My Solo Female Travel Guide to Portugal (After 10+ Years Visiting)
I first fell in love with Portugal years ago, during a week-long trip to the Algarve. Portugal was stunning, affordable, and the food? Delicious. This is my solo female travel guide to Portugal, after visiting the country for over a decade.
That trip sparked a love affair with Portugal that’s only grown over the years. A few years ago, I finally ticked off a dream road trip with my sister: Porto to Lisbon to Albufeira.
It reminded me why Portugal is one of the best destinations for solo female travellers. It’s safe, easy to get around, and there’s something for every mood—vibrant cities, rich culture, and beautiful beaches.
If you’re planning your own adventure, this ultimate solo female travel guide to Portugal has everything you need: where to go, what to do, how to stay safe, and my insider tips from years of exploring this amazing country.
For up-to-date info on festivals, cultural events, and local happenings during your trip, I always recommend checking the official Tourism Board of Portugal’s event calendar—it’s a great way to discover what’s going on while you’re there.
Is Portugal safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, Portugal is one of the safest and easiest countries you can travel to as a solo female traveller. I have wandered its streets at sunrise with nothing but a pastel de nata in hand, and I have sipped wine alone at sunset in Lisbon without once feeling unsafe.
The Portuguese are warm and polite, and there is a laid-back, “you do you” vibe that makes solo women feel welcome rather than out of place. I love how normal it feels to sit alone in a café or enjoy dinner by yourself – Portugal has a huge café and dining culture, so no one will give you a second look.
Of course, no destination is perfect, and you should always travel smart. Always remember how to stay safe as a woman travelling alone. Like anywhere in Europe, keep an eye out for pickpockets in busy tourist areas, watch your drink if you are out at night and stay aware on public transport.
What makes Portugal stand out is how easy it is to navigate. English is widely spoken in the cities, public transport is reliable, and the country is small enough that you can move between cities without long, exhausting travel days.
What I love most is that you can combine everything in one trip: city exploring in Lisbon and Porto, cultural experiences like fado nights, wine tastings and cooking classes, museums and palaces, and then long, slow beach days in the Algarve with boat trips, SUP and seafood.
Best Time to Visit Portugal
Portugal is one of those destinations you can visit year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons. The best time depends on the kind of trip you want, especially if you are travelling solo.
Spring (March to May)
This is one of my favourite times for sightseeing and exploring. The weather is warm but not too hot, perfect for wandering around Lisbon or Porto on foot. There are fewer tourists than busy summer, which makes it easier to enjoy attractions without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Summer (June to August)
Expect hot weather, busy beaches and higher prices. If you are heading to the Algarve, this is the best time for beach days, but city sightseeing can feel exhausting in the heat. Solo travellers who like a lively vibe will love the energy at this time of year, but book accommodation early as it gets busy.
Autumn (September to October)
This is my favourite time to visit. The weather is still warm, especially in the south, but the crowds have thinned out, and prices drop after the summer rush. On my first Algarve trip in October, the weather was unpredictable at times, but it was still perfect for beach days and exploring.
Porto can be chillier since it’s in the north, but the Algarve can still be sunny and pleasantly warm.
Winter (November to February)
Portugal has mild winters compared to the rest of Europe, and many Europeans go to South Portugal to escape the winter. It is not beach weather, but it is a great time if you want a quiet, cultural trip. Porto and Lisbon feel cosy in the winter, and you will have attractions almost to yourself.
How Many Days in Portugal are Enough?
Portugal is not huge, but there is so much to see that it deserves more than just a quick city break. The number of days depends on how much you want to fit in.
Do you want a quick city trip? Or do you want to see the real Portugal and explore Lisbon, and then relax on the beach in Lagos?
3 to 5 days for a city trip in Lisbon or Porto
Great for a first solo trip if you want to focus on Lisbon and Porto. You can get a real feel for the cities, enjoy some food tours, and take a quick day trip to places like Cascais or Sintra.
10 to 12 days is the ideal itinerary
This is my ideal itinerary, and what I did on my road trip. It gives you time to mix city vibes and beach relaxation. I spent 2 full days in Porto, 3 full days in Lisbon (plus half a day in Cascais) and 5 days in the Algarve, hopping between Albufeira, Lagos, São Rafael and Faro. It felt like the perfect balance.
