Solo Journey In Portugal | How To Plan A Enjoyable Solo Journey To Portugal

By Allison Baxley. This information to touring alone in Portugal accommodates affiliate hyperlinks to trusted companions!

Trying to expertise solo journey in Portugal for your self, however need assistance with the planning?

Then you definately’re in the precise place!

Touring solo in Portugal is simple, protected, and extremely rewarding. For such a small nation, you may cowl a variety of floor in a brief period of time and revel in a powerful array of historic landmarks, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural experiences.

From castles, palaces, and old-world cities to seashores, waterfront mountaineering trails, and vineyard-flanked rivers, the nation actually has all of it.

And that’s just the start of what to sit up for if you go to Portugal.

Preserve studying to find among the finest locations and sights to suit into your Portugal solo journey itinerary.

As a neighborhood, I’m excited to share among the many particular experiences you may have right here in addition to insider ideas that may assist make feminine solo journey in Portugal protected, enjoyable, and really unforgettable.

Fast tip: Whereas Portugal is protected for solo journey, it’s nonetheless good to pack journey security necessities. One prime choose is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm, which is TSA-approved and will help scare away potential attackers. Different suggestions embody Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves.

Journey Portugal Solo With Confidence [Free Course]

However first, earlier than we get into our solo journey Portugal information, I invite you to seize a seat in Jessie’s free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course.

The 6-day course is designed that will help you really feel assured about reserving your first ever solo journey and exploring the world alone. If you wish to know the right way to journey solo in Portugal, it could possibly assist.

Classes embody:

• Frequent solo journey fears and the right way to overcome them
• How to decide on an excellent vacation spot
• Methods to inform family members you’re hitting the street solo
• Mentally making ready to your solo journey with out shedding your thoughts
• Important steps for staying protected
• Methods to take superb solo selfies

When you’ve grabbed your seat, learn on for a Portugal solo journey itinerary and ideas.

Is Portugal Protected For Solo Feminine Vacationers?

Portugal is without doubt one of the finest feminine solo journey locations. Not solely is the nation one of many most secure on this planet, however its vibe can be very laid again, instantly placing you comfy. Plus, the ultra-friendly locals will immediately make you are feeling at dwelling.

Violent crime in Portugal may be very low, and apart from typical precautions vacationers ought to take, Portugal feminine solo vacationers don’t want to fret about exploring this stunning nation safely. 

Portugal additionally has tons to supply these touring alone. Digital nomad communities, expat teams, and social golf equipment provide frequent alternatives to satisfy different solo vacationers and locals to plan actions or meetups.

The nation is full of tradition, historical past, stunning landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage websites, nice native meals, scrumptious wine, and pleasant folks. Irrespective of which nook of Portugal you resolve to discover, you gained’t remorse planning a go to. The truth is, a solo journey to Portugal will probably depart you wishing you might move to Portugal!

The place Is Portugal?

Portugal is a part of Western Europe; nevertheless it has solely just lately been found by American vacationers in the previous few years, regardless of being a preferred respite from the chilly for European vacationers for for much longer.

Positioned on the western fringe of the Iberian Peninsula west of Spain and south of France, Portugal shares historical past and a border with Spain, nevertheless it has a singular id all its personal simply ready to be found by guests.

Getting To Portugal

Portugal has three worldwide airports to select from relying on whether or not you need to begin your journey within the:

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

Lisbon Airport is the most well-liked within the nation and is often the most affordable to fly into. TAP Airways additionally presents stopovers in Porto and/or Lisbon when you’re laying over in your solution to one other solo journey vacation spot.

They’re one of many solely airways that can let you cease over in your solution to and out of your vacation spot. This might let you cease over in Lisbon and Porto to bookend one other journey!

Getting Round Portugal As A Solo Traveler

Portugal presents a number of modes of transportation for solo feminine vacationers. Trains, planes, and cars are all nice methods to get round this comparatively small nation.

The rail system runs from north to south and thru the most well-liked areas just like the Algarve and may get you to in style spots like Cascais and Sintra.

Lisbon and Porto each have nice subway techniques in addition to historic trams and in depth bus routes.

And there are numerous low-cost bus routes to take you round the entire nation. 

By far, one of the best ways to see off-the-beaten-path places is to lease a automobile and drive your self. Driving in Portugal is comparatively simple so long as you don’t thoughts navigating slim roads and steep hills. Roundabouts are plentiful, and the tollways are exquisitely maintained making journey on them fast and simple. 

