A solo female traveler's guide to Portugal

Solo female travel in Portugal

When it comes to solo female travel, Portugal is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Known for stunning beaches, fairytale palaces, and cities perched on hilly coastlines, it’s easy to see why. In this guide to Portugal solo female travel, we explore must-see places and things to do and answer questions like “Is Portugal safe for solo female travelers?” so women traveling alone know exactly what to expect. Whether you’re after sightseeing, surfing, or sunbathing, here’s the low down on female solo travel in Portugal.  

Best time to visit Portugal 

Wondering when to visit Portugal? That all depends on what you’re looking for…

If you’re dreaming of lazy beach days, the months of June to September are ideal for soaking up the sun as temperatures hit around 29°C (84°F). Don’t be fooled by the fresh Atlantic sea breeze, the sun may be stronger than it feels so make sure you stay hydrated and lather on the sunscreen. 

If basking in the sun’s not your number one priority, you may wish to steer clear of the summer months as the warmer temperatures naturally bring quite a crowd. The shoulder seasons from March to May and September to October are ideal for visiting the cities of Portugal and exploring the beautiful countryside. 

Finally, if you’re planning to visit Portugal to catch some world-class waves (or watch!) the biggest swells hit the west coast between November and March. Note that these waves are definitely not for the faint-hearted, and beginners will be better off rocking wetsuits and a board between April and September. 

Must-see places in Portugal 

Lisbon

What better place to start than the hilly capital of Portugal? Wander through the colorful streets of the Alfama district, the historic Baixa, and the bohemian Barrio Alto as you take in the views from one of the many miradouros (viewpoints) dotted throughout the city. Visit landmarks like the Castelo de São Jorge and walk along the banks of the Tagus River to see the iconic Torre de Belém and sample some delicious pastel de Belém (the original pastel de nata - more on that later!). 

Sintra 

Located just 30 minutes from Lisbon, Sintra is the closest thing to a fairytale kingdom. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was lavishly adorned by wealthy vacationers in the 19th century, and much of their work can still be seen today. Visit the Palácio de Pena for your real princess moment and get transported to a land of magic and mystery in the Vale dos Lagos e Pateira. Oh, and be sure to sample queijadas (little milk tarts) and travesseiros (puff pastry and almond pillows), the signature sweet treats of Sintra. 

Cascais 

Another spot that’s within easy reach of the capital, Cascais offers a little beachside respite from the city. Take a selfie at the Farol de Santa Marta, feel the sea air on your face at the Boca do Inferno, and catch some waves at Guincho Beach.

Porto

Head to the north of the country and you’ll find Porto, a historic city with the Douro River running straight through it. Take a cruise down said river, visit the old port wine cellars (and sample a few), and keep an eye out for those iconic blue tiles known as azulejos.

Lagos

If you’re picturing yourself stretched out like a starfish in the sea, the Algarve coastline is the perfect place for you. In Lagos, you’ll be on the doorstep of some of the most spectacular beaches, a historic old town bustling with quaint cafes and scenic plazas, and museums featuring exhibitions on everything from the laws of physics to the slave trade. 

Beaches and islands

Algarve

With such a long coastline it’s only natural that Portugal’s got some great beaches. If surfing on the Atlantic side isn’t for you, you might enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Algarve, located in the southern part of Portugal. Here are some of the best beaches:

• Praia da Marinha, Lagoa
• Praia do Alvor, Alvor
• Praia da Rocha, Portimão
• Praia do Martinhal, Sagres
• Praia de Manuel Lourenço, Albufeira
• Praia do Barranco das Belharucas, Albufeira
• Praia dos Três Castelos, Portimão

Azores and Madeira Islands

They might be a bit more than a hop, skip, and jump away from Portugal (more like a 2-hour plane ride from Lisbon), but these beautiful islands are well worth the trip. 

• São Miguel Island: Hot springs, vibrantly colored lakes, and opportunities to go whale watching make this island super special. 
• Madeira Island: Just off the coast of Africa, Madeira is filled with lush, green vegetation and rocky beaches. 
• Flores: This UNESCO biosphere reserve is speckled with volcanic craters, forests that are greener than green, and of course, beautiful flowers. 

Things to do in Portugal

Explore on foot

Granted, you may not be able to do all your sightseeing on foot, but many of the cities are pretty walkable (albeit rather on the hilly side!). Join one of the many walking tours or navigate the cobbled streets on your own to get the most out of your trip, and when your legs get tired, hop on one of the iconic yellow trams to get where you need to go.

Go surfing

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a pro, there’s nothing like getting smashed around in the waves on your solo trip to Portugal! Try a few classes, join one of the many yoga/surf retreats, or just rent a board and get into the thick of it. If you want to see some really epic surf, head to Nazaré, home of big-wave surfing thanks to the gigantic swell over at Praia do Norte. 

Enjoy the local cuisine

With its close proximity to the sea, it’s no surprise that Portugal is well known for its fresh seafood dishes. The smell of grilled sardines fills the air as you walk through the streets, working up an appetite for cataplana de marisco (seafood stew), polvo à lagareiro (octopus with olive oil), and bacalhau (codfish) prepared in hundreds of different ways. If you’re spending some time in Porto it will be hard to miss out on the Francesinha, a sandwich filled with ham, sausage, and steak, topped with melted cheese and an egg (so make sure you’re hungry!). To finish off, you must try a pastel de nata, a delicious custard tart with a sprinkling of cinnamon on top. 

