peniche

An hour's drive from Lisbon heading up the coast is the small town of Peniche . Peniche is located on an estuary with gorgeous sand dunes which makes it perfect for surfing. The nearby beach in Baleal has great waves, so you'll never be far from some good surf spots.

If you're not into surfing you can visit the Museu Municipal de Peniche to learn more about the history of Portugal and its traditions. The museum is located inside the chambers of the Peniche Fortress.

Get a good view of the town and beach from the Phare de Baleal (the lighthouse) or just watch the surfers catching the waves whilst sipping a smoothie from one of the cafes in Baleal. It's a friendly place to meet other surfers. 

Ericeira is a small fishing village in Portugal that's known for its surfing, seafood restaurants and colourful houses. It has become increasingly popular with tourists over the years but retains much of its charm thanks to the local people who are very friendly towards visitors from abroad.

Things to do in Ericeira include surfing at Ribeira D'Ilhas, one of the most popular beaches for surfing in Portugal and trying some of Ericeira's delicious seafood at one of the restaurants located right by the ocean.

Just 30 km from here is Mafra National Palace (30 km away), an impressive 18th-century Baroque building with over two thousand rooms that was originally built as a royal residence but now houses a library and museum. 

Obidos is a small town located in central Portugal. It has been designated as one of the country's Seven Wonders because of its historic significance and beauty! One of the best things to do here is to walk along Óbidos' medieval walls, which date back to the 12th century.

The walls have been restored in recent years by local volunteers using traditional methods such as lime mortar and hand tools.

Monsanto is further inland. This small village located in central Portugal is known as the most Portuguese village in Portugal. It is famous for its unique and strange-looking architecture. The houses are built between and under huge granite boulders which have been shaped and carved over the years by the wind and rain.

Walk through the narrow streets and alleyways of this charming little village and enjoy the views of the rock formations that make up its buildings.

Coimbra is a city in the Centro Region of Portugal. It's known for its university, which is a must-see when visiting this city. One of the oldest in Europe, the University of Comibra was founded in 1290 and is one of the most well-known universities in Europe. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There isn't that much to do here so you only really need one or two nights.

Northern Portugal

Head to the north of the country and see the UNESCO city of Porto, with its historic centre and baroque churches. Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city and is known for its world-famous port wine houses, one of the most appreciated tipples in Europe. You can visit the Port Wine museum to find out more about port wine. 

But port isn’t the only thing to be found here. Porto has many museums and galleries for those who want to learn about Portuguese culture or history. The most famous here is the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis, the oldest in Portugal.

For contemporary art, head to Rua De Miguel Bombarda, a vibrant street with art galleries and cafes. Consider purchasing a Porto Card that gives access to museums and public transport if you're planning to be here for 1 to 4 days. 

Rua de Santa Catarina is the city's main shopping area where you'll find other restaurants and cafes within its pedestrian area. Avenida dos Aliados is a beautiful avenue within the city with grand buildings such as the Porto City Hall with its 70-metre tower monumental tower. 

Porto is a beautiful city and the best way to get a feel for this city is by walking around it. Walk along the River Duoro or explore Praca da Ribeira, one of Porto's picturesque areas. This riverside quarter has Medieval streets and alleyways that lead down to the Douro River. 

Hop on the funicular across the river to see the city from above or take a boat cruise to see the city's several bridges. There are many interesting places nearby that are worth visiting, such as the cities of Braga and Guimarães, or the Douro Valley. It's worth spending a few days here if you're interested in history or culture.

The Duoro Valley

If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, there is a region that shouldn’t be missed. Just along the border from western Spain is the area known as Douro. This region is known for its picturesque landscapes and vineyards that produce some of the best port wines in the world.

If you're a wine lover, this is definitely an area that you should visit and it's easily accessible on a day trip from Porto. Day trips usually include wine or port tastings and a boat cruise along this stunning river. This is the Duoro Valley tour I took.

Between Porto and Douro is Cinfaes, on the bank of the river Douro. Here is where you’ll find traditional villages in the Montemuro hills which you can visit and trek to, as well as historical monuments. You can also pick up unique Portuguese handicrafts within this area.

Another area that is easy to reach from Porto is Braga (approximately one hour by train). Braga is a city in the North region of Portugal. It’s the country’s religious centre and is known for its cathedral which is the oldest in Portugal).

Just outside the city is the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a popular pilgrimage site that features a large baroque staircase leading up to a statue of Jesus Christ. It's definitely worth a visit if you're interested in religious history and architecture.

The Coa Valley

Near the Spanish border is the Coa Valley. Heritage here dates back thousands of years, and there is even prehistoric rock art to be found within this valley in the northeast of Portugal. You can find engravings of mountain goats and horses from as far back as 22,000 BC as well as long-legged warriors with tiny heads from the Iron Age. The Coa Valley area is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and archaeological park.

Southern Portugal

The Algarve

If you want to spend your days lazing on sun-drenched beaches, indulging in beautiful seafood restaurants and nights enjoying a wild partying strip, then Portugal’s premier party destination is the perfect place for the beach and party girl about the globe. Albufeira is in the Algarve region of the country. 

This coastal city was once a fishing village and is now one of the popular destinations making it easy to meet other tourists here too. With a stunning Old Town area that’s packed with gorgeous restaurants and chic cocktail bars to enjoy, the infamous Albuferia strip is located only 20 minutes apart from each other. 

Just a 40-minute drive from Albufeira is the city of Faro. The Algarve coast is known for its beautiful beaches, so make sure to spend some time relaxing on the sand while you're in Faro. The most popular beaches are Praia de Faro (a long sandy one) and Praia de Marinha which is known as one of the best in the world. 

* Read more: Best Luxury Accommodation in The Algarve

Cork oak in Alentejo

Alentejo is a region in southern Portugal that's known for its rolling hills, cork oaks, vineyards and olive groves. It's a great place to visit if you're interested in nature, history or wine. Visit one of Alentejo's many charming villages, each with its own unique character and history.

Or take a walk or bike ride through the vineyards and olive groves that make up this beautiful landscape whilst sampling some of the region's delicious wine at one of its many wineries. One of the most popular things to do in Alentejo is to visit the medieval town of Monsaraz which is located on top of a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside.

For the history girl about the globe, head to Evora . Founded by Romans, this city is known for its ancient ruins, UNESCO World Heritage Site cathedral, and colourful tile-covered buildings. Take a walk through Evora's historic centre where you'll find charming cobblestone streets, old churches and houses covered in beautiful Portuguese tile work that feels like stepping back in time!

Make sure to visit the Roman Temple of Diana – one of Portugal's most famous monuments from antiquity! Evora is a great place to visit if you're interested in history and want to see some beautiful Portuguese architecture. 

N.b. Portugal also owns the Azores and Madeira Islands. Read here for Solo Travel To Madeira

Where I stayed in Coimbra

Portugal has all types of accommodation for different budgets. Stay in hostels or apartments in the cities, villas in the beach areas, guest houses or 3 to 5-star hotels. For something a bit more authentic you may prefer to stay in a pousada, a historical building such as a castle that has been restored into tourist accommodation. 

Hostels are a great way to meet other solos when you’re travelling alone and some have private rooms so you can still have your own space too. Hostels that I have personally stayed in and recommend are Selina in Porto , and Selina Peniche , Oasis Backpacker’s Hostel in Sintra . In Lisbon, the best hostels I stayed in are Lisbon Forever Hostel , and New Lisbon Concept Hostel.

I have personally stayed in all of the accommodations listed below and recommend them as solo female-friendly. For all other accommodations, click on the link below and search for the solo traveller reviews. * Check rates and availability for all accommodation in Portugal

Lisbon: Olissippo Lapa Palace – €€€

Is there anywhere better to stay in the capital of Portugal than a 19th-century palace? This hotel is simply stunning and is fit for the royals and Prince Charles has even stayed here! This hotel is one of the best hotels in Lisbon and one of the leading hotels in the world. But it does come with a price tag.  

Olissippo Lapa Palace was also the World Travel Awards Winner in 2019 as the ‘World’s Leading Classic Hotel.’ Simply put, this stunning hotel has the ‘wow’ factor.   Built in 1870, the hotel has three sections; Villa Lapa, the Palace Wing, and the Garden Wing. The hotel is romantic and elegant with beautifully manicured gardens and great views of the city and River Tagus.  * Check rates and availability for Olissippo Lapa Palace

Lisbon: SANA Malhoa Hotel – €€

If you are looking for a comfortable hotel in Lisbon with all the amenities, consider the SANA Malhoa Hotel. The SANA Malhoa is located in the Sete Rios district, just a 5-minute walk from the Placa do España metro station.  

In a contemporary design, the rooms are modern and decorated in light wood with plenty of natural light. They’re also soundproofed meaning that you can have a really quiet night’s sleep. Rooms also come with a safe to lock up your valuables when you go out for the day and there’s also an unlimited coffee machine in your room (you pay €1).

What I love about this hotel is that the staff are friendly and welcoming, the buffet breakfast is delicious and there’s also a Sayanna Wellness & Spa where you can work out, have a sauna or unwind in the jacuzzi.   * Check rates and availability for SANA Malhoa Hotel

Porto: Oporto Lux Apartments – €

I loved this apartment with its luxury design and living wall concept. The apartment was really clean and light. The bed and sofa were really comfortable and the kitchenette had everything I needed to cook my own meals.

It’s also close to the famous Lello Bookshop, plus it’s just a 2-minute walk from bars and restaurants so it’s a great place to stay if you want to go out in the evenings.   It really felt like a taste of luxury for a few nights. The apartments don’t have the name on the outside and look like a residential building so don’t get lost finding them as I did.   * Check rates and availability for Oporto Lux Apartments

The Algarve: Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa – €€

This clifftop accommodation is where I stayed in the Algarve. As well as fantastic views, a choice of bars and an infinity pool, one of the best features of this five-star hotel is the 2 Michelin-starred restaurant offering sumptuous cuisine, and there is also a wine cellar containing vintage finds. If you’re into health and wellness, you can pamper yourself in the spa or practise yoga and meditation (there’s even aerial yoga).

Situated in an expansive 50-hectare estate, since it opened in 1992, it has quickly become the pinnacle of luxury accommodations in the area and through the years. Even in spite of the introduction of newer names, it has remained unmatched and one of the best places on the Algarve to stay. Choose from a double room, premium suite or premium suite with a terrace. *  Check rates and availability for: Vila Pita Parc

Take a day trip to the Duoro Valley from Porto

G Adventures Portugal

Travel to Portugal on your own and you'll be able to navigate your way around but if you feel more comfortable in a group for either part of your Portugal trip or the whole duration, G Adventures is a responsible tour company that mainly caters towards budget travellers. Most tours to Portugal have an average of 12 people and there is no upper age limit.

Once you book your trip you pay extra for any excursions you want to do when you’re there. Trips start from a 7-day Highlights of Portugal tour starting in Lisbon and ending in Porto. Or spend 8 days on the Discover Portugal trip that also includes Evora.

If you are planning to include Spain on your itinerary, they also have a 14-day adventure experiencing the Best of Spain & Portugal or join their 10 days 18-to-thirtysomethings Spain and Portugal tour. There are several variations to choose from. I have personally used G Adventures and recommend them as a solo female-friendly company.  * Check rates and availability for G Adventures tours

Lisbon Free Walking Tour – Walking tours are ideal for meeting others and getting an overview of the city. Lisbon’s Free Tour runs twice a day in the mornings and the afternoons and is free to join. If you enjoy the tour, you just tip at the end! The tour lasts 2.5 hours and takes you to Lisbon’s most important sites.   * Check rates and availability for Lisbon walking tour

Portugal Day Tours

Make sure you take a day trip to Sintra National Park. It's stunning!

Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities and day tours in worldwide destinations including Portugal. Choose from a Lisbon sunset sailboat tour with drinks, a Pena Palace and park entrance ticket , a live Fado show with a glass of port wine or a dolphin watching and cave tour in the Algarve.

They use local tour companies and guides and there are several to choose from including Douro Valley tours (which I booked through here). Some of the tours require a minimum of 2 people but there are plenty to book as a solo and it's really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. Read my review here or click the link below for all tours.   * Check rates and availability for all Get Your Guide Portugal tours

Yoga Retreats in Portugal  

I love the Book Yoga Retreats platform . I booked my last yoga retreat in Portugal through them and found it really easy to use. I stayed at Oasis Backpacker’s in Sintra for 4 days and recommend the yoga teacher.

This complex has everything you need from a supermarket to a Nomad Cafe selling smoothies, a pizza restaurant and the best sushi restaurant. The beach is just a short walk away too. For 4 days/3 nights, this yoga holiday costs €275.  * Check availability for 4 days mini yoga holiday in Sintra

For other yoga retreats, Book Yoga Retreats list yoga and meditation retreats all around the world so you can find the perfect duration for you whether you're searching for a 3-day weekend retreat in Portugal or a week-long surfing and yoga retreat. Search by days, destination, price or most popular.   * Check rates and availability for all yoga retreats in Portugal  

Portugal is a great country to travel around by car and hiring a car is the best way to get around Portugal. The roads are well-maintained, there is lots of parking available and plenty of places to stop and visit along the way.

If you do drive, be aware that the roads around Sintra National Park are mountainous and windy so you may feel more comfortable getting local buses for this region. I have previously used Discover Cars and recommend them. * Check prices for car hire in Portugal

If you don't want to hire a car, you can also get around using trains and buses. Train travel is comfortable and convenient, but it can be expensive depending on where you want to go. You can take the train from Lisbon to Cascais and Sintra National Park for example. To get to the more rural areas such as Peniche you'll need to take a bus.

Buses are a great way to get around, especially if you're not comfortable driving on the right side of the road. The Rede Express bus network is extensive and covers most of the country.

There's also Flix Bus which is a cheap alternative to the Portuguese buses. You can travel from Lisbon to Porto with them. 

* Check destinations and times for trains and buses for Portugal

Best Time To Go To Portugal

Portugal is okay to visit any time of year depending on the activities that you want to do. The best time to visit Portugal is during spring (March to May) or autumn (September and October) when the weather isn't too hot and there are fewer tourists around. If you enjoy Christmas markets, you may prefer to visit Lisbon in December when the city is decorated with Christmas lights.  

If you’re planning on surfing in Portugal and you’re a beginner, May to September are good months to visit. For the more powerful swells, the best time is the end of the winter to the beginning of the spring.  

The winter months can be quite cold and rainy so be prepared that it may be cold inside some of the buildings as heating doesn’t seem to be very common. Especially in the northern part of Portugal such as Porto. The Algarve tends to be hotter so head to the south if you’re looking for heat.

The weather chart below shows the annual temperatures from January to December for Lisbon.  

To and From Portugal Airports

Here are the three busiest airports in Portugal. 

Lisbon Airport: This is the main international airport in Portugal and is located just outside of Lisbon. A taxi into the city will cost you approximately €14 for the 8-minute journey. Buses cost between €5 – €15 and take 12 minutes or you can catch the metro which can be the cheapest option at €7 and takes 16 minutes. Check here for how to get to and from Lisbon Airport. 

Porto Airport: The main airport in Porto is called Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) and is 6 miles away from the city centre. A taxi to or from Porto Airport from the city will cost approx €25 and takes 20 minutes (depending on traffic).

The metro is the cheapest option at €3 which leaves every 30 minutes and takes 27 minutes, or you can take a bus costing up to €14 for the 30-minute journey. Check here for how to get to Porto Airport.

Faro Airport: This is the main airport in the Algarve region and serves many international flights. A taxi from here into Faro will cost you approximately €12 for the 7-minute journey or take the bus for €4 which takes 18 minutes. Check here for how to get to Faro Airport.

Can I drink the water in Portugal?

The water in Portugal is generally safe to drink, but it's always best to stick with bottled water just in case. You can find bottled water almost everywhere in Portugal, so you won't have any trouble finding it.

Is tipping expected in Portugal?

It is not expected to tip in Portugal, but it's always appreciated! If you do want to thank someone for their service or kindness then it's good manners to leave a few euros behind. The average tip amount is around €0.50 per person at restaurants and cafes; however some people like giving more depending on how much they've enjoyed the service.

Is Portugal good for vegetarians?

Portugal is not the best place for vegetarians or vegans, as many of their dishes contain meat. However, you should be able to find something that suits your needs. Happy Cow has a list of vegan restaurants in Portugal .

Just make sure that when ordering at restaurants they don't add any non-vegetarian items like chicken broth or eggs into vegetarian dishes such as risotto or pasta without asking first.

Are there ATMs in Portugal?

Yes, there are plenty of ATMs all over Portugal. Just make sure that you have your debit or credit card on hand as not all machines accept foreign cards. You'll be able to find an ATM in most towns and villages, as well as at the airport and train stations.

What language do they speak in Portugal?

The Portuguese language is one of the most spoken languages in the world and has over 250 million speakers worldwide. It's a Romance language that's derived from Latin, so it's quite similar to Spanish and Italian. If you're planning on travelling to Portugal, then it's definitely worth learning a few basic phrases!

What is the currency? The currency in Portugal is Euro (EUR).

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10 Best Places in Portugal for Solo Travel

I reckon Portugal is one of the best (and most underrated) countries in Europe for solo travel – it’s beautiful, vibrant, good value, and has amazing beaches. It’s also got one of the best hostel scenes in the whole wide world. What’s not to love? Let’s look are some of the best destinations if you’re flying solo to Portugal this year.

The big cities are a lot of fun – with a buzzing nightlife and incredible cultural scene. Independent travel is thriving along the coast where you’ll find a laid-back surfer vibe present, even in the big beach resorts. But it’s also easy to get off the beaten path in Portugal if you want – just head inland.

And let’s just talk about those hostels for a moment. The Portuguese certainly take pride in their hostels – boutique design is par for the course here. Standards are high and most hostels also have an emphasis on social activities and always seem to offer something extra (bar crawls, BBQs, evening meals, free walking tours, yoga, wine tasting, beach runs, etc.). 

English is widely spoken amongst the younger generation in Portugal and public transport is easy to figure out. But if you’re apprehensive about solo travel in Portugal here are some go-to destinations where you’ll find everything you need for a stress-free solo trip – including hostels, good transport links, a bit of nightlife, and a range of activities and tours suitable for solo travellers.

One of Europe’s top city break destinations and digital nomad hotspots, capital city Lisbon is popular for good reason. Its cobbled streets, retro trams and tiled buildings are hugely atmospheric. Lisbon has fascinating historic sites, fado, and great bar scene. It’s not far from the beach. Oh, and don’t forget to eat custard tarts. Lots of them. 

There are so many amazing hostels in Lisbon that it’s hard to list them all. And considering their very reasonable prices, the hostels in Lisbon are excellent value for money. Every year they seem to dominate the HOSCARS (Oscars for hostels).

My personal favourite is the centrally-located boutique hostel Lisbon Lounge – the nightly social dinners were a highlight of my trip. The same team also run Living Lounge . If you’re travelling during the summer then the rooftop pool at Sunset Destination Hostel takes some beating though.

Not to be outdone, Portugal’s second city takes atmosphere into overdrive with its tile-fronted (and UNESCO-listed) buildings, riverside setting and hipster modern cultural scene. The cuisine here is amazing, as is befitting a city on with the Douro vineyards on its doorstep – take a food tour, wine-tasting, or hop on the wine train to explore the valley’s port lodges. 

It’s not to be outdone on the hostel front either. The art-filled Gallery Hostel is the classic choice; it was one of the original boutique hostels in town and still gets rave reviews. But The Passenger Hostel is the coolest hostel on the block – it’s located in a historic train station and takes design luxe to a new level. If surf is your jam check out Salty Days Lodge .

Lots of travellers don’t make it to inland Portugal, but picturesque Coimbra is well worth a day or two of your time if you want to break up a journey between Porto and Lisbon with a slice of local life. History nerds (and photographers) can geek out in the old medieval town at the wide array of monuments and architectural styles on display – from Roman to Moorish to baroque. It’s a university town and the large student population keeps things lively and cheap. The university buildings themselves are on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The Luggage Hostel is clean and modern and quiet, but if you’re looking for somewhere social then Hostel Se Velha or Serenata are better bets.

Welcome to Peniche, a sleepy fishing village turned surf capital of Portugal (and perhaps all of Europe). The seafood here is as spanking fresh as the Atlantic breeze. Around the bay is the Baleal peninsula where you’ll find beaches facing different directions – meaning there’s always a wave to ride. Baleal is popular with local surf schools and camps. The big waves are over at famed Praia dos Supertubos, where the Rip Curl Pro annual tournament is held, and at Nazaré.

The main attractions in Peniche are nature and surf-related (those endless sunsets!), and summer brings a buzz to the town. Non-surf highlights of the area include the Berlingas – a cluster of uninhabited islands 10km offshore which form a nature reserve, and the pretty town of Obidos. 

For accommodation, there’s no shortage of surf lodges. Check out the highly-rated Castaway Guesthouse , Surfies Baleal and The Peniche Hostel for starters.

Another top spot for surfers is the town of Ericeira, which is just 30 minutes from Lisbon. It’s proximity to the capital means it has a bit more life out of season – the sun-bleached streets are popular with weekenders from the city looking for ocean views and delicious food. 

Of all the hostels and lodges in town, Aktion Surf House stands out for its outdoor space and fun active vibes (though there are plenty of options closer to town). Outside Ericeira, Ondina Guesthouse has soothing boutiquey neutrals and – like many of the surf lodges – it offers yoga (either PAYG or packages) as well as surf lessons.

Cascais is Lisbon’s super fun beach resort outpost and is just 35 minutes on the regular commuter train from Lisbon. The area around Cascais is known as the Portuguese Riviera and features some fabulously colourful and unique villa architecture as well as a traditional resort feel. It has the perfect balance of city access and beach if you want to escape the heat of the city in summer.

The friendly and chic The Salty Pelican Beach Hostel has surf, yoga and BBQs on offer. The other top pick is the spacious Nice Way Cascais with its boutique design (including pod beds) and an outdoor pool.

Sintra is no stranger to Top Ten lists – the photogenic palace complex is one of Portugal’s top tourist attractions. But most tourists simply nip over to Sintra for a day trip – usually to visit the Pena Palace (pictured) – then back to Lisbon.

But if you do it that way you’re missing out because Sintra isn’t just the palace complex – it’s also a town and a national park (known as the Sintra-Cascais National Park). There’s magic in the air here, and the scenery here is beautiful. Staying in Sintra for a few days gives you the time to explore more of Sintra’s fairytale palaces, and also the park’s wild beaches – which are surprisingly crowd-free given its proximity to Lisbon.

The Almaa Sintra Hostel is an eco-hostel set in its own gardens, or you can even stay in a renovated palace at the quirky Sintra Nice Way hostel.

Portugal’s popular Algarve area is where most of the country’s summer tourism is based. Many skip through its capital Faro and head straight for the beach (and who can blame them – the beaches are epic), but Faro has a beautiful old town and is a good base for the region.

The city is surrounded by the extensive 5km Faro beach and the swirling lagoon sands of the Rio Formosa (complete with flamingos), pretty cobbled backstreets and the legacy of Moorish rule and the area’s fishing and salt panning heritage. The Algarve may be touristy but here you can still feel the local character.

Faro is a hub for cheap flights with Europe’s budget airlines (I recommend Skyscanner for finding the lowest fares), and it’s also the last major stop before Spain. Don’t miss a boat trip around the Rio Formosa.

Stay at Casa d’Alagoa for weekly BBQs and a great social atmosphere, whereas Wax Hostel is right on the beach and really nails laid-back coastal cool.

If you’re heading to Portugal because of all those photos you’ve seen of amazing beaches with giant rock formations and golden sand, then be sure to hit up the Algarve city of Lagos. It’s one of the best beach cities in Europe – with a lively party scene and several small town beaches plus close proximity to some of the Algarve’s stunners such as Praia do Camilo (pictured) with its famous wooden staircase. Lagos itself has a pleasant whitewashed old town with historic churches. 

For accommodation, Old Town Hostel is my pick for backpackers who like activities. Taghostel brings the boutique vibes. If what you’re after is beach chill, try the villa-style Bura Surfhouse which is a walkable distance from town but has a pool and an emphasis on relaxed vibes.

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Solo Travel in Portugal – The Ultimate Female Travellers Guide 2024

So you’re considering solo travel in Portugal ? That’s awesome, congrats! Travelling solo throughout this country was one of the best decisions I ever made, I loved every minute of it.

Solo travel in Portugal is a unique experience that allows you to discover the country’s hidden gems on your own terms. From exploring the bustling streets of Lisbon to soaking up the sun on the beaches of the Algarve, Portugal has something to offer for every type of traveller.

No doubt you’re wondering “Is Portugal safe for solo female travellers ?” or “What are the best places to travel solo in Portugal?”. I’m here to help answer all your questions so you’re ready to curate your own solo trip!

Solo Travel in Portugal – The Ultimate Guide

Portugal is without a doubt one of my favourite countries in Europe. This charming place in southwestern Europe is ideal for those who want to experience the beauty of Europe as a solo traveller.

Don’t worry if you speak zero Portuguese, English is pretty widely spoken and the friendly locals are always willing to help, making it easy to navigate through the country’s cities and towns.

Is Portugal safe for solo female travellers?

If you’re a solo female traveller planning your next adventure (or maybe it’s your first ever solo trip!), safety is undoubtedly at the top of your list of concerns. While Portugal is known for its stunning scenery and rich culture, is it safe for solo female travellers?

Yes absolutely! Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in Europe, throughout my travels never once did I feel unsafe or unwelcome. The country’s low crime rates and friendly locals make it a popular destination for all solo travellers.

As with any travel destination, it’s important to exercise common sense and take precautions to stay safe. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, avoid walking alone late at night, and keep an eye on your belongings. But overall, solo travel in Portugal is a safe and rewarding experience, you can take my word for it!