More than 12 days for pure relaxation
If you have extra time, consider adding Madeira or the Azores for hiking, nature escapes and some serious relaxation. I didn’t get the chance to visit yet, but it’d be a great addition to your Portugal itinerary.
Suggested 10 – 12 day Solo Itinerary for Portugal
Days 1–3: Porto – Wine, River Views and Cosy Vibes
Porto is charming, colourful and ideal for solo wandering. Spend your mornings strolling along the Ribeira and crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge for incredible views. Do a port wine tasting in the late afternoon – it is not only delicious but also a fun way to meet other travellers.
When I visited in late October, Porto surprised me with how chilly it could get in the evenings. Mornings were fresh too, so pack a jacket if you are travelling at this time of year. Once the sun came out, though, it was perfect for slow solo walks along the river. If you can spend 3 days in Porto, that’s the perfect number of days.
Days 4–6: Lisbon – History, Street Life and Fado Nights
Take the train or drive down to Lisbon. This city is made for solo travellers – it is walkable, safe and full of little surprises. Ride Tram 28, explore Alfama’s winding streets and climb up to one of the miradouros for sunset.
In the evening, treat yourself to a fado performance and dinner. Lisbon felt warmer than Porto during my October trip, so I spent more time sitting outside in cafés, people-watching with a pastel de nata and a coffee in hand.
Day 7: Cascais – A Seaside Day Trip
Cascais is just 40 minutes from Lisbon by train and makes the perfect relaxed solo day. Stroll along the coastal promenade, take a swim if the weather is warm, or simply enjoy a long seafood lunch by the water.
Especially in the hot summer months, Cascais is a perfect day trip to escape the heat of Lisbon.
Days 8–12: The Algarve – Sun, Beaches and Slow Living
The Algarve is where Portugal surprised me. By the time I arrived in Albufeira, the weather had completely changed – it was late October, but the days were sunny and warm, and it felt like summer.
Spend your days beach hopping between São Rafael, Lagos and Faro. The beaches are stunning, with crystal-clear, calm water that is perfect for swimming or trying something new.
I loved doing stand-up paddleboarding here – I even joined a small group with some travellers I met along the way, which was such a fun way to spend the day.
In the evenings, relax with a glass of local wine and order a cataplana, the Algarve’s famous seafood stew. Portugal is all about simple pleasures, and some of my happiest solo moments were sitting on the beach with salty hair, good food and a glass of wine, just soaking up how beautiful it all was.
Best places to travel to in Portugal
Lisbon – Vibrant, Walkable and Solo-Friendly
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and one of the easiest cities in Europe for solo female travellers. It is compact, well-connected by trams, buses and metro, and you can walk between most major sights. Be prepared for the uphill streets – I struggled as a Dutch person used to flat roads, but the views are worth it.
Popular areas like Baixa, Chiado and Alfama stay busy with locals late into the evening, which makes walking around feel safer compared to quieter European cities.
Cafés and pastelarias are everywhere, and solo dining feels completely normal. You will see locals eating or drinking coffee alone, so you won’t feel out of place.
For quiet solo time, I love the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for sunset – it is safe, calm and has one of the best views in Lisbon. The LX Factory is also great for browsing bookshops, street art and laid-back cafés where you can spend hours people-watching.
And of course, you cannot leave without trying a pastel de nata from Belém. The most famous ones are from Fábrica Pastéis de Belém, where they originated in the Jerónimos Monastery.
Porto – Wine, River Views and Cosy Vibes
Porto is smaller and easy to navigate, making it ideal for solo travellers. Most attractions are clustered around the Ribeira district, so you can explore on foot without worrying about long commutes.
I felt completely safe in Porto, even in the evenings, especially in busy areas like Ribeira, Baixa and Avenida dos Aliados. My favourite solo mornings were spent walking along the Douro River, stopping for coffee at Café Majestic, and crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge for the views.
Solo dining is comfortable here too – wine bars like Prova or Wine Quay Bar are friendly and relaxed, perfect for enjoying a glass of Douro red and some cheese. If you’re into amazing rotisserie chicken, check out Pedro dos Frangos.
The Algarve – Relaxed Beach Bliss
The Algarve is hands-down one of the most beautiful places in Portugal for a relaxing beach trip. I have spent days here beach-hopping, reading with my toes in the sand and lingering over fresh seafood lunches.
