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Portugal

Located in Southern Europe, Portugal is a breathtaking and diverse land, renowned for its rich culture, historical significance, and natural beauty. It rests on the Iberian Peninsula, right on the Atlantic coast, sharing its eastern and northern border with Spain. Portugal is globally known for its exquisite seafood cuisine, world-class port wines from the Douro Valley, golden sun-drenched beaches, and the historical cities of Lisbon and Porto. Its southern region, Algarve, attracts sunseekers and beachgoers, while its interior, adorned with picturesque landscapes like Peneda-Gerês National Park, is a paradise for hikers. Portugal is also home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ornate architecture in Manueline style, the ancient standing stones at Évora, and splendid monasteries such as Jerónimos Monastery. This prime tourist destination offers a fusion of traditional charm and contemporary sophistication that every traveler must experience.

Portugal is currently ranked #1 best country for solo female travellers. Check full ranking.

4.8 /5

Based on 35 experiences

4.5 /5

Based on our research

4.8 /5

Based on safety reports

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Safety:Safe

Portugal is generally a safe country for solo female travelers. It has a lower crime rate compared to other European countries. Portuguese people are known for their hospitality and are always willing to help. As with any travel destination, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow common sense rules such as keeping your belongings secure. Even though the country is safe, I would still recommend you blend in with the locals as much as possible to not draw unnecessary attention to yourself.

Transport:Easy

Portugal offers a comprehensive network of public transportation within and between cities, including buses, trams, and trains. The cities are particularly navigable with affordable and reliable services. English is commonly spoken, especially in touristic areas and among younger generations, making it easier for travelers to communicate and navigate. However, some less explored regions might pose a slight linguistic challenge and hence, might need some extra planning in terms of travel.

Things to do:Fascinating

Portugal is a treasure trove of experiences for the solo female traveler. With picturesque landscapes, stunning beaches, and rich historical architecture, the country enhances the wanderlust in you. Portugal's cuisine is a delightful experience, especially the seafood and delicious pastries. Wine lovers can explore the beautiful vineyards in Douro Valley. For peace and solitude, taking a walk in the mystic streets of Alfama, or experiencing the beautiful sunsets in Algarve is a must. Adventure seekers can surf in the majestic waves of Nazare. Safety is also a prominent factor making Portugal an ideal destination. Despite the language barrier, the locals are hospitable making your solo journey an enriching experience.

Food:Excellent

Portugal offers a wide array of gourmet delights, from its famous savory dishes like piri-piri chicken, bacalhau (cod) dishes, and Francesinha, a meaty sandwich, to heavenly sweet treats like pastéis de nata and Bolo Rei. Moreover, seafood lovers will find the coastline provides an abundant supply of fresh fish. The country also boasts its own vineyards, producing range of locally grown wines. Portuguese cuisine is a delicious blend of Mediterranean traditions with unique local ingredients, creating an enriching and diverse food scene.

Budget:Affordable

Portugal is relatively budget-friendly. The cost of traveling can be quite low compared to many Western European countries. Accommodation, food, public transportation and attractions are usually affordable, and there are plenty of free activities and attractions to enjoy regardless of the city. However, prices can increase during peak tourist season and in more tourist-oriented areas.

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 35 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.9/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

4.8/5

Budget-friendly

4.6/5

Solo travel experience

I loved my time in Portugal. Very safe country, warm, easy to get around, friendly, full of history and culture, great cities to explore, and gorgeous beaches.

Posted: March 31, 2024

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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HAZEL

Turkey

Solo travel experience

I stayed in Porto and Lisbon. I liked it very much, I think it is safe. I stayed in hostels, they were very safe too. I think their food is cheaper than other European countries. I stayed in both cities for a total of 3 days. I spent 55 euros in total. I went to the city center and walked to the sightseeing places from there. There were also remote places, but I could not go to them due to my limited time. The people were very friendly. And they were very lively cities. There was entertainment everywhere.

