May
Europe, Solo Female Travel, Travel Destinations, Travel Inspiration
Why Your First EVER Solo Trip Should Be to Beautiful Portugal (Updated 2021)
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Updated on May 2021
I’m serious: your first solo trip should be Portugal. Last Easter, I took a solo trip to Portugal and fell in love. My 10 day adventure split between Lisbon and Porto – with a few small stops thrown into the mix – was one of my favorite trips to date.
Sure, I got massively sunburned (whoops) and ate way too much lamb and fish and PASTRIES, and barely avoided a train strike, but oh my god, did I have a most incredible time. I experienced true kindness over lunch in Nazare and explored a literary gem in Porto.
Solo Travel Portugal: My Experience
I loved traveling solo in Portugal. The hostels were warm and welcoming, and their atmospheres allowed me to make friends for life, essential for any solo travelers who’s nervous about spending their entire trip alone.
The rugged buildings, views of the Atlantic Ocean, spectacular sunny weather provided even more awesomeness, and sometimes I still try to recaptured that peaceful feeling that hit me when I first stepped into central Lisbon. Those tiles … Just … Okay, I’m rambling now.
But, seriously, you guys, I miss Portugal so much.
I wish I could do my solo trip all over again. Believe it or not, I was sorting through my photos last weekend when I should’ve been grading essays instead. I have a lot more I need to see and do in this magnificent country. Évora in the west, the spectacular beaches in the south, nifty university city Coimbra… The list goes on and on and on!
So, yeah, your first solo trip should be Portugal. Do it, do it, do it, do it now. Worry about the money later, haha. Being alone in Lisbon or Porto is a dream come true.
Time for a full disclosure: Portugal was my 5th solo adventure so I was no stranger to having just me, myself, and I for company. I was confident in my abilities to navigate the trains, find local restaurants, and meet new people. I didn’t experience any feelings of anxiety as a solo traveler either, which is always a relief.
However, even if it wasn’t my first solo trip, I still think this small European country – often overlooked by tourists who opt for more “popular” destinations such as France and Spain – is an excellent choice for someone’s first time traveling alone.
So why should your first solo trip be Portugal when there are plenty of other destinations to choose from?
Read on. Hopefully I’ll sway your opinion by the end!
Why Your First Solo Trip Should Be Portugal
The Hostels are the Best in the World
Backpacking Portugal is especially awesome.
Why? Do a quick google search of Portugal’s hostels and look at the glowing reviews.
Even if you don’t like hostels or (if you’re like me) feel like you’re too old for dorms, Portugal’s hostels are legendary and high quality in terms of atmosphere, cleanliness, location, and price.
It seems that you could reserve a bed at any hostel and have an amazing time.
Personally, my favorite hostel of all time is Home Lisbon Hostel. I have no reservations pushing you to book this place, because it’s truly amazing.
Home Lisbon Hostel offers its guests home-cooked meals, a close-knit social atmosphere, walking tours, an excellent day trip to Sintra and Cascais, super comfy beds, top-notch facilities. I could rave about this place for hours. It truly felt like my “home away from home” to use a cliche phrase.
And Mama? She’s a great cook. I bought the cookbook for my own mom, and we’re going to try a few of the recipes together.
The country’s highly ranked hostels are so backpacker and solo travel friendly, so you’re bound to meet plenty of other people on your journey.
Hostel Recommendations
- Change the World Hostels in Coimbra: If you’re in Portugal’s university city, Coimbra, then you’ll enjoy this hostel with its great location and atmosphere. See prices on Booking.com.
- Gallery Hostel in Porto: Gallery Hostel is a stunning boutique hostel in Porto. Yes, folks, this is a luxury hostel! See prices on Booking.com.
- Home Hostel in Lisbon: I’ve already raved about this hostel quite a bit, haha. The home made meals and lovely atmosphere is the great combination ever. See prices on Booking.com.
- Olive Hostel Lagos: If you want a chilled hostel in south Portugal, near the beaches, then look no further than Olive Hostel Lagos! See prices on Booking.com.
- Yes Lisbon Hostel in Lisbon: This hip hostel is located right in Lisbon’s downtown. The hostel organizes lots of activities, which makes it easy to meet other people. See prices on Booking.com.
