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Portugal solo travel, plus 10 safety tips to discover the country
Are you planning your next trip to Portugal alone? Then these tips are for you! Portugal solo travel is very popular, and the country is safe overall. Whether it’s your first ever solo trip to Portugal or you’ve travelled a lot by yourself, the country is a fantastic solo travel destination!
I travelled solo for many years, including a solo trip to Portugal before I moved. I will provide you with some do’s and do n’ts and destination tips as well. Put visiting Portugal on your bucket list and discover some great destinations!
Portugal Solo Travel Overview
Not sure where to go in Portugal?
Take the free Portugal travel quiz and find the destination that best matches your travel style. You’ll get your result plus practical tips to help you start planning your trip.
Why travel solo to Portugal?
Solo travel, in general, is increasing in popularity! You get to set your own itinerary, you are not depending on the holidays of fellow travellers, and you get to meet many new people if you want! When you travel alone, you have all the freedom in the world, and you can plan your trip to Portugal without compromising on your preferences.
Portugal solo travel is great if you want to embrace spontaneity, as you can change your travels on the go. Stay longer in the places you love, or move on if the place doesn’t feel right. You might feel excited and scared simultaneously if you’ve never travelled alone, but solo travel offers great experiences and personal growth.
Top solo-friendly destinations in Portugal
Portugal is a relatively small country, but there are many places to discover during your trip! You can decide to stay in one region or plan a holiday in a few locations. The most popular areas are the Algarve region and the cities of Lisbon and Porto. But there is way more to discover, so let’s look at the top places for Portugal solo travel!
Lisbon travel tips
Lisbon is fantastic for your first solo trip! After arriving at Lisbon Airport, it is very easy to reach the city centre. Besides, public transportation in the capital is pretty straightforward. Also, Bolt and Uber offer affordable taxi rides. Most areas in Lisbon are very safe, but it’s good to stay vigilant.
Travel Tips for Lisbon
Have you never been to Lisbon before? Be sure to check out these tips for first-time visitors! There are over 20 points of interest on the list.
Discover Lisbon city centre
The Portuguese capital, Lisbon, is the largest city in Portugal. To start your journey, joining a free walking tour is a great idea! These are tip-based, meaning you can give the guide what you think the free walking tour was worth. Lisbon has many walking tours, including excursions you can book upfront.
Are you a foodie? Then the food walking tours are fantastic! You also learn a lot about Portuguese culture and taste the local cuisine!
Here are some tours I enjoyed solo:
Also, explore the many famous sights in Lisbon, such as the Jerónimos Monastery. You find this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Belém, where you’ll see many other highlights. The Belém Tower, the bakery Pasteís de Nata and the MAAT Museum are some of them.
Comfy and luxury hostel recommendations
Or check the map below to find your dream hotel in Lisbon!
Day trips from Lisbon
A day trip to Sintra
Remember to make a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon. Sintra is known for its castles and palaces, and a solo trip to these spots is a must! Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and the Moorish Castle are the most famous places.
If you prefer off-the-beaten-track locations, Biester Palace, Monserrate Palace (my favourite!), and the Convent of the Capuchos are some hidden gems in the Sintra Mountains. You can enjoy a day trip to Sintra by train or join an excursion. There are often combined visits to Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais.
A day trip to Cascais
You can’t travel further to mainland Western Europe than Cabo da Roca! It’s the most western point, and many tours stop at the lighthouse. The most western points in Portugal and Europe, however, are the islands of the Azores.
You can reach Cabo da Roca by bus from Cascais and Sintra. Cascais is a fun coastal city, only 40 minutes by train from Lisbon. Enjoy a fantastic time at the beach or visit the Santa Marta lighthouse. It’s a great location to enjoy local seafood dishes!
Hostel idea if you like to stay in Cascais:
The Salty Pelican Beach Retreat is amazing! They offer yoga retreats, too.
Porto travel tips
Another highlight for solo travellers is the city of Porto. It’s Portugal’s second-largest city, and from Porto Airport, it’s only a short trip to the centre. Again, walking tours are a great way to get to know the city’s history and meet new people.
Porto is also known for its Port wine, and in Vila Nova de Gaia, you can join a tasting. After trying Port wine, you can also try the local delicacy: the Francesinha! This is like a steak sandwich, often served with chips.
Enjoy a boat cruise on the Douro River to see Porto from the water. You can even embark on an excursion to the Douro Valley, known for its wines. Or discover the many viewpoints in the city, Bolsa Palace and the stunning azulejo tiles in the centre. Porto is hilly but a fabulous city to walk around in. Be sure to add Porto to your itinerary for your first solo trip to Portugal!
Hostel recommendation:
The Poets Inn in Porto city centre offers private rooms and some shared rooms. The location is convenient and perfect for any solo traveler.