Best places to travel solo in Portugal

When it comes to exploring Portugal alone, there’s certainly no shortage of amazing places to visit!

First up, Lisbon . This vibrant city is perfect for solo travellers who want to immerse themselves in Portuguese culture. From the colourful streets of the Alfama district to the bohemian vibe in Barrio Alto plus of course, all the history this capital city holds, there’s plenty to see and do in Lisbon .

Things to do alone in Lisbon

• Visit Praca do Comercio
• Stop by Rossio Square
• Get lost in Alfama
• Have a drink in Bairro Alto
• Wander the streets of Baixa

If you’re looking for some relaxation and beach time, make sure you don’t skip a trip to the Algarve . This region boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and that is not an over-exaggeration. Expect beautiful blue water and picturesque golden sand.

Lagos is a great place to base yourself for solo travel in Portugal as it’s not too hard to get to, it’s busy enough to have a great buzz about it and there are some great hostels to choose from which make for a great way to meet fellow solo travellers.

Lagos was my favourite place in Portugal to travel solo and I would head back here in a heartbeat.

Things to do alone in Lagos

• Walk down the steps to the famous Praia do Camilo
• Visit Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse and enjoy the surrounding views
• Swim at Praia Dona Ana
• Wander around Lagos town and enjoy the markets by the coast

When you’re done with swimming and sunbathing, for a taste of history and culture, visit Porto . This charming city is famous for its port wine and historic architecture. Not to mention that it’s also an incredibly beautiful city!

As a solo traveller, you can explore the city’s landmarks and museums at your own pace, and take a leisurely stroll along the Douro River. If you would rather base yourself in a bigger city like Lisbon, it is possible to take a day trip to Porto from Lisbon as well.

Things to do alone in Porto

• Visit Porto Cathedral
• Stroll around Ribeira
• Browse Lello Bookstore
• Enjoy the art at Serralves Museum
• Grab a bite to eat at Mercado do Bolhão

Tips for solo travel in Portugal

When it comes to travelling solo it’s important to be prepared and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Of course, you don’t have to have everything planned down to the wire as travelling by yourself does come with a lot of added flexibility as opposed to travelling in a group but it is good to have an idea of what you want to do, where you want to go and how long you want to spend in each location.

Here are some tips from my experience of travelling Portugal solo!

• First and foremost, it’s important to research the areas you plan to visit before your trip. This will help you decide how little or how much you want to do in a particular location and will help you determine how much time you want to spend in each place. This doesn’t mean you need to go ahead and book your bus or train tickets to get you from city to city, these are easy to buy last minute, it’s more to help you calculate how much time you want to spend in Portugal so that you can get the most significant expense out of the way, flights! These are definitely good to book in advance so you get a cheap rate and there is plenty of other cheap flight hacks out there as well.
• Another essential tip for solo travel in Portugal is to stay connected . Make sure to have a working phone and internet access, whether through a local SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi device. These days it’s also possible to buy e-SIM cards for your phone before you’ve even arrived at your destination. Super handy as you don’t need to worry about fluffing around at the airport figuring out the best SIM card deal and no added anxiety of losing your original SIM card! This can be essential for navigating new places by yourself and staying in touch with loved ones who no doubt want to hear all about your awesome adventures.
• When it comes to accommodation, strongly consider staying in hostels . Hostels are not only budget-friendly, but also offer a great opportunity to meet other travellers and possibly even find a travel buddy for a day trip or two. I always try to stay in hostels when I’m travelling solo as they are just so much fun and a fantastic way to make friends. Do some research to check you’ve picked one that matches the vibe you’re after and you’ll be away laughing.
• Be confident! Even if it takes a bit of faking it till you make it!! You will be pushed outside of your comfort zone and you will be a better person for it – trust me.
• That confidence will come in handy when it comes to not being afraid to ask locals for recommendations on things to see and do. Portuguese people are generally friendly and happy to help tourists, so don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with someone.
• Finally, take advantage of public transportation . Portugal has a great network of buses and trains that can take you to all the major cities and sights. It’s an affordable and efficient way to travel around the country.

Best hostels in Portugal for solo travellers

As mentioned above I highly recommend staying in hostels during your solo trip to Portugal, just make sure you always check the most recent reviews are good ones.

It’s also good to look for a hostel with a lively atmosphere. These hostels always tend to be more social and therefore make it easier to meet people. Pay close attention to the location as well, you want something central so you’re not spending more than you need to on transport.

Extra bonus points if the hostel offers free breakfast! Even if it’s basic it gives you a chance to fuel up for the day while saving you $$.

And with those things in mind, here are some of the best hostels in Lisbon, Lagos and Porto.

Best hostels in Lisbon

• Goodmorning Hostel Lisbon  (Includes free waffles and nutella for breakfast, yum!)
• Home Lisbon Hostel
• Yes! Lisbon Hostel

Best hostels in Lagos

• Olive Hostel Lagos
• Banana Beach House Lagos (also a surf school if you want to do some lessons while you’re here)
• Sol A Sol Hostel

Best hostels in Porto

• Porto Spot Hostel (a very highly rated hostel with free breakfast)
• The House of Sandeman
• Hostel One Ribeira

Other accommodation options for solo travellers in Portugal

If you’re someone who prefers their own space and isn’t into the whole hostel thing, that’s okay too. There are still other budget-friendly options out such as guesthouses and bed & breakfasts that won’t hurt your wallet too much.

Here are some ideas:

• Inn Bairro Alto
• Pensao Praca Da Figueira
• O Elétrico Guesthouse
• LC’s Guesthouse
• Good Vibes – Lagos Guest House
• Canavial I & II Studios
• Lounge Inn Guest House & Apartments
• Residencial Lunar
• The Poets Inn

Best tours for solo travel in Portugal

For solo travellers in Portugal, there are many incredible tours that can enhance the experience and make for unforgettable memories. When booking a tour when travelling solo it’s worth checking the group size as smaller groups are a bit more intimate and offer more opportunities to get to know the people you’re spending the day with.

• City Walking Tours : One of the best ways to get to know a new city is through a walking tour. Many cities in Portugal offer walking tours that showcase the best of the city’s history, culture, and architecture. Check out this highly-rated Lisbon highlights tour .
• Food and Wine Tours : Portugal is renowned for its delicious cuisine and wine, and a food and wine tour is a perfect way to indulge in these treats while also learning about the local culture. Try this Douro Valley wine-tasting and lunch tour in Porto or this Undiscovered food tour in Lisbon.
• Surfing Lessons : Portugal has some of the best waves in Europe, making it a popular destination for surfers. For solo travellers, taking a surfing lesson from Lisbon or Lagos can be a great way to meet other travellers and have some fun in the sun. Especially if the groups are kept pretty small, who knows you might go grab a drink after the lesson with some of your fellow surfers!
• Wine Tours : Portugal is famous for its wine, and a wine tour is a great way to explore the country’s beautiful vineyards while also indulging in some of the best wines in the world. If there’s any place in Portugal to do a wine tour it’s Porto !

No matter what your interests are, there are plenty of tours in Portugal that cater to solo travellers.

How to get around Portugal as a solo traveller

When travelling Portugal solo public transport is going to be your new best friend! I find Rome2Rio especially helpful for planning how to get around in foreign countries.

One of the best ways to explore the country is by train. Portugal’s railway network offers an affordable and convenient way to travel between cities. The trains are modern, comfortable, and offer some stunning views of the countryside. You can easily purchase tickets online or at the train station.

If you prefer to take the bus, there are several companies that operate throughout Portugal. The buses are clean, comfortable, and a great way to see some of the smaller towns and villages. The bus fares can also work out to be cheap than the train fares which is good for when you’re on a budget.

Can you get around Portugal without a car?

Yes absolutely! The public transport system is fine for getting around to all of Portugal’s hotspots. The only time you’ll need a car is if you want to get off the beaten track but rental cars can be expensive, especially when you’re travelling solo.

If you happen to make friends along the way who would be happy to split the costs then maybeee it’ll be worth it but I still think public transport is more than sufficient for getting around.

It’s also important to note that driving in Portugal can be a little intimidating, so you’d want to make sure you’re comfortable with the rules of the road before hitting the pavement.

Is Uber cheap in Portugal?

When the only person to spilt the Uber fare with is yourself, no Ubers are not cheap in Portugal. They do however work out to be slightly cheaper than regular taxis so if you do find yourself in need of a lift then Uber is the way to go.

I managed to get around all of Portugal only ordering an Uber twice, once when I first arrived at the airport and second when I was leaving my hostel to get to the bus station because it was too far to walk with my luggage (another reason why hostel location is so important!).

Planning a trip to Portugal?

Grab my Portugal Itinerary Planner for just $9! Build a custom itinerary with ease and get access to a database filled with my accommodation, activity and dining recommendations for solo travellers.

FAQ: Solo Travel in Portugal

Is Portugal good for solo travel?

1000 times yes!!! And I hope this blog post has convinced you if you were on the fence because Portugal solo travel is so much fun. With the country being known for its welcoming locals, beautiful scenery, and rich cultural heritage, it’s a fantastic place to explore on your own.

With a well-developed transportation network and a variety of accommodation options, getting around the country as a solo traveller is easy and convenient.

How is the experience of travelling solo?

Travelling solo for the first time can be an enriching and transformative experience and one that I so recommend everyone try at least once. It allows for complete freedom and independence to explore new places, meet new people, and immerse yourself in different cultures.

Of course, solo travel can also come with its own set of challenges and risks, such as safety concerns and feelings of loneliness or homesickness. However, with proper planning and preparation, these challenges become less scary.

Overall, the experience of travelling solo can be a rewarding and unforgettable adventure. Who knows, you might find you even prefer travelling solo!

How many days in Portugal is enough?

When it comes to solo travel in Portugal, the amount of time you should spend here really depends on what you want to get out of your trip. I spent 6 weeks week in Portugal and spent some of this time volunteering in a hostel and happily would’ve stayed longer but for most trips, I’d probably recommend 7-10 days.

This will allow you to visit the most popular destinations such as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve region. It will also give you enough time to immerse yourself in the local culture and try some of Portugal’s famous food and wine. Of course, if you have more time, you can always explore further and discover hidden gems that are often missed by tourists.

In the end, the length of your stay depends on how much time and budget you have available, but a week to 10 days in Portugal is a good starting point for any solo traveller.

What is the best time to visit Portugal?

The best time to visit Portugal depends on what you want to do and see. If you are interested in beaches and outdoor activities, the summer months of June to September are ideal.

However, if you prefer to explore the cities and enjoy cultural experiences, the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October are perfect. The weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds.

Winter is also an option for those who don’t mind cooler temperatures and want to avoid the peak season crowds. You won’t find much snow in the cities either due to the mild climate. Portugal is a year-round destination, and each season offers unique experiences.

Conclusion: Solo Travel in Portugal

In conclusion, solo travel in Portugal can be a fantastic experience, even if you’ve never travelled solo before, it’s a great first-time designation. As a solo female traveller, safety is always a top concern, and Portugal delivers on this front.

It is a peaceful and friendly country, with welcoming locals and low crime rates. Plus, there are many affordable and comfortable accommodation options, making it easy to find a place to stay that suits your budget and preferences.

Of course, there are things other than safety and accommodation that make Portugal a great place to visit too. Like the delicious cuisine, with fresh seafood, pastries, and wine.

Then we can’t forget the gorgeous sights to explore!

From the historic streets of Lisbon to the stunning beaches of the Algarve region. With so many unique and breathtaking destinations to choose from, you’ll have no shortage of adventures to embark on during your solo trip to Portugal.

So why not take the leap and plan your solo adventure to Portugal today?

• Lisbon Solo Travel | The Ultimate Guide • Porto Solo Travel Guide | Is Porto Safe for Solo Female Travellers? • 5 Best Hostels in Lisbon for Solo Travellers • Best Greek Islands for Solo Travel, What You Need to Know • How to nail your solo travel photography game…and not look awkward!

Sammy Green is the owner and creator of My Blonde Bucket List, your go-to guide for unforgettable journeys to the world's best beach and mountain destinations, including the likes of New Zealand, Canada, and Portugal. She does this by creating blog posts about the best tips and resources on how to make the most of your time in each destination. Having travelled to 24 countries (and counting) her goal is to inspire you to experience all the world has to offer, whether that be on your first solo trip or with your significant other.

Solo Travel In Portugal: The Ultimate Guide (From A Local)

By Allison Baxley. This guide to traveling alone in Portugal contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Looking to experience  solo travel in Portugal  for yourself, but need help with the planning?

Then you’re in the right place!

Traveling solo in Portugal is easy, safe, and incredibly rewarding. For such a small country, you can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time and enjoy an impressive array of historical landmarks, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural experiences.

From castles, palaces, and old-world cities to beaches, waterfront hiking trails, and vineyard-flanked rivers, the country really has it all.

And that is just the beginning of what to look forward to when you visit Portugal .

Keep reading to discover some of the best destinations and attractions to fit into your Portugal solo travel itinerary.

As a local, I’m excited to share some of the many special experiences you can have here as well as insider tips that can help make female solo travel in Portugal safe, fun, and truly unforgettable.

⏳ Short on time? Here are some quick tips for traveling alone in Portugal: ☔ Safety: While Portugal is safe for solo travel, it’s still smart to pack travel safety essentials . One top pick is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves . 🚗 Renting A Car: Discover Cars  (save up to 70% using their comparison tool!) 🚅 Train Travel: Omio 🎉 Experiences: Viator (tours), GetYourGuide (tours), Fever (events), and EatWith (cooking classes & dining in local homes) 🏨 Accommodation: This map can help you pinpoint top-rated and budget-friendly accommodation in the Portuguese cities you’re visiting solo. It’s currently set to Baixa, Lisbon, but you can easily change it to your intended destination in Portugal. 🏥  Travel Insurance:  SafetyWing 📞  Staying Connected: Airalo eSIM

Table of Contents

Travel Portugal Solo With Confidence [Free Course]

But first, before we get into our solo travel Portugal guide, I invite you to grab a seat in Jessie’s  free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course .

The 6-day course is designed to help you feel confident about booking your first ever solo trip and exploring the world alone. If you want to know how to travel solo in Portugal, it can help.

Lessons include:

• Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them
• How to choose a good destination
• How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
• Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
• Essential steps for staying safe
• How to take amazing solo selfies

Once you’ve  grabbed your seat , read on for a Portugal solo travel itinerary and tips.

Is Portugal Safe For Solo Female Travelers?

Portugal is one of the best female solo travel destinations. Not only is the country one of the safest in the world, but its vibe is also very laid back, immediately putting you at ease. Plus, the ultra-friendly locals will instantly make you feel at home.

Violent crime in Portugal is very low, and other than typical precautions travelers should take, Portugal female solo travelers don’t need to worry about exploring this beautiful country safely. 

Portugal also has tons to offer those traveling alone. Digital nomad communities, expat groups, and social clubs offer frequent opportunities to meet other solo travelers and locals to plan activities or meetups.

The country is packed with culture, history, beautiful landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage sites, great local food, delicious wine, and friendly people. No matter which corner of Portugal you decide to explore, you won’t regret planning a visit. In fact, a solo trip to Portugal will likely leave you wishing you could move to Portugal !

Where Is Portugal?

Portugal is part of Western Europe; but it has only recently been discovered by American tourists in the last few years, despite being a popular respite from the cold for European travelers for much longer.

Located on the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula west of Spain and south of France , Portugal shares history and a border with Spain, but it has a unique identity all its own just waiting to be discovered by visitors.

Getting To Portugal

Portugal has three international airports to choose from depending on whether you want to start your adventure in the:

• north (Porto) – Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto Airport)
• south (Faro) – Faro International Airport
• the capital (Lisbon) – Lisbon Portela Airport (Lisbon Airport)

Lisbon Airport is the most popular in the country and is usually the cheapest to fly into. TAP Airlines also offers stopovers in Porto and/or Lisbon if you’re laying over on your way to another solo travel destination.

They are one of the only airlines that will allow you to stop over on your way to and from your destination. This could allow you to stop over in Lisbon and Porto to bookend another trip!

Getting Around Portugal As A Solo Traveler

Portugal offers several modes of transportation for solo female travelers. Trains, planes, and automobiles are all great ways to get around this relatively small country.

The rail system runs from north to south and through the most popular regions like the Algarve and can get you to popular spots like Cascais and Sintra.

Lisbon and Porto both have great subway systems as well as historic trams and extensive bus routes.

And there are many low-cost bus routes to take you around the whole country. 

By far, the best way to see off-the-beaten-path locations is to rent a car and drive yourself. Driving in Portugal is relatively easy as long as you don’t mind navigating narrow roads and steep hills. Roundabouts are plentiful, and the tollways are exquisitely maintained making travel on them quick and easy. 

How to rent a car in Portugal

Need to rent a car for your Portugal solo trip? Check out Discover Cars to quickly compare your rental options.

Tips for renting a car and driving in Portugal

• Don’t rent a car in Lisbon and Porto—use public transportation and/or walk
• Do get full-coverage insurance—as you never know what can happen while driving in a foreign country
• Do splurge on the Via Verde toll tag if you plan to drive a lot as it will save you loads of time not having to stop and dig out your coins at the plentiful toll stations
• Automatic cars are available but can cost significantly more—go stick if you can handle it
• Portuguese drivers like to go fast, so stay to the right if you can’t keep up
• Americans do not need an international driver’s license—a valid American driver’s license is accepted

Portugal Travel Map

To help give you a lay of the land for exploring this wonderful country, here is a map:

It has some of the main points of interest mentioned in this Portugal solo female travel guide pre-plotted to make it easy for you to transfer to your phone and start exploring.

Solo Travel In Portugal: Where To Go

Now let’s discuss where to actually go during solo travel in Portugal. While there are many options for great destinations, a few top picks include:

When it comes to the best places to visit, most international flights land in the country’s famous capital city , Lisbon, and this is a great place to start your solo female adventure in Portugal. 

There are many museums to peruse, such as the Azulejo Tile Museum or the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT), which are both very much worth visiting.

Ride the historic 28 Tram to glimpse some of the city’s best sights, or stroll through the Graça neighborhood to check out some of the incredible street art.

Miradouros , or viewpoints, are everywhere throughout this city of seven hills. Book an electric eco-tuk tour and allow your guide to show you to some of the best miradouros in Lisbon. 

If you’d rather shop ’til you drop, wander around the Chiado neighborhood or head further north to Avenida da Liberdade for high-end ateliers.

Walking is one of the best ways to see Lisbon, but there are also public transport trams and the subway if you prefer.

Of course, you can always hire a car using Uber or Bolt (Portuguese Uber). Getting around safely is easy, even at night.

If you’re feeling peckish, book a local food tour or head down to Time Out Market Lisbon to grab a bite at one of the local vendors and then walk along the waterfront toward Praça do Comércio to take in the view across the river to Almada. From there, meander through the cobblestone streets and hills of popular nearby neighborhoods like Baixa , Alfama , and Chiado . 

A quick train or ferry ride will take you across the river to the Setúbal Peninsula where there are amazing beaches along the Costa da Caparica , or take the 40-minute train ride along the coast to  Cascais for a beach day in this charming seaside town.

Fairytale Sintra is only an hour’s train ride away, where you can while the day away in the myriad castles, palaces, and gardens.

Solo travel in Lisbon can be as fast-paced or as slow as you like. Portuguese people are notorious for living slowly and enjoying the moment. 

Lisbon Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Lisbon . Lisbon Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Lisbon .

Once you’ve experienced the cosmopolitan vibes of Lisbon, rent a car or take the 3-hour train ride to magical Porto to enjoy its riverside setting.

Book a hotel overlooking the Douro River, sip Port wine, eat a francesinha (layered, meat-filled sandwich covered in melted cheese and a tomato-based sauce), and head across the river to the city of Vila Nova da Gaia to explore the Port wine caves (storage cellars offering tours and tastings).

Walking tours are popular in Porto—and Lisbon for that matter—and there are several companies that offer a free walking tour each morning at a designated meeting point. It’s a great way to see the city from the eyes of a local and a great way to start the day!

An unmissable adventure is a day trip to the Douro Valley to visit the wineries and do a Port wine tasting.

There are several ways to get there, but the most popular day trip from Porto is a Douro River cruise . Some options offer multiple winery stops plus lunch and tastings as you take the day to wonder at the beautiful landscape of hillside vineyards. It truly is a sight unlike any other in the world!

In terms of how long to stay, it’s recommended to spend a minimum of 3 days in Porto to experience the top highlights.

Porto Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Porto . Porto Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Porto .

The Algarve

No solo female travel in Portugal experience would be complete without a stop, or two, or three in the premier beach destination of the Algarve region.

Take the scenic drive through the center of the country along the A1 which connects north to south, or hop on a quick flight from Porto to Faro. From there you can pick up a rental car or use the rail system to explore.

The southern coast of Portugal, also known as the Algarve, has been attracting European holidaymakers and expats for a while; but, in recent years has become more popular with Americans as well.

Temperate weather year-round makes it a great place to visit no matter when you go. In fact, visiting the Algarve in the off-season can allow you to avoid the crowds and enjoy some of Europe’s best beaches all to yourself. How’s that for a solo travel win? 

Popular Algarve destinations include Lagos , Albufeira , Portimão , and Tavira , but you can’t go wrong with any town in this area, as they all offer an amazing time.

Algarve solo travel can be amazing as you have the freedom to explore all the different and unique towns. Each one has its own distinct character, so it can be fun to beach-hop through several until you find the one that’s right for you. 

Algarve Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in the Algarve . Algarve Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in the Algarve .

More Popular Travel Destinations In Portugal

The islands of the azores & madeira.

Madeira and Azores solo travel has skyrocketed as the islands have become more well-known. These are both popular hiking and outdoor destinations, so if getting back to nature is your goal you must make time to enjoy a few days of Portuguese island life.

Also, if you’re interested in exploring eco-tourism in Portugal , both of these destinations have many options.

First of all, the Azores is the world’s first archipelago certified as a Sustainable Tourism Destination under the  EarthCheck Sustainable Destination program .

Moreover, Madeira has numerous eco-friendly experiences, like visiting The Laurisilva  (Laurel Forest), a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its impressive biodiversity. It also plays an important role in maintaining the island’s hydrological balance.

There is a lot to do on this island, and you could easily spend a week in Madeira or more if you have the time to allot!

Azores Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in the Azores . Azores Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in the Azores . Madeira Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Madeira . Madeira Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Madeira .

Silver Coast

An under-the-radar area in Portugal, the Silver Coast has beautiful beaches, charming towns, and a bit more authenticity than some of the more touristy areas. It’s a great destination for a beach holiday alone .

Check out the big waves at Nazaré , or go for a more casual surf at some of the best surf beaches in Portugal — Peniche and Ericeira . The latter is home to some of the best yoga and surf retreats in Portugal .

Caldas da Rainha is nearby and offers a taste of authentic Portuguese life, and Óbidos is a medieval walled castle town that will make you think you’re in a Disney movie. 

Silver Coast Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Nazare . Silver Coast Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Nazare .

Tips For Taking A Solo Trip To Portugal 

There is no shortage of places to visit, day trips to take, castles and palaces to Instagram, traditional and trendy restaurants to try, and experiences to have when traveling Portugal solo.

Renting a car is the absolute best way to get off the beaten path when you visit Portugal. While the rail and bus systems are great, there are many magical places to see in the country that are quite far from the nearest train station.

That being said, because they are not as easily accessed by public transportation, they usually have fewer crowds and feel more special!

And as a bonus for solo travelers willing to self-drive, you’re the only one in charge of where to go next. That kind of freedom and flexibility goes a long way in a small country like Portugal. You could see all four corners in just a few weeks if you put the pedal to the metal. It’s one of the main benefits of solo travel .

As with any trip, practice caution, especially at night, in crowded tourist spots, and when you find yourself completely alone. You might also pack some travel safety essentials .

That being said, in general, Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world and offers a safe environment.

Costs Of Solo Travel To Portugal

Accommodation.

While Portugal can be much cheaper than other Western European countries, it is really only as cheap as you make it.

One thing to love about travel in Portugal is that there are always options from low- to high-end. A hostel can cost as little as €20, and a 5-star hotel or resort can run more than €300 per night.

Vacation rentals tend to be on the cheaper side compared to hotels and the amount of space you can get, but if you’re staying in some of the most popular locations during peak season, be prepared to pay for quality.

The cost of food in grocery stores tends to be much cheaper than in the U.S., especially when you consider organic products; however, restaurants run the gamut.

A traditional Portuguese lunch of soup, main, dessert, and either coffee or a beer/glass of house wine can cost as little as €6-10, while an organic brunch dish can double that.

There are a million local Portuguese restaurants to choose from, and amazing seafood can be cheaper if you choose the right place; but, you can also find tons of Michelin-star restaurants too.

The restaurant world really is your oyster and there are plenty of places for any travel budget .

You’re in luck if you’re a beer or wine lover in Portugal. A small draft beer can be as cheap as €1, and a glass of house wine will run as low as €3.

Even in a nice cocktail bar or fancy restaurant, premium drinks are much cheaper than in other parts of Europe and the United States, quite often coming in under €10.

A delicious oat milk latte at a trendy coffee shop will surprise you at under €5, while an espresso, or bica , is usually just €0,50.

An excellent bottle of wine can be bought in the grocery stores or a nicer wine shop for under €15. While a very decent bottle can also be purchased for €3.

While tipping is not usually expected, the Portuguese people do appreciate a small token of your appreciation if you enjoyed your service. Typically, 5-10% of a larger bill is appropriate. If it’s a smaller bill, rounding up to the nearest Euro or leaving your small change will suffice.

At nicer or more touristy spots a service charge may automatically be included, so make sure to check your bill.