Watch a fado performance

Dive into a tiny local bar to find fadistas singing mournful ballads with musicians by their sides. Fado, meaning fate, tells stories of sailors lost at sea and the widows they leave behind, and is so well-loved that it has been named an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. 

Getting around Portugal

The best way of traveling around Portugal as a solo female is by public transport. There are excellent rail links between all the major destinations and traveling by train is comfortable and relatively cheap, allowing you to enjoy chugging along the coastline to get from A to B. Buses are also budget-friendly (and often cheaper than trains) and can usually take you to more remote places.

If you want to hit up a few places and don’t want to stick to a schedule, renting a car in Portugal is pretty straightforward, if a little on the expensive side. If you don’t fancy getting behind the wheel yourself, Ubers are relatively cheap in Portugal, especially if you pick up a couple of travel buddies along the way. 

Weather in Portugal

The weather on the Portuguese mainland varies depending on where you are. The Algarve is the mildest region, with an average temperature of 29.1°C (84°F) in July and 16.2°C (60°F) at its coldest in January. The summer months see very little rainfall, whereas the month of December has around 96mm of rain each year. 

Summers are considerably cooler at the northern end of the country, averaging at around 26°C (78°F) between June and September. While winds blow in from the coastline pretty consistently throughout the year, during the winter months the Atlantic Ocean brings more severe weather and rainfall, especially in the north of the country. 

Accommodation for solo female travelers in Portugal

Seeing as the Portuguese path is so well trodden by travelers from all over the world, you won’t have any problems finding accommodation. While you might choose to stay in hostels, if you ask us, the best place for solo female travelers to stay is in the comfort of a real home. How? House and pet sitting, of course! Discover a side of Portugal only locals get to see as you exchange loving pet care for the chance to stay in someone’s home while they’re away. Find out more about how to join our pet sitting community or start searching for house sitting assignments in Portugal today!

Is Portugal safe for solo female travelers

Portugal is one of the safest countries in Europe according to the Global Peace Index. Low crime rates along with excellent public transport and friendly locals make Portugal the ideal destination for females traveling alone for the first time. That being said, it’s important to stay vigilant no matter where you are in the world. 

Many people ask “Is Lisbon safe for solo female travelers?”. The answer is yes, but, as with any city, it’s a good idea to take some precautions. Busy areas like metros and train stations can be targeted by pickpockets, so stay alert and keep your belongings on you at all times. Be extra careful at night and avoid walking around quiet areas alone - opt for a taxi if needed; your safety is worth the expense. 

Meeting people and connecting with locals

Lisbon has become a bustling hub for digital nomads in recent years so you’ll have no problem getting to know people who have chosen to call Lisbon home. When it comes to mingling with Portuguese locals, speaking a bit of the language can go a long way, especially if you plan to explore rural areas. That being said, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with a friendly local and find out their recommendations on things to see and do in Portugal. 

Tips from a local

• Choose somewhere to base yourself and take day trips from there. Places like Sintra, Cascais, and Ericeira are all within easy reach of Lisbon, and anywhere along the Algarve will have access to plenty of beaches and coves.
• Use public transport to get around - it’s cheap and relatively straightforward.
• Appetizers like bread, olives, and butter are often placed on your table while you wait for your meal. These are an extra cost, so if you don’t want them, simply say so.
• Wear comfortable shoes - the best way to see the cities is on foot, but be prepared for lots of hills!
• Eat where the locals go to enjoy the best local produce and house wine at reasonable prices.  
• Learn some Portuguese, even if it’s just olá and bom dia. 

Portugal for solo female pet sitters

With so much to see and do in Portugal, pet sitting is the perfect way to slow down and appreciate everything this country has to offer. Far from the tourist crowds, pet sitting gives you the opportunity to get to know your neighbors and the local way of life. If you’re a food lover you can learn to cook authentic Portuguese cuisine in your home away from home, and whether you’re a novice surfer or quite the pro, pet sitting in Portugal gives you the opportunity to take your skills to the next level. 

Things to do with dogs in Portugal

Portugal is pretty dog-friendly, and four-pawed pals are allowed in many public places including restaurants, cafes, and parks. Here are some of the things you can do with your pup in Portugal:

• Spend the afternoon at a dog-friendly beach like ​​Porto da Areia Norte in Peniche. Bring a ball and see if your furry friend will brave a swim in the sea (as long as it’s safe to do so).
• Visit pet-friendly wineries in the Douro Valley. 
• Follow walking trails along the coastline and in the countryside.
• Explore Lisbon on foot and take in sights such as the Torre de Belém and Jerónimos Monastery. 
• Keep Fido on the leash as you walk around one of the many dog-friendly parks in Lisbon, like Parque Jardim Campo Grande.
  

Dog-friendly bars and restaurants in Portugal

Many bars and restaurants with outdoor seating areas are dog-friendly, but it’s always important to check with someone who works there before taking a seat. Ensure that your furry friend is well-behaved, on a leash if required, and does not disturb other customers, and be mindful of cleanliness when visiting dog-friendly establishments.

House and pet sits

There are furry friends all over Portugal looking for a pet pal like you to take care of them. Check out house and pet sitting assignments in Portugal to see where you could venture to next!