If you are travelling solo, stick to smaller towns rather than big party places. Lagos is my top pick – it is walkable, has gorgeous beaches like Praia Dona Ana, and plenty of solo-friendly cafés and wine bars. Tavira is perfect if you want something quieter and more traditional, while Albufeira works if you want everything in one place.
Renting a car in the Algarve is worth it if you want to explore hidden beaches and coastal trails. Roads are safe, well-marked and driving here feels easy, even for solo travellers.
Albufeira – Where My Love for Portugal Started
Albufeira holds a special place for me because it is where my love for Portugal started. Yes, it is more touristy now, but it is still fantastic for a solo beach holiday.
The old town is where you should stay as a solo traveller – it is compact, walkable and has more of that authentic Portugal feeling compared to the new Strip area.
The beaches are the real reason to come. Praia dos Pescadores is lively but still great – I felt completely comfortable spending hours there reading alone. For nightlife, I stuck to quieter bars or just had a drink on an outdoor patio.
Madeira – Hiking and Slow Travel
I haven’t visited Madeira yet, but it’s perfect if you love nature, hiking and slow travel. It feels safe, welcoming and very easy to explore alone. I’m hoping to plan Madeira in my next Portugal trip.
The main draw here is the hiking. The levada walks (old irrigation trails turned hiking paths) are well-marked, safe during the day and stunning. If you are nervous about solo hiking, you can always book a guided tour.
Base yourself in Funchal – it is safe, relaxed and full of cafés and wine bars. Madeira is not a beach destination – think dramatic cliffs, natural pools and mountain scenery instead.
The Azores – Wild and Peaceful Nature Escape
The Azores, just like Madeira, are still on top of my bucket list. But if you’re planning a trip to Portugal, I have to mention spending a few days in the Azores.
If you’re into nature, like me, the Azores are wild, green and perfect. Crime is practically non-existent, and the vibe is more laid-back countryside than touristy city.
Most travellers base themselves on São Miguel, the largest island. Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo are absolute must-sees. The Azores are not about nightlife or fancy restaurants. It is more about natural hot springs, black sand beaches and scenic drives. Renting a car is the best way to explore.
How to Get Around in Portugal Solo
Trains and Buses
Portugal’s train network is reliable, comfortable and great for solo travellers. The route between Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve is simple, with direct trains that are clean and safe. Tickets are affordable, especially if you book in advance through Omio or the official CP (Comboios de Portugal) website.
Buses are another good option for smaller towns or areas without train connections. Rede Expressos is the main long-distance bus company, and it is easy to book online.
Uber
I used them in Lisbon and Porto a few times when I didn’t feel like walking uphill or carrying my bag across the city. In the cities, Uber is cheap and safe, perfect if you don’t want to figure out public transport late at night.
Believe me, it gets exhausting. And I felt the price was worth it, not having to carry all my shopping bags uphill to my apartment.
Driving and Road Trips
If you are comfortable driving, a road trip is the best way to see more of Portugal, especially the Algarve. The roads are in good condition, the signage is clear, and driving is generally pretty easy.
On my last trip, I drove from Porto to Lisbon to Albufeira, and it was such an easy and scenic route. Having a car in the Algarve was a huge bonus because I could visit smaller, quieter beaches that buses do not reach easily.
If you are nervous about driving alone, stick to trains for city-to-city travel and rent a car only in the Algarve. You do not need a car in Lisbon or Porto as everything is walkable or well connected by public transport.
What Budget Do I Need for Portugal?
Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe, which makes it ideal for solo travellers. You can enjoy great food, comfortable accommodation and even wine tastings without breaking the bank.
On my most recent visit (July 2025), I had a simple dinner with a starter, main course, and a little carafe of wine for just €20. And you can still get a proper glass of wine for under €4 in Portugal.
The biggest expense is going to be accommodation. Here is a rough breakdown based on my trips.
Daily Costs for Solo Travellers
- Accommodation: €150 – €200 per night for boutique hotels in safe, central areas. I usually choose (boutique) hotels or guesthouses with private rooms, as they feel more personal and often include breakfast.
- Food: €10–€15 for a casual lunch at a pastelaria or café, €20–€30 for a nice seafood dinner with wine. Eating at pastelarias is a great solo-travel hack – they are cheap, friendly and perfect for people-watching. The Algarve is going to be more expensive than Porto.