Algarve Travel Tips
The Algarve region is always a good destination if you prefer a beach holiday! The weather is warm in the summer months, the sun is shining, and the beaches are incredible! The picturesque landscapes include spots like the Benagil Caves and the rock formations of Ponta da Piedade in Lagos.
There are many excursions along the coast for any solo traveller. Join a catamaran tour with drinks, or enjoy a calm boat trip at Ria Formosa and see the flamingos.
The same goes for the towns in the Algarve. Places like Albufeira are known for their parties. If you like to party occasionally, stay in places like Lagos, Albufeira, Porches and Portimāo. Luz, Sagres, Tavira, and Faro are great if you prefer quiet towns with local culture. For a beach holiday in Southern Europe, the Algarve region is fantastic!
Madeira
Traveling solo to Madeira is excellent if you like nature. The island is known for its mountains and many hiking trails. And relaxing in the natural pools along the coast is incredibly rewarding. Solo travelers will love the capital, Funchal, and there are many sights to see. Take a ride in the cable car, visit Monte Palace Madeira, or visit the colourful market Mercado dos Lavradores.
There are plenty of restaurants, and the capital is certainly worth visiting. In recent years, Funchal has become a popular city with digital nomads, too! Longer stays on the island are possible, and Madeira offers nature, adventure, and city life!
The hiking trails are safe overall, and Funchal is a good starting point for exploring the rest of the island. You can join an organised hike to Pico Ruivo or enjoy an excursion to Santana. You can also meet other travellers or venture out on your own. Apps like WalkMe Madeira and AllTrails will ensure you don’t get lost along the way.
Other people are often on the paths, especially the most popular ones like Levada das 25 Fontes. So, even if you decide to venture out alone, the most common hiking routes are visited by many other people while walking the trails.
The Atlantic Coast
There are even more beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Coast. Besides, the Portuguese coast is a paradise for surfers! Head over to Ericeira to join a surf camp or discover the stunning coast of Alentejo. A rental car will be handy for your solo adventure along the rugged coast. You’ll explore places such as Vila Nova de Milfontes, Costa da Caparica, Praia da Ursa, and Viana do Castelo.
Portugal has hundreds of kilometres of coastline, so if you enjoy beaches and watersports, this is the perfect spot for solo travel in Portugal. Ericeira is popular all year round, but especially in summer, and there are many fun activities for solo travelers. In winter, Nazaré is a popular coastal town due to the immense big waves the city is known for!
Discover the small towns in Portugal
Portugal has many small towns to discover, and some are easier to reach than others. Some of the more popular ones are Óbidos, Tavira, Piódão, and Monsanto. Bigger cities like Tomar, Évora, Faro, Lagos, Setúbal, Braga, Guimarães, and Coimbra are also well worth a visit. Or discover the stunning islands of the Azores! There are often flights to São Miguel Island, and from there, you can explore islands like Flores Island, Terceira Island, Pico Island and Faial Island.
Getting around Portugal as a solo traveller
Portugal is very easy to explore, and there are many options to choose from. Let’s take a look at the most common ones.
Portugal tours for solo travellers
Solo travel can be lonely, and whereas some travellers love this, others prefer to meet people when they visit Portugal. You can join many group tours on your first solo trip! Between spring and autumn, many excursions will be possible along the coast.
Would you like a party? Join a boat tour, including drinks! Or join a pub crawl and meet many other people travelling solo. Some hostels also organise tours and excursions, so you don’t have to be alone even though you’re on a solo trip. Off-season is a fantastic time for art galleries and cultural tours.
Other people try to avoid busy areas and party excursions when travelling solo (hello, fellow introverts!). When visiting Portugal, there will be plenty to do as well! For example, join a cultural tour to another city or enjoy a wellness retreat in Portugal.
There are also private tours, which are often more expensive for solo travellers. I frequently show solo travellers around during a photoshoot in Lisbon. So, if you’re in the capital and want to meet, take a look at the photo session options 🙂
Book me as your Lisbon photographer!
Car rental for solo travellers
Another option is to go on a road trip, so be sure to check out the rental cars for your first solo trip! I’ve always loved a rental car to explore off-the-beaten-track destinations and natural spots. If you prefer staying in bigger cities, you can easily travel between them by public transport. But a car will be very handy if you want to discover hidden gems.
I’ve rented cars in many countries over the years and don’t appreciate surprises and being ripped off. For that reason, I solely rent with DiscoverCars nowadays. You know upfront what your car rental in Portugal will cost without hidden fees. On their website, you can select reputable car rental companies such as Sixt, Europcar and Hertz.