Methods to lease a automobile in Portugal

Have to lease a automobile to your Portugal solo journey? Take a look at Discover Cars to rapidly evaluate your rental choices.

Their comparability device does the homework for you, so there’s no have to have up 10+ tabs making an attempt to determine which firm is probably the most reasonably priced. Really, it can save you as much as 70% utilizing their device!

Ideas for renting a automobile and driving in Portugal

• Don’t lease a automobile in Lisbon and Porto—use public transportation and/or stroll

• Do get full-coverage insurance coverage—as you by no means know what can occur whereas driving out of the country

• Do splurge on the Via Verde toll tag when you plan to drive rather a lot as it should prevent a great deal of time not having to cease and dig out your cash on the plentiful toll stations

• Automated automobiles can be found however can value considerably extra—go stick when you can deal with it

• Portuguese drivers wish to go quick, so keep to the precise when you can’t sustain

• People don’t want a world driver’s license—a legitimate American driver’s license is accepted

Portugal Journey Map

To assist in giving you a lay of the land for exploring this excellent nation, here’s a map:

It has among the details of curiosity talked about on this Portugal solo feminine journey information pre-plotted to make it simple so that you can switch to your cellphone and begin exploring.

Solo Journey In Portugal: The place To Go

Now let’s talk about the place to really go throughout solo journey in Portugal. Whereas there are numerous choices for nice locations, just a few prime picks embody:

Lisbon

With regards to the most effective locations to go to, most worldwide flights land within the nation’s famous capital city, Lisbon, and it is a great spot to begin your solo feminine journey in Portugal. 

There are numerous museums to peruse, such because the Azulejo Tile Museum or the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT), that are each very a lot price visiting.

Experience the historic 28 Tram to glimpse among the metropolis’s finest sights, or stroll by way of the Graça neighborhood to take a look at among the unimaginable avenue artwork.

Miradouros, or viewpoints, are in all places all through this metropolis of seven hills. E book an electrical eco-tuk tour and permit your information to point out you to among the finest miradouros in Lisbon. 

For those who’d somewhat store ’til you drop, wander across the Chiado neighborhood or head additional north to Avenida da Liberdade for high-end ateliers.

Strolling is without doubt one of the finest methods to see Lisbon, however there are additionally public transport trams and the subway when you choose.

After all, you may at all times rent a automobile utilizing Uber or Bolt (Portuguese Uber). Getting round safely is simple, even at evening.

For those who’re feeling peckish, book a local food tour or head right down to Time Out Market Lisbon to seize a chunk at one of many native distributors after which stroll alongside the waterfront towards Praça do Comércio to absorb the view throughout the river to Almada. From there, meander by way of the cobblestone streets and hills of in style close by neighborhoods like Baixa, Alfama, and Chiado. 

A fast practice or ferry experience will take you throughout the river to the Setúbal Peninsula the place there are superb seashores alongside the Costa da Caparica, or take the 40-minute practice experience alongside the coast to Cascais for a seashore day on this charming seaside city.

Fairytale Sintra is barely an hour’s practice experience away, the place you may whereas the day away within the myriad castles, palaces, and gardens.

Solo journey in Lisbon will be as fast-paced or as sluggish as you want. Portuguese persons are infamous for residing sluggish and having fun with the second. 

Lisbon Accommodations: Click here for a full list of hotels in Lisbon. Lisbon Excursions: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Lisbon.

Porto

When you’ve skilled the cosmopolitan vibes of Lisbon, lease a automobile or take the 3-hour practice experience to magical Porto to get pleasure from its riverside setting.

E book a resort overlooking the Douro River, sip Port wine, eat a francesinha (layered, meat-filled sandwich coated in melted cheese and a tomato-based sauce), and head throughout the river to town of Vila Nova da Gaia to discover the Port wine caves (storage cellars providing excursions and tastings).

Strolling excursions are in style in Porto—and Lisbon for that matter—and there are a number of firms that supply a free strolling tour every morning at a delegated assembly level. It’s a good way to see town from the eyes of a neighborhood and a good way to begin the day!

An unmissable journey is a day journey to the Douro Valley to go to the wineries and do a Port wine tasting.