Transportation

• E-scooters and bike rentals are popular and sometimes even free. 
• Rail tickets, especially if booked well ahead, can cost pennies on the kilometer.
• Car rentals in the high season can be pricey, as can gas/diesel but offer the most flexibility. Prices for rental cars fluctuate with the tourist season, as can inventory, so book well ahead of your visit. During the off-season, cars can be rented for about €20/day.
• Trams cost a considerable amount more per ride, but if you intend to take more than 3-4 rides during a 24-hour period it makes more sense to buy a day pass.

Activities during your Portugal trip can be quite affordable as there are many providers competing for business. For example, a boat trip to visit Benagil Cave in the Algarve can cost as little as €20 per person.

Costs of travel in Portugal span a broad range making it affordable for every budget as long as you do your research.

Portugal Tours For Solo Travelers

Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to traveling alone . While many people find travel i ng solo fun , others would prefer to have a guaranteed group of companions to explore with.

If you fit into the latter camp, a few group tours that have itineraries in Portugal and welcome solo travelers include:

• GAdventures
• Intrepid Travel

Do You Need Travel Insurance For Portugal?

When visiting Portugal—or anywhere else in the world—it’s wise to get travel insurance.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage—including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Travel In Portugal

Q: when is the best time to visit portugal.

While you can visit Portugal any time of year, the spring and fall seasons are generally considered the best time if you want to enjoy comfortable weather and many great things to do while avoiding the summer crowds and high prices. During the winter months, it is considered too chilly to visit the beaches.

Q: Do locals speak English in Portugal?

English is widely spoken in Portugal, particularly in the big cities and tourist destinations.

Q: Is it safe to travel Portugal independently?

Portugal is considered very safe, and you can travel solo without worrying—though you should of course keep basic safety precautions in mind.

Final Thoughts On Solo Travel In Portugal

As a solo female traveler, you don’t need to limit yourself while visiting Portugal.

Safe and reliable transportation, welcoming people, rich history and culture, historical monuments, a variety of picturesque landscapes, and burgeoning hipness all make Portugal the next place you should visit as a solo female traveler.

Whether you’re looking for Portuguese culture, history, beauty, or fun, Portugal has it all. The options really are endless!

What would you add to this guide to solo travel in Portugal?

Enjoyed this solo female travel Portugal guide? Pin it for later!

About The Author

Allison Baxley is a wife to her high school sweetheart, mother of two young children, former advertising creative director, and creator of RenovatingLife.com . She and her family uprooted their comfy lives in Brooklyn in order to start fresh in Cascais, Portugal. After living the rat race that is NYC for 11 years, they decided they wanted to slow down, enjoy more of what the world has to offer, and live life with more intention. In addition to her blog, you can find her on Instagram , TikTok , Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more fun Portugal content.

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Thank you for sharing this travel-related information…

Thank you for sharing travel related information… Columbus Tourism – Travel agent in Ahmedabad, Book the best domestic and international tour packages of your choice. We offer the best deals on holiday packages. Established in the year 2015 we are a niche travel agency providing effective tour packages and traveling services with the comfort and satisfaction of our clients being at the core of our service delivery.

I visited Portugal with my partner a couple of years ago, and I’m considering going back solo. Thanks for your tips here!

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Portugal Solo Travel Guide: 21 Best Places (2024)

From the narrow streets of Lisbon to the rugged Algarve coast, Portugal solo travel is something you’ll want to experience again and again.

Over the last 2 years, I’ve returned to Portugal time after time, exploring this country from top to bottom, all on my own. After visiting its historic cities, its lush volcanic islands covered in waterfalls, and its colorful fairytale castles, I’ve become convinced that Portugal is pretty much the ultimate solo travel destination!

Not only is it one of the safest countries in Europe, it’s also beautiful, charming, and affordable. Plus, Portuguese cities are super walkable, and public transportation makes getting around easy.

Whether you’re exploring Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Madeira, Azores, or beyond, there are tons of opportunities to meet new people while exploring Portugal’s culture, food, and history.

In this guide, we’ll cover all the best places for solo travel in Portugal, what to eat and do on your own, how to get around, and tips for staying safe while making the most of your adventure!

SOLO TRAVEL TIPS

• Purchase travel insurance in case of an emergency
• Stay in or book tours through a hostel to meet other solo travellers
• Learn some basic Portuguese, especially if you plan to visit remote locations
• Wear pick-pocket proof clothing and keep your purse or bag in front of you

Table of Contents

Is Portugal Safe for Solo Travel?

Before planning solo travel to Portuga l , it’s normal to wonder if Portugal is a good place to travel alone, or if Portugal’s safe for solo female travellers.

After a number of solo trips to Portugal, I can assure you Portugal is a very safe country to visit. Most of its popular destinations are counted among the safest European cities for solo female travel. Plus, Portugal consistently ranks among the top 10 most peaceful countries according to the Global Peace Index .

The locals are warm and friendly, and the country has a low crime rate, stable political infrastructure, and little risk of natural disaster.

Not only is Portugal a safe and crime-free destination, this country takes health and environmental protection seriously. When visiting Madeira, I was thrilled to see that the majority of local restaurants voluntarily participated in a clean and safe sanitation initiative.

While you have to watch for pickpocketing like everywhere in Europe, most Portuguese cities are free from any dangerous areas you have to avoid, making it super easy to travel Portugal on your own.

Just remember to stay alert, keep your belongings close, At night, stick to well-lit streets and try to find a friend to walk home with. Or better yet, just call a taxi.

RESPONSIBLE EXPATS & DIGITAL NOMADS

Portugal is a very welcoming place, with lots of American tourists and expats moving to the country thanks to the great weather, affordable housing market, and government-sponsored visa programs. However, responsible travelers should be aware that this trend has had negative consequences for Portuguese citizens. Anyone planning a long-term stay should be mindful of where they choose to stay, and be sure to apply for the Temporary Stay Visa so that your presence leaves a positive impact on the local economy.

Best Places for Solo Travel in Portugal

With so many charming cities and dreamy beach towns, choosing the best place in Portugal for solo travel is not an easy task!

If you’re lucky enough to have the time and resources, I strongly advise that you actually don’t do any choosing at all. Instead, visit every single one of these Portuguese gems.

Afterward, if you can’t bring yourself to return home, well, I can’t say I would blame you. Just don’t hold me responsible, okay? You can’t say I didn’t warn you.

QUICK GUIDE

1. Lisbon | 2. Algarve | 3. Porto | 4. Madeira | 5. Azores | 6. Lagos | 7. Faro | 8. Albufeira | 9. Douro Valley | 10. Sintra | 11. Cascais | 12. Obidos | 13. Ericeira | 14. Aveiro | 15. Coimbra | 16. Braga | 17. Tavira | 18. Sagres | 19. Portimao | 20. Alfama | 21 . Belem

Adorable yellow trams, romantic waterfront monuments, and more character and charm than nearly any other city in the world, Portugal’s capital city is a great place to go if its your first time solo traveling.

Stroll through the dreamy pastel streets of Lisbon’s historic district, fall in love with the creamy signature pastry, pastel de nata , and walk in the footsteps of explorers from Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Lisbon solo travel is an adventure I highly recommend!

One of the best things to do alone in Lisbon is to explore the enchanting neighborhoods of Alfama, Belem, and Bairro Alto. Let’s check out what they’ve got in store for you.

Alfama is the oldest district in Lisbon known for the narrow winding streets and traditional Portuguese architecture that survived a major 1755 earthquake. I really enjoyed the neighborhood’s nostalgic atmosphere with its colorful houses, hanging laundry, and lively cafes. Make sure you check out:

• Castle of Sao Jorge: Explore the immaculately maintained 11th-century castle and its breathtaking views.
• Fado Show: Discover the musical genre that originated in Lisbon while you enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner.
• Portas do Sol: Soak in the views at the city’s best miradouro .

Located to the west of Lisbon’s city center, Belem is known for its rich history, often detailed through stunning Manueline monuments with intricate carvings that tell the story of the Age of Discovery. Explore the major attractions:

• Belem Tower: Once the point of disembarkation for Portuguese explorers, and now one of the best Lisbon Instagram spots .
• Jerónimos Monastery: A gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site where Vasco de Gama is buried.
• Pasteis de Belém : Visit the famous pastry shop that keeps its dessert recipe under lock and key! Trust me when I tell you that their pastel de nata is well worth the crazy long line.

BEST LISBON DAY TRIPS

Stay at any of these top hostels and hotels in Lisbon for solo travelers , but make sure you leave time to explore the surrounding towns and beaches on a day trip. Each of these spots is less than an hour and a half from the city.

Land of fairytale castles. Don’t miss the colorful Pena Palace or the mysterious Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira.

Beauty and relaxation await at any of the best beaches in Cascais .

Whitewashed buildings and laid-back vibes. Surfing and sunbathing are two of the best things to do in Ericeira .

The cutest medieval town! Exploring the ancient castle is just one of the many incredible things to do in Obidos .

PRO TIP: If you can only choose one, I recommend Sintra, followed by Obidos!

LISBON SOLO TRAVEL RESOURCES

• The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide to Lisbon, Portugal
• 35+ Things to Do Alone in Lisbon as a Solo Traveler
• Instagrammable Lisbon: 37 Best Photo Spots with Map (+Sintra!)
• 10 Best Places to Stay in Lisbon for Solo Travelers

Portugal’s rugged southern coast is absolutely mesmerizing. An Algarve solo travel experience is filled with golden sand beaches, white-washed villages, and rock formations that tower over the blue sea.

I won’t deny it. I fell head over heels for this enchanting land of hidden sea caves and colorful sunsets.

BEST ALGARVE DAY TRIPS

With 300+ days of sunshine a year, it’s no wonder so many people consider the Algarve the best place in Portugal for solo travel.

Be sure to add these stunning spots to your itinerary:

My absolute favorite place in the Algarve thanks to Ponta da Piedade, a breathtaking headland filled with golden yellow rock formations and picturesque arches.

Deserted islands, a chapel made of human bones, and the gateway to one of Portugal’s seven natural wonders. This small town packs a big punch.

Head straight for Praia da Rocha, one of the Algarve’s most famous beaches. Don’t even think about moving from your beach towel until it’s time to reapply that sunscreen.

Some say this is one of the most beautiful places in the Algarve. Are they correct? You’ll have to visit and find out for yourself!

Embark on an excursion to Benagil Cave, famous for its natural skylight and spacious golden sand beach.

Once believed to be the end of the world, this solo travel hotspot is home to some of the best surf waves in the world.

PRO TIP: If you want to explore as much of the Algarve as possible, base your in the same town as the airport. From there, the rest of the region is easy to visit on a number of exciting day trips from Faro .

ALGARVE SOLO TRAVEL RESOURCES

• The Ultimate Algarve Solo Travel Guide

Narrow houses with colorful hues. Boats gliding across the Douro River. Glass of port wine in hand. There’s a reason that Porto solo travel is on the rise!

Don’t let the nickname Lisbon’s little sister fool you, this city in Northern Portugal is an amazing place filled with massive azulejo murals. Plus, it’s home to Livario Lello, the bookstore said to have inspired part of Harry Potter.

Don’t forget to head across the Dom Luis I bridge to check out the historic port wineries and impressive Porto viewpoints in charming Vila Nova de Gaia.

BEST PORTO DAY TRIPS

Have a little more time? Awesome! If Douro Valley’s already on your itinerary, then check out some of these other cool Porto day trips:

Academics and history buffs will love exploring the University of Coimbra, Portugal’s oldest university and the oldest in Europe still in use today.

This two-thousand-year-old destination is home to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, one of the most Instagrammable places in Portugal. Kind of ironic, huh?

Is Aveiro worth visiting? That all depends on how badly you want to see the picturesque Moliceiro boats and canals of the Venice of Portugal . My two cents? This day trip is only worth it if you include the nearby beach of Costa Nova and its famous striped palheiros .

PORTO SOLO TRAVEL RESOURCES

• The Perfect Solo Travel Guide to Porto
• 16 Phenomenal Port Wineries in Porto
• Porto Viewpoints: 11 Mesmerizing Miradouro Views

DOURO VALLEY

Alright, I’m just going to say it: the Douro Valley is the most beautiful wine country in the world! Bold claim, I know. But after visiting a handful of the best wineries in Douro Valley on my Portugal solo travel journey, I’ll stand by this statement until the end of time.

This place is like stepping into a real-life painting, surrounded by lush, terraced vineyards and the glittering Douro River. Head to the gorgeous quintas for tasting and tours before a quick Rabelo boat trip to take in more of the scenery.

Often called the Hawaii of Europe, Madeiro solo travel is a huge adventure filled with more natural wonders than you can even imagine. I can’t recommend this spot more for avid hikers. The island’s Levada trails have insane views of plunging waterfalls, untamed jungles, and a canopy of clouds.

With beautiful black sand beaches, awe-inspiring sunsets, and refreshing natural lava pools, this island is home to Europe’s first digital nomad community. Plus, Madeira has its own unique world-famous wine and a heavy dose of nature and relaxation. It’s easy to see why this archipelago is one of the best places for solo travel in Portugal!

MADEIRA SOLO TRAVEL RESOURCES

• Madeira Solo Travel: A Magical Solo Trip Guide
• Santana Madeira Houses: Traditional Island Homes

AZORES ISLANDS

Thermal baths and epic hiking paths! Azores solo travel is a completely enchanting experience thanks to its steaming hot springs, lush, tropical forests, and incredible outdoor adventures! Like Madeira, the natural environment here is almost surreal. Multi-colored lakes nestled inside craters, volcanos that cook you dinner… Honestly, you’ve just got to see it to believe it.

While these quiet islands are admittedly not the best place for making new friends, staying at the right hostel or booking organized day tours can make things easier… Unless you need some time to yourself, in which case, Azores is absolutely the best place in Portugal for solo travel!

AZORES SOLO TRAVEL RESOURCES

• Azores Solo Travel: An Epic Adventure Guide

Check out this Portugal solo travel map to plan out your journey and get familiar with all the best places for singles and solos.

Best Things to Do in Portugal

Wondering what to do on a solo trip to Portugal? You won’t be wondering much longer! Portugal is a fascinating European country with an incredible amount of things to do. Open up your notes app, because your Portugal bucket list is about to be filled to the brim.

Learn Portuguese History

One of the most fascinating parts of traveling to Portugal alone is learning about its rich and diverse history. From its Moorish-influenced architecture to its strong ties with the Catholic Church, there’s a lot to uncover. Explore castles, churches, and monuments that remain from centuries past. As you go, chat with locals who are eager to share stories about

• Fado: Fado is a traditional Portuguese genre of music, characterized by its haunting melancholic melodies, often centered around the sea and the poor. You’ll find the best fado in Lisbon along the cobbled streets of the historic Alfama district.
• Azulejos: Azulejos are decorative blue and white ceramic tiles that are a fundamental part of Portuguese architecture and culture. Just walking around Portugal’s neighborhoods is like exploring a living art gallery.
• Age of Discovery: Portugal’s seafaring age shaped the country in so many ways. No Portugal solo travel experience is complete without tracing the footsteps of Vasco de Gama in Belém.

Discover Portugal’s Beach & Surf Culture

Between the golden sand, enchanting rocky coastline, and some of the biggest waves in the world, skipping out on the best beach towns in Portugal would be a totally missed opportunity.

Whether you want to learn to surf in Portugal or just relax on the shore, there are over 500 beautiful beaches with space for you to spread your towel.

• Surfing: Portugal is a surfer’s paradise, thanks to its extensive coastline with consistent waves all year long. Definitely check out Nazaré, known for its record-breaking waves, and Peniche, a renowned surfing destination that hosts the annual World Surf League Championship.
• Beaches: Portugal’s beaches are famous for their breathtaking beauty and diversity from the sun-kissed cliffs of the Algarve coast or the windy shores of Portugal’s best surf towns.
• Islands: Get off the beaten path during your solo trip to Portugal and pay a visit to the otherworldly fanal forest and black sand beaches of Madeira and the Azores.

Taste Portuguese Food & Wine

While not as famous as its eastern neighbors, Portugal’s food scene has witnessed growing international interest in the last decade. Give it another few years and you just might start seeing the best food in Portugal popping up on menus around the world.

• Portuguese Cuisine: Portugal’s gastronomy is a culinary journey through the country’s rich heritage. Fresh seafood, succulent meats, and flaky pastries are a few of the best things to eat in Portugal. Don’t leave without trying bacalhau a bras , or the famous pastel de nata .
• Port Wine: Renowned worldwide, Port Wine is a sweet, fortified wine that originated in Northern Portugal. Your solo travel journey won’t be complete without visiting the traditional cellars and port wineries in Porto to learn about port wine history and production.
• Douro Valley: A UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its breathtaking terraced vineyards that produce Port Wine grapes, a day trip to the beautiful Douro Valley wineries is a day well spent.

Sightseeing in Portugal

From world-famous monuments like Sintra’s Pena Palace to lesser-known gems like the Roman ruins of Évora, there’s no shortage of fascinating things to see and do during Portugal solo travel.

• Fairytale Castles: Portugal’s palaces are absolutely mesmerizing. From Monserrat’s unique Moorish beauty to the baroque grandeur of the Mafra National Palace, it’s no surprise that these scenic castles are some of the best photo locations in Portugal.
• Medieval Villages: Step back in time on a day trip to the well-preserved castle walls and cobblestone streets of Obidos . This charming town is one of the only places you can visit on a day trip from both Lisbon and Porto!
• Miradouros: There’s no better way to appreciate the sunsets in Portugal than from one of the country’s famous miradouro viewpoints. The golden hour panoramas I enjoyed from a few different Porto miradouros are what made me fall in love with this charming European nation.

How to Solo Travel in Portugal

Solo travel in Portugal is an incredibly rewarding and unique experience. With its amazing beaches and vibrant cities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful country.

Whether you’re a first-timer looking to explore the culture or an experienced traveler searching for adventure, here are some tips and tricks on how to make your solo journey through Portugal one of the best trips of your life.

Making Friends

Making friends as a solo traveler in Portugal can seem daunting, but it certainly doesn’t have to be. With an open mind and a little effort, you’ll find yourself surrounded by locals eager to share their knowledge about the country and local culture.

Here are some tips on how to make friends while traveling alone in Portugal:

• Facebook Groups: There’s an incredible network of solo female travelers looking to meet up with others, especially in Lisbon! Find the local Gone Girl International group for your destination and you’ll make new friends in no time!
• Hostels: It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of hostels, but even if you don’t stay at one, you can still book tours through certain hostels which increases your chances of meeting other solo travelers. (PS: You can always book a private room!)
• Food Tours: I’ve had a lot of luck making friends through food tours, particularly the somewhat boozy ones! IMO, it’s way less awkward than a pub crawl since there are small groups and everything is centered around an organized activity.

In today’s world, danger is everywhere, including both at home and abroad. If you want to know how to travel alone safely, do your research and know what to expect.

While nothing can guarantee a lack of surprises, I’d be willing to bet that most solo travelers are thrilled by the process of discovery. I know I am!

Here are some of my top safety tips compiled from 5 years of solo travel:

• Scams: Researching common tourist scams really helps you figure out what to watch for.
• Unwanted Attention: If you find yourself the target of unwanted attention, challenge yourself to set firm, clear boundaries by using intentional body language. Trust me when I tell you that this is a learned skill. You’d be surprised at just how quickly would-be pursuants back off after a display of confidence, even if you’re faking it.
• Common Sense: I really hope this goes without saying, but as long as you research areas to avoid, you don’t wander around alone at night, and limit your alcohol intake, you shouldn’t have to worry about safety in Portugal.
• Emergency Plan: Know what you’ll do if things go wrong. Make copies of your important documents, invest in travel insurance for medical emergencies, and make note of where the closest embassy is located, just in case.

Digital Nomads & Remote Workers

Portugal is becoming increasingly popular among digital nomads and remote workers. With its strong internet infrastructure, low costs of living, and welcoming atmosphere, it has become a haven for those looking to combine work with travel.

Best Places for Digital Nomads & Remote Workers:

• Lisbon: The charming capital of Portugal is an ideal city for digital nomads thanks to its strong Wi-Fi, numerous co-working spaces, friendly hostels, and cozy coffee shops.
• Faro : Located in the southern Algarve region, is a haven for digital nomads seeking a slow pace and sunny weather.
• Madeira: Home to Europe’s first digital nomad village, this island is one of the best destinations for remote workers who want access to some awe-inspiring nature.

PRO TIP: My favorite thing to do in a new location is to take one of the free walking tours on the first day. It’s the best way to start learning your way around!

Where to Stay on A Solo Trip to Portugal

When it comes to Portugal solo travel accommodations, you’ve got tons of options! If you’ve read my other Portugal travel guides on the best places to solo travel in Portugal you know I’m a pretty big fan of hostels. Especially in Lisbon, the hostel scene is pretty incredible for solo travellers.

Hostels make it easy to meet new friends, they’re affordable and most of them are really, really cute. For some people, sharing a room makes them feel safer when traveling alone, but if you’d prefer to be on your own, most hostels offer private rooms!

If a cute boutique hotel is more your thing, don’t worry. Portugal has no shortage of gorgeous places to stay. For example, there are plenty of luxury hotels in Lisbon for solo travelers that have social rooftop bars and coworking spaces!

How to Get Around Portugal

Getting around this Iberian nation isn’t too tricky! With a good public transportation system, getting from city to city or town to town is actually pretty affordable.

In Lisbon and Porto, it’s easy enough to get everywhere by walking and taking trams or buses. The train will take you to most other towns and the line runs straight up and down the coast, connecting Porto to the Algarve within a couple hours.

While I prefer to take public transportation and book day trips for harder-to-reach areas, Portugal is definitely one of those countries where renting a car has plenty of benefits. Since it’s one of the smaller European nations with amazing roads along the coast, a Portugal road trip isn’t such a bad idea!

PRO TIP: If you plan to drive across most of the country with a rental car, definitely grab the Via Verde tag to save on tolls.

Getting to Portugal on Your Own

If I’m traveling from a nearby European country, train or bus is typically my preferred method. Anything to avoid security and that early arrival! Train and bus terminals are usually located closer to the city centers and it’s much easier to just show up and be on your way.

Here’s some information to help you plan for your arrival to Portugal:

Arriving by Plane

Portugal has three international airports. Lisbon, the capital city, is typically the most affordable airport to fly in and out of. There are plenty of direct flights from across Europe and a few from the United States. These are the main airports in Portugal:

• Lisbon Airport: Humberto Delgado Airport – Central
• Porto Airport: Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport – North
• Algarve Airport: Faro – Gago Coutinho International Airpor – South

PRO TIP: TAP Airlines offers stopovers at Porto or Lisbon on your way to another destination, a great option for travelers short on time!

Arriving by Bus

Buses can sometimes be the easiest option when they don’t require a change. The bus stations are typically located at the major train stations within the city center, closer than the airport. FlixBus is my favorite, with fares that rarely go above €15.

Arriving by Train

Trains are a fun way to travel around Europe. Plus, they’re environmentally friendly! You’ll want to note that some countries have totally different train services that make the journey more complicated. Portugal and Spain are unfortunately two such places, but the good news is that an interlinking railway is currently in the works. For now, bus is your best option.

When to Visit Portugal Solo

Choosing the best time to visit Portugal is crucial to make sure your solo trip is everything you want and more. From the ideal months for surfing in Algarve to the best time to enjoy snow in Portugal, here’s a look at what to consider when timing your vacation.

• Best Weather: Summer is filled with sunny months, but you can avoid excessive heat by visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. (March-May & September-October)
• Rainy Season: Portugal gets the most rain in the wintertime between January and February.
• Beach Vacation: If you love the beach, the best time to enjoy sunny beach days and comfortable swimming is in the summer from June to August.
• Avoid Crowds: Steer clear of the summer peak season or opt for shoulder season travel and you’ll deal with far fewer crowds.
• Cheap Prices: Visit any time from January to April to take advantage of the lowest flights and most affordable offers.
• Surfing: The best time for surfing is during the fall and winter months, especially September to February when the Atlantic swells create perfect surf waves.

PS: You can also take a look at this winter in Portugal guide to the annual seasons in Portugal for an in-depth look at the weather and temperature across the country’s different regions.

Portugal Solo Travel Itinerary

Looking for the perfect itinerary for your solo trip? After traveling across Portugal, I recommend the two schedules below depending on how much time you have. Neither of these routes will require a car rental.

You can always adjust by a day or two to suit your own preferences, but use this as a guide to determine how much time you’ll need for your travels. PS: If you have any questions about your trip, I’m always happy to help out. Just drop me a message!

ITINERARY 1: Hit the Highlights

Perfect for solo travelers who only have so much time or want to see the main before heading to another European country.

Day 1-3: Porto & Douro

• Explore iconic landmarks like Livario Lello, Bolsa Palace, and the Porto Cathedral
• Take a day trip to Douro Valley by train and sip on port wine and vinho verde while admiring the views

Day 4: Obidos

• On your way to Lisbon, make a pit stop in Obidos to explore the medieval castle and try the famous ginja served in chocolate cups

Day 5-7: Lisbon

• Wander the narrow streets of Alfama and enjoy bacalhau a bras during a fado show
• Explore Belem and take a self-guided city tour on Lisbon’s famous Tram 28
• Embark on a day trip to Sintra where you can see the stunning palaces of Pena and Quinta da Regaleira

Day 8-10: Algarve

• Kayak through Ponta da Piedade and visit Benagil Cave
• Relax on any of the golden sand beaches or take surfing lessons in Sagres

ITINERARY 2: Portugal Adventurer

Have a little more time on your hands? Great for slow travel, backpacking or digital nomads, this solo travel itinerary will help you get to know the country even better.

