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!
Seeking to expertise solo journey in Portugal for your self, however need assistance with the planning?
Then you definitely’re in the precise place!
Touring solo in Portugal is simple, protected, and extremely rewarding. For such a small nation, you may cowl a whole lot of floor in a brief period of time and luxuriate 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 while you go to Portugal.
Preserve studying to find among the greatest locations and points of interest to suit into your Portugal solo journey itinerary.
As an area, I’m excited to share among the many particular experiences you may have right here in addition to insider suggestions 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 sensible to pack journey security necessities. One prime choose is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm, which is TSA-approved and may 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 can assist you really feel assured about reserving your first ever solo journey and exploring the world alone. If you wish to know how one can journey solo in Portugal, it may possibly assist.
Classes embody:
- Frequent solo journey fears and how one can overcome them
- How to decide on a superb vacation spot
- 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
- take wonderful solo selfies
When you’ve grabbed your seat, learn on for a Portugal solo journey itinerary and suggestions.
Is Portugal Secure For Solo Feminine Vacationers?
Portugal is without doubt one of the greatest feminine solo journey locations. Not solely is the nation one of many most secure on this planet, however its vibe can also be very laid again, instantly placing you relaxed. Plus, the ultra-friendly locals will immediately make you are feeling at residence.
Violent crime in Portugal may be very low, and aside 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 fulfill 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 individuals. Irrespective of which nook of Portugal you resolve to discover, you received’t remorse planning a go to. In truth, a solo journey to Portugal will doubtless depart you wishing you may move to Portugal!
The place Is Portugal?
Portugal is a part of Western Europe; however it has solely just lately been found by American vacationers in the previous few years, regardless of being a well-liked 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, however it has a novel identification 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 normally the most cost effective to fly into. TAP Airways additionally affords stopovers in Porto and/or Lisbon in the event you’re laying over in your method to one other solo journey vacation spot.
They’re one of many solely airways that may let you cease over in your method 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 affords a number of modes of transportation for solo feminine vacationers. Trains, planes, and vehicles 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 fashionable spots like Cascais and Sintra.
Lisbon and Porto each have nice subway techniques in addition to historic trams and intensive bus routes.
And there are lots of 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 hire a automotive and drive your self. Driving in Portugal is comparatively straightforward 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 straightforward.
hire a automotive in Portugal
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Suggestions for renting a automotive and driving in Portugal
- Don’t hire a automotive 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 in the event you plan to drive quite a bit as it is going to prevent a great deal of time not having to cease and dig out your cash on the plentiful toll stations
- Automated vehicles can be found however can value considerably extra—go stick in the event you can deal with it
- Portuguese drivers wish to go quick, so keep to the precise in the event you can’t sustain
- Individuals don’t want a global 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 glorious 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 straightforward so that you can switch to your telephone and begin exploring.
Solo Journey In Portugal: The place To Go
Now let’s focus on the place to truly go throughout solo journey in Portugal. Whereas there are lots of choices for nice locations, a number of prime picks embody:
Lisbon
Relating to the perfect locations to go to, most worldwide flights land within the nation’s famous capital city, Lisbon, and this can be a excellent spot to start out your solo feminine journey in Portugal.
There are a lot of museums to peruse, such because the Azulejo Tile Museum or the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT), that are each very a lot value visiting.
Trip the historic 28 Tram to glimpse among the metropolis’s greatest sights, or stroll by means of the Graça neighborhood to take a look at among the unimaginable avenue artwork.
Miradouros, or viewpoints, are all over the place all through this metropolis of seven hills. E-book an electrical eco-tuk tour and permit your information to indicate you to among the greatest miradouros in Lisbon.
In case you’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 greatest methods to see Lisbon, however there are additionally public transport trams and the subway in the event you desire.
After all, you may at all times rent a automotive utilizing Uber or Bolt (Portuguese Uber). Getting round safely is simple, even at night time.
In case you’re feeling peckish, book a local food tour or head all the way 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 means of the cobblestone streets and hills of fashionable close by neighborhoods like Baixa, Alfama, and Chiado.
A fast prepare or ferry experience will take you throughout the river to the Setúbal Peninsula the place there are wonderful seashores alongside the Costa da Caparica, or take the 40-minute prepare experience alongside the coast to Cascais for a seashore day on this charming seaside city.
Fairytale Sintra is just an hour’s prepare experience away, the place you may whereas the day away within the myriad castles, palaces, and gardens.
Solo journey in Lisbon might be as fast-paced or as sluggish as you want. Portuguese individuals are infamous for dwelling sluggish and having fun with the second.
Lisbon Inns: 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, hire a automotive or take the 3-hour prepare experience to magical Porto to take pleasure in its riverside setting.
E-book a resort overlooking the Douro River, sip Port wine, eat a francesinha (layered, meat-filled sandwich lined 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 fashionable in Porto—and Lisbon for that matter—and there are a number of firms that provide a free strolling tour every morning at a chosen assembly level. It’s an effective way to see town from the eyes of an area and an effective way to start out 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’re taking the day to marvel on the stunning panorama of hillside vineyards. It really is a sight in contrast to another on this planet!
Porto Inns: 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 could 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 means 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 automotive or use the rail system to discover.
The southern coast of Portugal, often known as the Algarve, has been attracting European holidaymakers and expats for some time; however, lately has turn out to be extra fashionable with Individuals as properly.
Temperate climate year-round makes it an amazing place to go to regardless of while you go. In truth, visiting the Algarve within the low season can let you keep away from the crowds and luxuriate in a few of Europe’s greatest seashores all to your self. How’s that for a solo journey win?
