Solo Travel in Portugal: Route, Hostels and Safety

Portugal is one of the best countries in Europe for solo travel: it’s safe, friendly, affordable and easy to get around, with brilliant social hostels and plenty of group tours where you can meet people. Here’s our guide to travelling Portugal alone.

Quick answer: start in Lisbon (social hostels like Home Lisbon or Goodmorning), then Porto by train, and finish on the Algarve in Lagos, the backpacker capital. Join free walking tours, food tours and surf camps to meet people. Portugal is very safe, but watch your bag in busy spots.

Why Portugal is great solo

• Safety: one of the safest countries in the world. See is Portugal safe?
• English is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas.
• Great hostels with family dinners and activities.
• Easy transport: trains link the main cities.
• Good value compared with much of Western Europe.

A solo route (10–14 days)

• Lisbon (4 nights): free walking tour, Alfama, Belém, a food tour and a day in Sintra. See the best hostels in Lisbon.
• Porto (3 nights): port cellars, the Ribeira and a Douro day tour. See the best hostels in Porto.
• Lagos (4 nights): beaches, kayaking, boat parties and nightlife. See things to do in Lagos.
• Optional: a surf camp in Ericeira or Sagres. See surfing in Portugal.

Meeting people

• Hostels: many run nightly dinners, pub crawls and day trips.
• Free walking tours in Lisbon and Porto.
• Group tours: food tours, wine tours and day trips. See the best tours in Lisbon and in Porto.
• Surf camps are very social.
• Our Facebook groups: ask questions and find travel buddies among 305,000+ members. Join the groups.

Safety tips for solo travellers

• Bags: keep them zipped and in front on trams and at viewpoints.
• At night: busy nightlife areas are generally fine; stick to lit streets and use Uber or Bolt late at night.
• Drinks: keep an eye on yours, as anywhere.
• The sea: swim at lifeguarded beaches, especially alone.
• Hiking: tell someone your plans and check trail status.
• Emergencies: call 112.

Money

Single rooms cost more, so hostels with private rooms are great value. See how much a trip to Portugal costs and Portugal on a budget.

Working while you travel?

See digital nomads in Portugal.

More: things to know before visiting Portugal and Portuguese phrases.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.