Day 1-7: Lisbon

• Explore Alfama, Belem, and Bairro Alto, full of fado, museums and pastel de nata
• Check out off-the-beaten-path destinations like LX Factory and the street art of Mouraria
• Squeeze in a few day trips to Cascais, Ericeira, Sintra, or Obidos and Mafra Palace

Day 8-12: Madeira

• Chase waterfalls as you hike the levada trails and watch the sunset from Pico do Ruivo or Ponta do Sol
• Take a food tour in Funchal and visit the colorful farmer’s market
• Check out the colorful Santana houses and sled down a hill in a traditional wicker toboggan

Day 13-18: Azores

• Soak in thermal hot springs and enjoy dinner cooked by the heat of a volcano
• Visit a tea plantation on Sao Miguel and tour the world’s only indoor pineapple plantation
• Go wine tasting at the vineyards of Pico or snorkel at Vila Franca do Campo

Day 19-22: Algarve

• Relax at Praia da Marinha and enjoy a dinner of seafood cataplana
• Explore the natural wonder of Algar Seco with its hidden grottoes in Carvoeiro
• Make your way to Tavira castle before visiting the lagoons of Rio Formosa

Day 23-26: Porto

• Admire the azulejo -covered churches and eat fresh seafood along the Ribiera
• Cross the Dom Luis I Bridge and learn how port wine is made in the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia
• Venture to Aveiro, Coimbra or Braga on a historical day trip from Porto

Day 27-28: Douro Valley

• Visit the terraced vineyards of Pinhao and relax at a luxurious retreat (or hostel!)
• Explore Lamego’s famous church before spending the afternoon exploring Mateus Palace

Where to Go After Portugal

Saying goodbye is never easy. But if I’m leaving to head to my next destination, well, then… adios ! Ciao ! Sayonara !

For the next stop on your solo travel adventure, you won’t have to look far. Portugal’s neighbors, Spain and Morocco , are dazzling countries with incredible sights, but just enough shared history to be familiar.

All in all, the Iberian Peninsula is an amazing first place to travel on your own so make sure you take a look around and pick out the perfect next spot for you.

RELATED POSTS:

• The Best Time to Visit Portugal: Season Guide

MORE PORTUGAL TRAVEL GUIDES

• Portugal in Winter: Things to Do in December, January, & February
• The 17 Best Beaches in Cascais, Portugal
• Is Aveiro Worth Visiting?
• 25+ Epic Things to Do in Ericeira
• 23+ Outstanding Things to Do in Obidos
• Lisbon Itinerary: 4 Dreamy Days in the City of 7 Hills
• 7 Absolutely Darling Douro Valley Wineries
• 15 Fabulous Day Trips from Faro, Portugal
• Fanal Forest, Madeira: Tour the Mysterious Woods

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Solo Female Travel , Europe , Travel Destinations , Travel Inspiration

Why your first ever solo trip should be to beautiful portugal (updated 2021).

FMTC Affiliate Disclosure: Blond Wayfarer contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This disclosure pertains to all affiliate links.

Updated on May 2021

I’m serious: your first solo trip should be Portugal. Last Easter, I took a solo trip to Portugal and fell in love. My 10 day adventure split between Lisbon and Porto – with a few small stops thrown into the mix – was one of my favorite trips to date.

Sure, I got massively sunburned (whoops) and ate way too much lamb and fish and PASTRIES, and barely avoided a train strike, but oh my god, did I have a most incredible time. I experienced true kindness over lunch in Nazare and explored a literary gem in Porto.  

Table of Contents

Solo Travel Portugal: My Experience

I loved traveling solo in Portugal. The hostels were warm and welcoming, and their atmospheres allowed me to make friends for life, essential for any solo travelers who’s nervous about spending their entire trip alone.

The rugged buildings, views of the Atlantic Ocean, spectacular sunny weather provided even more awesomeness, and sometimes I still try to recaptured that peaceful feeling that hit me when I first stepped into central Lisbon. Those tiles … Just … Okay, I’m rambling now.

But, seriously, you guys, I miss Portugal so much.

I wish I could do my solo trip all over again. Believe it or not, I was sorting through my photos last weekend when I should’ve been grading essays instead. I have a lot more I need to see and do in this magnificent country. Évora in the west, the spectacular beaches in the south, nifty university city Coimbra… The list goes on and on and on!

So, yeah, your first solo trip should be Portugal. Do it, do it, do it, do it now. Worry about the money later, haha. Being alone in Lisbon or Porto is a dream come true.

Time for a full disclosure: Portugal was my 5th solo adventure so I was no stranger to having just me, myself, and I for company. I was confident in my abilities to navigate the trains, find local restaurants, and meet new people. I didn’t experience any feelings of anxiety as a solo traveler either, which is always a relief.

However, even if it wasn’t my first solo trip, I still think this small European country – often overlooked by tourists who opt for more “popular” destinations such as France and Spain – is an excellent choice for someone’s first time traveling alone.

So why should your first solo trip be Portugal when there are plenty of other destinations to choose from?

Read on. Hopefully I’ll sway your opinion by the end!

Why Your First Solo Trip Should Be Portugal

The hostels are the best in the world.

Backpacking Portugal is especially awesome.

Why? Do a quick google search of Portugal’s hostels and look at the glowing reviews.

Even if you don’t like hostels or (if you’re like me) feel like you’re too old for dorms , Portugal’s hostels are legendary and high quality in terms of atmosphere, cleanliness, location, and price.

It seems that you could reserve a bed at any hostel and have an amazing time.

Personally, my favorite hostel of all time is Home Lisbon Hostel . I have no reservations pushing you to book this place, because it’s truly amazing.

Home Lisbon Hostel offers its guests home-cooked meals, a close-knit social atmosphere, walking tours, an excellent day trip to Sintra and Cascais, super comfy beds, top-notch facilities. I could rave about this place for hours. It truly felt like my “home away from home” to use a cliche phrase.

And Mama? She’s a great cook. I bought the cookbook for my own mom, and we’re going to try a few of the recipes together.

The country’s highly ranked hostels are so backpacker and solo travel friendly, so you’re bound to meet plenty of other people on your journey.

Hostel Recommendations

• Change the World Hostels in Coimbra:  If you’re in Portugal’s university city, Coimbra, then you’ll enjoy this hostel with its great location and atmosphere. See prices on Booking.com.
• Gallery Hostel in Porto: Gallery Hostel is a stunning boutique hostel in Porto. Yes, folks, this is a luxury hostel! See prices on Booking.com.
• Home Hostel in Lisbon: I’ve already raved about this hostel quite a bit, haha. The home made meals and lovely atmosphere is the great combination ever. See prices on Booking.com.
• Olive Hostel Lagos:  If you want a chilled hostel in south Portugal, near the beaches, then look no further than Olive Hostel Lagos! See prices on Booking.com.
• Yes Lisbon Hostel in Lisbon: This hip hostel is located right in Lisbon’s downtown. The hostel organizes lots of activities, which makes it easy to meet other people. See prices on Booking.com.

Portugal’s Gorgeous Weather

Looking for warmth and sunny skies? Portugal should be your first solo trip if you want to spend a lot of time outdoors! Just remember to use your sunblock!

As for me, when I visited Portugal in April, the weather was sunny almost every single day – meaning no awkward fumbling for my umbrella.

I think it may have rained for twenty minutes, maximum, on my trip and at the time, I was cozy on a local train en route to Porto. The temperature was never higher than 80 (~27 C*) degrees either. Perfect for someone who melts in the sun *cough* me *cough*.

Okay, I’ll be totally honest here: I’m a huge, huge diva when it comes to weather conditions. I don’t do well in the freezing cold or sticky humidity. I complain. I pout. I mope. I’m not pleasant to deal with.

However, Portugal’s weather was perfection. Per. Fect. Ion.

Now, while I haven’t experienced this fact for myself, I’ve heard through the grapevine that Portugal remains comparatively mild in winter and summer months – thanks to its coastal position – so you should have decent weather no matter when you book your solo adventure.

Most People Speak English

Ehhhh. I don’t like to brag about this tidbit, especially since it feeds into the “ignorant American” stereotype, but with the exception of English, I don’t fluently speak any other languages.

My French is shaky, at best, and let’s not even talk about my Italian. It sounds like a two year old using a butchered Parisian accent. Embarrassing.

With that being said, it’s understandable for new solo travelers – particularly from the States – to feel daunted visiting a country that doesn’t have English as its “main” language.

It’s easy to feel out of place and overwhelmed, and like you’ll never be able to navigate on your own without ending up completely lost.

Stop worrying.

Trust me, you don’t need to worry about no one understanding you here if you’re a native English speaker.

Over all, the Portuguese speak fantastic English and are more than willing to help “single language” visitors.

Now I’m not claiming every single person you meet will speak English, nor am I insisting that you demand English at all times. You still wanna be polite and learn a few phrases of Portuguese to show respect for the culture and country.

But if you’re hopelessly lost and scared out of your mind (try not to be), it’s very easy to find a fellow English speaker for assistance.

Portugal is Not “Europe Disneyland”

Yikes, time to admit something controversial. Are you ready, folks? Brace yourselves.

A lot of places in Europe feel like Disneyland to me. Very touristy and commercial and Too Much. Explore around any major attraction and you’ll feel as if you’re in an amusement park.

Now I’m not writing off entire cities or countries as tourist traps like some elitists do. That’s total nonsense, right?

For example, Paris receives tons of tourists every year, but I still felt certain neighborhoods were authentic and great to explore without crowds pressing me into the pavement.

However, around many well-known European sites like the Eiffel Tower or Spanish Steps or Westminster Abbey, I feel overwhelmed because I’m trying to avoid too many selfie sticks, cheap souvenirs, irritating “I found a golden ring!” scammers, and umbrella-wielding tour guides. Blergh.

Luckily for all you new solo travelers, Portugal didn’t feel too commercialized to me.

Sure, the trolleys going to Belem on Easter Weekend were a bit … hectic and Lisbon has its touristy sections, but the crowds didn’t even begin to compare to others you can encounter in Europe.

Solo travel in Portugal promises an authentic experience if you play your cards right.

Portugal is Safe and Easy to Navigate

Is Lisbon safe for solo female travellers? Porto?

Absolutely!

I won’t talk about safety, namely crimes rates, too much in this post.

As a whole, Europe – West/Central/East – is a remarkably safe travel destination suited for travelers of all levels. Even though it’s less commercialized, Portugal is no exception to the rule.

Sure, Lisbon and Porto have some petty pick-pocketing problems, but nothing extreme and hardly anything violent if you use basic common sense on your trip.

I’m cautious as a solo female traveler , and I can tell you that I felt both very safe and welcome in Portugal.

If you’re from the USA (like me!), use the same street smarts you do at home. No wandering around drunk in the middle of the night with hundreds of Euros sticking out of your purse. Be better!

As for navigating the country, I’d highly recommend ditching a rental car and instead use the public transportation system in Portugal.

My high-speed train from Lisbon to Porto was clean, efficient, and comfortable. Both cities had clearly marked subways, and trolleys that were a piece of cake to use. Not to mention, the overall “trolley experience” made me feel like I went back in time.

Being a new solo traveler, you don’t want to freak out at unreliable or expensive public transportation. Portugal is a piece of cake. Promise.

Portugal’s Price is Very Right

Are you worried about the cost of a European trip? Are you tight on cash yet craving to finally visit Europe?

You can’t go wrong in Portugal.

Overall, I found that Portugal is an affordable country compared to destinations such as Germany, France, and especially Iceland.

You can travel VERY cheaply and still have an incredible experience that you’ll remember for years to come.

For example, you can book a bed at a boutique hostel for roughly $15 and eat delicious Pastel de Nata for less than a $1 a piece.

At Home Lisbon Hostel , I enjoyed a 10 euro dinner every night that included soup, salad, drinks, a main course, and dessert. Say what? Try to find a deal like that in New Jersey. I bet you can’t.

How about free attractions? No problem. Go to any of Portugal’s fantastic beaches and soak up some rays! Walk through Lisbon’s Alfama District and take photos of the colorful houses. Check out blue Tiles in Porto.

Portugal is Very Diverse

You wanna go to the beach? Visit the Algarve.

Do you love castles? Check out Obidos or Guimarães . Sintra. Definitely Sintra.

Wines? If you wanna give Port tasting (mmmm) a shot, go to Porto in the north.

Want museums and old neighborhoods? Stay in Lisbon .

Find religion a fascinating subject? Go to Fatima.

As a solo traveler, you’ll never feel bored! 10 days wasn’t nearly enough for me to see everything this country has to offer.

Bring a Lonely Planet Guidebook to Portugal to make your itinerary absolutely perfect! These guidebooks are my favorites and will keep you up to date on the best things to see and do! 

Build Portugal into a trip to Spain or Morocco

Another reason your first solo trip should be Portugal is because you can easily link with other travel destinations.

If you gain confidence in Portugal, you can extend your trip into Spain or Morocco.

For example, plenty of budget airlines fly between Portugal and Madrid, and these flights can actually be cheaper than the trains. I even wrote a 9 Day Itinerary for Spain and Portugal if this type of trip is a possibility for you.

In addition, Portugal is a fantastic springboard if you have time to spare and wanna fly to the rest of the continent. Just make sure to book your budget flights well in advance to take full advantage of any deals.

Of course, you can stay in Portugal for five months and still have a fantastic time! Who am I to judge, right?

Portugal has many Gorgeous Small Towns

Finally your first solo trip should be Portugal, because you have an abundance of incredible small towns to choose from.

I’m serious, please don’t limit yourself to the bigger cities of Lisbon and Porto. Portugal has an abundance of gorgeous small towns for you to choose from.

For example, Obidos is a classic medieval town located not too far from Lisbon and makes an excellent day trip. You can even spend the night here when all the daytrippers leave.

Another example of a small town is the famous fishing village of Nazare . This place is very rustic and charming, and is not only known for its delicious seafood, but also its surfing scene! Some of the biggest waves have been recorded here, which is pretty awesome if you ask me.

So go beyond the cities on your solo trip to Portugal. You will fall in love.

Other Portugal Resources for Solo Travelers

Here are some more posts to help you plan your upcoming solo trip to Portugal! I’ll continue to update this list to keep it current for you all. Enjoy!

Portugal Specific Posts

• Beginners Guide to Porto, Portugal
• Solo Travel Guide to Porto, Portugal
• Photo Essay: A Day in Medieval Guimarães
• 2 Days in Lisbon: The Best Things to See & Do
• 6 Things to Know Before You Travel to Portugal
• Lovely Lisbon (Or Solo Travel in Lisbon)
• Lonely Planet’s Guide to Portugal
• Viator’s Best Tours to Portugal
• Portugal’s Official Tourism Board
• Comboios de Portugal (Portugal’s Trains)

So yeah, I hope I convinced you that your first solo trip should be Portugal! I proved it, haha. Even one week in Portugal solo will rock your world. 

Are you planning a trip to Portugal? Even just Lisbon? Is Portugal on your bucket list? What towns and cities would you recommend for travelers? For more information about this amazing country, check out Lonely Planet’s most recent guide book .

Rachel Elizabeth

At 22, I took my first overseas trip to Bermuda. Took a break to follow the "American Dream." Had my self-esteem broken. Embarked on my first solo trip to Scotland at 26. The travel bug dug its way under my skin. I now book multiple trips a year.

20 thoughts on “ Why Your First EVER Solo Trip Should Be to Beautiful Portugal (Updated 2021) ”

Rachel, I have been LOVING all of your posts lately. You are absolutely killing it! I have yet to take my first solo trip and you did a great job of convincing me that Portugal is a great idea. I’ll have to keep my eyes on cheap flights to get there. That’s the tricky part for me picking a place. I’m VERY price picky. :/

Amanda –

Confession: I book my trips depending on how high/low flight prices are. I know it’s bad, because you should go where your heart wants you to go, but my bank account is the boss. 🙂

And thank you for your kind words!

That’s cool, my first solo-trip was actually Portugal! I was 20 years old and went to Lisbon for a week in the late fall. And as you said, the hostel was great, it was easy to get around, and just overall a good experience of solo traveling 🙂 It was really a great place to start out (and it didn’t hurt that the weather was a lot better than what I was used to at home, while still being a country that was not too far away).

Caroline —

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! I’m glad you loved your time in Portugal. Lisbon is fantastic for solo travelers.

I went to Portugal nine years ago and I had a blast. It certainly helps the rains were ridiculously inexpensive (at least compared to France, where I was living at the time) as well as the beer (I could get tipsy for less than three euros).

Rashaad —

The trains were fantastic! My round trip ticket from Lisbon to Porto was only about $30-40! Not bad at all! I loved it.

Hello, fellow Rachel Elizabeth! 🙂 I’m considering my first solo backpacking trip in the spring, and have wanted to go to Portugal for a long time…lucky me stumbling across your post! Any chance you could give me a rough run down of your itinerary? So many things to do, so little time…I’d appreciate a little direction 🙂

Hey! Greeat post and its great to read about solo travelers! I have to say that I’ve read a lot of blog about lisbon (because I wanna travel there next) but no one has written when to travel, why portugal is great, how you can communicate. I love your post for giving all the necessary info. Thank you and safe travels in the future!

Dear Rachel,

It is very interesting to read and understand your experience in Portugal. Very useful and informative details. Thank you so much for sharing. I was planning A solo trip to Portugal on July or in August.

Kind Regards Antony

Dear Rachel, I really loved this blog. I’ve travelled solo a couple of times in the past and loved it, but in between work, a boyfriend and a house, I’ve lost that part of me and have decided to reclaim it. I miss exploring a city by myself for myself and having decided on Lisbon was delighted to come across your post. I would like to ask, did you opt for a mixed dorm, with small or large occupancy? Thanks for any advice you can give in advance. Nicki xx

Hey! With the link of this article I was able to convince my mom to let me go to Portugal by myself this summer! What were the coolest things about this trip? Food I should try? Emily

Great post! What airport would you recommend I land if I want to be close to the beaches? I’ll be flying to Spain first.

Love the post! I’m taking a Nana’s Gap Year! Greece, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, and considering Portugal. 68 and going until I can’t go anymore!

Hi! I am traveling to Porto (tomorrow!!!) for an extended weekend and my friends plans fell through. I was a little excited at first like omg my first solo travel!! but then of course anxiety kicked in and I was literally freaking out 15 minutes ago but I found this!!!! THANK YOU!!!! This has totally allowed me to regain confidence. Can’t wait to see what it’s all about!!!

Hi! I’m considering traveling alone to Portugal and this post was really helpful. I don’t see a date as to when it was written- do you still think the information on it is still relevant? Do you still think the same about Portugal? I’ve never traveled alone so I’m a bit nervous. As a 34 year old female, non-drinker, non-partyer, do you think the hostel you have listed would still work for me?

Fantastic review! I discovered your blog via Google and I’m so glad I did! I want to take a solo trip to Portugal next month so this post has given me some food for thought. I prefer hotels though – not really a fan of hostels. In regards to transportation, how much did it cost for the duration of your trip?

How much cool thigns there was to do and see in Portugal, what more important is you can squeeze in on a low budget.

Hello, I’m traveling to Portugal next week, solo. Is it safe to drive a rental car from Lisbon airport to Lagos ? Trying to decide whether to drive or take the train. Taking the train I lose about 4 hours due to availability. Thanks !

Firstly, great blog!! Your trip to Portugal looks epic! Can I ask what you did to keep occupied in the evenings? Or did you have an early night after dinner?

Thank you for inspiring me with this post, Rachel! I absolutely love your travel blog and it is my favourite. I had never really considered Portugal until I read this and now I can’t wait to book it as my first solo trip. You are such an inspiration and I can’t wait to read more about your adventures!

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Portugal Tours for Solo / Single Travelers

250+ portugal tours for singles / solo travelers with 4,264 reviews.

• Hiking & Trekking
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Walking in Madeira

We had a very good local guide, Benny, very passionate. Beautiful walkings, very easy to do. Good hotels. After seen the little distances in the island, we suggest not to change hotel every day for this tour. Good choice of local restaurants except Restaurant Salgueiro in Porto Moniz, in which we had an awful experience, waiters were very rude, please avoid bringing other guest there.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Christmas & New Year

Highlights of Portugal

Such an amazing trip, highly recommend!

Best of Portugal (11 Days)

Above and beyond my expectations attributed to the tour guide Ana Rita and the bus driver Mario..

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Best of the Azores: 7 days in São Miguel

So, me and my partner, both in our sixties and hailing from Canada, took a spin with Portugal Travel Center's "Best of Azores Tour." it was like stepping into a dream. From the greenery to the crystal-clear waters, it felt like we found our own little paradise. Island hopping and cool local experiences made this tour just what we needed – not too fancy, just good vibes and fantastic memories.

Northern Portugal Discovery

Beautiful country but guide needs to pay more attention to his customers. When we go in for a tour, he needs to stay with us and talk about the place, not wonder around on his own or with his guest. Or wait for us to pay for our food and then he pays the difference! Also your mini bus needs to be a little more comfortable and maintained , not teared tents for small items, and the overhead space needs to be tented or can be closed so items like backpacks, umbrellas, and jackets would not fall from the open overhead space on our heads. Thank you!

Portugal in Depth

Great except for the tour leader, he never stops talking. Even working on his computer he talks out. Annoying

Hiking the Azores

I had a great time hiking everyday in the Azores. There was a great mix of people from N. America and Europe and everyone was super nice. I am already looking at other G Adventure trips to go on next. Make sure to read the full itinerary and be ready to hike and enjoy an adventure!

Best of Portugal

Our guide Cristina And driver Fernando were both exceptional, friendly, knowledgeable and our pleasure to be with as traveled some 2500 km through Portugal.

• Food & Culinary
• Wine tasting

Best of Lisbon Tour (with Sintra, Évora and Cascais) - 5 Days in Portugal

If tour buses and crowds are not your thing, then Daniela is the solution. However, if crowds are your thing, I’m sure she can do it too...there’s basically nothing she can’t do! Daniela planned an amazing experience for us in Portugal, based on our desires and budget, and because of that we had one of the best experiences ever!

Highlights of the Azores

A very beautiful place with wonderful landscapes, thermal baths, cheese and wine. Our guide Sasha was lovely and very informative as well as delightful to talk too. I enjoyed all the activities but do ensure you were good shoes for the home. recommend that a visit to the cheese factory is added the morning you arrive on Sao Jorge.

Premium Portugal

Country Roads of Portugal (Classic, Summer, 11 Days)

Best of Lisbon and The Azores: City and Nature Wonders

Great trip, Portugal was amazing. Top notch hotels, guides were great. We were supported immediately late at night when we lost our bag at a transfer, on and all we had a great time also because we trusted all their recommendations. Going forward we will always liase on local agencies. Thank you Portugal Travel Center

Highlights of Portugal - Lisbon, Alentejo, Sintra, Porto and Douro Valley

This was a fantastic tour! We had wonderful tour guides in each city and their historical and cultural knowledge were immense. I had the typical expectation of a minivan with many other people but this was first class and incredibly personalized. Also the hotels were all top notch. This was our first time in Portugal, it had been a very long time since we vacationed... it was great just to show up each morning and have our day completely planned for us. Truly wonderful!!! Thank you Pedro and Joao... your personalities and personal attention really made our trip very memorable!

• Sightseeing

Best of North Portugal with Porto, Minho and Douro Valley

Dani provided me with a customized plan for my trip to Portugal. The travel package I received was high quality and very detailed. Every single guide, driver, hotel etc… recommended by Portugal Travel Center were top notch. All services were on time, professional, pleasant, funny and knowledgable. More importantly, when I ran into a few hick ups of my own doing, Daniella was quick to reply, advise and provide solutions. When I decided I’d rather stay in one place rather than follow the initial plan, she helped me rearranged things on the fly. She was knowledge, helpful and patient. I had a wonderful time in Portugal and I don’t think I could have have done as well without Portugal Travel Center's help. I hope to be able to return as I feel I barely scratch the surface of this beautiful country and its long history. Thank you!

What people love about Portugal Solo Tours

Exceeded our expectations. While the guide by himself was exceptional, the connections, lodging, organization, and deep thought and experience put into this trip were beyond excellent.

We had a great group. Itinerary was just what I was looking for. Everyone could choose what they wanted to do during the day.

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• The Solo Travellers Guide To...

A Solo Traveller’s Guide to Portugal

Slower to the mass-tourism table than neighbouring Spain, Portugal still has some surprises up its Iberian sleeve. Even if you’re familiar with the centuries-old charm of Lisbon and the sun-bleached beaches on the Algarve, there’s a different side of Portugal – from a scattering of remote Mediterranean villages with a slower pace of life, to the city of Porto, in the cooler, greener north. Everywhere you’ll see the glazed ceramic tiles depicting different moments of history and pastéis de nata , irresistible sunshine-yellow tarts.

A portugal trip overview.

The longer the trip the better, of course – but in a matter of days you can get a sense of what attracts around 28 million visitors each year. Twinning Lisbon and Porto creates the perfect weekend break; stay a week and you can add in a coast or vineyard jaunt.

Lisbon is a balancing act of traditional and hip, wooing you with history, seafood, emerging districts and a mild coastal climate. Half an hour away is the indulgent fantasy of Sintra, a must-see Unesco World Heritage hilltop town of ornate palaces and gorgeous gardens. Further north, the culinary charms of Porto are abundant, from the petiscarias (Portuguese-style tapas bars) to the port cellars the city is famed for. Meanwhile, further south, the Alentejo spans the bottom third of the country. It’s a sparsely populated region of whitewashed villages, olive and cork-tree groves.

Where to stay in Portugal

Sidestep sleek modern hotels for a taste of Portugal’s rich heritage: a stay in one of the country’s characterful converted pousadas , or heritage accommodations. From monasteries to medieval castles in urban and rural locations, all share a sense of culture and luxury, celebrating Portugal’s diverse regional cuisine. Need more inspiration? Explore Culture Trip’s favourite places to stay in Portugal here .

