Solo Female Travel in Portugal: All My Tips for an Inspiring Journey
You know that moment when you tell yourself "What if I finally dared?" For me, it was in front of my screen at 11 PM, after a crappy day, scrolling through photos of Lisbon on Instagram. BING! The idea hit me: why not take a solo trip to Portugal?
Sure, my friends gave me the classic "But how will you manage all alone?" and my mom immediately panicked about my safety. But honestly, Portugal is THE perfect country for your first solo female travel adventure in Europe! Between the kind advice from locals, the omnipresent feeling of safety, and that total freedom to discover at your own pace, I had an unforgettable experience.
From Porto to the Algarve, passing through the secret alleys of Sintra, each city offered me its own magic. So if you too want to embark on this adventure, let me share all my tips so that your trip is as amazing as mine was!
Table of Contents
- Safety point for solo female travelers
- Destinations for solo female travel in Portugal
- When to travel to Portugal to make the most of your trip?
- How to properly prepare your Portugal trip?
- Typical Portuguese things
Safety Point for Solo Female Travelers in Portugal
Ah, my family's reactions when I announced my trip! "But really, a woman alone in Portugal, you're going to get harassed!" My parents pulled out every possible cliche. Let me tell you the truth.
Is it safe as a woman traveling alone in Portugal?
Spoiler alert: YES, completely! Portugal ranks among the 5 safest countries in the world. I was able to walk around alone at any hour without ever feeling in danger.
The country is truly reassuring and welcoming. I personally never had any problems going there. I always have this pleasant feeling of being at home, as if the entire country welcomed me with open arms.
Portuguese people and female travelers: welcoming or annoying?
The Portuguese have a reputation for kindness, and believe me, it's totally deserved! I was welcomed with incredible kindness everywhere I went.
Portuguese men are respectful, and even when they flirt, it's done with class and they easily accept a polite "no." No inappropriate insistence, unlike what we might experience elsewhere.
Potential risks and how to avoid them
Like everywhere, you need to stay vigilant in tourist areas. Pickpockets operate mainly on tram 28 in Lisbon and on the crowded beaches of the Algarve.
My advice: keep your bag in front of you and avoid pulling out your latest phone in public transport. Nothing too serious, just common sense.
Apps and contacts to have before leaving
Note these numbers: 112 for emergencies and +351 21 393 91 00 for the French embassy - you probably won't ever need them, but you never know.
Download Citymapper for Lisbon and Porto.
Also think about using Nomadsister - it's really THE ideal platform for us solo female travelers. You can not only find free accommodation with verified local women hosts, but also meet other female travelers.
Must-Visit Destinations for Solo Female Travel in Portugal
When it comes to unmissable destinations, Portugal doesn't disappoint. Each region has its particular charm, and honestly, you could spend months there without getting bored. I'll start with the most classic ones.
Lisbon: The Peaceful Capital
Lisbon is that capital where you can walk around at 2 AM without stress. The neighborhoods of Chiado and Príncipe Real are perfect for a first approach. São Jorge Castle offers a panoramic view over the entire city, and the pastéis de Belém are pure delight!
You'll love wandering randomly through the streets of Chiado and Alfama to visit the city while keeping that thrill of discovery. The steep and winding alleys have incredible charm and you discover Portuguese architecture and magnificent spots without having planned everything.
Another incredible discovery: Monsanto Park! This green bubble in the city, born from reforestation under Salazar, offered me an unforgettable forest walk: nothing better for some peace and quiet.
My favorite spot: the little café "A Brasileira" in Chiado. I spent hours there writing my travel journal while sipping a galão. The vintage atmosphere and locals' conversations create a unique ambiance. You immediately feel at home there.
Porto: Wine and Authenticity
Porto is THE perfect city to start solo female travel. Smaller than Lisbon, it's easily walkable. The cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia await you for port wine tastings, and the Ribeira district with its colorful houses is a true paradise to stroll through.
The "Majestic" café on Santa Catarina street - what madness... This century-old café with Art Nouveau décor made me travel through time. Perfect for a solo breakfast while observing the street's animation. The waiters are adorable and often speak French.