Portugal’s Gorgeous Weather
Looking for warmth and sunny skies? Portugal should be your first solo trip if you want to spend a lot of time outdoors! Just remember to use your sunblock!
As for me, when I visited Portugal in April, the weather was sunny almost every single day – meaning no awkward fumbling for my umbrella.
I think it may have rained for twenty minutes, maximum, on my trip and at the time, I was cozy on a local train en route to Porto. The temperature was never higher than 80 (~27 C*) degrees either. Perfect for someone who melts in the sun *cough* me *cough*.
Okay, I’ll be totally honest here: I’m a huge, huge diva when it comes to weather conditions. I don’t do well in the freezing cold or sticky humidity. I complain. I pout. I mope. I’m not pleasant to deal with.
However, Portugal’s weather was perfection. Per. Fect. Ion.
Now, while I haven’t experienced this fact for myself, I’ve heard through the grapevine that Portugal remains comparatively mild in winter and summer months – thanks to its coastal position – so you should have decent weather no matter when you book your solo adventure.
Most People Speak English
Ehhhh. I don’t like to brag about this tidbit, especially since it feeds into the “ignorant American” stereotype, but with the exception of English, I don’t fluently speak any other languages.
My French is shaky, at best, and let’s not even talk about my Italian. It sounds like a two year old using a butchered Parisian accent. Embarrassing.
With that being said, it’s understandable for new solo travelers – particularly from the States – to feel daunted visiting a country that doesn’t have English as its “main” language.
It’s easy to feel out of place and overwhelmed, and like you’ll never be able to navigate on your own without ending up completely lost.
Stop worrying.
Trust me, you don’t need to worry about no one understanding you here if you’re a native English speaker.
Over all, the Portuguese speak fantastic English and are more than willing to help “single language” visitors.
Now I’m not claiming every single person you meet will speak English, nor am I insisting that you demand English at all times. You still wanna be polite and learn a few phrases of Portuguese to show respect for the culture and country.
But if you’re hopelessly lost and scared out of your mind (try not to be), it’s very easy to find a fellow English speaker for assistance.
Portugal is Not “Europe Disneyland”
Yikes, time to admit something controversial. Are you ready, folks? Brace yourselves.
A lot of places in Europe feel like Disneyland to me. Very touristy and commercial and Too Much. Explore around any major attraction and you’ll feel as if you’re in an amusement park.
Now I’m not writing off entire cities or countries as tourist traps like some elitists do. That’s total nonsense, right?
For example, Paris receives tons of tourists every year, but I still felt certain neighborhoods were authentic and great to explore without crowds pressing me into the pavement.
However, around many well-known European sites like the Eiffel Tower or Spanish Steps or Westminster Abbey, I feel overwhelmed because I’m trying to avoid too many selfie sticks, cheap souvenirs, irritating “I found a golden ring!” scammers, and umbrella-wielding tour guides. Blergh.
Luckily for all you new solo travelers, Portugal didn’t feel too commercialized to me.
Sure, the trolleys going to Belem on Easter Weekend were a bit … hectic and Lisbon has its touristy sections, but the crowds didn’t even begin to compare to others you can encounter in Europe.
Solo travel in Portugal promises an authentic experience if you play your cards right.
Portugal is Safe and Easy to Navigate
Is Lisbon safe for solo female travellers? Porto?
Absolutely!
I won’t talk about safety, namely crimes rates, too much in this post.
As a whole, Europe – West/Central/East – is a remarkably safe travel destination suited for travelers of all levels. Even though it’s less commercialized, Portugal is no exception to the rule.
Sure, Lisbon and Porto have some petty pick-pocketing problems, but nothing extreme and hardly anything violent if you use basic common sense on your trip.
I’m cautious as a solo female traveler, and I can tell you that I felt both very safe and welcome in Portugal.
If you’re from the USA (like me!), use the same street smarts you do at home. No wandering around drunk in the middle of the night with hundreds of Euros sticking out of your purse. Be better!
As for navigating the country, I’d highly recommend ditching a rental car and instead use the public transportation system in Portugal.
My high-speed train from Lisbon to Porto was clean, efficient, and comfortable. Both cities had clearly marked subways, and trolleys that were a piece of cake to use. Not to mention, the overall “trolley experience” made me feel like I went back in time.