Posted: February 28, 2024

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Kealey

United Kingdom

Couple travel experience

As a lesbian couple we felt very safe, sometimes a bit cautious with pda in public but I think that’s just part of being queer as I feel like this even in my home town at times. We went to Portimaõ in the algarve and it was lovely even though weather was a bit rainy. One thing I wish I knew more about before we got there is that public transport is not as easy as some guides say. The schedules are very spread out and you really need to plan what bus or train to get. Also get a bus card, they have ones from 2-7 days and is way cheaper than paying as you go. Another thing is that cash is still very much the primary payment method so keep that in mind. Overall would recommend and we would love to go back!

Posted: February 12, 2024

Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5

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Rebecca (26)

Spain

Solo travel experience

I've been to Oporto and Lisbon in the same trip. This was the first fully solo trip I've done and I never felt lonely. I brought a book with me, Convinced I'd read a lot, especially during the evenings, instead I didn't even open it! Wonderful people, other travellers, population and places, not to talk about the food. If you're looking to do your first solo trip, this is THE place! Enjoy;)

Posted: February 8, 2024Experienced: September, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Family travel experience

It was a great city. Surfing is among the things you can do. There is an awesome beach for miles, which you can watch the ocean with peace. There is a beautiful town center (Lizbon) which you can do shopping, walk in the streets and see the beautiful architecture in here. We tasted pasteisde nata and we absolutely loved it. There was so many nice people, they were so kind and debonair. It was a lovely trip, if you can have any chance, definitely do it💞

Posted: February 5, 2024Experienced: October, 2021

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I spent 12 days there alone in the summer and had the best time. 2 weeks full of pasteis de nata, colorfully tiled buildings, friendly locals, the most amazing landscapes, castles, and medieval towns, long days spent on the beach, and long walks. It was so easy to get around using the railway system. It was one of my best solo trips so far.

Posted: January 17, 2024

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I spent 9 days in Portugal, including Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, and Lagos, and it was an amazing experience. The people were lovely and I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe travelling alone. I arrived at the perfect time, just before the high season, when the weather just became perfect.

Posted: December 28, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I spent 2 weeks in Portugal visiting Porto, Sintra, Lisbon, and Albufeira. Traveling alone, I felt completely safe wherever I was. I would definitely recommend traveling to Portugal. It's a beautiful country, with friendly people, great food (Pastel de nata is my new favorite dessert), and in my opinion, it's a very safe country.

Posted: December 26, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Germany

Solo travel experience

Very safe and nice town, lots of young people, surfing city vibe, amazing restaurants and beaches. A rental car would be useful to check out places and beaches, surfing conditions for beginners and pros.

Posted: December 22, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I spent there over 2 weeks in May and felt very safe as a woman traveling alone, and the people were very nice, and everything was very affordable compared to other major European cities. I visited Porto, Lisbon, and Lagos by bus - (really easy transportation between each city) and each city was so beautiful. Portugal has become one of my favorite countries that I have visited.

Posted: December 16, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Meet local women in Portugal who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Mariana

About Me

Hi Im a 24yo woman just rawdogging life and interested in meeting new people and different ways of thinking! Created this account because being aware of the patriarchial violence we endure I rather help and be helped by other women!

Speaking

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Juliana

About Me

My name is Juliana. I’m rider, so I’m passionate about riding my motorcycle. I love traveling and I love new adventures. My dream it’s to go on a ride all over the world with no limit of nothing just live in each place, living their culture as if it was my own.

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Stay with local women in Portugal who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Juliana

Trofa

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Speaking

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Mariana

Porto

Can host for:

3 days

About me

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Check couch surfing in Portugal

Connect with upcoming visitors to Portugal who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.

Zehra

About Me

Hi, I'm Zehra from Turkey. I'm studying psychology at Portugal(Erasmus). I love make new friends from all around world and travel as much as I can. I'm also intersting with knowing different cultures. My thing is being spontaneus, I would like to go to somewhere randomly and meet with some people, have good time and deep connection with them. I wanna travel whole Europe this summer. I'm looking forward to get know all of you:)

Speaking

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Carolyn

About Me

My name is Carolyn and I am newer to Montreal and would be open to giving recommendations or meeting up with people travelling through! I love to travel and meeting people. I speak English, Spanish & French.