Standard Algarve locations embody Lagos, Albufeira, Portimão, and Tavira, however you may’t go unsuitable with any city on this space, as all of them provide a tremendous time.
Algarve solo journey might be wonderful as you’ve got 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 means of a number of till you discover the one which’s best for you.
Algarve Inns: 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 Standard Journey Locations In Portugal
The Islands of the Azores & Madeira
Madeira and Azores solo journey has skyrocketed because the islands have turn out to be extra well-known. These are each fashionable mountaineering and outdoor locations, so if getting again to nature is your aim you will need to make time to take pleasure in a number of days of Portuguese island life.
Azores Inns: 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 Inns: 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.
Try the large waves at Nazaré, or go for a extra informal surf at among the greatest surf seashores in Portugal—Peniche and Ericeira.
Caldas da Rainha is close by and affords a style of genuine Portuguese life, and Óbidos is a medieval walled fortress city that may make you assume you’re in a Disney film.
Silver Coast Inns: Click here for a full list of hotels in Nazare. Silver Coast Excursions: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Nazare.
Suggestions 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 classy eating places to strive, and experiences to have when touring Portugal solo.
Renting a automotive is the best possible method to get off the overwhelmed path while you go to Portugal. Whereas the rail and bus techniques are nice, there are lots of magical locations to see within the nation which are fairly removed from the closest prepare station.
That being stated, as a result of they don’t seem to be as simply accessed by public transportation, they normally have fewer crowds and really feel extra particular!
And as a bonus for solo vacationers prepared to self-drive, you’re the one one in command of the place to go subsequent. That type 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 in the event you put the pedal to the steel. It’s one of many principal advantages of solo journey.
As with all journey, follow warning, particularly at night time, in crowded vacationer spots, and when you end up fully alone. You may additionally pack some journey security necessities.
That being stated, usually Portugal is without doubt one of the most secure international locations on this planet and affords a protected atmosphere.
Prices Of Solo Journey To Portugal
Lodging
Whereas Portugal might be less expensive than different Western European international locations, 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 night time.
Trip leases are usually on the cheaper facet in comparison with resorts and the quantity of house you may get, however in the event 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; nevertheless, eating places run the gamut.
A conventional Portuguese lunch of soup, principal, 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 wonderful seafood might be cheaper in the event you select the precise place; however, you too can discover tons of Michelin-star eating places too.
The restaurant world actually is your oyster and there are many locations for any finances.
Drinks
You’re in luck in the event you’re a beer or wine lover in Portugal. A small draft beer might 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 components of Europe and the US, very often coming in below €10.
A scrumptious oat milk latte at a stylish espresso store will shock you at below €5, whereas an espresso, or bica, is normally simply €0,50.
A wonderful bottle of wine might be purchased within the grocery shops or a nicer wine store for below €15. Whereas a really first rate bottle will also be bought for €3.
Tipping
Whereas tipping is just not normally anticipated, the Portuguese individuals do recognize a small token of your appreciation in the event you loved your service. Usually, 5-10% of a bigger invoice is suitable. 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 could routinely be included, so make certain to test your invoice.
Transportation
- E-scooters and bike leases are fashionable and generally even free.
- Rail tickets, particularly if booked properly forward, can value pennies on the kilometer.
- Automotive leases within the excessive season might be dear, as can gasoline/diesel, however provide probably the most flexibility. Costs for rental vehicles fluctuate with the vacationer season, as can stock, so e book properly forward of your go to. Through the low season, vehicles might be rented for about €20/day.
- Trams value a substantial quantity extra per experience, however in the event you intend to take greater than 3-4 rides throughout a 24-hour interval it makes extra sense to purchase a day move.
Actions
Actions throughout your Portugal journey might be fairly reasonably priced as there are lots of 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 finances 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 favor to have a assured group of companions to discover with.
In case you match into the latter camp, a number of group excursions which have itineraries in Portugal and welcome solo vacationers embody:
Do You Want Journey Insurance coverage For Portugal?
When visiting Portugal—or anyplace else on this planet—it’s smart to get journey insurance coverage.
One of many greatest journey medical insurance coverage for vacationers is SafetyWing as they’ve bought a big community and provide each short-term and long-term protection—together with protection in the event you’re touring for months in addition to restricted protection in your house nation.
Moreover, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and affords $250,000 value 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.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions About Solo Journey In Portugal
Q: When is the perfect time to go to Portugal?
Whilst you can go to Portugal any time of 12 months, the spring and fall seasons are usually thought of the perfect time if you wish to take pleasure in snug climate and lots of nice issues to do whereas avoiding the summer season crowds and excessive costs. Through the winter months, it’s thought of too chilly to go to the seashores.
Q: Do locals converse English in Portugal?
English is extensively 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 may journey solo with out worrying—although it’s best to after all maintain primary security precautions in thoughts.
Ultimate Ideas On Solo Journey In Portugal
As a solo feminine traveler, you don’t must restrict your self whereas visiting Portugal.
Secure and dependable transportation, welcoming individuals, wealthy historical past and tradition, historic monuments, a wide range of picturesque landscapes, and burgeoning hipness all make Portugal the subsequent place it’s best to go to as a solo feminine traveler.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for Portugese tradition, historical past, magnificence, or enjoyable, Portugal has all of it. The choices actually are countless!
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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 comfortable lives in Brooklyn so as to begin contemporary in Cascais, Portugal. After dwelling the rat race that’s NYC for 11 years, they determined they wished to decelerate, take pleasure in extra of what the world has to supply, and stay life with extra intention. Along with her weblog, you will discover her on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for extra enjoyable Portugal content material.