Public transportation for Portugal solo travel
Comboios de Portugal, or CP, is the train company in Portugal, and you can buy tickets online and at the station. Travelling by train is relatively easy, and the bigger cities are well connected. In 2023, the staff of Comboios de Portugal were often on strike, causing disruptions all over the country. Overall, travelling with CP is a good option.
I usually use Flixbus to travel between cities as it is cheap and comfortable. There are many routes to choose from, and the earlier you book, the cheaper your ticket. BusBud is another option with some different routes. Unless you visit the Azores or Madeira, there is no need for domestic flights within the country. Pre-book your bus and train tickets to secure your spot and save money.
Is Portugal safe for solo female travellers?
Portugal is known as one of the safest places in the world, so no matter your gender, it’s a very safe destination to travel to overall. Pickpockets might be active in the busiest spots, including the historic trams in Lisbon. Violent crime is, fortunately, a rarity! If you are in an unsafe situation, the Portuguese emergency number is 112.
Solo travel in Portugal is popular; if you like, you can meet many other travellers. Of course, as a solo female traveller, it’s always good to be vigilant and not “look for trouble”. Since I’ve been here, I have never gotten into any funny scenarios. I visited Portugal for the first time in 2019 and have lived here since 2021.
Walking the streets at night in busy areas is usually fine in the bigger cities. If you feel unsafe, call an Uber or Bolt to get you back to your accommodation. If you like meeting other people, stay in a hostel or book your own space in a hotel.
Portugal solo travel safety tips
Although solo travel in Portugal is very safe, it’s always good to be vigilant. Here are a few tips for your vacation in Portugal and other destinations worldwide. Some things go without saying, but just to be sure 🙂 And these are relevant for anyone, not just for solo female travel.
Choose Safe Accommodations: Check reviews, use reputable booking platforms, and check your room at check-in (also for the nearest exit). Book hostels or hotels with a reception and or security where possible. Keep your accommodation address private from strangers. Lock your doors at night, and block them somehow in case someone else gets a keycard to your room. Take extra precautions if the room key contains hotel information, such as the name and room number.
Use a safety deposit box: Most hotel rooms will have a safety deposit box, and hostels provide lockers. Bring your own lock if needed, and store your valuables when you’re not in the room. Don’t put all your money and cards in the same wallet or purse. In case one is stolen, you’ll have a backup.
Share your itinerary with someone: Share your plans with someone you trust. Make sure they know where you are staying and check in with them regularly.
- Be sure to charge your phone: Nothing is more annoying than a dead phone battery when you need it! For that reason, I always travel solo with an extra power bank. This way, I can always charge my phone if needed. A phone battery can be empty before you know it, especially after using Google Maps all day and taking many pictures.
Avoid sketchy alleys: Staying in well-lit areas is best, especially when it’s dark. Make sure you have your phone ready and have an emergency number nearby. In Portugal, you dial 112 in case something happens.
Have copies of your paperwork: Carry a copy of your insurance papers, bank phone numbers, embassy contact details, and passport numbers with you. A money belt is great for keeping your items near you.
Use the ATMs at banks only: You’ll see cash points everywhere in the bigger cities, but if you need to take out (a large sum) of money, you’re better off doing this inside the bank. Please note that they will close at 4 or 5 PM, so it is best to do this during office hours. You will see Euronet ATMs everywhere, but they charge hefty fees! Best to avoid them and order a travel-friendly debit card before your trip. Wise and Revolut are great for this.
Only use reputable transportation: Use taxi companies like Bolt and Uber, which even let you share your current location. Public transportation is also pretty good in Portugal, and especially in the big cities, there are usually people waiting for the next bus, tram or metro.
Don’t overdo it with narcotics and alcohol: You might enjoy a good party, but stay aware of your surroundings. Don’t accept drinks when you do not see them poured, and be careful with spiking in party locations.
Connect with other travellers: When you stay in a hostel, it will be easier to meet new people. But another great way is to join group excursions! Also, check out Facebook groups like The Solo Female Traveler Network, Female Digital Nomads, Lisbon | Girl Gone International.
Portugal solo travel travel insurance
You never know what can happen during your trip to Portugal, and although nothing happens 99% of the time, you want to avoid surprises. Unfortunately, I can speak from experience, so I have never travelled without travel insurance, even on top of my local health insurance. I once twisted my ankle surfing, got all my stuff stolen from the room, and had massive delays.
As a Discover Portugal reader, I can even give you a 5% discount with Heymondo. I’ve been a customer for some time, and their customer service and policies are brilliant. You can insure the trip itself, so you’re in good hands when something happens to you.
On top of that, you can insure electronic equipment such as laptops and cameras. For solo travel in Portugal, these policies are often enough. If you plan on any dangerous sports, etc, you can take an additional policy.