My favorite spot: without a doubt, Lello bookstore! A magnificent bookstore that looks exactly like what you see in your wildest reader dreams. This place will transport you into a fairy tale, provided you consider tourists as fairies (it's packed with them unfortunately...).
Lagos and the Algarve: Golden Cliffs and Wild Beaches
The Algarve is paradise for secret beaches and magical sunsets. Lagos offers rock formations that put those Instagram-worthy islands to shame at Ponta da Piedade.
The beaches of Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo are little gems. For more authenticity, push on to Sagres, the edge of the European world where Atlantic waves crash with overwhelming force.
My favorite spot: Benagil cave, accessible only by kayak or swimming. This natural cathedral with its opening to the sky left me speechless. A mystical experience to absolutely live! Be careful, remember to book early in summer.
Sintra: Enchanting Palaces and Mystical Forests
Sintra is Disney Portuguese-style! The Pena Palace with its flashy colors, Quinta da Regaleira and its mysterious gardens...
This fairy-tale town can easily be visited in a day from Lisbon. Take the train from Rossio station - it's direct and cheap. Go early to avoid the crowds.
Even if you go to popular places like Sintra (UNESCO listed), you can handle it intelligently. I climbed up to Castelo dos Mouros but didn't visit it because of the crowd; instead I explored the trails and the lush vegetation of the surrounding parks. It was much more refreshing than queuing with hundreds of tourists.
My favorite spot: the secret gardens of Quinta da Regaleira. I spent hours exploring the underground tunnels and initiation wells. It feels like an adventure movie! The esoteric symbols hidden everywhere add a fascinating mysterious dimension.
Aveiro, Coimbra: Portugal's Traditional Center
Aveiro, nicknamed the "Venice of Portugal," with its canals and colorful boats called moliceiros. Coimbra and its historic university, one of the oldest in Europe, offer a dive into Portuguese history.
These university towns have a particular energy, perfect for meeting young locals and partying.
My favorite spot: the Joanina Library in Coimbra. This baroque marvel gilded with fine gold gave me chills. The bats that protect the books from insects (yes, it's true) add a mysterious touch! A magical place where time seems suspended.
Portugal Travel Itinerary for 7 Days, 10 Days, 15 Days
Creating a perfect itinerary for Portugal is mission impossible! Each region would deserve a trip of its own. But here are my tested and approved suggestions.
7-Day Itinerary
- Day 1-3: Lisbon (arrival, city visit, Sintra excursion)
- Day 4: Journey to Porto (train: 2h30)
- Day 5-7: Porto and surroundings (Douro Valley possible as excursion)
10-Day Itinerary
- Day 1-3: Lisbon
- Day 4: Sintra (full day)
- Day 5-7: Porto
- Day 8-10: Algarve/Lagos (train from Porto: 6h or flight: 1h)
15-Day Itinerary
- Day 1-4: Lisbon and surroundings (Óbidos, Nazaré)
- Day 5-8: Porto and Douro Valley
- Day 9-11: Coimbra and Aveiro
- Day 12-15: Algarve (Lagos, Sagres, Tavira)
Unique Places to Explore in Portugal
Monsaraz: this medieval village perched on a hill in Alentejo seems frozen in time. Its white alleys and view over Alqueva lake make it an unknown gem. Perfect for a contemplative break away from crowds.
Piódão: nicknamed the "Christmas village," this small schist hamlet clinging to the mountain looks like a life-sized nativity scene. Perfect for an authentic nature escape, but be warned, it's really remote!
Óbidos: this fortified city where you can sleep in a castle converted into a pousada. Its ramparts can be walked for an unbeatable view of the surrounding countryside. And their ginjinha served in a little chocolate glass... a delight!
When to Travel to Portugal to Make the Most of Your Trip?
Portugal can be visited year-round, but May-June and September-October are my favorite periods! You avoid summer crowds and inflated prices, while enjoying mild and pleasant weather.
Summer can be stifling in Alentejo (I thought I'd die in Évora in August), and winter can be rainy in the north.