What to do in Portugal

You could visit every year for a lifetime and still have more to see. On the plus side, as it’s such a sliver of a country, you can see a lot in a short time.

Scale Portugal’s highest mountain range

The Serra da Estrela, which divides the north from the south, is a crowd-free region of supreme beauty, with horizons of wild flowers and plenty of wildlife sightings; in winter, this is the only place in Portugal where you can strap your skis on.

Fill your face in a pastelaria

Pastelarias, like the creamy-crumbly pastéis de nata they peddle, are a Lisbon institution – one of the most revered is Manteigaria (Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata), always busy with Lisboetas stocking up on the nation’s beloved custard tarts. Buy six in a clever travel tube and you can fly home with them. Actually, buy more – they’re irresistibly moreish.

Seek out wine and port

Without a doubt, the Douro is one of the world’s most beautiful regions – a Unesco World Heritage site since 2001. The terraced vineyards where the port grapes are grown are best admired from the river. A boat trip aboard a rabelo , one of the traditional vessels used to transport port to Porto, is the cherry on the cake of a trip here.

You can float along the scenic Douro River as part of Culture Trip’s nine-day exploration of northern Portugal , led by our Local Insider.

Eating and drinking in Portugal

Most of the nation’s best-known dishes nod to the coast and the sea – hence the abundance of fish-rich seafood stews ( cataplana ) and fresh grilled sardines. Affordable and flavoursome, bacalhau (salted codfish) is dear to the hearts of the Portuguese; they even eat it on Christmas Eve. Try crispy pastéis de bacalhau , the perfect small plate.

It’s fitting that pastéis de nata were invented in a monastery as they are something of a religion, and eaten here for breakfast with a good coffee.

Port comes from the vineyards of the Douro Valley, where you can taste the ruby-coloured fortified wine to your heart’s content. Locals drink it at special occasions.

Whet your appetite with Culture Trip’s Portuguese culinary guides, among them the best Lisbon restaurants , traditional Algarve haunts and Porto’s best bars and cafes .

Stay safe, stay happy

Portugal is a remarkably crime-free country that feels safe for men and women, including LGBTQ travellers. If you’re female, you should feel comfortable most of the time. Just be sensible and take care in – or avoid – remote areas as well as less-touristy urban districts at night.

Getting around

Trams are crucial to getting around Lisbon and Porto; both have an easy-to-use Metro. You could fly between Faro, Lisbon and Porto, but it’s not very green and you’d miss out on the views. Apart from in remote regions, roads are easy to drive on; tolls apply on the motorway. Traveling by bus or by train is easy and affordable. The Eurail Portugal Pass allows unlimited rail journeys on select days within a month – standard or first class. National buses dart across the country and local buses go pretty much everywhere you want.

Cultural need-to-knows

English is widely spoken, making travelling solo easier, but a few Portuguese phrases will be appreciated. People know how to party – the revelry starts late and embraces all ages. But don’t get blotto – Portugal may be home to some of the world’s biggest wine drinkers, but you won’t see them sloshed. Get to know Portugal with a small group of like-minded travellers on Culture Trip’s nine-day tour of Northern Portugal as you experience the sights and tastes of this fascinating country.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Best Places to Travel Solo: Portugal

Portugal seems to have become an ‘it’ destination over the last years, and having been, I can see why. It’s a gorgeous country with friendly people and lots to see and do. I spent a week travelling solo in Portugal. I went from Porto to Faro; exploring cities, castles, and the wine region of Douro Valley and loved every minute of it. While I would be quick to recommend it to all travellers, it really stood out to me as a great place for solo travel. Here’s why I loved solo travel in Portugal.

Some of the Best Social Hostels

Many solo travellers like to stay in hostels, if not for all then at least some of the trip. Hostels are often centrally located, have very social atmospheres, and of course budget prices. Of course not every hostel delivers, especially when it comes to social atmosphere, but the ones in Portugal did. During my first visit to Portugal, I stayed in three different hostels throughout my trip and each one went above and beyond the normal common room and pub crawl/ city tour offerings.

Two of the hostels I stayed in offered family style dinners every night. You just needed to sign up in the morning, pay 8-10 euro, and you got a full, three course meal with wine, beer, or even sangria. As can be expected, this was a hit with everyone which made for big, social, dinners of home cooked food. A really nice change from eating alone (especially since I visited during Canadian Thanksgiving!)

While hostel dinners weren’t an option everywhere I went, there was always some sort of nightly group activity to get everyone together. Which made it really easy to meet other travellers and make friends.

Not to mention, all the hostels I stayed at were super clean, spacious, and friendly. I don’t know if I just got really lucky, but from my experience, Portugal’s hostel game was on point.

I recommend:

Porto: Porto Spot Hostel

Lisbon: Lookout Lisbon! Hostel

Faro: Hostel Casa d’Alagoa

Another Portuguese hostel that comes highly recommended is is Big Chill Hostel in Lagos 

Safety is one of the most important factors to me as a solo female traveller, and I can honestly say that I felt incredibly safe walking around the streets of Porto, Lisbon, and Faro both day and night. Of course, this probably isn’t a big surprise; Portugal is often ranked as one of the safest countries in the world.

I was never harassed or cat-called by any men, I didn’t feel intimidated walking alone, and locals were quick to offer me tips or help when needed.

Funny example: One night in Bairro Alto, the party district of Lisbon, I was approached by a man offering me drugs. I politely declined with a ‘no thank you’ and he wished me a good night and that he hoped I enjoyed stay in Portugal. How’s that for friendly?

Solo Travel in Portugal is Relatively Cheap

While it’s not on par with Thailand or Vietnam , Portugal is pretty affordable when it comes to travelling in Western Europe; even in the Azores, like the beautiful island of Sao Miguel . Meals can be found for under 10 euro at cheap/mid-range restaurants (though be careful, any bread or olives etc. put on the table in front of you also come with a charge, so don’t accept or eat them unless you’re willing to pay.)

Even if you choose not to stay in a hotel, you can find reasonably priced private rooms around Portugal. Especially if you are outside of the main cities and/or travel outside of the high summer season. Public transportation is cheapest if you use a rechargeable card, especially in Lisbon when the historic trams cost significantly more than the metro or other city trams.

Perhaps of most interest to many travellers, alcohol is incredibly cheap. Especially when it comes to Portuguese wine. You can buy a good bottle of wine for about 4 euros. Oh, and as for the famous pastel de nata , or Portuguese egg tarts, those will only put you back a couple of euro. Do yourself a favour and try as many as possible.

Almost Everyone Speaks English

Language is a common barrier when travelling, and can be especially daunting to deal with when travelling solo. However, I was a little bit surprised to discover that English is widely spoken across Portugal, and not only in the tourist areas. While most of the older generations don’t speak English, the young people and much of the baby boomer populations spoke it very well.

Portugal is a gorgeous country with plenty to see and do, so it’s on your radar don’t let not having a travel companion get in your way. Try solo travel in Portugal, I promise you will have an amazing time.

Final Tips for Solo Travel in Portugal

• Like with all major cities everywhere in the world, you do need to watch for pickpockets, especially in Lisbon.
• Lisbon also has a reputation for drug dealers, however, according to the locals, most of it is fake and is just a scam for unwitting tourists looking to try something new in a country that has decriminalized drugs.
• If you are booking train tickets, try to do so as early as possible- you will get much cheaper tickets.
• Some areas are hard, or even impossible, to explore by public transportation. If you don’t want to rent a car, consider doing day tours. I did this for Douro Valley and it was a fantastic day trip. Check out my experience here .

Ready to Book Your Trip?

Don’t forget travel insurance!

Please do not travel without travel insurance! I’ve had to use it multiple times throughout my travels and it has saved me thousands of dollars. You can learn more about travel insurance  here . If you are looking for a provider I love and recommend  SafetyWing . For Canadian readers, take a look at  SoNomad.

Book your accommodation

I love and recommend  booking.com  for accommodation. They have a range of hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts. Plus, the platform has a great loyalty program that means the more you book, the more you can save. 

Book your tours

My go-to tour provider that I love to recommend is  GetYourGuide . They have options all over the world and partner with local companies for everything from day trips to food experiences and even airport transfers. 

Get connected

If you want to have data while travelling for online maps or any other needs, an esim is one of the easiest solutions. I’m a big fan of Airalo and have used their sim cards around the world from Brazil to Uzbekistan, Greece to the USA. It’s really easy- you download the app, pick what country you want an esim for, and after you purchase it follow the installation instructions. You can use promo code HANNAH3326 to save $3USD on your next esim purchase. 

Not sure what to pack?

I have destination-specific guides for some countries but you can also check my  travel essentials  and  camera gear  if you are looking for some ideas. 

Looking for a travel buddy?

Check out my group trips!

37 Comments

Portugal is a beautiful country! Thank you for the interesting material and photos.

glad you enjoyed 🙂

I didn’t go to Portugal solo, but can definitely see why it is a good place to travel on your own. I really enjoyed my time there. I agree the prices are good and the level of English made it easy to get around.

Definitely a beautiful place to visit solo or not. Just a few extra perks for those travelling alone! 🙂

I love Portugal! <3

I am a portuguese guy and I loved yor descriton. It seems I was travelling with you. Sorry but you are not alone now.

aw thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed 🙂 I truly loved Portugal

[…] I traveled to Lisbon solo and felt exceptionally safe! Although I don’t speak the language I was able to get around quite easily and make friends at my hostel! Heading to Portugal solo? Check out this guide to solo travel in Portugal. […]

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THanks for the tips! I’m hoping to visit at the end of the summer months and now I’m even more excited! Beautiful photos too!

You’re welcome! I hope you love it as much as I did!

I am planning a solo trip to Portugal in September (my first solo trip!). This article is very encouraging and only makes me look forward to my trip more!! Thanks for all the tips!

yay! you will love it! 🙂

Hi there, I am planning my first ever solo trip to Portugal from end of August to early September and am doing the exact same places as you – starting in Porto, then Lisbon and then ending in Faro.

How would you say is the best way to travel from these cities? plane or train?

I did train and it was super easy! If you book in advance you can get a better deal on tickets as well. Enjoy Portugal- I LOVED it!

Awesome Post!

Where you at Portugal at the begining of October? How was the weather?

I’m planing to got from sept 30 to oct 6 and not sure if it’ll be warm enough.

I was there in early October and it was HOT. I didn’t pack accordingly and basically wore the same 3 things all week. They did have a random hot spell too so I’m not sure how normal that is. I definitely suggest layers though so you can work with hot and cooler temperatures.

[…] and friendly locals made it a fast favourite. Not to mention I felt completely welcome and safe travelling solo in Portugal. However, while I enjoyed the whole trip it was Porto that I liked the most. Something about the […]

How much should I expect for hostel stays? Do they have dorm type rooms, space for two, or large bunk rooms? Did you use local transportation in the towns? Did you rent a car?

Hi Dona, If you read through some more of my Portugal content you’ll find a lot of answers to your questions based on my experience. Hostels vary on room types and I used local transport the whole time. It was very easy to get around that way expect for the Algarve

I keep hearing amazing things about Portugal. I guess I am going to have to plan a trip there in the near future! Great article and information!

it’s an awesome destination!

This is a good destination Hannah. Its a great place to have an adventure.

Great review – thank you for sharing your experiences – I’m thinking about going to Portugal but I’m undecided between Lisbon or Faro.

I wanted to go in late April but I’m concerned about rainfall.

When would you say is the best time to go?

Lisbon for sure over Faro. I’ve only been in October and it was beautiful and not too crowded. I imagine April would probably be good for that as well but I’m not sure about the rainfall.

Hi! I came across your site while searching for information about Portugal travel. I anticipate going there in the next year. I am used to solo travel and have no worries about that. However, I am curious about the hostels you listed. I have stayed in hostels before, but it has been about 10 years. I am 66 years old so I am curious if these were all young people or a variety of ages.

Thank you for your insight.

Hey Nancy! When I went it was mostly 20s and 30s in the ones I stayed at. That being said I don’t think (double check) that any of the ones I mentioned were youth specific. I’ve stayed in several hostels with older travellers before and I’ve never seen it being an issue. I always find the older travellers have the bet stories! The Portugal hostels I stayed at weren’t party hostels either so that might make them extra worth looking at 🙂

[…] wouldn’t say Malta is my top-rated destination for solo travellers (Ireland and Portugal still top my list for those spots), however, it’s definitely a good spot. Being a solo female […]

Great article Hannah! Glad you enjoyed your stay. I went there in 2019 with my partner who’s Portuguese. We had a great time and can’t wait to go back. The food & wine are very reasonable. Looking forward to reading more of your posts.

Must have been nice to visit with someone from the country and have a local perspective!

Hello! What are the names of the hostels that did the family dinners? Also, do most hostels have lockers where you can put your passports? Thanks!

The ones I recommend here did had the family dinners when I visited. TBH I’m not sure if its still the same now with COVID. As for lockers, most hostels have big ones for your luggage but some are under the bed and not solid. Like metal cages if that makes sense. So if your passport was in a bag then its fine, but its not always a small totally sealed locker like you find in hotel rooms

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• Travel tips

Algarve Solo Travel Guide: 7 Best Places in Algarve for Solo Travellers

The Algarve has the most spectacular coastal scenery, steep colourful cliffs and beaches that go on forever. Covering the southern coast of Portugal , the region has over 300 sunny days in a year , making the Algarve one of the best places to visit in Portugal.

The cities and towns in Algarve are quite busy during the warmer months. And I can totally understand why people love the Algarve. The charming towns have a serene and relaxing atmosphere, and the region is excellent for people of all ages, families and couples.

And if you are travelling alone to the Algarve, then keep reading my Algarve solo travel guide. I’ll show you all the best places in Algarve that you must visit as a solo traveller.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost. Thank you for supporting this website. For more information, please read the  disclosure for more info.

What you need to know before travelling solo to the Algarve

Before you take your solo trip to the Algarve, take a look at my travel tips that you may find useful for visiting the south of Portugal:

• The Algarve is safe for solo female travellers . However, you may get a few marriage proposals from overly flirtatious men. Ha! Or many of them will wink at you and try to get your attention. These interactions are as “dangerous” as it gets! Ha!
• The easiest and cheapest way to solo travel in Algarve is by taking the bus or train .
• Accommodation is a bit pricier in the Algarve than in other parts of the country. And rightfully so, the area is gorgeous! When you look for accommodation, check Agoda to find something that suits you.
• The best way to travel around the Algarve is by taking the regional train . Tickets can be purchased at the station. If the ticket office is closed, you can always purchase the ticket on the train.

How to get to and around the Algarve Portugal

There are many ways to travel to the Algarve depending on where you are coming from.

Driving is the easiest and fastest way to travel to and around the Algarve.

But for solo travellers, it might be best to consider taking the train or bus which both have an extensive network in the south of Portugal. The cost for both train and bus is inexpensive compared to a car rental.

The only airport in the Algarve is Faro Airport . The regional airport is 4km outside of Faro. Many international flights fly into Faro Airport daily.

Several Alfa Pendular (AP) and Intercidades (IC) trains depart daily from Lisbon Estação do Oriente station to the Algarve. Choose the AP train (fast train) and stop either at Faro (the last stop) or Albufeira .

And from either train station, you can connect to the “Linha do Algarve” line , which is the dedicated railway line going east to west of the Algarve. The line includes stops at these cities (from east to west): Vila Real de Santo António, Tavira, Faro, Loulé, Tunes, Silves, Portimão, and Lagos .

Check Comboios de Portugal website for train schedule.

I always prefer the train option because I can book a train ticket via the CP app . It is very convenient and also easy to use.

Several bus operators have daily departures from Lisbon to the Algarve . Rede Expresso bus departs from several locations in Lisbon to different cities along the Algarve coast.

Check the Rede Expresso website for the bus schedule.

As for travelling along the Algarve coast, EVA Transportes/Vamus Algarve is the regional bus company that can take you to different towns along the southern coast.

It used to be EVA Transportes but the buses also have Vamus Algarve logos. Both websites aren’t really helpful for bus schedules. But I found updated bus schedules on the Vamus Algarve app which I find super helpful.

Best places in Algarve Summary

If you have been dreaming about the scenic beaches, famous cliffs and the picturesque coastline of the Algarve, then you must pack your bags and take your solo trip to the Algarve.

I suggest spending a week in the Algarve and visiting some of the most scenic places along the coast. You can choose two to three places along the coast and use them as your home base and explore other small towns, take excursions, and take day trips along the coast.

Below are some of the best towns in the Algarve. I’ve visited all of these places on my own and can highly recommend them.

Here is a quick summary of all the best places to visit in the Algarve:

• Vilamoura and Quarteira

7 top places in Algarve for solo travellers

A trip to the south of Portugal must include Faro , the capital of the Algarve . It is one of the biggest cities in the Algarve and can be accessible by train, bus and plane.

There are many things to do in Faro including historical monuments, gorgeous beaches between waterways and delicious seafood restaurants scattered around town. If you have two days in Faro, you can see everything within the town and also take an excursion to either Praia de Faro or Parque Natural da Ria Formosa .

And because of its accessibility to other parts of the Algarve, Faro makes an excellent home base for exploring the eastern Algarve .

As for accommodation, I stayed at The Modernist Faro because of its central location and its mid-century modern design.

Things to do in Faro

When you spend a few days in Faro, make sure you see the following Faro attractions:

• Cidade Velha (Old Town) – meander the narrow cobblestone streets of the historical town centre within the ancient city walls.
• Arco da Vila – see the 1000-year-old stonework of the old gateway.
• Igreja do Carmo – visit the 18th-century Portuguese baroque cathedral.
• Praia de Faro – a 5km beach that has soft, golden sand and blue turquoise water. Take a local ferry (€3 return trip, every hour) at Estação Faro and try the special grilled tuna belly at Restaurant Zé Maria .
• Parque Natural da Ria Formosa  – sail through the park and see marshland and biodiversity unique to the Algarve.

Tavira is a very charming little town in the eastern Algarve . Similar to Faro, there are many pristine white houses in the town centre and several island beaches that you can see. It is one of the most charming towns along the Algarve coast.

There is no shortage of good food even though you are in a smaller town like Tavira. The one that caught my eye was Restaurant Bica. The restaurant has been around since 1965. The grilled octopus and cream cake were both excellent! The cream cake reminds me of the serradura dessert I had in Macau .

There is accommodation in Tavira, but I stayed in Faro and used Faro as my home base since Tavira is a small town that can be visited in one or two days. This Morrish town is easily accessible by taking a bus from Faro.

Things to do in Tavira

Some of the best things to do in Tavira include :

• Ponte Antiga Sobre o Rio Gilão – walk across this pedestrian-friendly “Roman bridge”.
• Igreja da Misericórdia – visit the 16th-century Renaissance church.
• Castelo de Tavira (Tavira Castle) – see the Moorish fortress and watchtower that were built in the 1000s.
• Praça da República – enjoy the open square where you can find many cafes and restaurants.
• Praia de Ilha de Tavira – 12 km of white sand beaches on a nearby island. Take a boat (€2 return trip) from the centre of Tavira (Rua Jose Pires Padinha).

3. Albufeira

Albufeira is the biggest resort town along the Algarve coastline. The town is popular with families, groups of guys and girls for bachelor and bachelorette parties, and older folks who want a beach holiday.

But if you are travelling solo, you can enjoy the coastal town as there are many things to do in Albufeira.

When you are in Albufeira, roam around the cobbled streets of the Old Town , visit one of the 25 blue flag beaches in Albufeira (which is the highest in the Algarve), and enjoy the nightlife as it is one of the best along the coast and join one of the many tours to see more of the Algarve coastline.

As for accommodation, stay near the Old Town, so you are within walking distance of most attractions. I stayed at an Airbnb apartment which is only three minutes away from the beach.

Things to do in Albufeira

When you travel solo to Albufeira , don’t miss these Albufeira attractions:

• Old Town Albufeira – walk through narrow streets and find remnants of the old Albufeira Castle.
• Old Town Square – lots of shops and restaurants in the narrow streets and open square.
• Beaches of Albufeira – visit one of 25 blue flag beaches of Albufeira including Praia do Peneco, Praia dos Pescadores , and Praia da Oura .
• Coastal hike from Praia dos Arrifes to Praia do Castelo – see cliffs and beaches along the coast.
• Marina de Albufeira – take one of the many day tours around Albufeira including a speed boat tour to Benagil Cave .

Loulé is a traditional Portuguese market town in the central Algarve. The small town is located a bit inland from the coast and is an excellent day trip destination from Faro and Albufeira.

The best day to visit Loulé is Saturday since both Loulé Saturday Market and the Gypsy Market are open on Saturdays only.

But besides the markets, there are other things to do in Loulé including churches, castles, and browsing handicraft stores around the old town .

You can see everything in Loulé within half a day. If you are not taking the bus to Loulé, I recommend taking the half-day tour to Loulé , especially if you are travelling solo from Albufeira.

Things to do in Loulé

When you spend either half a day or a full day in Loulé , make sure to these attractions:

• Loulé Saturday Market – the biggest market selling local produce including cheese, piri piri sauce and other Portuguese treats.
• Mercado Municipal de Loulé – see the large market inside an Arabian-inspired building.
• Loulé Old Town – walk around the narrow streets and see the Loulé Tunnel and Rua 5 de Outubro
• Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Conceição – see blue-and-white azulejo tiles inside the 17th century church.
• Castelo de Loulé – climb up the towers inside the ancient castle and see ancient artifacts in the Loulé Museum .

5. Vilamoura and Quarteira

Vilamoura is a modern resort town along the central Algarve coastline. And the town is relatively new as it was constructed in the 1980s when many golf courses were built.

You can take a day trip to Vilamoura from either Albufeira or Faro. Plus, the modern town is right next to another town called Quarteira , a small fishing village. Both towns are small, so you can easily visit both on the same day.

While you are there, don’t miss the marina complex and all the beaches between Vilamoura and Quarteira . And you must see Praia de Vilamoura , an 8km picturesque beach with golden sand and a reddish-orange cliff.

Things to do in Vilamoura and Quarteira

When you take a day trip to Vilamoura and Quarteira , don’t miss these attractions:

• Vilamoura Marina – see luxury yachts around the modern marina and find an array of international cuisine lining the perimeter.
• Praia de Quarteira – swim or rent a standup paddle board at the main beach in Quarteira.
• Praia de Falésia – walk along the 8km picturesque beach from Vilamoura to Olhos de Água.
• Mercado da Fonte Santa – a gypsy market just outside of Quarteira. Open Wednesdays only from 8 to 2.
• Cerro da Villa – learn about the area’s history at this archaeological museum.

6. Portimão  

As the largest city in the western Algarve , there are many things to do in Portimão . It is a small town that is great for all ages. Most tourists will stay near the coast with more hotel accommodations and a scenic promenade with lots of shops and restaurants.

Once you get off the train at Portimão, you have to walk to the city centre for 10 minutes or so. The small and compact city centre has many historical buildings and is the perfect town for a day trip.

And from the city centre, make your way south until you reach the beach. It is a bit of a walk but if you walk along the Ribeirinha towards the south, you can see Fortaleza de Santa Catarina de Ribamar  up close and Castelo de São João do Arade across the Arade River.

Things to do in Portimão

• Ribeirinha – walk on this riverside esplanade and see tourist boats on the Arade River.
• Fortaleza de Santa Catarina – see the old fort with panoramic views.
• Castelo de São João do Arade – across the Arade River.
• Praia da Rocha – is one of the liveliest beaches during summer. Between the steep cliffs and the beach, you will find restaurants facing the beach.
• Praia do Vau – follow the path along the jagged coastline and see a beach with fantastic views.

Lagos is a thriving town in the western Algarve and the perfect place for staying a few days. If you are into water sports (kayaking, surfing, standup paddleboard), you will want to visit Lagos. And you will have access to coastal sites and beautiful ocean views!

There are many choices when it comes to eating out in Lagos . I tried the Algarve fish stew at Restaurante Casa Baia and the grilled seabream at Gilberto Cafe . A meal will cost you about €15 or so. But my favourite place is a little bakery called Padaria Central. Every morning I would go there and have a coffee and a pastry. And the price is on point too!  

Accommodation costs are slightly higher in Lagos than in other parts of Portugal. But the view from  Lagos Avenida Hotel  is just too good.

Things to do in Lagos

• Praia Dona Ana – a gorgeous beach surrounded by impressive rock formations and cliffs. Probably one of the most photographed beaches in Lagos.
• Praia do Camilo – a beach accessible by many flights of stairs (see the main photo).
• Ponta da Piedade – walk along the edges of the coast and see the famous rock arches, natural tunnels and hidden caves. Or take a kayak and boat trip to explore the sea caves .
• Benagil Sea Cave – see the cave from a 2-hour boat tour . Book online or buy a ticket from one of the tour companies set up shops in Lagos.
• Sagres – take a day trip to this small town west of Lagos and see Sagres Point and Cabo de São Vincente , the most western point of Portugal. A lighthouse stands tall over the 60 meters jagged cliff, a prime location for watching sunsets.

Many tours start in Lagos. Try one of these tours below:

Other places for solo travel in algarve.

I spent several weeks solo in the Algarve and saw all these places alone. If I had more time, I would visit Alvor, Carvoeiro, Silves, Monchique and Olhão . These are some of the top places in the Algarve I would love to visit the next time I’m back in Portugal.

Algarve solo travel: which one do you include in your Portugal itinerary?

Travelling solo in Algarve is quite easy especially if you understand how to travel from town to town. Learn how to take the train and bus and see all the best scenery along the southern coast.

I hope you found this Algarve solo travel guide useful. If you travel solo in Portugal, you can spend two weeks in Portugal and include some of these cities in your itinerary.

Let me know in the comments which cities in Algarve you are most excited to see!

