Guest post: Portugal as a Solo Female Traveler

This is a guest post by Grace Brennan.

Portugal as a Solo Female Traveler

Lisbon

Over recent years Portugal’s capital has become a top destination for travelers. Comprising of multicolored houses, stunning views and an abundance of nature, learn about Lisbon’s history and fantastic architecture by day, and jump into the vibrant music scene at night.

Start your visit at Belém Tower, which is a fortress that was built in the early 16th century and is a listed UNESCO World Heritage monument. The grand Medieval tower projects from the water and has a short walkway previously used to fire cannons. The tower is a great place to soak up some history and gorgeous sights of the azure Tagus River. Elsewhere, Alfama is the oldest district in Lisbon, lined with narrow streets, ornate tiles and balconies framed by flowers. Spend a few hours wandering aimlessly, the labyrinth-style layout delivers surprises at every turn, from a small cafe, boutique shop, or lookout point over the charming space.

After exploring, rest your weary feet and climb aboard one of the iconic city trams. Tram 28 is notably popular for its route through Alfama and Graca. The steep journey with sharp turns is hardly suitable for the retro tram but the experience of watching Lisbon roll by as the cart squeaks and sways adds to the fun. In the evening, head to Mercado da Ribeira and choose from a range of tasty local dishes to tuck into. From 6am until 2pm the hall hosts a farmer market with stalls selling fresh produce and ingredients, later, the space becomes a hub for hungry travelers and locals looking to savor dishes from fresh seafood to burgers to sushi. Once you’re suitably full, grab a drink and watch the live entertainment — performances from bands and DJs take place throughout the week.

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Porto

Found in the northwest of the country, Porto is known for its friendly locals and port wine. An effortlessly cool destination, Porto boasts plenty of photo opportunities. Make your first stop the Dom Luís I Bridge. Spanning the River Douro, the bridge is a double-decker spectacle; the top transports trains in and out of the city, while the lower level is a roadway for cars. It’s also possible to walk across all 564 feet of the bridge and look out onto Porto with its sprinkling of nature throughout. If you have the energy, walk back and forth over the bridge — the views are just as impressive from either side.

When back in Porto, make your way to Livraria Lello, once titled ‘the world’s most beautiful bookshop’ by the Secretary of State Culture. The store is like something out of Harry Potter, filled with twisting staircases, high ceilings, and walls covered with books. Even if you’re not a big reader, the place is well worth a visit just to experience the amazing architecture and atmosphere. Most of the literature is in Portuguese but a purchase from Livraria Lello would make a great gift for people back home, or a sentimental piece of memorabilia for your time in Porto.

Continuing to soak up the culture, Casa da Música is another architectural-marvel. The multifaceted building is home to Orquestra Nacional do Porto and stands out as a modern gem in a traditional Porto neighborhood. Each floor and room has a different design and there’s a chic restaurant that’s perfect for dining in the open air on sunny days. Guided tours of the hall are available most days. Prefer something less active? Take tram 1 from Infante to Passeio Alegre and devote a day to Foz do Douro. The coastal area has a selection of stunning beaches, Michelin-starred restaurants, and lighthouses. Find a spot on the golden sand and watch as the clear waters lap at the shore, the hum of bronzed-locals around you.

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Algarve

For nature-loving travelers, the southernmost region of Portugal is for you. Lined with rugged cliffs, stretches of beach, and flowers blooming on grassy hillsides, the Algarve is a haven of warm weather and beautiful landscapes. Tavira is a small town situated along the Gilão River, where visitors can kayak through the waterways, exploring the diverse marine life and bird watch. Alternatively, rent a bike and cycle over bridges, down cobbled streets and past al fresco diners.

Elsewhere, Costa Vicentina is part of the Natural Park that lines the Portuguese coast. Dozens of quiet, unspoiled beaches are hidden throughout the area, enabling visitors to venture among the cliffs and explore the vegetation, or even indulge in a little naturism. Another Natural Park, Ria Formosa, is made up of islands, canals, and sandbanks, an amazing array of elements creating an ecosystem with an abundance of flora and fauna. The extensive lagoon system is best seen by water and many boat operators are around to take visitors from village to village for a small fee and each of the islands has a different feel.

When you’re ready to be connected with civilization again, Ponta da Piedade in the town of Lagos is ideal for budding-geologists and photo-fanatics alike. Rock formations and natural tunnels spread in the sea and glisten in the sunshine, reflecting shades of burnt orange on the water’s surface. Stroll over the cliff pathway for a selfie that’s guaranteed to make your friends jealous, or hop on a boat tour and see the rocks up-close. Some tours allow people to go snorkeling from the boat, meaning you can splash around the structures, weave between the cave arches, and discover a new underwater world.

Photo owned by magnificent escape because well that’s me!

Bursting with pristine beaches, beautiful buildings, rich history and delicious cuisine, Portugal is a haven for travelers. Ranked as the third safest country in the world in 2017, the southern European country is ideal for women exploring the world alone. With a wide selection of hostels, reasonable prices, an easy-to-use rail system, and many locals speaking English, AllTheRooms has created a list of things to do in Portugal as a solo female traveler.

 

I hope you liked this guest post about Portugal as a Solo Female Traveler.
Which places in Portugal would you like to visit? Are you a Solo Female Traveler?

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Learn more about Grace

Grace Brennan is a writer and copywriter from the U.K. She’s had the pleasure of living in 5 countries, combining her two loves: language and travel. She currently lives in Medellín, Colombia.

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