Solo female travel in Portugal — a practical, safe guide

Friendly, compact and walkable — Portugal is excellent for solo travellers. This page lists must-dos, practical apps and a printable safety checklist.

Updated
Quick read — ~6 minutes
Two women standing by an old wooden door in Portugal Three women standing under a pink bougainvillea arch in Portugal

Quick essentials

Emergency number in Portugal: 112. Keep a scan/photo of your passport, insurance and embassy contact in your phone and in cloud storage. Share basic plans with a trusted contact.

Pre-trip must-dos

  • Travel insurance — include theft, medical cover and evacuation if you plan activities.
  • Local SIM / eSIM — buy at the airport or add an eSIM before travel so you always have data for maps and ride apps.
  • Payment setup — enable contactless cards, and install a multi-currency app (for example Revolut or Wise) or make sure your bank card works abroad.
  • Download these apps — maps with offline areas, transport apps and a ride-hailing app (register ahead of arrival).
  • Plan arrival — if you arrive late, prebook an official transfer or use the airport taxi rank.

Top safety habits

  • Keep bags zipped and in front in crowded places (trams, markets, lookouts).
  • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing at night and check driver details in-app before entering the car.
  • Trust your instincts — if you feel uncomfortable, move to a busy place and call 112 if necessary.
  • On long rural walks (Camino or nature trails), start early, share your route and carry a phone and power bank.

Transport & tickets

Trains (national rail) and coach services connect towns across Portugal — book major intercity journeys in advance. For local travel, buses, trams and ride apps are widely available in cities.

Accommodation tips

  • Choose well-reviewed central accommodation with secure entry or 24-hour reception if possible.
  • Check recent guest comments for safety, noise and neighbourhood information.

Explore Portugal with my Audio Tours

All you need is your phone and headphones. Walk at your own pace and listen to stories of Portugal’s hidden past — from the Knights Templar in Tomar to sailors and secrets of Lagos and Faro.

Illustration showing person with phone and headphones for audio tours

Printable safety checklist

Click print to create a one-page checklist you can keep with your travel documents.

  • Travel insurance details saved and screenshotted
  • Passport photocopy in cloud + phone
  • Local SIM / eSIM or roaming confirmed
  • Emergency numbers saved (112 + embassy)
  • Power bank, basic first-aid, doorstop/personal alarm (optional)
  • Trusted contact has daily check-in plan

If something goes wrong

  • Call 112 for emergencies.
  • For theft: report to local police for an official report (usually needed for insurance).
  • Block bank cards immediately via your bank app and contact your insurer.
  • Contact your embassy if you lose your passport or need urgent consular assistance.