Trip guides / Planning
Backpacking Portugal: Route and Budget Tips
Portugal is one of Western Europe’s best countries for backpacking: affordable, safe and compact, with excellent hostels, cheap trains and buses, and a social scene in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve. Here’s how to backpack Portugal, with a suggested route and money-saving tips.
Quick answer: a classic 2 to 3 week route is Porto, then Coimbra or Aveiro, Lisbon with Sintra, then down to the Algarve (Lagos) and up the wild Costa Vicentina. Stay in hostels, travel by train and bus, eat the prato do dia (dish of the day) at lunch, and join free walking tours.
Suggested route
- Porto (3 days): Ribeira, port cellars and a Douro day trip. See the best hostels in Porto.
- Coimbra or Aveiro (1 day): on the way south. See Coimbra.
- Lisbon (4 days): with a day in Sintra. See the best hostels in Lisbon.
- Lagos (3 to 4 days): beaches, kayaking and nightlife. See where to stay in Lagos.
- The Costa Vicentina (2 to 4 days): surf and hiking. See Costa Vicentina.
Money-saving tips
- Prato do dia: set lunch menus at local tascas are great value.
- Free walking tours: see Lisbon walking tours.
- Book trains early for cheaper fares. See the train guide.
- Buses are often cheapest. See Portugal by bus.
- Supermarkets for picnics and drinks.
- Free sights: see free things to do in Lisbon.
Practical tips
- Season: spring and autumn are cheaper and less crowded.
- Safety: watch for pickpockets in busy areas. See is Portugal safe?
- SIM: see the best eSIM for Portugal.
- Solo: see solo travel in Portugal.
More: Portugal on a budget and Portugal trip costs.
Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.
Still got questions?
Ask 305,000+ travellers and locals in our free Facebook groups.