- Wine or port tastings: Around €15–€25 for a tasting session in Porto or Lisbon.
- Transport: €5–€10 per day for public transport.
- Activities: Walking tours from €15 and boat tours from €30–€40.
Total Daily Budget
You can travel comfortably as a solo traveller for around €50–€120 per day (without accommodation), depending on how often you eat out at nicer restaurants or book tours.
On my 12-day trip, I felt like I could enjoy myself without stressing about money. Portugal feels good value compared to other Western European countries – you can sit in a café for hours with a coffee and a pastry, linger over affordable chicken peri peri dinners and still stay within budget.
What to Wear in Portugal
I always say Portugal is a casual-chic kind of country. You want to feel comfortable, but you also want to look a little put together for those wine bars or sunset dinners.
My biggest advice? Pack practical, lightweight clothes (it’s hot in summer) and shoes you can walk in, because you will be doing a lot of walking. And those uphill streets are no joke.
Shoes – Comfort First
Be sure to pack comfortable shoes, like sneakers or flats. Lisbon has a lot of hills and cobblestone streets, and as a Dutch person who is used to flat roads, I struggled at first.
My Adidas sneakers were my lifesaver – I wore them almost every day. I also brought a pair of cute sandals, which were nice for evenings in the Algarve, but honestly, I packed heels and didn’t wear them once.
What I recommend:
- Comfortable sneakers (my Adidas were perfect)
- Flats or cute sandals for evenings
- Flip-flops for the beach
- No heels – you won’t need them
City Outfits (Lisbon and Porto)
In the cities, I mostly wore light linen trousers, casual (maxi) dresses and airy tops. If you’re travelling in autumn or spring, bring a light jacket or sweater. When I visited Porto in late October, the mornings and evenings were chilly, and I was happy I packed a jacket. Lisbon was warmer, but I still wore layers in the evenings.
My city staples:
- Linen trousers or lightweight jeans
- Airy tops or T-shirts
- Casual dresses (easy to dress up for dinner)
- Light jacket or cardigan for mornings and evenings
Beach Outfits (Algarve)
The Algarve is much warmer, even in late October when I went. I lived in my swimsuits, with a simple beach dress or cover-up for walking around town. For dinners, I liked wearing a relaxed maxi dress or jumpsuit – it felt nice to dress up a little without feeling overdressed, and you’ll feel completely comfortable dining solo in beach towns.
My beach staples:
- Swimsuits or bikinis
- Beach dress or light cover-up
- Maxi dress or jumpsuit for dinners
- Denim shorts and simple tees
- Cute sandals for evenings
What to Wear in Autumn or Winter
Portugal’s weather can change a lot depending on where you are. Porto and the north can be chilly, Lisbon is usually mild, and the Algarve can feel like summer even in October.
What to pack for cooler months:
- A light rain jacket
- A warm sweater or cardigan
- Closed shoes or ankle boots
Must-Try Foods in Portugal
Portuguese food is one of my favourite things about travelling here. It is fresh, full of flavour and perfect because you can enjoy it anywhere, from simple cafés to beachside restaurants to rooftop bars. Here are the dishes and drinks you cannot miss.
Pastéis de nata
You cannot leave Portugal without trying these famous egg custard tarts. The best I have ever had was at Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon – warm, creamy and just the right amount of sweetness. I may have eaten two in one sitting, and I have no regrets.
But you’ll find pasteis de nata all over Portugal. There are plenty of other bakeries in Portugal, where you can find good ones. I had amazing ones from Costra in Porto.
Peri-peri chicken
Simple but so good. Grilled chicken brushed with spicy peri-peri sauce is a Portuguese classic, and it is easy to find in both cities and beach towns. Eat it with a salad and fries, and don’t forget a glass of vinho verde.
Cataplana
This is an Algarve speciality and one of my absolute favourite Portuguese dishes. It is a seafood stew with potatoes, cooked and served in a traditional copper pan. After a beach day in Albufeira, sitting down to a steaming cataplana with a glass of wine was perfection.
Fresh seafood and sardines
Portugal does seafood incredibly well, especially in the Algarve and coastal towns. Try grilled sardines in summer or order a big seafood platter if you feel like treating yourself.
Portuguese wines and port
Portugal is heaven for wine lovers. In Porto, you have to do a port tasting – I tried a few different cellars and loved how relaxed and friendly they were, even for solo travellers. In Lisbon and the Algarve, I stuck to crisp white wines and vinho verde, perfect for warm evenings.