Insurance for digital nomads in Portugal
Are you staying longer in Portugal? Then, the digital nomad from SafetyWing might be perfect for you. There are many add-ons to choose from, and the Travel Medical Insurance might already be enough coverage for your trip.
SafetyWing insurance is perfect for online freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote companies, and they are adding products as we speak. Check their reviews on TrustPilot or click on the image below to learn more.
Downsides of solo trips to Portugal
Travellers often fear loneliness during a trip, but travelling solo means meeting many new people! You might be more open to meeting others and staying in a hostel where many other solo travellers stay. Eating out is another thing many first-time solo travellers need to overcome. Still, once you’ve done it a few times, you’ll get more comfortable doing it.
One thing to consider when travelling solo to any country is that there are often higher expenses, such as single-room supplements. You won’t be able to split costs for car rentals and transportation, but staying in hostels can be a budget-friendly way to travel. Excursions are usually priced per person, so there won’t be additional costs when joining group tours.
Solo travel in Portugal from my own experience
I have travelled a lot (over 60 countries!) since the age of 15, and some places were more dangerous than others. I travelled to many of these countries alone and always tried to be cautious. I came to Portugal for the first time in 2019 and loved the country from the moment I landed.
I only did a few touristy things back then and just wanted to enjoy some parks and the Tagus River in Lisbon. In 2021, I came back to see if I could live here. And the answer was a full-on YES!
Portugal is the 5th country I have lived in, and moving can be challenging. Even before I started looking for a home, the place I stayed in got broken into, and all my belongings were stolen. Thankfully, I could partially recover this from my travel insurance, and my camera was still there.
That didn’t stop me from moving, though, and overall, the Portuguese people are very welcoming and lovely. Especially in the bigger cities, people speak English, although I am trying to learn Portuguese now!
I usually feel safe and have never gotten into funny scenarios so far (knock wood!). It is essential to take care of yourself anywhere you travel. Do you have any experience with solo travel in Portugal? Do you have any anecdotes or stories you want to share?
Not sure where to go in Portugal?
Take the free Portugal travel quiz and find the destination that best matches your travel style. You’ll get your result plus practical tips to help you start planning your trip.
FAQ
Is Portugal safe for solo travel?
Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world and, therefore, one of the most popular destinations for solo travelers. Solo travel in Portugal is also perfect if you’ve never travelled solo before.
Why solo travel in Portugal?
Portugal is a popular destination with solo travellers. There is a lot to see and do, and it is a safe country to visit. Whether you want to spend time alone or enjoy meeting other solo travellers, the options are there.
Can you get around Portugal without a car?
Yes! The cities are especially easy to reach by public transport such as the bus and train. There are also many excursions and tour options to smaller towns in Portugal.
Conclusion about solo travel in Portugal
You’ll feel welcome from day one when you visit Portugal for your solo trip. Solo travel in Portugal is popular, as the country is one of the safest in the world. The perfect locations for solo female travellers! Whether you travel solo for the first time or have done it plenty of times, a Portugal trip will be unforgettable.
Besides, there are many places to visit. Enjoy the capital, Lisbon, or the second-largest city, Porto. Smaller cities like Coimbra, Évora, Lagos, and Ericeira are also great for solo travellers. If you prefer a trip to the countryside, places like Serra da Estrela and islands like Madeira and the Azores are perfect. Whether you’re looking to spend time by yourself or enjoy groups of people, Portugal is a fantastic destination for solo travellers.
Join a walking tour or excursion to meet other travellers and stay in one of many Portugal hostels. English is widely spoken by the Portuguese people, especially in the major cities. Discover the whole country and enjoy incredible landscapes, or visit the historic architecture in the bigger cities. Portugal is a beautiful country and has become one of the most popular destinations in Europe.
More must-see places in Lisbon, Portugal
- Incredible views and things to see at Castelo de São Jorge!
- 10 beautiful sights not to miss in Alfama Lisbon
- Discover the view over Lisbon from the top of Arco da Rua
- An adventurous journey on the Santa Justa Lift in Lisbon
- The magnificent Jerónimos Monastery in Belém
- Inside Torre de Belém, a UNESCO masterpiece in Lisbon
- Inside the stunning Lisbon Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the city
- Inside the National Pantheon in Lisbon and views from the top
- Oceanarium in Lisbon Guide; how to get there, tickets, and incredible species
- Discover the ruins of the Carmo Convent in Lisbon
- The colourful walls of São Vicente de Fora Monastery
- First time in Lisbon: 25 best attractions + travel tips
- Lisbon with kids; discover 25 of the best activities
- LX Factory Lisbon: Creative hub, shops, offices, street art and restaurants
- Fun itinerary for 2 days in Lisbon, Portugal
- 33 incredible and easy day trips from Lisbon
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