Being a new solo traveler, you don’t want to freak out at unreliable or expensive public transportation. Portugal is a piece of cake. Promise.
Portugal’s Price is Very Right
Are you worried about the cost of a European trip? Are you tight on cash yet craving to finally visit Europe?
You can’t go wrong in Portugal.
Overall, I found that Portugal is an affordable country compared to destinations such as Germany, France, and especially Iceland.
You can travel VERY cheaply and still have an incredible experience that you’ll remember for years to come.
For example, you can book a bed at a boutique hostel for roughly $15 and eat delicious Pastel de Nata for less than a $1 a piece.
At Home Lisbon Hostel, I enjoyed a 10 euro dinner every night that included soup, salad, drinks, a main course, and dessert. Say what? Try to find a deal like that in New Jersey. I bet you can’t.
How about free attractions? No problem. Go to any of Portugal’s fantastic beaches and soak up some rays! Walk through Lisbon’s Alfama District and take photos of the colorful houses. Check out blue Tiles in Porto.
Portugal is Very Diverse
You wanna go to the beach? Visit the Algarve.
Do you love castles? Check out Obidos or Guimarães. Sintra. Definitely Sintra.
Wines? If you wanna give Port tasting (mmmm) a shot, go to Porto in the north.
Want museums and old neighborhoods? Stay in Lisbon.
Find religion a fascinating subject? Go to Fatima.
As a solo traveler, you’ll never feel bored! 10 days wasn’t nearly enough for me to see everything this country has to offer.
Bring a Lonely Planet Guidebook to Portugal to make your itinerary absolutely perfect! These guidebooks are my favorites and will keep you up to date on the best things to see and do!
Build Portugal into a trip to Spain or Morocco
Another reason your first solo trip should be Portugal is because you can easily link with other travel destinations.
If you gain confidence in Portugal, you can extend your trip into Spain or Morocco.
For example, plenty of budget airlines fly between Portugal and Madrid, and these flights can actually be cheaper than the trains. I even wrote a 9 Day Itinerary for Spain and Portugal if this type of trip is a possibility for you.
In addition, Portugal is a fantastic springboard if you have time to spare and wanna fly to the rest of the continent. Just make sure to book your budget flights well in advance to take full advantage of any deals.
Of course, you can stay in Portugal for five months and still have a fantastic time! Who am I to judge, right?
Portugal has many Gorgeous Small Towns
Finally your first solo trip should be Portugal, because you have an abundance of incredible small towns to choose from.
I’m serious, please don’t limit yourself to the bigger cities of Lisbon and Porto. Portugal has an abundance of gorgeous small towns for you to choose from.
For example, Obidos is a classic medieval town located not too far from Lisbon and makes an excellent day trip. You can even spend the night here when all the daytrippers leave.
Another example of a small town is the famous fishing village of Nazare. This place is very rustic and charming, and is not only known for its delicious seafood, but also its surfing scene! Some of the biggest waves have been recorded here, which is pretty awesome if you ask me.
So go beyond the cities on your solo trip to Portugal. You will fall in love.
Other Portugal Resources for Solo Travelers
Here are some more posts to help you plan your upcoming solo trip to Portugal! I’ll continue to update this list to keep it current for you all. Enjoy!
Portugal Specific Posts
- Beginners Guide to Porto, Portugal
- Solo Travel Guide to Porto, Portugal
- Photo Essay: A Day in Medieval Guimarães
- 2 Days in Lisbon: The Best Things to See & Do
- 6 Things to Know Before You Travel to Portugal
- Lovely Lisbon (Or Solo Travel in Lisbon)
- Lonely Planet’s Guide to Portugal
- Viator’s Best Tours to Portugal
- Portugal’s Official Tourism Board
- Comboios de Portugal (Portugal’s Trains)
So yeah, I hope I convinced you that your first solo trip should be Portugal! I proved it, haha. Even one week in Portugal solo will rock your world.
Are you planning a trip to Portugal? Even just Lisbon? Is Portugal on your bucket list? What towns and cities would you recommend for travelers? For more information about this amazing country, check out Lonely Planet’s most recent guide book.