How to Properly Prepare Your Portugal Trip?
Congratulations if you manage to motivate yourself to leave! I'm going to give you all my practical tips so your trip goes smoothly.
What price for a solo trip to Portugal?
Although no Portuguese city features in the top 5 cheap destinations for European travel, Portugal remains affordable compared with other European destinations. Here are my daily estimates based on my experience:
If you're on a tight budget, plan between 40 and 70 euros per day. The trickiest part is finding affordable accommodation, but you can manage at this price if you don't go too overboard.
If you prefer to enjoy a slightly more serene stay, plan between 100 and 150 euros per day. 50€ accommodation, 30€ meals, 20€ transport and 30€ for activities. You can really have a very complete trip while treating yourself with this budget.
And finally, if you have a more comfortable situation, you can plan up to 200€ per day. Enjoy luxurious accommodations and discover local cuisine - you're going to love it!
Getting Around Portugal: All Transportation Methods to Know
Trains are perfect between major cities (Lisbon-Porto: 2h30, 25€). For the Algarve, prefer bus or plane from Lisbon.
Car rental opens all possibilities, especially for remote villages like Monsaraz or Piódão.
Urban public transport is efficient and inexpensive.
All transportation methods are very suitable for a Portugal trip so you can make your choice based on your budget and what you personally prefer.
Formalities for Traveling to Portugal
If you're European, nothing simpler: an ID card is enough! No visa needed, and health-wise, no particular precautions. Just remember to bring your European health insurance card. Travel insurance is still recommended for sports activities like surfing or hiking.
If you're coming from further away, I invite you to check the official Portuguese government website to find all the papers you need to prepare your trip.
How to Find Affordable and Safe Accommodation in Portugal?
Youth hostels are perfect for meeting people (15-25€/night). The hostel where I stayed was really friendly and multicultural. It's the perfect place to meet people and create connections. When you feel a bit melancholic (it happened to me on a rainy day), the hostel's warm atmosphere can really help you feel less alone.
Boutique hotels in historic centers offer excellent value for money. Airbnb lets you live like a local. Avoid couchsurfing if you're a solo travel beginner - better to be cautious.
Nomadsister is a brilliant solution for sharing accommodation with other female travelers. Safety and friendliness guaranteed! I met wonderful friends thanks to this platform.
Best Activities to Do Alone in Portugal
Cooking classes to learn Portuguese gastronomy secrets, hiking on Algarve coastal trails, visiting quintas in the Douro Valley, exploring local markets...
Portugal offers a thousand possibilities to immerse yourself in local culture at your own pace. And the Portuguese love sharing their passion for their country!
My secret for a balanced trip? Maintaining a healthy routine: regular exercise, balanced diet, work time if necessary. Even when it's raining and you want to stay locked inside, force yourself to go out for fresh air and move a bit. It helps enormously to refocus and combat moments of melancholy.
Typical Portuguese Things
To live like a true Portuguese woman, you need to understand this endearing country's soul.
Portuguese Traditions
Fado resonates in all Alfama restaurants. These melancholic songs tell the Portuguese soul with overwhelming intensity.
Azulejos, these blue earthenware tiles, decorate facades and interiors with unique elegance.
Pilgrimages, notably that of Fátima, show the Portuguese people's religious fervor.
Portuguese Specialties to Rush For
Pastéis de nata are an absolute must! But be careful, there's often a queue.
Porto's francesinha, this gargantuan sandwich topped with sauce, is a culinary challenge - I never managed to finish mine!
Vinho verde, this light and sparkling wine, perfectly accompanies grilled fish.
Don't forget bifana (pork sandwich) for a typical snack, and delicious grilled sardinhas during popular festivals: my favorite Portuguese dish!
So my dear, ready to embark on this Portuguese adventure? The Country of Carnations awaits you with open arms and its thousand wonders to discover. I've noticed that Portugal is growing in popularity, but you can still get away from crowds if you know where to go. You'll see, solo female travel in Portugal is pure freedom!
ITINERARY| TRAVEL
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