Thank you for reading my Algarve Portugal post

You might also like these other posts on solo travel in Portugal:

• Portugal solo travel itinerary: 2 weeks in Portugal by train

Lisbon region posts

• Lisbon solo travel guide for first-timers
• Is the Lisboa Card worth it?
• Best day trips from Lisbon Portugal

Northern Portugal posts

• 2 days in Porto: things to do alone in Porto
• 17 best Porto food: what and where to eat in Porto
• 7 excellent day trips from Porto
• Day trip to Guimarães from Porto: 1-day itinerary
• Day trip from Porto to Espinho: 1-day itinerary

Central Portugal posts

• Aveiro day trip from Porto: 1-day itinerary
• How to spend one day in Coimbra Portugal

Algarve posts

• 20 best things to do in Albufeira for solo travellers
• Loule itinerary: best things to do in one day
• Vilamoura and Quarteira: 1-day itinerary

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I've been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!

Further Reading...

17 Best Porto Food: Where and What to Eat in Porto Portugal

Day Trip From Porto To Espinho Portugal: 1-day Itinerary

10 Off the Beaten Path Travel Destinations for Solo Travellers

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21 Free Things To Do Alone In Singapore

Aveiro day trip from porto in portugal: 1-day aveiro itinerary, ms travel solo.

for Solo Travel Over 50

Ultimate Porto Solo Travel Guide (2023)

UPDATED 8/26/23

The second-largest city in Portugal is not a city to be missed. Put Porto, Portugal on your list of best places in Europe to travel solo and let my ultimate Porto Solo Travel Guide help you plan your Portugal solo trip.

This Porto Travel Guide is intentionally written for the solo traveler, first time Porto traveler, and/or older traveler (I am over 50 and have been solo traveling FOREVER) in mind. Yet, anyone can use this travel guide it to plan and book Porto travel.

Like this? Share it with others!

This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. For products, the goal is to first provide direct links to eco-friendly, ethical, and sustainable companies, and then to those same type (i.e., Climate Pledge Friendly Certification ), of brands that use Amazon, if possible. Therefore, you may see multiple links for one option. Should you make a purchase through any link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. See my Disclaimers & Disclosures and Privacy Policy for more information.

Portugal Solo Travel Guide

What is porto famous for, porto travel packing essentials, best time to visit porto portugal, how to get to porto portugal, how to get around porto, is porto safe for solo travel, best area to stay in porto solo, 5 must dos in porto portugal, more top things to do alone in porto, best porto day trips, best booking sites for porto travel, how to get the best of porto in 3 days.

If you need more Portugal travel tips to supplement your Porto travel planning, consult my ultimate Portugal Solo Travel Guide full of tips on culture, entry requirements, currency, tipping, using electronics, safety, and a lot more to plan solo travel in Portugal.

Porto’s scenery, food, culture, and people, as well as its proximity to more unforgettable destinations, make Porto a must visit city in Portugal. Don’t wait to start planning your trip to Porto, and use my 3 Days in Porto Itinerary perfect for your first-time Porto solo travel.

THE 3 Days in Porto Itinerary for First Timers (2023)

More portugal travel guides & itineraries.

• Coimbra in 1 Day Itinerary and Guide
• The Ultimate Lisbon Solo Travel Guide
• The Best of Lisbon in 4 Days Itinerary
• 7 Best Europe Beach Destinations for Solo Travelers

There are 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Portugal , with the combined Porto Historic Center, Luis I Bridge and Serra do Pilar being one of them.  

Oporto, Portugal, more commonly referred to as “Porto”, is rich in history going back 2000 years to the Romans, who originally dubbed the city Portus (“port”). Today, Porto residents refer to themselves as “Tripeiros”.  

Porto lies on the Douro River, the third largest river in the Iberian Peninsula, which is largely responsible for the city’s trade and port industry, and opens to the Atlantic Ocean nearby.  

Portugal’s second largest city, Porto is seen as “second” to Lisbon in popularity, but this is changing.  Porto has not had been affected or destroyed by earthquakes, like Lisbon, leaving it largely in tact for centuries.

The historic center, mostly consisting of the Baixa and Ribeira districts, is where the majority of the top Porto sites reside and where the tourists flock to.

Tripeiros are very friendly and welcoming. They are eager to share with you the wonders of their city and what their country offers nearby. You won’t be at a loss for things to do in Porto.

Most Tripeiros speak English but it doesn’t hurt to brush up on some Portuguese before you visit. It will only enhance your stay in Porto. Porto is worth visiting for sure.

Is Porto Worth Visiting?

Porto is worth visiting for sure. Don’t discount it on your Portugal solo travel.

If you were thinking of only visiting Lisbon, think again. The train ride from Lisbon to Porto is less than three hours, so I urge you to carve out some extra time for Porto on your over 50 single travel.

I’m not one to tell someone else how to pack, but there definitely some solo travel essentials I would recommend taking on your travel to Porto, like the following.

This list of travel essentials combined can make your Porto travel easier and more memorable while being friendlier to the environment.

Everyone says the best time to visit Porto is May through September. Yes and no. ‘Yes’ to May and September, but ‘no’ to the other summer months.

Porto Weather & Costs

The weather in Porto averages in the 40°s F to 70°s F, with warmest weather in the summer June through August. Summer provides for multiple outdoor activities, but also when it can be more crowded driving up prices. 

The winter months of December through February are the coldest and rainiest, with lower costs and outdoor opportunities. If you go, bring an eco-friendly travel umbrella .

Shoulder season months provide good weather, lower tourist costs and good daylight hours.  May is said to be one of the best months to visit Porto, but don’t discount after the summer season.

Porto in October, when I was last there, was lovely. I still had to book well in advance for decent accommodation prices.  For this Porto Solo Travel Guide, I would recommend May, September and October for your Porto solo visit.

Porto Events

Summertime is not only a good time for Porto weather, it’s also a good time for fun. Porto holds its largest street festival, Festas de São João, in June. In fact, there are many local festivals in June.

I suggest also checking the Porto events calendar to help determine which month is best for your Porto solo travel .

Accessible by airplane, car, boat, bus and train, Porto is an easy city to get to.

Bus or Train to Porto

Porto receives many trains and buses , which are usually timely and inexpensive. Most Porto trains arrive and depart from the Bento Train Station, in the central Baixa district. 

Most Porto buses arrive and depart from the Parque das   Camélias Terminal, also centrally located.

Trainline Provides Cheap Train and Bus Tickets

Flights to Porto

The airport in Porto is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), known simply as Porto Airport. Porto receives many direct flights from within the European Union and from outside of Europe.

Find Your Cheap Flight to Porto

Eco travel tips.

Skyscanner  provides a ‘Greener flights’ filter highlighting flights that emit less CO2. Additionally, you can purchase carbon offsets  through your airline  to lower your carbon footprint.

Portugal Covid Travel Tip

As of April 2023, Portugal no longer requires a Covid test for entry to Portugal .

Porto Airport to City Center

It is less than 20 km from the Porto Airport to Porto city center. There are several ways to get from Porto Airport to Porto.

If you do not have access to an airport shuttle by your hotel, the cheapest and easiest way to get to Porto city center is by the Porto metro.

Porto Airport Metro

When you arrive Porto Airport, follow the signs to the Porto metro. The Aeroporto station is minutes from the airport front door.

Buy a ticket for the E train (purple line), less than 3 €, at one of the machines (you can use a credit card). Then walk upstairs to the platform.

The metro departs the Porto airport every 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the day, and takes about 30 minutes to arrive at the Trindade metro station, in the Baixa district.  

Porto Airport Taxi and More

Faster ways, but not by much, to Porto city center are by vehicle.

You can hail a rideshare, like Uber or Bolt, at the Porto Airport, which could cost approximately 10 to 20 € (at time of writing this guide).

Shared and private Porto airport shuttles could cost approximately the same, respectively. Taxis can cost approximately 30 €.

You do have the option to hire a rental car at Porto Airport but then you’ll have to deal with gas and parking within the Porto, which could be limited in the city center. Check with your hotel or hostel first to see if they have parking available.

• The Porto Card

The Porto Card is a wonderful option for airport to city center metro transportation plus attractions, for an overall 150 discounts.

The Porto Card can be purchased for 1, 2, 3 or 4 days and covers:

• Free entry to more than 7 museums and attractions,
• 50% discounts to the Torre Dos Clérigos, Museu Da Misericórdia, and the Museu da 1ª Demarcação do Douro,
• a Port wine cellar,
• Unlimited access to the Porto metro, STCP city buses and suburban CP trains, and
• Receive special offers in restaurants, shops, other venues, and more.

Purchase the Porto.Card online in advance for the easiest Porto airport to city center metro ride.

Eco Travel Tip

For flights only 2 to 3 hours in duration to and from Porto, take the train or bus instead. It could also save time and money, and the scenery is much prettier.

When hiring a rideshare, choose the  Bolt Green  or  Uber Green  options, or use  Carpoolworld , to support the use of electric cars and carpooling for cleaner transportation in Portugal.

Eco-Travel Tips & Ideas

• 25 Must-Have & Eco-Friendly Solo Beach Trip Essentials
• 10 Amazing Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Swimwear Brands
• 15 Eco Long-haul Flight Essentials for Solo Travel
• Top 10 Eco-Friendly Carry On Luggage
• 10 Best Eco-Friendly Personal Item Bags for Flying

Once there, it’s doubtful you’d need car transportation within Porto. The best way to get around Porto is by walking, in my humble opinion.

Porto is Walkable

Porto is walkable, but there are a lot of hills. It helps to be in shape to be walking around. I highly recommend wearing light-weight, eco-friendly walking shoes .

To learn while you walk, and meet other solo travelers, opt for a walking tour of Porto. There are several to choose from that make an ideal morning or afternoon activity.

Best Porto Walking Tours

Eco-friendly transportation.

Because of the hills, renting an e-bike or electric scooter may give you a boost of energy, if you’re not used to walking on inclines.

Want to ride around Porto, but not alone? Porto has bike, e-bike, e-scooter and segway tours, too. I always say group excursions are a great way to learn more about a city while meeting new people during solo travel. At any age.

Porto E-Bike Tours and More

Tuk Tuks also make getting around Porto easy. They even offer guided tours . Opt for an electric Tuk Tuk to be eco-friendly.

Porto Electric Tuk Tuk Tours

Unique porto transportation.

Porto has some unique, and eco-friendly, methods to get around the city that you may want to consider for a first-time Porto solo visit.

Ride Porto’s Funicular dos Guindais for a scenic and non-exerting way to climb the hills of the historic city center. Across the water, catch views of Porto and beyond from above on a Teleférico de Gaia cable car.

Like Lisbon, the Porto Tram can take you on a tour of the city. One way to cover alot of ground in Porto is to get a hop-on, hop-off bus, funicular and tram combo ticket .

Don’t forget river cruises. Take Douro River boat cruise for unforgettable scenery and soaking up the sun while resting your feet.

Best Porto River Cruises

Porto metro.

Of course, there is always the Porto metro, and bus services, if you want more options to explore Porto or get a little further outside of the city center. In fact, the Porto metro can take you to the beach. It’s only 30 minutes from the Trindade station to the coastal city of Matosinhos . Check the Porto Metro map and schedule .

Depending on how long you stay, you may want consider getting a Porto Card or just the  Andante Tour Card  for local transportation only.

Porto’s crime rate is considered low and considered a safe travel destination.

As always, use a safe, travel day-bag keep your belongings with you at all times, and be watchful of pickpockets in crowded, touristy areas or on public transportation.

I never felt unsafe in Porto as a solo female traveler, even when walking around at night. However, as a general precaution, I ensured my walking routes were well lit and populated. Whether you’re male or female, always avoid dark or secluded streets or alleys when walking alone.

Still, I walked a lot at night by myself in Porto and was fine. If you normally feel uncomfortable being out solo at night, you may want to consider going when the daylight hours are longest so you have more time to explore Porto, Portugal.

Solo Travel Tips

Have WhatsApp on your mobile device(s). Many smaller establishments and activities offices use this as a method of communication making it easier to make inquiries or booking and learn, or notify, of any scheduling changes.

Get the T-Mobile International Plan or something similar in price and features. I no longer work on WiFi only on international travel. I’ll use it when it’s there, but having access to roaming when needed for GPS and Google Maps is a game changer.

More Solo Tips & Ideas

• How to Plan Your First Solo Trip:  Step 1
• How To Save Money for Solo Travel
• Top 10 Tips on How to Do a Solo Beach Trip
• 10 Must Know Planning Tips for First-Time International Travel

Whether you’re staying a week or a weekend in Porto, or a first-time visitor, I would highly recommend staying within the Baixa (historic city center) and Ribeira districts, within the marked section of the map below.

You could also opt to stay in the Gaia district, on the south side of the Duoro River, but the northern side of the river is more convenient and would cut down on time between attractions, if you are on a short Porto stay.

Oporto Hotels and More

There are multiple accommodations in Porto Portugal across all budget types to choose from. Going in the off season, or booking well in advance, will get you the best Porto prices on any type of accommodation.

Consider booking at a property that either is eco-friendly or sustainably rated, or at least employs these methods into their business.

Porto Hotels

Hotels in Porto will range from budget to posh.

For location, price, amenities (including free-cancellation), eco-friendly and sustainable operations, and customer reviews and ratings, here are my Porto Solo Travel Guide recommendations (i.e., where I would stay):

• Pestana Porto – A Brasileira, City Center & Heritage Building
• Eurostars Porto Centro
• One Shot Aliados Goldsmith 12

Porto Hostels

Porto city center hostels are great budget accommodations in Porto for solo travel over 50. Using the same conditions above, and the ability to get a private room, here are my recommendations for best Porto hostel for solo travellers:

• Hostel Market
• Nice Way Porto Hostel
• Gallery Hostel
• Porto Lounge Hostel & Guesthouse
• Lost Inn Portal Hostel

I would recommend Nice Way Porto Hostel , which is where I stayed on my last Porto solo visit.  

Not posh or Sustainable rated, Nice Way Porto Hostel was equipped (in the hostel and in my private room) with everything I needed, in a fabulous location, and had a friendly and accommodating staff who were flexible on my breakfast times around my excursions and provided great suggestions on what to see and do in Porto.

In addition to Booking.com’s Porto’s Travel Sustainable properties , Green Globe and Green Key Global also have eco-friendly certified lodging options.

Reserve Porto Accommodations Early for the Best Price

What would a Porto Solo Travel Guide be without listing the best things to do in Porto?

Although hilly, to say the least, Porto’s top attractions are visible within a short period of time. Just don’t miss the Porto must see items.

This video will show you what an amazing first-time Porto solo trip you’ll have.

Ways to Do Some Porto MUST DOs

Like I said, you will not run out of fantastic things to do alone in Porto, or outside of Porto. Here are some of the best things to do in Porto, and where to find them, that you’ll want to consider adding to your single traveler itinerary.

Some may be free, but for those that aren’t, don’t forget the Porto.Card .

Porto Neighborhoods

The historic Porto city center is where most top attractions reside and consists mainly of two neighborhoods:  Baixa and Ribeira. Along with the Luis I Bridge and the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar across the river, the historic city center was granted UNESCO World Heritage site status in 1996.

Northern part the historic city center and one of the best places to stay in Porto for first-time or solo travel. It is on a higher elevation than the rest of the city center with its own set of top Porto attractions.

Ribeira (“riverside”) is south of Baixa and on a lower elevation that abuts the Douro River . This southern side of the historic city center is just as picturesque as Baixa, but is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Porto and considered the “heart” of the old town.  

Ribeira’s Cais da Ribeira (riverfront promenade) and steep streets are popular for shopping, restaurants, bars and nightlife fun. It is also a popular area to stay in Porto.

Depending on how much time you have in Porto, you may also find yourself in the neighborhoods of Cedofeita Boavista (north of Baixa), Bonfirm (east of Baixa and Ribeira said to be where expats live), and Lodelo do Oro e Massarelos (west of the historic city center).

Vila Nova de Gaia

Commonly referred to as “Gaia”, this town is a municipality of the Porto District and south of Porto easily accessible by foot or public transportation across the Luis I Bridge.  

Gaia’s scenic river front hosts shops, restaurants serving fresh fish dishes in outdoor dining settings, and the skyrail that starts near the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar.  

Gaia is also home to the many port houses where the port grapes from the Duoro Valley have been received for centuries by way of the Duoro River to make port, Portugal’s signature drink.  

Add port tasting in port houses and cellars of Gaia to your Porto solo trip itinerary. Stay for the evening to watch the sunset cast beautiful light upon Ribeira’s colorful buildings.

Landmarks and Points of Interest

Indoor and outdoor Porto landmarks and points of interest are not only unique but can also be free things to do in Porto year-round.

• Dom Luís I Bridge – two-tiered bridge built in 1886 spans across the Douro River between the Ponte Dom Luis I of the Ribeira neighborhood of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
• Funicular dos Guindais
• Teleférico de Gaia – take a ride on a cable car
• Molhe e Farolim de Felgueiras – point and lighthouse where the river meets the Atlantic.
• Mercado Ferreira Borges – iron and glass landmark building built in the 1880’s that has restaurants and a bar.
• Fonte dos Leões (Fountain of the Lions)
• Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar – former 1550’s monastery

Churches and Cathedrals

• Iglesia de los Clérigos and Clérigos Tower – sweeping Porto views from this Baroque tower.
• Se Catedral (Porto Cathedral) – one of the city’s oldest monuments.
• Pillory of Porto – unique pillar in the Porto Cathedral plaza.
• Igreja de São Francisco (Church of Saint Francis) – most prominent Gothic monument in Porto.
• Capela das Alamas (Chapel of Souls) – blue-tiled facade chapel.
• Igreja do Carmo (Church of Our Lady of Carmo) – blue tiled facade Baroque church.
• Igreja de San Antonio de los Congregados (Church of Saint Anthony’s Congregation) – across from Bento Train Station.
• Igreja de Santo Ildefonso (Church of St Idelfonso) – Baroque 18th century church near Batalha Square.

History and Architecture

• Câmara Municipal do Porto – Town hall with clocktower offering more views of Porto.
• Palacio da Bolsa (Bolsa Palace) – 19th century Stock Exchange Palace.
• Livraria Lello & Irmão (Lello Bookstore) – known for its beautiful staircase and, mistakenly, as the inspiration for J.K. Rawlings.

• Paço Episcopal do Porto (Paco Episcolal) – former residence of Porto bishops in late Baroque and Rococo style.
• São Bento Station – railway terminal completed in 1916.
• Casa da Musica – concert hall designed by architect Rem Koolhaas.

• Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves – Museum of contemporary art.
• Soares dos Reis – museum founded in 1833 and located in the Carrancas Palace.
• Portuguese Centre of Photography – founded in 1997 and located in a former prison.
• FC Porto Museum – dedicated to the history of the Portuguese association football club FC Porto.

Parks and Gardens, Plazas and Promenades

• Avenida dos Aliados / Liberdade Square – important Porto avenue and square where Porto City Hall resides.
• Cais da Ribeira – Ribeira riverfront.
• Ribeira Square – historical square on the Cais da Ribeira.
• Jardins do Palácio de Cristal – Victorian gardens.
• Parque da Cidade do Porto – (Porto City Park) – largest urban park in Porto.
• Parque de Serralves – sprawling park located at the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves.

Porto Restaurants, Nightlife and Shopping

Within the Porto city center and Gaia are multiple dining and shopping opportunities for single travel over 50.

If you’re on a budget, try shopping fresh produce and grab-and-go bites at a local market like the 2-story Mercado do Bolhão filled with different vendors.

Rua das Flores is a popular street with plenty of restaurants or shops you can sample. The Mercado Ferreira Borges also has some restaurants and a bar with outdoor patio to try.

For nightlife, stay within the Ribeira area.

Avoid using single-use plastics when dining, shopping and on food tours in Porto to reduce plastic waste and your carbon footprint by bringing your own reusable collapsible shopping bags , collapsible water bottle , recycled plastic water bottle carry sling , and bamboo travel utensils so you’re prepared to travel with the planet in mind.

I always travel with the above items. Light weight and taking up very little space in my carry-on bags , I love the convenience and peace of mind these inexpensive, eco-friendly products provide.

What Food is Porto Known For?

Porto solo travel would not be complete without sampling the local cuisine and drink.

Top things to try are a sanduíche de pernil , a slow roasted pork sandwich on a doughy roll, where the pork has been long simmering in juices, so the sandwich melts in your mouth.  Wash it down with a cold, Super Bock lager or stout beer. I had mine at the Casa Guides , a roof-top bar and restaurant frequented by locals.

There’s also the traditional Francesinha (“little French”), a ham and steak sandwich baked with melted cheese on top, akin to the croque monsieur. Some think this dish was originated by the French, but it was actually the Portuguese.

If you like fish, you’re in luck. Right on the water, Porto serves up many dishes made of fresh fish.  Try the popular Bacalhau , tasty little croquettes of dried and salted cod.

For sweets or dessert, you must try a Pastel de Nata , the little Portuguese custard tarts, with coffee. Yum!

If custard is not your thing, don’t worry. Porto has desserts galore to choose from.

Of course, Porto would not be complete without trying the local wine of the region, Vinho Verde, and port, Portugal’s signature drink.

Remember, Port is a fortified, dessert wine (some very high in alcohol content). Try it with cheese samplings or a meal, not with dessert. 

Port tasting is a must on your solo trip to Porto. Put a trip to the port houses cellars in Gaia on your list. I did a sampling at Porto Cruz on the waterfront. It was lovely.

If you want some other recommendations, here are 5 port cellars in Porto to try . 

If you have time or want to explore Porto’s spectacular surroundings on your Portugal solo travel, try a day trip from Porto.

Top of the list should be a day trip to Duoro Valley , another UNESCO World Heritage Site, with lunch and river cruise. I did a small group Douro Valley tour from Porto , which included scenic stops, an authentic Portuguese lunch, a stop at the famous Pinhão train station, river cruise, and 2 port tasting stops. It was great fun. I highly recommend this Douro Valley tour , or one similar if this one is booked.

Find the best Douro Valley tour that is right for you.

Best Douro Valley Day Trips from Porto

There are also other, top travel destinations within an hour or two from Porto. I did a self-guided day trip to Braga and loved it. Keep these destinations in mind when you plan your trip to Porto.

More Great Porto Day Trip Ideas

More wine travel ideas.

• Amazing 4 Days in Maui
• Best Flexible 4 Day Vienna 4 Day Itinerary
• Spectacular South of France in 3 Days
• Champagne Day Trip from Paris to Reims Without a Car
• Fabulous Florence 4 Day Itinerary
• 2 Days in Siena Italy Budget Itinerary (with Montalcino)

Here is a summary of the best booking sites I recommend you bookmark and use to successfully book your travel to Porto, Portugal. I use just about all of these for most travel locations. I even gave you my suggested Porto hostel as a fantastically located budget option.

These booking sites give you multiple travel options and awesome travel deals for all travel budgets. They will certainly help get a jump on your solo trip to Porto.

For the best travel deals , always book early .

• Cheap Flights to Porto
• Porto City Center Hotels
• Porto City Center Hostels
• My Suggested Porto Hostel
• Porto Train Tickets
• Porto Bus Tickets

Don’t forget to check out Portugal ecotourism ideas and use my Portugal Travel Guide complete your Porto travel planning and booking.

Now that you know you are familiar with Porto, would you like an itinerary idea to get you going? Use my 3 days in Porto itinerary perfect for first time solo travel to Porto. It takes out all of the guesswork of what to do in Porto in 3 days (or 4 or 5). You’ll love it.

Let Me Hear From You

I would love to hear if my Porto Solo Travel Guide was helpful in planning your solo travel over 50. Post me your thoughts or questions in the Comments section below. Thank you!

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A Solo Woman Traveling

Boutique Travel Guides & All-Female Luxury Tours

Ultimate Guide for Solo Travel in Faro Portugal + Map

If you’re on the lookout for insights on solo travel in Faro, Portugal, you’re in the perfect spot! I recently visited the Algarve alone and had a memorable time exploring the charming city of Faro.

In this article, I’ll share my experiences exclusively for solo travelers in Faro, including what to do, and where to eat and stay in the Algarve region!

Brace yourself for a comprehensive account of my journey to this enchanting Portuguese city that has quickly topped my list of favorites!

Human-written content, by me, and nearly all original images, unless stated. Posts could have affiliate links to help offset the cost of maintaining this blog. When you click on a link we receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you. See Our Affiliate Policy and Advertiser Disclosure for more info.

My Experience In Faro, Portugal

Faro, Portugal, is safe, small, and easy to get around. So in short, a fantastic destination for anyone traveling alone!

While it’s possible to cover Faro in just a day trip , I strongly believe you need more than a mere day to truly experience this gem.

Faro stands out as an ideal solo travel spot , for its plethora of activities and sights to explore!

During my short stay in Faro, I managed to find every GOOD wine & tapas bar in the city’s heart.

And don’t worry, I won’t keep these places a secret! I started this blog so that I could share all those hard-to-find places that don’t stand out on Trip Advisor 😉

Let this guide give you the overview you need to craft the perfect itinerary for your visit!

✈️ Are Ready to Travel Alone?: Take The Solo Travel Readiness Quiz!

Is Faro Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Starting with the basics, yes, Faro is generally a very secure destination for solo female travelers. I felt very free to explore the city alone, even during the evenings.

However, as with any travel, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid less-lit or secluded areas.

Portugal boasts an excellent safety record, and I recommend checking resources like Numbeo for up-to-date safety information and statistics to ensure a well-informed trip.

Pro Tip: Even though I found Faro to be super safe, I ALWAYS recommend getting travel insurance to avoid any mishaps. Lost luggage or getting sick can happen at any time.

Solo Female Travel Safety Gear

Secondary Lock

Feel extra secure in your accommodations with this affordable secondary lock.

Portable Safe

Want to protect your valuables anywhere? This portable safe will do the trick!