There are a number of methods to get there, however the most well-liked day journey from Porto is a Douro River cruise. Some choices provide a number of vineyard stops plus lunch and tastings as you are taking the day to surprise on the stunning panorama of hillside vineyards. It really is a sight in contrast to some other on this planet!

Porto Accommodations: Click here for a full list of hotels in Porto. Porto Excursions: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Porto.

The Algarve

No solo feminine journey in Portugal expertise can be full with out a cease, or two, or three within the premier seashore vacation spot of the Algarve area.

Take the scenic drive by way of the middle of the nation alongside the A1 which connects north to south, or hop on a fast flight from Porto to Faro. From there you may choose up a rental automobile or use the rail system to discover.

The southern coast of Portugal, also called the Algarve, has been attracting European holidaymakers and expats for some time; however, in recent times has grow to be extra in style with People as properly.

Temperate climate year-round makes it an incredible place to go to regardless of if you go. The truth is, visiting the Algarve within the low season can let you keep away from the crowds and revel in a few of Europe’s finest seashores all to your self. How’s that for a solo journey win? 

Widespread Algarve locations embody Lagos, Albufeira, Portimão, and Tavira, however you may’t go flawed with any city on this space, as all of them provide an incredible time.

Algarve solo journey will be superb as you may have the liberty to discover all of the completely different and distinctive cities. Every one has its personal distinct character, so it may be enjoyable to beach-hop by way of a number of till you discover the one which’s best for you. 

Algarve Accommodations: Click here for a full list of hotels in the Algarve. Algarve Excursions: Click here for a full list of fun tours in the Algarve.

Extra Widespread Journey Locations In Portugal

The Islands of the Azores & Madeira

Madeira and Azores solo journey has skyrocketed because the islands have grow to be extra well-known. These are each in style mountaineering and outside locations, so if getting again to nature is your aim you should make time to get pleasure from just a few days of Portuguese island life.

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

Silver Coast

An under-the-radar space in Portugal, the Silver Coast has stunning seashores, charming cities, and a bit extra authenticity than among the extra touristy areas.

Take a look at the massive waves at Nazaré, or go for a extra informal surf at among the finest surf seashores in Portugal—Peniche and Ericeira.

Caldas da Rainha is close by and presents a style of genuine Portuguese life, and Óbidos is a medieval walled citadel city that can make you suppose you’re in a Disney film. 

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

Ideas For Taking A Solo Journey To Portugal 

There is no such thing as a scarcity of locations to go to, day journeys to take, castles and palaces to Instagram, conventional and stylish eating places to strive, and experiences to have when touring Portugal solo.

Renting a automobile is the best possible solution to get off the overwhelmed path if you go to Portugal. Whereas the rail and bus techniques are nice, there are numerous magical locations to see within the nation which can be fairly removed from the closest practice station.

That being mentioned, as a result of they don’t seem to be as simply accessed by public transportation, they often have fewer crowds and really feel extra particular!

And as a bonus for solo vacationers prepared to self-drive, you’re the one one answerable for the place to go subsequent. That sort of freedom and suppleness goes a great distance in a small nation like Portugal. You may see all 4 corners in only a few weeks when you put the pedal to the metallic. It’s one of many primary advantages of solo journey.

As with every journey, apply warning, particularly at evening, in crowded vacationer spots, and when you end up fully alone. You may additionally pack some journey security necessities.

That being mentioned, on the whole Portugal is without doubt one of the most secure nations on this planet and presents a protected surroundings.

Prices Of Solo Journey To Portugal

Lodging

Whereas Portugal will be less expensive than different Western European nations, it’s actually solely as low-cost as you make it.

One factor to like about journey in Portugal is that there are at all times choices from low- to high-end. A hostel can value as little as €20, and a 5-star resort or resort can run greater than €300 per evening.

Trip leases are typically on the cheaper facet in comparison with resorts and the quantity of area you may get, however when you’re staying in among the hottest places throughout peak season, be ready to pay for high quality.

Meals

The price of meals in grocery shops tends to be less expensive than within the U.S., particularly when you think about natural merchandise; nonetheless, eating places run the gamut.

A standard Portuguese lunch of soup, primary, dessert, and both espresso or a beer/glass of home wine can value as little as €6-10, whereas an natural brunch dish can double that.

There are 1,000,000 native Portuguese eating places to select from, and superb seafood will be cheaper when you select the precise place; however, you may as well discover tons of Michelin-star eating places too.