Things to Do in Portugal if You’re Travelling Solo
One of the best things about Portugal is how solo-friendly it is. Whether you love exploring cities, tasting your way through local food, or relaxing on a beach, there’s plenty to do on your own without ever feeling awkward.
Cultural & Unique Experiences
- Watch a fado performance in Lisbon
I went to a small traditional fado venue in Lisbon, and it was one of the most emotional travel experiences I have had. Sitting there with dinner and a glass of wine, listening to live fado music, felt intimate and special, and I didn’t feel out of place being alone. - Wander Alfama’s old streets
The narrow streets of Alfama are made for slow, aimless exploring. I spent hours here taking photos, stopping for coffee in tiny cafés, and just enjoying the atmosphere. - Visit LX Factory or any mercado
Both are great if you are nervous about eating alone. LX Factory has cool shops and cafés, while Time Out Market is perfect for grabbing different dishes and sitting at a communal table – no one cares if you are solo.
Active & Social Solo Adventures
- Join a food or wine tour
Food and wine tours are one of my favourite ways to meet other travellers. In Porto, I did a port tasting, and everyone was so friendly – it felt like hanging out with new friends by the end. - Surf lessons or stand-up paddleboarding in the Algarve: I tried stand-up paddleboarding in the Algarve, and it was so much fun. I joined a small group, met a few other travellers and spent the day paddling in crystal-clear water. Even if you’re not super sporty, the calm water makes it easy to try.
- Explore cities on foot
Portugal is such a walkable country. My favourite solo moments were just strolling through Lisbon’s miradouros or walking along the Ribeira in Porto with a coffee, no rush, no schedule. - Day trips to nearby towns
From Lisbon, you can easily take a train to Cascais or Sintra. I loved Cascais for its laid-back coastal vibe and seafood lunches. I took the train from Lisbon, which was very easy. In Cascais, I rented a bike and bikes through the city and to the beach.
How to Meet People and Connect With Locals
Travelling solo in Portugal does not mean you have to be alone the entire time. The Portuguese are friendly and welcoming, and it is easy to meet other travellers if you feel like being social. Here are some of my favourite ways to connect with people as a solo female traveller.
Stay in Boutique Guesthouses or Small Hotels
I prefer boutique hotels and guesthouses to hostels, but many of them have communal breakfasts or lounges where it is easy to start conversations. You get a comfortable stay with a social option if you want it.
Use Facebook Groups and Female Travel Networks
If you want to meet other women travellers, Facebook groups are a fantastic option. You can post a quick message if you are in Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve and see who else is around. Look for groups like:
- Host a Sister – A global network where women host or meet up with other women travellers.
- Solo Female Travellers Network – Great for finding like-minded solo women.
- Expats in Lisbon / Women in Lisbon – Many solo travellers and locals organise coffee meetups or casual hangouts.
I have met wonderful people this way, and it feels safe because these communities are women-focused and supportive.
Book Free Walking Tours in Every City
Almost every major city in Portugal offers free walking tours, and they are one of the best ways to meet other travellers. They are casual, social and give you a first glance at the city, which is perfect when you have just arrived and want to get your bearings.
Join Group Day Trips, Tours or workshops
One of the easiest ways to meet other solo travellers is by joining a tour, class, or workshop. Whether you’re in Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve, you’ll find tile painting workshops, walking tours, cooking classes, food tours, and even scenic boat trips that naturally bring people together.
I always use GetYourGuide to browse what’s available—it’s full of fun, small-group experiences that are perfect for solo travellers. You don’t need to be super outgoing; just showing up and sharing the experience is often enough to spark conversation.
Plan your trip
With my online resources
Use my travel planning roadmap with all my digital resources to book every detail of your trip!
Your Solo Portugal Adventure Awaits
Portugal is one of the best countries in Europe for solo female travellers. It is safe, affordable, and welcoming, with the perfect mix of city energy, cultural charm and slow beach days. This is the kind of trip that reminds you how good it feels to travel on your own terms.
Do not forget to check out my perfect 3-day in Porto itinerary, catching all the best things to do in the city.
So, what are you waiting for? Portugal is waiting – and trust me, you will love every minute of it. Leave me a comment below if this post was helpful.