Portable Wifi

Being connected makes me feel safe! Get a portable Wi-Fi device and have the internet everywhere!

Travel Insurance

I don’t care how safe the city is, things happen. I always get travel insurance anytime I travel!

Travel Apps for Women

Download 13 must-have travel apps for women

Emergency Numbers

Emergency Number in Europe : Dial 112 & Emergency Number in the United States: Dial 911

Where is Faro Located?

Faro is located in the southernmost region of Portugal known as the Algarve.

Specifically, Faro is situated along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in the southeastern part of the Algarve.

I found Faro while searching for beautiful beaches, historic sites, and proximity to the Ria Formosa Natural Park .

It serves as the capital city of the Algarve and is approximately 273 kilometers (170 miles) south of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.

Faro is the perfect base when exploring the coastal towns in Portugal.

📲 Free Downloadable Map of Faro, Portugal

📍 Subscribe and get all my latest travel updates and travel tips + the pre-pinned Google map of all the best locations in this post!

My favorite restaurants, bars, hotels and top sights are all saved and ready to use!

👩🏻‍💻 Need Help Planning Your Trip? Get a customized itinerary !

Getting To & Around Faro

When I visited Faro I flew into the Faro International Airport . It is a nice quite small airport, which is ideal if you are new to solo travel and nervous about traveling alone .

The best way to get to downtown Faro is really up to you! There are many options, including bus, train, taxi or shuttle .

Exploring Faro, Portugal, is super easy, especially given the city’s size and its walkable layout . And don’t forget to load your smartphone with Portugal-specific travel apps!

Most of Faro’s main attractions are conveniently accessible, making it ideal for leisurely strolls through its picturesque streets.

And if you get a little restless, as I do, Faro’s main train station is a key hub, with connections to popular destinations like Albufeira and other coastal towns.

Additionally, the city offers a reliable bus network , making it easy to navigate around at a comfortable pace.

Taxis are pretty cheap , so they are not a bad option to explore Faro and its surroundings with ease and flexibility.

Read Next: Algarve 3-day itinerary

Is Faro Worth Visiting Solo?

I discovered that Faro is a fantastic solo destination! Not only are there plenty of exciting things to explore in the old town but there is a lovely nearby beach.

Faro is quieter and not as crowded, which makes it great for the benefits of solo travel . You can really enjoy the time to think and grow on your own.

Its location also makes it an ideal base for adventuring through the stunning regions of Southern Portugal.

It isn’t as exciting as solo traveling through Lisbon or Porto, but perfect for a relaxing holiday!

Being a travel addict , you might get restless after two nights of exploring. I spent five nights down in southern Portugal.

And, at dinner on the first night, I knew I needed to find some day trips from Faro.

Best Things to Do in Faro Alone

As you craft your itinerary in Faro , here are some of the most popular things you can do by yourself.

Walk the Medieval Walls of the Fortified Old Town

One of the main attractions in Faro is the medieval fortified old town, Cidade Velha. I can tell you from experience the Old Town Faro does not disappoint.

The most impressive gate is called the Arco da Vila . If you are looking for some of the most Instagramable spots in Faro , head to the Arco Da Vila!

For anyone visiting who is short on time, consider exploring the old town on a guided tour like this one that will give you a comprehensive overview.

Visit Faro Cathedral (Santa Maria Cathedral)

Within the walled city is the Faro Cathedral (Santa Maria Cathedral). Explore this 13th-century Roman Catholic Cathedral known for its blend of architectural styles.

The Faro Cathedral is open daily to the public Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturdays from 9:30 am to 1 pm.

Check out the Bone Church (Capela dos Osso)

Leave time in your schedule to visit Capela de Ossos Bone Chapel , also known as the bone church of Faro!

Located outside of the old town in the Church of Our Lady of Carmo (Igreja do Carmo), this chapel is adorned with the bones and skulls of over 1,000 monks.

The small chapel behind the main church is the one with walls and ceilings covered in human bones!

Discover Ria Formosa Natural Park

A little planning is required for this one. But a great way to spend a day solo in Faro is to take a boat tour to the protected area known for its unique flora and fauna.

Explore the Faro Municipal Museum

I am personally not the biggest museum person, but if you want to learn about Faro’s history and culture, check out the Faro Municipal Museum housed in a 16th-century convent.

Relax on Faro Beach (Praia de Faro):

I was surprised to find that the beach in Faro isn’t that close to the city center.

It’s either a 22-minute bus ride from the main station or you can take a taxi for around 10 euros.

I wasn’t as lucky to get great weather, but if you do, enjoy the sun and sea at this beautiful beach.

Faro Cultural by Night Segway Tour

Get a comprehensive understanding of Faro with this fantastic tour ! A quick 1 and half hour tour of all the highlights in Faro!

Must-Try Restaurants in Faro Portugal

Faro also has great Portuguese food! Incredible dining experiences are what make or break a trip for me.

It is no secret that I travel to eat! So I am always hunting for hidden gems in every city.

If you get hungry when exploring the old town of Faro, there are so many restaurants that I would recommend .

So with that all in mind, I was happy with my choice of destination.

Se7e Pedras Wine Bar & Restaurants

I spent my first evening at Se7e Pedras Wine Bar & Restaurants trying many of the tapas-style dishes.

All were delicious, especially the marinated sardine dish.

2 Irmãos

Irmãos was listed on every blog I explored for the best restaurants in Faro, Portugal.

I enjoyed trying it and now understand why it is so highly recommended. I was in love with the fish soup. Fresh and delicious, it was one of my favorite meals.

À do Pinto

The traditional razor clam paella and sangria were worth going back for! I really enjoy the ambiance of this charming spot.

Á Do Pinto does take reservations and you can book them online!

Restaurante Alameda

If you are looking for a boutique-style restaurant experience, you will be happy here at Restaurant Alameda .

L’Osteria

Maybe you are tired of Portuguese food and want to indulge in Italian food. Check out L’Osteria !

Located in the heart of town, this charming restaurant serves up some truly delicious Italian dishes that will leave your taste buds wanting more

Rooftop Restaurant in Faro

Restaurante ria formosa.

Located on the top of the Hotel Faro & Beach Club. The restaurant is open to the public and worth a try.

Every meal I got here at the Restaurante Ria Formosa was delightful but a little more expensive than most of the other places on my list.

Where to Stay Alone in Faro Portugal

If you are traveling solo without a car and looking to make day trips from Faro by train, stay in the town center.

There are so many affordable luxury hotels in the Faro region , however far from the train station.

In the past, I have made the mistake of staying in a secluded area of my destination and regretted it.

As a veteran traveler, my first rule in booking accommodations is to stay as central as possible.

Preferably as close to the transit stations. This will come in handy when doing any day trip.

Which Boutique Hotels In Faro Are The Best?

A casa d’amelie.

If you are lucky enough to find this place available, book it! A stylish stay in the center of the Old Town Faro! You won’t find a better decorated and unique place to stay than A Casa D’Amelie .

Lemon Tree Stay

Lemon Tree Stay is loved by guests and highly rated online! Central location to the airport and main train station, and only 6.4 miles to the beach. A top choice for a small boutique-like hotel experience!

Faro Downtown Studios

The perfect location, with free WIFI and a terrace! Faro Downtown Studios has a great eclectic vibe.

You will love how convenient, clean, and comfortable these studios are!

Terrace Barqueta Studio

Stay in your own private studio in the meticulously maintained Terrace Barqueta Studio !

Steps from the main train station make day trips from Faro a breeze! Very affordable for the quality and size.

Wrapping Up a Solo Trip To Faro

As this guide to solo female travel in Faro draws to a close, I hope you find my recommendations and experiences both inspiring and helpful for your own adventure.

Faro, with its blend of historic charm and vibrant culture, offers an enriching experience for solo travelers.

From wandering through its picturesque streets to exploring the nearby coastal towns, every moment in Faro is a step into a world of discovery.

May this guide serve as your compass to the wonders of Faro, and may your travels be as fulfilling and memorable as mine.

For a truly personalized experience in Faro, don’t forget to check out my customized itinerary services , tailored to fit your unique travel style and interests!

Read Next: Best Day Trips From Faro

Melissa Byron, a seasoned solo traveler since 2009, is the founder & visionary behind A Solo Woman Traveling. Drawing from her extensive personal experience globetrotting solo to over 40 countries, she has dedicated herself to a mission: crafting invaluable guides and itineraries for women who embark on solo adventures.

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Porto Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Porto , Portugal? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

• The second largest city in Portugal, with a population of around 240,000 .
• This mercantile city, also known as Oporto , is traversed by the Douro River, one of the major waterways on the Iberian Peninsula.
• The city’s most distinguishable landmarks are its six bridges, the most famous of which is Dom Luis, built by the disciple of Gustave Eiffel.  
• Its most famous export is port wine which is exclusively produced in the Douro Valley.
• Nicknames: “Cicade Invicta” or The Unconquered City, The City of Bridges

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Currency:  Euro  (EUR).
• Spoken languages:  Portuguese , although Spanish and English are also widely spoken.
• Best time to visit: from  March to September for semi-Mediterranean climate that sees averages temperatures of 24 ºC (75 ºF) coupled with dry weather.
• Arriving via airport:  Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) is served by bus €2.70 one-way or by Metro for €2.45 (requires transfers at Trindade or Bolhão stations). Taxis charge around €30.

WHERE TO STAY

• Best Porto hostel for solo travelers: The House of Sandeman . Friendly, English-speaking staff, perfect location (with a view), clean rooms and comfortable beds, great facilities. Relaxed atmosphere (not a party hostel), and with delicious breakfast included daily. Makes sure to book ahead!
• Ribeira is the heart of the ancient quarter, built on hills overlooking the scenic Douro River. Known for its meandering alleyways and their hidden gems, it is the perfect setting for a cultural exploration.
• Baixa marks the city’s downtown area, known for its bustling markets, Art Deco architecture and wide range of accommodation that includes hotel chains and hostels.

GETTING AROUND

• STCP provides the metro, tram and bus services across the city and the suburbs under a unified ticketing system called Andante. Fares are charged depending on zones travelled while a 24-hour pass costs €7 or €15 for 72-hours. See official site .
• Porto Card features the advantage of unlimited access to public transportation with free or discounted access to the city’s cultural highlights, including museums. The 1-day pass + travelcard is priced at €13 (the 2-day at €20 and the 3-day is €25). See the official site .
• Taxis are somewhat overpriced (and almost useless amidst the heavy traffic in the city centre). Call +351 224 808 853 or +351 225 076 400 to book.

PORTO NIGHTLIFE

• Drinking age is 18 ,   and last call is never .
• Downtown and in particular the locations of Rua Galeria de Paris and Rua Cândido dos Reis feature a heady mix of bars perfect for the casual weekend spirit.
• Cais de Gaia across the river is known for its decadent wine cellars and floodlit scenery.
• Zona Industrial combines massive nightclubs with prestige in an evening scene favored by the party crowd.
• Great bars for solo travelers: Casa da Horta (they host events and language exchanges), Barracuda Rock Club, Woodstock69 Rock Bar, Torto – Food, Bar & Cocktails, and FERRO.

UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT

• Dom Luis Bridge is the arch that connects the city of Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia and was, at the time of its construction, the longest metal bridge in the world.
• Coliseu de Porto is one of the most relevant landmarks in the city, a theatre espousing Portuguese Streamline Moderne and Art Deco styles of the early 20 th century.
• Church of São Francisco is the most important Gothic monument in Porto located in the city’s historical centre labelled a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Clerigos Tower is the main feature of the city’s skyline, formerly used by incoming ships as a guide. It is located opposite the Cordoaria Gardens .

INTERESTING WALKS

• Crystal Palace Gardens overlook the Douro River and form a landscaped park featuring a domed pavilion that serves as the venue for major events. The grounds are also home to the Romantic Museum , a 19 th century mansion that showcases the lifestyles of the bourgeoisie.
• Rua Miguel Bombarda is known as art gallery street thanks to the multitude of its exhibitions on contemporary art. Tea houses, funky shops and co-working offices complete the effect.
• Avenida dos Aliados is the heart of the city, a boulevard lined with stately structures presiding over a central promenade. The Town Hall stands at the top of avenue while Praça da Liberdade signals the other end.

LOCAL WISDOM

• The six bridge cruise is a popular way to admire the wonderful structures from the leisurely waters of the Douro River and to take in the full effect of Porto’s hillside location.
• The francesinha is Porto’s iconic sandwich made with wet-cured ham, linguiça (fresh sausage) or roast meat all topped with melted cheese and served in a bowl of special tomato beer sauce.
• There are over 50 port wine lodges in the city and together they form its most popular attraction. Free tours and tastings are available and represent an educational insight into Porto’s culture and history.
• Great restaurants to try: Adega Do Carregal ($$), Fava Tonka ($$ – vegetarian), Apuro – Vegan Bar ($$), Brasão Coliseu ($$).
• Where to find good cheap eats : Mercado do Bolhão sells traditional dishes at very affordable prices. Casa Guedes is popular with locals (multiple locations). Or head straight to Conga for the bifanas. Check out daTerra (multiple locations) for a great vegan/vegetarian buffet.
• Dangerous areas : Porto is very safe. Watch out for pickpockets in tourist areas.

Recommended trip duration:  2-3 days

• Lisbon, Portugal
• Madrid, Spain
• Barcelona, Spain

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Portugal for Solo Travelers

4.7 out of 5 stars

You have up to 60 days to get a full refund

Feel good about putting a tour on the calendar today: Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book, and if you change your mind,  you’ll get your money back .†

Soak up the sun along Portugal’s winding rivers and golden coasts solo—but not alone.

Tucking into Portugal’s signature pastry pastéis de nata is a lot more fun with new friends by your side. A feast for every sense, Portugal beckons you with colorful architecture, crashing waves, mouthwatering cuisine, and the bittersweet sounds of fado. We’ve curated this trip especially for solo travelers with immersive group experiences—like bonding in a hands-on cooking class—and time to recharge on your own. If you’ve been waiting for someone to take the plunge with, we’ve got you covered with a whole lot of friends you just haven’t met yet.

Your tour package includes

• 7 nights in a private room at handpicked hotels
• 7 breakfasts
• 3 dinners with beer or wine
• 1 cooking class
• 1 food tasting

Included highlights

• Porto’s central market
• Douro riverfront
• Stock Exchange Palace
• Évora’s Chapel of Bones

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Day-by-day itinerary

Board your overnight flight to Porto today.

Welcome to Portugal! After settling into your hotel, get to know your Tour Director and fellow group members at a mixer before enjoying a welcome dinner. Linger over a glass of port wine, swap stories, and get ready to share the trip of a lifetime.  

Navigate Porto’s narrow streets and old-world architecture like a true tripeiro, or local resident, as you follow your city guide. Keep an eye out for azulejos—the intricately painted tiles that adorn church facades, train stations, and many other delightful nooks and crannies.

• Pass citywide icons, such as Liberty Square’s ornate neoclassical buildings and Carmelitas Church’s fanciful Baroque and Rococo influences.
• Make friends with the Baroque-style Clérigos Tower—you’ll be able to spot this soaring steeple as you traverse Porto. Use it as your North Star.
• Break for coffee and a sweet treat at a local cafe. Whether you gravitate toward another custardy pastéis de nata—a flaky and flavorful custard tart—or the heftier, doughier Portuguese croissant, Porto’s pastries are not to be missed.
• Peruse the stalls at one of Porto’s bustling markets, where farmers sell fresh produce and flowers and fishmongers peddle the day’s fresh catch.
• Wander through the tiny, medieval, riverside lanes of the Ribeira district and let your eyes dance across the candy-colored facades of its buildings.
• Take a scenic drive through waterside neighborhoods and along the Douro riverfront. Watch for fishing boats on the water and churches tucked along the cobblestone streets.

The best views of Porto are from the waters of the Douro. If you opt into this afternoon’s cruise, you’ll drift by hillside villas and under ancient bridges, ending with a guided tour of a port wine cellar (complete with a tasting, of course).

Not joining the cruise? Spend your free afternoon uncovering the architectural and culinary treasures of the Ribeira district and try to hunt down a francesinha. This hearty, tomato sauce-soaked take on the French croque monsieur is a Portuense specialty.

Douro River Cruise & Port Wine Cellar

From $89 per person

Drive south from Porto, stopping to explore Coimbra on a guided walking tour of the city. Home to the country’s first university, this slightly under-the-radar area is the fourth-largest population center in Portugal and dates to pre-Roman times. Monuments that tell the story of Roman and Moorish occupation stand alongside manicured parks and gardens.

Coimbra University houses a flourishing botanical garden and the Joanina Library, filled with tomes that date to the 16th century.

Around the city, narrow medieval streets twist and turn between ochre-colored buildings, virtually untouched by time.

After exploring, head to your hotel in Évora, a town nestled into the thicket of cork groves that dominates the Alentejo Region. Settle into your room and prepare for a day among the walled city’s Roman ruins.

Before making your way to the sun-soaked Algarve, follow a local guide through the streets of UNESCO-recognized Évora, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Its streets, paved with cobblestones, are culturally protected and cherished by locals. Look all around you for the yellow trim that decorates Évora’s buildings—local lore promises the color offers protection from evil spirits.

• Take in the region’s whitewashed homes and intricate tilework and make it your mission to uncover as many azulejos as possible. While some are grand displays, others are hidden in plain sight, just waiting to surprise you.
• Pass the remains of the Roman Temple, its 14 Corinthian columns standing solemnly, their capitals mostly still intact.
• Prepare for an encounter with the macabre when you enter the Capela dos Ossos—the Chapel of Bones—a 16th-century chapel lined with the skulls and bones of the interred.
• Learn about cork production with a tour of the Alentejo Cork Factory. Portugal exports more than half of the world’s cork supply, making this product of the cork oak tree essential to Portugal’s economy.

Continue to the beach-lined Algarve Region and sit down for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.

Discover the white-sand beaches framed by dramatic golden coastal cliffs, and small settlements of the Algarve Region, southern Portugal’s beachy haven. You’ll visit the seafaring towns of Lagos and Sagres. Between long stretches of sand, the gentle sway of fishing boats, and jagged rock formations that dot the water, you may find the coastal breeze sweeps you off your feet. Let it.

• Enter Sagres Fortress and admire windswept views of the water stretching to the horizon. The area was once considered the end of the earth—the last explored point of the ancient world before it plunged into the uncharted Atlantic.
• Relish the drama of dizzying cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic at Cape St. Vincent, the southwestern most point of mainland Europe. You’re now standing where many explorers stopped, so take a moment and relish in your solo travel boldness.

Get to know the alluring Portuguese capital on a tour with a local guide. Roam historic neighborhoods adorned with pastel buildings while a gentle Atlantic breeze whispers over cobbled streets and plaintive notes of fado music fill the air.

• Admire views of the city from the green expanse of Eduardo VII Park, then pass through the Praça Marquês de Pombal: a massive plaza and roundabout with a soaring statue noting Lisbon’s reconstruction following a devastating earthquake in 1755.
• Continue to the Mouraria district—Lisbon’s historic Moorish quarter, brimming with street art and a buzzworthy food scene.
• Discover the city’s maritime heritage at the Monument to the Discoveries and Belém Tower—paragons of Portuguese Gothic architecture made with local limestone.
• Walk through the Chiado theater district to neighboring Baixa, passing by its elegant shops and quirky cafes.
• Ride on one of the city’s cheerful yellow trams—known as remodelados—that have become icons of the city since entering service in 1873.

Discover the meaning of saudade—the crossroads between nostalgia and longing— by adding an evening fado show to your itinerary, featuring Portugal’s traditional music.

Prefer to spend the evening on your own? Ask your Tour Director for a recommendation or grab one of your fellow solo travelers and head to the Graça district for a panoramic view of Lisbon from an uphill perch. You can also begin (or end) your night out with a punchy Lisbon specialty: taking a shot of ginjinha, a sour cherry liqueur.

Fado Show & Dinner

From $105 per person

Vividly hued architecture and impossibly perfect gardens greet you in Sintra should you choose to add this special excursion to the former playground of Portuguese royalty. If you prefer to spend the day setting out on your own, explore the green expanse of Parque Florestal de Monsanto, a massive swath of protected forest right inside the city limits.

This evening, roll up your sleeves to take part in a cooking class, where you’ll learn how to make a traditional Portuguese appetizer, dinner, and dessert. Then, enjoy local wine, paired with the food you made, during a farewell dinner.

From $99 per person

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or, if you’re trying to delay feeling the melancholy of saudade yourself, extend your trip and stay in Lisbon for a few more days. Stroll the labyrinthian streets of Alfama, join locals for a home-cooked meal, or join a day trip to a storybook medieval town.

Today, we’ve curated a pair of activities that dive into pillars of Portuguese culture: religion and cuisine. Opt into the guided tour of Tomar and Fátima to marvel at the fortified 12th century home of the Knights Templar and a famous Christian pilgrimage site.  

For dinner, enjoy Lisboeta hospitality with an option to join a home-hosted meal bursting with authentic flavors.  

If you’re relishing your free day in Lisbon on your own, escape to the terraced lawns of the Jardim do Torel, a hidden garden just calling for a packed picnic lunch. You can also make your way to the maze-like, hillside streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district.

Religious Heritage of Tomar & Fátima

Lisbon Home-Hosted Dinner

Lisbon is already the stuff of dreams, but if you’d like to add a fairytale ending to your last full day in Portugal, be sure to add the day trip to Óbidos and Nazaré to your itinerary. These rustic villages are ripped from the pages of a medieval storybook and lie just an hour’s drive from Lisbon.  

If you’re spending your free day choosing your own adventure, consider tram-hopping your way around the city one last time. 

You and your fellow solo travelers have come to the end of your journey—but the beginning of many future friendships. This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.  

Old World Portugal: Medieval Óbidos and Nazaré

From $139 per person

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Book for just $99 down

That’s all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†

Overall rating 4.7 out of 5

5 out of 5 stars

Even though it rained everyday, the tour was Amazing because our tour guide, Miriam , made it so! Her personality shed on us as a bright light, as if each day, was a beautiful blue sky! Portugal is a Clean, Beautiful country, with very friendly people that call it their home!

Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

This modern hotel is located in Porto’s Ribeira neighborhood. Guests enjoy a top-floor pool, a gym, and a restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find Ribeira Squa...

This upscale hotel is located in the historic center of Évora. Guests enjoy a swimming pool, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find Giraldo...

This coastal hotel is located in Portimão. Guests enjoy a pool, a restaurant, and bar options. Nearby, you’ll find Praia da Rocha, Fortaleza de Santa ...

This chic hotel is located on the central Marquês de Pombal Square in Lisbon. Guests enjoy the sun terrace, an on-site restaurant and bar, and spaciou...

• Round-trip flight for your tour
• Airport transfers at your destination
• A great price locked in today
• 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
• Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
• Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
• Find out more about flights
• In order to enter Portugal, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
• We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
• Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
• Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center .
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code PO6.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Porto and depart from Lisbon.
• Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost if they are arriving or departing on the standard day.
• When you arrive in Porto, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.

Physical Activity Level

This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour.

Tour Pacing

This is a brisk-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:

• One 1-night stays
• Most days full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
• Most transportation by motor coach
• Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy

Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements

• Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day - this includes city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
• Cobblestone streets can become slick when wet.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
• Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.

Climate Considerations

• In the summer months (June-September), travelers can expect low to mid-80sF, with occasional heatwaves.

Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions

• Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
• Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
• If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team. We’re here to help!
• Most transportation on this tour is by private motor coach. Private motor coaches have steps required to board and often do not provide access to ramps or lifts.
• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
• Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotels and airports.
• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
• We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
• We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
• We recommend packing your Insurance Card (from your primary insurance provider) in your carry on luggage.
• Go Ahead handpicks every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm.
• Accommodations are typically three to four star hotels.
• All accommodations include a private bathroom.
• Most rooms will include a safe for valuables.
• Your hotels will have Wifi, but it may be limited to common areas.
• Elevators in hotels are not guaranteed.
• Some hotels on this tour require travelers to walk with their luggage a few blocks as buses cannot drop travelers off right out front.
• Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
• Portugal operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
• We cannot guarantee that your hotel accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with the hotel once they are confirmed about 30 days prior to departure.
• Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
• Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
• We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
• Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
• Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov .
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
• Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center for more information or contact our customer experience team. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
• The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
• This tour includes three dinners. Included meals may be plated set menus, buffet or family style depending on the location. Dinners include one glass of beer, wine, or soft drink and water, coffee and tea.
• Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
• Portuguese food is fresh, hearty, and delicious. Try seafood stew cooked in a cataplana, a shell-shaped copper pan, or the national dish, bacalhau (salted cod). A couvert, or simple plate of bread, butter, and olives, is often served when you sit down to a meal—while it is free in many restaurants, some will add a charge to your bill for it.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10-$12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
• You will use the euro on tour.
• Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
• To ensure you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend you download the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. The app is free and provides important deadlines, entry requirements, your detailed itinerary, packing tips and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the chat feature in the app.
• Wifi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wifi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
• The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
• Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
• This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
• As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
• Portugal is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm on tour.
• When you travel with EF Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit, and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
• Travel, when done responsibly, can make an enormous socio-economic impact to communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at local businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
• Prepare for your trip: be aware of the monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market, learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette, and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
• When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
• EF Go Ahead Tours encourages our travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single use plastics. You can avoid single use plastics by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
• Environment: On this tour, we recommend the use of a reusable water bottle, as the local drinking water is safe for travelers. Your Tour Director can provide additional guidance on local water standards. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastics.

A Solo Female Traveler’s Guide To Lisbon, Portugal

A Solo Female Traveler’s Guide To Lisbon

Lisbon used to be a well-kept secret in Europe, but not anymore! The glittering capital of Portugal is now brimming with tourists and expats. The city inches up higher on travelers’ radars each year, and for good reason. 