The restaurant world actually is your oyster and there are many locations for any price range.

Drinks

You’re in luck when you’re a beer or wine lover in Portugal. A small draft beer will be as low-cost as €1, and a glass of home wine will run as little as €3.

Even in a pleasant cocktail bar or fancy restaurant, premium drinks are less expensive than in different elements of Europe and america, very often coming in below €10.

A scrumptious oat milk latte at a classy espresso store will shock you at below €5, whereas an espresso, or bica, is often simply €0,50.

A wonderful bottle of wine will be purchased within the grocery shops or a nicer wine store for below €15. Whereas a really respectable bottle can be bought for €3.

Tipping

Whereas tipping will not be often anticipated, the Portuguese folks do recognize a small token of your appreciation when you loved your service. Sometimes, 5-10% of a bigger invoice is acceptable. If it’s a smaller invoice, rounding as much as the closest Euro or leaving your small change will suffice.

At nicer or extra touristy spots a service cost might robotically be included, so make sure that to verify your invoice.

Transportation

• E-scooters and bike leases are in style and typically even free. 
• Rail tickets, particularly if booked properly forward, can value pennies on the kilometer.
• Automobile leases within the excessive season will be dear, as can fuel/diesel, however provide probably the most flexibility. Costs for rental automobiles fluctuate with the vacationer season, as can stock, so ebook properly forward of your go to. Throughout the low season, automobiles will be rented for about €20/day.
• Trams value a substantial quantity extra per experience, however when you intend to take greater than 3-4 rides throughout a 24-hour interval it makes extra sense to purchase a day go.

Actions

Actions throughout your Portugal journey will be fairly reasonably priced as there are numerous suppliers competing for enterprise. For instance, a ship journey to go to Benagil Cave within the Algarve can value as little as €20 per particular person.

Prices of journey in Portugal span a broad vary making it reasonably priced for each price range so long as you do your analysis.

Portugal Excursions For Solo Vacationers

After all, there are benefits and drawbacks to touring alone. Whereas many individuals discover touring solo enjoyable, others would like to have a assured group of companions to discover with.

For those who match into the latter camp, just a few group excursions which have itineraries in Portugal and welcome solo vacationers embody:

Do You Want Journey Insurance coverage For Portugal?

When visiting Portugal—or wherever else on this planet—it’s smart to get journey insurance coverage.

One of many finest journey medical insurance coverage for vacationers is SafetyWing as they’ve obtained a big community and provide each short-term and long-term protection—together with protection when you’re touring for months in addition to restricted protection in your house nation.

Moreover, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and presents $250,000 price of protection with only one low total deductible of $250.

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

Continuously Requested Questions About Solo Journey In Portugal

Q: When is the most effective time to go to Portugal?

When you can go to Portugal any time of yr, the spring and fall seasons are typically thought of the most effective time if you wish to get pleasure from comfy climate and lots of nice issues to do whereas avoiding the summer time crowds and excessive costs. Throughout the winter months, it’s thought of too chilly to go to the seashores.

Q: Do locals communicate English in Portugal?

English is broadly spoken in Portugal, significantly within the large cities and vacationer locations.

Q: Is it protected to journey Portugal independently?

Portugal is taken into account very protected, and you’ll journey solo with out worrying—although you must after all maintain primary security precautions in thoughts.

Ultimate Ideas On Solo Journey In Portugal

As a solo feminine traveler, you don’t have to restrict your self whereas visiting Portugal.

Protected and dependable transportation, welcoming folks, wealthy historical past and tradition, historic monuments, quite a lot of picturesque landscapes, and burgeoning hipness all make Portugal the following place you must go to as a solo feminine traveler.

Whether or not you’re in search of Portugese tradition, historical past, magnificence, or enjoyable, Portugal has all of it. The choices actually are limitless!

What would you add to this information to solo journey in Portugal?

Loved this solo feminine journey Portugal information? Pin it for later!

About The Writer

Allison Baxley is a spouse to her highschool sweetheart, mom of two younger youngsters, former promoting artistic director, and creator of RenovatingLife.com. She and her household uprooted their cozy lives in Brooklyn in an effort to begin contemporary in Cascais, Portugal. After residing the rat race that’s NYC for 11 years, they determined they needed to decelerate, get pleasure from extra of what the world has to supply, and dwell life with extra intention. Along with her weblog, you’ll find her on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for extra enjoyable Portugal content material.