Rachel, I have been LOVING all of your posts lately. You are absolutely killing it! I have yet to take my first solo trip and you did a great job of convincing me that Portugal is a great idea. I’ll have to keep my eyes on cheap flights to get there. That’s the tricky part for me picking a place. I’m VERY price picky. :/
Amanda –
Confession: I book my trips depending on how high/low flight prices are. I know it’s bad, because you should go where your heart wants you to go, but my bank account is the boss. 🙂
And thank you for your kind words!
That’s cool, my first solo-trip was actually Portugal! I was 20 years old and went to Lisbon for a week in the late fall. And as you said, the hostel was great, it was easy to get around, and just overall a good experience of solo traveling 🙂 It was really a great place to start out (and it didn’t hurt that the weather was a lot better than what I was used to at home, while still being a country that was not too far away).
Caroline —
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! I’m glad you loved your time in Portugal. Lisbon is fantastic for solo travelers.
I went to Portugal nine years ago and I had a blast. It certainly helps the rains were ridiculously inexpensive (at least compared to France, where I was living at the time) as well as the beer (I could get tipsy for less than three euros).
Rashaad —
The trains were fantastic! My round trip ticket from Lisbon to Porto was only about $30-40! Not bad at all! I loved it.
Hello, fellow Rachel Elizabeth! 🙂 I’m considering my first solo backpacking trip in the spring, and have wanted to go to Portugal for a long time…lucky me stumbling across your post! Any chance you could give me a rough run down of your itinerary? So many things to do, so little time…I’d appreciate a little direction 🙂
Hey! Greeat post and its great to read about solo travelers! I have to say that I’ve read a lot of blog about lisbon (because I wanna travel there next) but no one has written when to travel, why portugal is great, how you can communicate. I love your post for giving all the necessary info. Thank you and safe travels in the future!
Dear Rachel,
It is very interesting to read and understand your experience in Portugal. Very useful and informative details. Thank you so much for sharing. I was planning A solo trip to Portugal on July or in August.
Kind Regards
Antony
Dear Rachel,
I really loved this blog. I’ve travelled solo a couple of times in the past and loved it, but in between work, a boyfriend and a house, I’ve lost that part of me and have decided to reclaim it.
I miss exploring a city by myself for myself and having decided on Lisbon was delighted to come across your post. I would like to ask, did you opt for a mixed dorm, with small or large occupancy?
Thanks for any advice you can give in advance.
Nicki xx
Hey! With the link of this article I was able to convince my mom to let me go to Portugal by myself this summer! What were the coolest things about this trip? Food I should try?
Emily
Hi,
Great post! What airport would you recommend I land if I want to be close to the beaches? I’ll be flying to Spain first.
Love the post! I’m taking a Nana’s Gap Year! Greece, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, and considering Portugal. 68 and going until I can’t go anymore!
Hi! I am traveling to Porto (tomorrow!!!) for an extended weekend and my friends plans fell through. I was a little excited at first like omg my first solo travel!! but then of course anxiety kicked in and I was literally freaking out 15 minutes ago but I found this!!!! THANK YOU!!!! This has totally allowed me to regain confidence. Can’t wait to see what it’s all about!!!
Hi! I’m considering traveling alone to Portugal and this post was really helpful. I don’t see a date as to when it was written- do you still think the information on it is still relevant? Do you still think the same about Portugal? I’ve never traveled alone so I’m a bit nervous. As a 34 year old female, non-drinker, non-partyer, do you think the hostel you have listed would still work for me?
Fantastic review!
I discovered your blog via Google and I’m so glad I did! I want to take a solo trip to Portugal next month so this post has given me some food for thought. I prefer hotels though – not really a fan of hostels. In regards to transportation, how much did it cost for the duration of your trip?
How much cool thigns there was to do and see in Portugal, what more important is you can squeeze in on a low budget.
Hello, I’m traveling to Portugal next week, solo. Is it safe to drive a rental car from Lisbon airport to Lagos ? Trying to decide whether to drive or take the train. Taking the train I lose about 4 hours due to availability. Thanks !
Firstly, great blog!! Your trip to Portugal looks epic!
Can I ask what you did to keep occupied in the evenings? Or did you have an early night after dinner?
Thank you for inspiring me with this post, Rachel! I absolutely love your travel blog and it is my favourite. I had never really considered Portugal until I read this and now I can’t wait to book it as my first solo trip. You are such an inspiration and I can’t wait to read more about your adventures!