1. Lisbon
First up, Lisbon. This vibrant city is perfect for solo travelers who want to immerse themselves in Portuguese culture. From the colorful streets of the Alfama district to the bohemian vibe in Bairro Alto, there’s plenty to see and do in Lisbon. The city is known for its steep hills and cobblestone streets, so make sure you bring some good shoes with you.
Things to Do Alone in Lisbon
- Visit Praca do Comercio
- Stop by Rossio Square
- Get lost in Alfama
- Have a drink in Bairro Alto
- Wander the streets of Baixa
- Eat a pastel de nata (a must-do because these are delish!)
- Visit Castelo de São Jorge
2. Porto
Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city, world-famous for its port wine production. But there are many other reasons to visit, including the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The atmospheric labyrinth of streets is lined with buildings that are true works of art, including the Gothic-style Church of Sao Francisco, while the hilltop Porto Cathedral overlooks it all with a stunning view.
Porto is a great two-day destination. At the end of every trip, we do a “best experience / food / drinks” recap together over a glass of wine (or several). There was an experience that came up over and over again during the conversation about our trip to Italy, Spain, and Portugal.
Porto and the surrounding region provide a bit of everything for travelers. In Porto city proper you have the typical walking, food, and historical tours while nearby you have historic cities like Braga and Guimarães, excellent outdoors activities in Peneda-Gerês park, wine-focused experiences and stunning views in the Douro valley, and great beaches backed by cute towns along the coast.
3. Sintra
Sintra is a magical town with extraordinary castles and palaces. The main attraction is the National Palace of Pena. This palace sits on top of a hill and looks like a castle in the clouds. You get a 360-degree view of the surrounding forest and nearby towns.
While in Sintra, also visit the Quinta da Regaleira. It features a palace, gardens, lakes, and a chapel. Save some time to walk around the town at the bottom of the hill.
Planning a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon? This in-depth guide will help you plan a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon – no tours needed! Full of helpful tips for your Sintra day trip.
4. Algarve
The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, is famous for its golden, sandy beaches and sunny weather. This coastal paradise offers more than just sun and sand. The countryside, bordered by the Monchique and Caldeirão mountains to the north and the Guadiana River to the east, holds authentic villages and towns that transport you back in time.
The Algarve is very different from other regions in Portugal. It has a Mediterranean feel, with fresh fish and seafood, warm weather, and a stunning coastline full of golden sand beaches and turquoise water coves. It’s the perfect place to spend the last few days of your Portugal trip soaking up the sun and relaxing on the beach before heading home.
Faro, a charming town in the Algarve, boasts golden beaches, rugged cliffs, and a stunning coastline. Explore the coastline, relax on the beaches, and enjoy water sports. The Algarve region has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, with beautiful blue water and picturesque golden sand.
Even though the Algarve seems small, its 300-kilometer coastline along the Atlantic Ocean offers countless beautiful landscapes and dramatic changes in scenery. The one constant is the breathtaking views.
5. Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is a short drive from Porto. This UNESCO-listed region is one of the world’s oldest wine areas. It has been producing wine since 1756. The valley is famous for its terraced vineyards carved into the mountains. Visitors come from all over to sample port and other wines. The quintas (whitewashed estates) offer intimate tours to see the wine-making process. Pinhão is a must-see village in the valley. It overlooks the Douro River and is surrounded by terraced hills covered in vines. Wine tasting here is an unforgettable experience. You can explore historic cellars and observe the winemaking process.
6. Nazaré
Nazaré is a charming coastal town in central Portugal. It’s famous for its legendary waves. The town is home to the highest wave ever surfed, over 100 feet. This makes Nazaré a top spot for thrill-seeking surfers.
Top Tips for an Unforgettable Portugal Vacation
- Explore Nazaré for surfing.
- Visit the Douro for wine tasting.
- Check out national galleries.
- Relax in the Algarve.
- Embrace Portugal’s dining culture.
- Visit the Belém quarter in Lisbon.
If surfing isn’t your thing, enjoy a relaxing day by the ocean at São Martinho do Porto. This beach is in a bay, protected from cold northern winds.
7. Faro
Faro is a gem in the Algarve region. It offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Discover the best locations in Algarve: top spots for your next vacation. Explore Faro’s history, Vilamoura’s luxury, and Silves’ charm in the Algarve region.
Things to Do in Faro
- Explore Faro’s history by visiting the Old Town. Walk through Arco da Vila and see the Cathedral.
- Relax at the beautiful beaches. Enjoy the sun and the sea.
- Take a boat tour to Ria Formosa Natural Park. Spot unique birds and marine life.
- Visit the local markets. Try fresh seafood and local delicacies.
Day Trips from Faro
- Travel to Lagos or Carvoeiro. Enjoy the stunning coastline and charming towns.
- Visit Tavira. Discover its historic churches and beautiful beaches.
- Head to Vilamoura. Experience luxury resorts and vibrant nightlife.
Faro is a perfect base to explore the Algarve. Enjoy its rich culture and beautiful surroundings.
8. Lagos
Lagos is a lively city with a charming old town. It has many bars, restaurants, and other amenities. If you love the beach, Lagos is the perfect place to stay. It’s easy to get to and has a great buzz. There are also some great hostels to meet fellow travelers.
Things to Do Alone in Lagos
- Walk down the steps to the famous Praia do Camilo.
- Visit Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse and enjoy the surrounding views.
- Swim at Praia Dona Ana.
- Wander around Lagos town and enjoy the markets by the coast.
Lagos is a favorite spot for solo travelers. You can stay at places like the Salty Lodge, which is in the middle of the old town. The rooms have spectacular views of the ocean. If not, there’s a rooftop terrace with this view. Rooms are apartment-style with stovetops and ovens for cooking. But, you can also walk to about 25 different restaurants nearby.
9. Cascais
Cascais is a must-visit on the Portuguese Riviera. This charming town offers a mix of historic sites and golden beaches. Experience the charm of Cascais like a local by exploring its vibrant culture and sunny vibes. Don’t miss the chance to visit the captivating Cascais Marina and the stunning Boca do Inferno. For a relaxing day, head to Praia da Rainha or Praia da Conceição. Cascais is also perfect for day trips from Lisbon, making it a convenient and delightful destination.
10. Alentejo
The Alentejo is Portugal as it used to be. Small walled villages with medieval cores and Roman ruins are watched over by ancient castles. This is Portugal’s largest region and its agricultural heartland. The rolling countryside is planted with cork forests, olive groves, vineyards, and all manner of crops.
In the Alentejo, the landscape of smooth hills hides small medieval villages where little seems to have changed. Although you might believe there isn’t much to see, these villages hold a remarkable history.
Explore Marvão or Monsaraz to find some of the most authentic villages in this region. In Estremoz, you’ll find the unique Estremoz Pink Marble originally mined by the Romans. Today, there are several quarries around the village exporting marble worldwide.
Winery tours are popular as are hiking and nature-related experiences. Because most towns are small, city/town tours will often include multiple different towns.