Still, Lisbon has retained its old charm and is well worth visiting. With its iconic yellow trolleys, steep, picturesque streets, delicious cuisine, and friendly people, Lisbon has plenty to offer for solo travelers!

This guest post is a guide to experience Lisbon as a solo female traveler by location independent travel blogger Somto Seeks . Discover the best things to do, tips for planning the perfect solo trip to Lisbon, restaurant recommendations, day trip ideas, neighborhoods to explore, and much more from her experiences in this stunning city.

Quick disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

Without further ado, let’s dive in to this comprehensive guide to Lisbon solo travel!

The Best Time To Visit Lisbon

The peak travel season in Lisbon is from June to August. If you can, avoid going during that time period. Instead, try to visit Lisbon during the months of April, May, September, and October.

The hordes of tourists have disappeared, hotel prices have plummeted, and the weather is still warm. You’ll have a much more pleasant experience without having to compete for space on trams with other tourists.

What To Pack for Lisbon

Lisbon has a Mediterranean climate, which means hot, dry summers and mild winters. During most of the year, you can wear loose clothing and sandals. That said, it would be a great idea to pack some comfortable running shoes for walking up Lisbon’s notoriously steep streets.

For your trip, I’d highly recommend the Tep Wireless Pocket WiFi device. I’ve been using the ‘Teppy’ device to access reliable 3G/4G WiFi around the world for more than a year. It worked great during my 3-week visit to Portugal in 2018 . With pocket wifi, you can Yelp restaurants, use Google maps, call your mom, request an Uber, and have greater peace of mind during your travels.

Perhaps the greatest feature of the Teppy is Kitestring. It’s an SMS-based emergency service that checks in on you while you travel via text messages that you schedule. If you don’t reply to the text, Kitestring sends an alert to your emergency contact. This is perfect for solo female travelers looking for an additional way to stay safe.

Where To Stay in Lisbon

Lisbon is home to a variety of safe, historic neighborhoods that are great for solo female travelers. To be close to the popular attractions, it’s best to stay close to the city center in neighborhoods like Barrio Alto, Cais do Sodré, and Baixa Chiado. You’ll find an array of hostels and hotels in those neighborhoods.

How To Get Around Lisbon

Lisbon has a well-developed public transportation system consisting of metro, trams, buses, and taxis. Walking is also a good option, although the city is hilly in many areas. I’d recommend you buy a Viagem Card , which you can use all public transportation options except taxis. You’ll end up paying less than if you bought individual tickets.

Places To Explore in Lisbon

Praca do comércio.

Praça do Comércio is the largest square in Lisbon is a great place to begin your exploration. This grand square provides a beautiful backdrop for photos, with yellow and white walls and a magnificent arch. It’s where you can get your must-have ‘I went to Lisbon’ photo.

The square is almost a popular venue for impromptu performances. You may see dancers, singers, and other performers set up in the middle of the square and start entertaining crowds.

Across from Praça do Comércio is the riverfront. It’s relaxing to sit by the river for a while and take in the scenery while people watching.

As the oldest district in Lisbon, Alfama is home to medieval architecture and some of the city’s most famous viewpoints. This hilly neighborhood is also where Fado , a melancholic style of music normally performed at bars, was born. To get to Alfama, you can take the popular Tram 28 or walk. Buses and taxis can’t drive through the neighborhood because the streets are too narrow.

Note that the famous Tram 28 , which costs $1.50 per ride, normally has a long line. This is especially true during the peak summer months. When I took the tram for the first time, I waited almost two hours in line. You can walk from the city center to Alfama in 30 minutes. Just something to consider when visiting Alfama.

Some of the best things about Alfama are the breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the Tagus River – the Miradouro de Portas do Sol and the Miradouro de Santa Luzia . These viewpoints are towards the entrance to the neighborhood, where you can also watch musical performances in the afternoon.

Looking for more?

Just a few minutes away from the viewpoints, you’ll find the 10th century Sao Jorge Castle, a Moorish castle that overlooks the city and the river. The epic views alone are worth the $10 admission ticket. In the central part of the castle, you’ll see peacocks roaming everywhere.

From there, you can climb up the stairs to the top of the castle and walk around the structure. A great optioning for visiting here is to do this Sao Jorge Castle guided tour . You get to skip the lines and learn about the Moorish occupation of Portugal from a live guide.

Another place of interest in the Alfama District is the Se Cathedral, one of the most important churches in Lisbon. For centuries, this cathedral has been the site of high profile marriages, baptisms, festivals, and more.

It’s a great example of both Baroque and Gothic architecture. Entrance to the cathedral is 2.50 EUR.

Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto is a neighborhood in central Lisbon that’s known to attract artists and writers as well as partiers. Here, you’ll find the best nightlife in Lisbon. Head to Rua do Norte and surrounding streets at night to go bar hopping or clubbing. At the bars, you can try a shot of Ginjinha or Ginja, a popular Portuguese cherry liquor. People go to Bairro Alto to have a good time, often while under the influence of alcohol and/or substances. Be aware that dealers may come up to you on the streets and offer you marijuana or shisha.

In Bairro Alto, you’ll also find a variety of live music venues, where both local and international musicians take the stage to play everything from jazz to rock. One of my favorites is Paginas Tanatas . The live music usually starts in the evening and goes until the early morning.

There are lots of things to do in Bairro Alto during the day time. One recommendation is to ride up and down the iconic Rua da Bica tram. The tram connects Bairro Alto to Cais do Sodre and costs about 3 EUR roundtrip. Once the tram stops, you can pose for an Insta-worthy photo. Lastly, don’t forget to make a stop at Miradouro de Santa Catarina to watch the sunset over a drink.

Belem is such a unique district of Lisbon, you need to spend at least a full day here. This iconic neighborhood is farther out from the city center to the southwest. To get there, you can take either tram 15 or tram 127. Note that the district isn’t connected to the Lisbon metro. The tram ride usually lasts 25-30 minutes.

It was from Belem that the Portuguese explorers sailed to explore the New World. That’s why the Monument to the Discoveries was built in Belem to celebrate the Portuguese age of discovery.

You can climb to the top or take the elevator to view the monument from above for up to 45 minutes. From that vantage point, you can see the symbols and images on the ground around the monument.

Walk down the street for a couple of minutes and you’ll arrive at the iconic Belem Tower. When the tower was built in the 15th century, it’s purpose was to protect Lisbon from invaders. Now, it’s one of the symbols of the Belem District.

The Belem Tower was built in the Manueline architectural style, a distinct type of Gothic architecture which gained popularity in Portugal. You can climb to the top of the tower for stunning views of the harbor.

The magnificent Jeronimos Monastery, across the street from the Belem Tower, was also built in the Manueline style. This monastery is also where Vasco de Gama, the first Portuguese explorer to sail to India, is buried.

If you want to tour the monastery, be sure to purchase a ticket online ahead of time for 10 EUR. The lines at the entrance can get long.

Where To Eat in Lisbon

Pasteis de belem.

Pasteis de Belem is possibly the most famous bakery in all of Lisbon. Since 1837, this massive venue has been serving its signature pasteis de nata , or Portuguese-style egg tarts. It also serves a variety of other pastries and desserts. Be sure to try those as well.

Address: Rua de Belém 84-92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal

Petisqueira Estrela Da Baixa

A nail salon owner I met recommended this mom and pop seafood restaurant to me. I’m glad I followed her recommendation because the food was delicious! I ordered the arroz de marisco , seafood rice, which came in a large pot just for me.

Address: Rua da Conceição 11, 1100-500 Lisboa, Portugal

Royale Cafe

This Mediterranean restaurant has the best grilled octopus I’ve eaten in my life. That alone is enough reason to pay a visit. This place also has a cozy outdoor patio that’s perfect for lunch. It’s located in the heart of Bairro Alto.

Address: Largo Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro 29 R/C, 1200-369 Lisboa, Portugal

Time Out Market

In the Cais do Sodre district, there’s a large indoor market called Mercado do Ribeira. Within it is the Time Out Market, a food court dozens of great restaurants specializing in Portuguese cuisine. I went here several times and loved the selections. The food here is a bit pricier than your average restaurant in Lisbon. But I think it is definitely worth a visit.

Address: Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Lisboa, Portugal

Fauna & Flora

This is a sort of hipster brunch spot in the Estrela/Santos area with amazing food. They serve pancakes, avocado toast, salads, acai bowls, and other typical items but with a local twist. This place is really popular so expect a waitlist unless you get there super early.

Address: Rua da Esperança 33, 1200-655 Lisboa, Portugal

Day Trips From Lisbon

Sintra is the closest thing to a real-life fairytale kingdom. Visiting Sintra is a must when in Lisbon. This historic town is on the Portuguese Riviera, just a 45-minute train ride from the center of Lisbon. Surrounded by the majestic Sintra Mountains, Vila Sintra is the heart of the town.

There, you’ll find an array of extravagant castles, palaces, villas, gardens, and parks. The most notable ones are the Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra National Palace, and the Castle of the Moors.

How long should you spend in Sintra?

It’s best to do a day trip to Sintra because you’ll need at least a couple of hours to see the attractions. Of all the places to visit in Sintra, the one that I’d recommend the most is the Pena Palace. This multi-colored palace is the stuff of dreams!

Built in the mid 19th century, the Pena Palace is an example of the Romanticist architecture that gained popularity in Portugal at the time. It was a summer home for the Portuguese royals. The palace is almost 1,800 feet above sea level and has an expanse of natural surroundings within the compound. There’s a massive forest with lakes and waterfalls known as Pena Park.

What is the best way to explore Sintra?

Because the Pena Palace is so high up, it can take up to 45 minutes to drive up the narrow roads to the entrance. To visit Sintra as a solo traveler, it’s best to join a group tour. I’d recommend Get Your Guide Tours.

I’ve been doing tours with Get Your Guide all around Europe and love how organized and engaging they are. I always end up learning so much history and inside knowledge about famous landmarks.

At Sintra, Get Your Guide offers tours such as a guided full-day tour of the Pena Palace and a 5-hour guided tour of the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira . Through these small group tours, get picked up at your hotel, skip the notoriously long lines, and receive a tour of the landmarks from a live guide.

Cabo da Roca

Cabo da Roca is a town also on the Portuguese Rivera, just about 30 minutes away from Sintra. This postcard-worthy destination also happens to be the westernmost point of Europe.

What I remember the most about Cabo da Roca was the intense euphoria of standing at the edge of the world. There’s a powerfully liberating feeling that comes from being at this magnificent cape with a strong breeze blowing at you. It’s indescribable!

You can see both Sintra and Cabo da Roca in the same day through the Get Your Guide Sintra and Cabo da Roca Tour. Through this tour, you’ll get to experience both places with a small group and a live guide over the course of eight hours. They also serve you lunch, which is a nice bonus!

There you have it – your guide to planning the perfect solo trip to Lisbon.

Which of these activities are you most excited about? Leave a comment below and let us know!

Read more about solo travel:

• 10 Things To Do In London On Your Own
• Traveling Alone For The First Time: 21 Pro Tips For Solo Travel Newbies
• The Ultimate Gift Guide For Solo Travelers

About Our Guest Writer

Somto is the writer behind Somto Seeks , a travel blog focused on helping others achieve location independence as they explore the world. One of her life goals is to learn to swim and adopt two Corgis, and honestly…the Corgis sound more important to me.

Check out Somto’s work, free resource library and more!

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4 thoughts on “A Solo Female Traveler’s Guide To Lisbon, Portugal”

I’ve heard of the legendary Pasteis de Nata at Belem! Will definitely have to visit one day. I haven’t made it to Lisbon yet but it looks wonderful.

Lisbon looks so beautiful! I’ve been thinking about heading here on a solo trip so I’m glad to have found this post! It sounds like such a great city to visit solo so I might just have to book it!

I love that you noted specific neighborhoods to explore in Lisbon. I think it’s important to explore outside the tourist landmarks and see and experience how the locals also live. Love Lisbon and your photos make me miss it immensely!

I absolutely loved Lisbon, Sintra and Porto. Somto has done an awesome job at listing my favorite highlights.

Comments are closed.

Best Places to Travel Solo | Money

Traveling exposes us to new places, cultures and people. For many, it’s one of the great joys of life. If you’re an independent spirit looking for safe places to travel by yourself, our guide can be an excellent place to start your research.

Keep reading to learn about our top picks for the best places to travel alone and how to make the most of your trip.

Our Top Picks for Best Places to Travel Solo

• Barcelona, Spain: Best for first-time solo travelers
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Best for solo backpacking
• Montreal, Canada: Best for solo female travelers
• Chicago, Illinois: Best for going on solo travel tours
• Ljubljana, Slovenia: Best budget solo travel destination

Best Places to Travel Solo Reviews

Best for first-time solo travelers: barcelona, spain.

• Offers many travel experiences in a single city
• Easy to get around town without a car
• Year-round good weather means you can visit in any season
• More expensive than other options on our list
• Can get very busy during popular travel times

Why we chose it : Barcelona is a beautiful and historic European city with something for everyone to enjoy. It boasts stunning gothic architecture, sandy beaches, a bustling nightlife and prices that will help you stretch your budget.

Spain is considerably affordable compared to other European countries, and Barcelona is its crown jewel. The city has roots tracing back to the end of the 1st century BCE and beautiful architecture throughout its winding streets, such as Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and his world-famous unfinished church, La Sagrada Familia.

If you tire of exploring Barcelona’s impressive history, gorgeous Barceloneta Beach is just a few minutes away from the city center. And at night, you’ll find plenty of entertainment options, from rooftop bars and clubs to concert venues and flamenco shows.

Barcelona is excellent for first-time solo travelers because its compact layout, wide sidewalks and excellent public transportation makes getting around town without a car a breeze. U.S. travelers can also visit for up to 90 days without a visa . However, Barcelona is more expensive than other options on our list and can be very busy during popular travel times.

Best for solo backpacking: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• Very affordable accommodations, food and attractions
• Is easy to navigate, with a developed transportation system
• Has a vibrant expat community
• U.S. citizens need a tourist visa to visit Vietnam

Why we chose it : Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling and affordable city that offers a wide range of attractions for solo travelers, from inexpensive food and accommodations to an abundance of cultural and historical sites.

Visiting Ho Chi Minh City has become something of a bucket-list item for many backpackers. Its vibrant culture, friendly people and amazing food attract millions of tourists annually. And it’s also one of Vietnam’s safest cities .

Try some of the mouth-watering street food available in pretty much every corner of the city (especially Districts 1, 3 and 5), do some shopping at the Ben Thanh Market, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral or book a tour of the Mekong Delta to learn more about the local flora and fauna.

Getting around is also pretty easy, with many transportation options, from the new metro to buses, taxis and motorbikes. However, one thing to keep in mind is that U.S. citizens need to apply for a Visa before they can be granted entry into Vietnam.

Best for solo female travelers: Montreal, Canada

• Very safe and walkable city
• Visitors can stay for up to six months without a Visa
• Toronto is only five hours away by direct train
• Not a great option for budget travelers
• The winter weather can be harsh

Why we chose it : Montreal is one of the safest cities in Canada, and it is only a short flight away for travelers from the U.S. The city has a vibrant art scene, a diverse population and plenty of old-world charm with its mix of classic and modern architecture.

Traveling solo as a woman might cause your loved ones some anxiety. But Montreal is a great place for women to travel alone. The city is safe and offers much to do, from beautiful architecture, such as Notre-Dame Basilica, to artisanal shopping in Old Montreal. And while the population is predominantly French-speaking, many residents also speak English, so you should have no problem communicating.

Visitors from the United States can stay in Montreal for up to six months without a visa. It’s also a good point of departure for exploring the rest of Canada. Trains depart for Toronto several times a day, and the trip is about five hours.

Accommodations in Montreal can be more expensive than in other international destinations, but enrolling in the best hotel rewards programs may help.

Best for going on solo travel tours: Chicago, Illinois

• You can find many different types of guided tours
• Has an excellent public transportation system
• One of the best culinary destinations in the U.S.
• Weather can be unpleasant if you visit at the wrong time

Why we chose it : Chicago is home to some of the best travel tours in the country. From river cruises to walking food and drink excursions, you’ll have no problem filling your time in the Windy City.

Chicago is one of the best places to travel in the U.S. It’s home to a wide variety of guided tours, covering everything from the city’s mob history to its architecture and natural landmarks. And if you love Chicago dogs or deep-dish pizza, you can take a walking food tour to enjoy some of the city’s best restaurants in a single day.

Chicago is also home to inspiring architecture, such as Willis Tower and Cloud Gate in Millennium Park. The city is a more affordable place to visit than other U.S. cities of its size, including San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. And if you visit in summer, you’ll have perfect weather for relaxing on the beaches of Lake Michigan, located in the heart of the city.

Depending on what you’re looking for, visiting the city between May and October could be your best bet, as winters can be very cold, with average temperatures ranging between 22 F and 37 F.

Best budget solo travel destination: Ljubljana, Slovenia

• A highly affordable travel destination
• Easy entrance requirements for U.S. citizens
• Classic European architecture and dining options
• Plenty of green spaces to lounge and relax
• Doesn't have a strong nightlife culture
• Crowds can be overwhelming during peak travel seasons

Why we chose it : Slovenia is one of the most affordable European countries, and Ljubljana is one of the country’s most beautiful destinations. It’s home to classic European cobblestone streets and its stunning architecture and exhibits can keep you busy for weeks without breaking your budget.

Ljubljana is an affordable European destination with beautiful green spaces and incredible architecture, including the Ljubljana Castle and the Robba Fountain. It’s also highly walkable and pedestrian-friendly, as car traffic is banned in the city center.

Hotels are cheaper here than in more popular destinations such as France or Italy, which is a big reason why Ljubljana is one of the best international places to travel . There are also many great affordable restaurants and open-air cafes.

U.S. citizens can remain in Slovenia for up to 90 days without a visa, making it easy to extend their stay with the money they save.

However, Ljubljana is not known for its nightlife, as many bars close earlier than elsewhere in Europe. Plus, it has become more popular in recent years, and crowds are abundant during peak seasons, especially the summer.

Other places to travel solo we considered

We compiled our list of the best places to travel alone by evaluating global destinations based on safety, affordability, cultural and historical sites and convenience, among other factors.

Although the following destinations didn’t make it into our top list, they’re still worth considering as you plan your travels.

Reykjavik, Iceland

• Close to beautiful natural landmarks
• It's possible to see the Northern Lights when conditions allow
• Home to many museums and several Michelin-starred restaurants
• More expensive than other popular travel destinations
• The region's weather can be bleak
• Long periods of darkness and sunlight can interfere with your sleep schedule

Reykjavik is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with stunning mountains and beaches everywhere you look. However, it’s an expensive destination and experiences prolonged periods of darkness and sunlight that may be difficult to adjust to.

• Some of the best food in South America
• Miles of beautiful coastline to explore
• Friendly locals - many of whom speak at least some English
• Travelers can suffer from altitude sickness in some popular attractions
• The city is sprawling, which can increase travel times and make traffic worse

Lima is a beautiful South American destination with picturesque beaches and affordable accommodations. It’s also a foodie’s dream, with a wide variety of tasty local and international restaurants available at budget-friendly prices.

Just remember that traffic congestions are common and can make it hard to get around. Additionally, some travelers may experience altitude sickness in high-altitude locations like Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Knoxville, Tennessee

• Has beautiful outdoor settings
• Minimal traffic
• Moderate prices for accommodations
• There isn't as much to do in Knoxville as in other travel destinations
• Public transportation options are limited

Knoxville is the third-largest city in Tennessee, but it maintains a small-town feel. It’s home to beautiful attractions, such as the Great Smoky Mountains and the World’s Fair Park, and has enough cultural exhibits and museums to keep you busy.

Nevertheless, there isn’t quite as much to do here as in other cities, and public transportation is comparatively limited.

Places to Travel Solo Guide

Traveling alone can be intimidating, but a little preparation can go a long way. This guide covers some of the best travel tips to help you plan your next solo trip.

Why travel solo?

As with everything, there are pros and cons to traveling alone.

Some of the benefits of solo travel include:

• The ability to plan trips according to your schedule
• Paying less for dining and experiences
• Stepping out of your comfort zone and getting to know yourself better
• Having more time to reflect and relax in peace

Of course, to enjoy your solo vacation to the fullest, practice general safety precautions. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, do some proper research before visiting new places and consider hiring a guide if you’re doing outdoor activities in remote locations.

How to travel alone

Traveling alone can be a wonderful experience. But it often requires more planning and initiative than group trips. The following tips for traveling alone should help you make the most of your next solo trip.

Research your travel destination extensively

The more research you do before visiting a destination, the more prepared you will be to enjoy it. Pay close attention to the following:

• Climate : Be aware of the weather conditions at your destination to avoid potential hazards, pack the right gear and plan appropriate activities.
• Top attractions : Plan your itinerary by mapping out the attractions you want to visit and checking their distance from your accommodations. This will help you create a realistic schedule and determine if you need to book transportation for any day trips.
• Cost : Consider the average cost of accommodations, meals and attractions to create a realistic budget.
• Public transportation : This is an important consideration, as visiting a destination with insufficient or unreliable public transportation translates into additional expenses.
• Language barrier : Consider downloading translation apps or learning basic phrases in your destination’s native language if English isn’t widely spoken there.
• Food : If you have any dietary restrictions, check the availability of suitable food options at your destination and plan your meals.

Stay connected with your friends and family

When traveling alone, keep your loved ones informed of where you’ll be and what you’ll be doing. That way, your family can call for help if they don’t hear back from you in a reasonable timeframe.

Depending on your destination, you may consider purchasing an international SIM card or an international phone plan with your existing carrier to text and call your people back home.

Finally, you can register your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the U.S. State Department. STEP is a free service that allows you to receive automatic safety and travel updates from the U.S. embassy in the country you’re visiting. It also makes it easier for friends and family to reach you in an emergency.

Consider travel insurance

If you’ve spent quite a bit of money on non-refundable travel expenses and it hasn’t been that long since you made your initial trip deposit, consider travel insurance to safeguard your investment. A travel insurance policy can help you recoup a portion of pre-paid travel expenses if you cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason.

Travel medical insurance could also be worthwhile if you’re going on an extended trip, as it would cover some of your medical expenses in an emergency, including medical evacuation and repatriation. And some plans even include additional services like language support, which could be helpful if English isn’t widely spoken where you’re visiting.

If this sounds like something you’re interested in, check out our guide to the best travel insurance companies .

Try new things

Now that we’ve covered some of the most important things to do before leaving for a solo trip, let’s explore how to get as much enjoyment out of your travels as possible while you’re there. The best advice we can give you is to get out of your comfort zone and try new things.

If you genuinely want to experience everything other cultures have to offer, you can’t spend your days doing the same things you do at home. So take a chance and live as the locals do. You’ll be happy you did.

Interact with the locals

The best way to forget you’re traveling alone is to befriend the locals. Your new friends can keep you company, guide you to the best places in town (the ones that aren’t in any tourist guides) and help to make your trip more enjoyable overall.

Meeting locals is much easier to do now than before the Internet. A wide variety of online resources can connect you to local events and groups where you can meet people. Some of the best options for this include:

• Facebook expat groups for the destination you’re visiting
• The subreddit for your destination (such as r/Paris and r/Chicago)

Some professional and religious groups may have international meetups as well. This can be a fantastic way to meet locals with whom you already have something in common.

Take plenty of pictures (with you in them)

Last but not least, make sure you take plenty of pictures to share with your people back home. Landmarks can be great, but you should also be in some of the photos. Most people will happily snap pictures of you if you ask nicely.

What to do when traveling alone

Traveling alone can be one of the best experiences of your life or a challenge that quickly loses its appeal. To give yourself the best chance of having an ideal trip, remember the following strategies during your travels:

• Be flexible : Flexibility is a must for solo travelers. You’ll have more fun if you take advantage of chance encounters and throw away your schedule when necessary.
• Take group tours and classes : Just because you arrive at your destination alone doesn’t mean you must spend every minute there alone. Group tours and classes will help you meet people and give you a chance to socialize when you’re feeling lonely.
• Stay in places that encourage talking : If you’re concerned about feeling lonely, consider staying at a hostel or bed and breakfast. Shared accommodations like these are more affordable than the best hotels and can be a great way to meet people.
• Gather first-hand advice : You can use Reddit and other resources to read about the experiences other solo travelers have had at your destination. These firsthand accounts can alert you to problems you may not have considered otherwise and new opportunities for fun.
• Sign up for free rewards programs : Airlines , hotel chains and third-party booking sites often have reward programs that help you save money if you’re a frequent traveler. You may also want to look into the best airline credit cards and best travel credit cards if you plan on traveling alone regularly.
• Prioritize your safety : Traveling alone can make you a target, so prioritizing safety is important. Be proactive about telling others where you’ll be and take yourself out of situations you feel unsure about to enjoy your trip without incident.

Staying safe is a critical consideration for solo travelers. One way to do that is by avoiding reckless behavior, such as drinking excessively and venturing alone into places locals deem unsafe.

Take the time to thoroughly research your destination, share your travel plans with friends and family and prepare an emergency plan.

Finally, consider travel insurance. If something does happen while you’re traveling alone, it will provide financial support so you can go to the hospital without worrying about breaking your budget.

You could save up enough money to make the cost of travel insurance negligible by signing up for one of the best airline rewards programs .

Places to Travel Solo FAQ

What are the safest places to travel alone, is solo female travel safe, how old do you have to be to travel alone, how we chose the best places to travel solo.

We evaluated the best places to travel solo based on the following criteria:

• Cost of accommodations, experiences and meals
• Crime rates
• Reviews and guides from experienced solo travelers
• Natural and cultural attractions
• Strictness of entry criteria

Summary of Money’s Best Places to Travel Solo

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