It’s a university town and the large student population keeps things lively and cheap. Stay at Casa d’Alagoa for weekly BBQs and a great social atmosphere, whereas Wax Hostel is right on the beach and really nails laid-back coastal cool. Photo: Vale do Gaio - Pombal © Paulo Magalhães. What’s not to love? It’s not far from the beach. But it’s also easy to get off the beaten path in Portugal if you want – just head inland. 02 Jan 2020 . With Nintendo Switch Lite you can play the game in handheld mode, or in tabletop mode by connecting a pair of Joy-Con controllers (sold separately)*. Sintra is no stranger to Top Ten lists – the photogenic palace complex is one of Portugal’s top tourist attractions. Around the bay is the Baleal peninsula where you’ll find beaches facing different directions – meaning there’s always a wave to ride. The circuit promises some interesting stories at Turn 3 that leads to the hairpin and another similar one at Turn 13. Independent travel is thriving along the coast where you’ll find a laid-back surfer vibe present, even in the big beach resorts. The same team also run Living Lounge. The Portimao Circuit otherwise known as Algarve International Circuit is 4.7km and consists of 16 turns. Choose your own adventure with these destinations that are perfect for travelling solo, from short hops to Belfast or Portugal to far-flung adventures in Thailand or Singapore. Fishermen’s Circuit A river cruise ... Portugal has so much to offer and you can start your trip just looking out of the train window on this journey along the 2,179 km of railway lines. Click to save to Pinterest: (function() { About Feedback from users. Another top spot for surfers is the town of Ericeira, which is just 30 minutes from Lisbon. The big cities are a lot of fun – with a buzzing nightlife and incredible cultural scene. Terms of Use and Personal Data Processing. Oferta Karpaten pentru vacanţa în Circuit Marele Tur al Portugaliei si Santiago de Compostela Circuite Portugalia Portugalia cuprinde acest pachet! Try solo travel in Portugal, I promise you will have an amazing time. Eventually, after maneuvering left and right through the hairpins and the apexes, the drivers come to the fast-paced Turn 15 that leads them to high-speed straight down the colossal gallery to their left. Your Portugal tour bookings are thus not just easy and cheap, but they also indirectly support our engagement for solo travelers – without extra cost for you. By Anna Hart. But if you can’t find anyone who speaks a foreign language, you can be sure that help will come, even if it’s by mime and gestures…the Portuguese always try their best to help any foreigner in a difficult situation. Plenty of elite international competitions happen here, but you don’t have to be a professional to set sail. } Let’s look are some of the best destinations if you’re flying solo to Portugal this year. Wild View Retreat – Juice & Yoga in the Algarve, 10 Best Places in Croatia for Solo Travel. Sure, I got massively sunburned (whoops) and ate way too much lamb and fish and PASTRIES, and barely avoided a train strike, but oh my god, did I have a most incredible time. But The Passenger Hostel is the coolest hostel on the block – it’s located in a historic train station and takes design luxe to a new level. that serves the entire country; by car, if you prefer greater. Cathedrals, palaces and port – this Douro cruise reserved exclusively for solo travellers explores the many sides of Portugal. And if you’re accustomed to using technology to find the information you need, you won’t have any problems either, because there is good network coverage throughout the country, with many zones of free Wi-fi. If you don’t know Portuguese and you need directions, be assured that there won’t be a problem, seeing that most Portuguese speak English and even other languages. Cascais is Lisbon’s super fun beach resort outpost and is just 35 minutes on the regular commuter train from Lisbon. Check out the highly-rated Castaway Guesthouse, Surfies Baleal and The Peniche Hostel for starters. Care sunt hotelurile ce au restaurant propriu din Portugalia? Portugal’s atmospheric college town, Coimbra rises steeply from the Rio Mondego to a medieval quarter housing one of Europe’s oldest universities. *The password recovery instructions will be sent to your e-mail. See your selected contents and create your own Plan or Brochure, Enter your e-mail address and you will receive a message from Visitportugal. List of motor racing circuits in Portugal. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Ha! } For those who prefer locations where the spaces are shared and there are more chances to meet new people, there is the option of the Pousadas de Juventude (youth hostels). But it was the addition of sunshine and bustle of people that makes Lisbon easily my favourite city in Europe. listeners: [], Outside Ericeira, Ondina Guesthouse has soothing boutiquey neutrals and – like many of the surf lodges – it offers yoga (either PAYG or packages) as well as surf lessons. Baleal is popular with local surf schools and camps. The art-filled Gallery Hostel is the classic choice; it was one of the original boutique hostels in town and still gets rave reviews. The Luggage Hostel is clean and modern and quiet, but if you’re looking for somewhere social then Hostel Se Velha or Serenata are better bets. event : evt, All of this without the need to be overly concerned about your safety, seeing that in 2017 Portugal was considered the 3rd most peaceful country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index. But if you’re more urban-minded and prefer the lively atmosphere of big cities, Lisbon and Porto are for you. The 100,000 capacity Algarve International Circuit (Portuguese: Autódromo Internacional do Algarve), commonly referred to as Portimão Circuit, is a 4.692 km (2.915 mi) race circuit located in Portimão, Portugal.With a total cost of €195 million (approximately $250 million), the project includes a karting track, technology park, five-star hotel, sports complex and apartments. A: Yes, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit can be played using either a Nintendo Switch or a Nintendo Switch Lite console. Non-surf highlights of the area include the Berlingas – a cluster of uninhabited islands 10km offshore which form a nature reserve, and the pretty town of Obidos. Perfect your technique as you bond with other solo travellers over a game of tennis. The Algarve may be touristy but here you can still feel the local character. Of all the hostels and lodges in town, Aktion Surf House stands out for its outdoor space and fun active vibes (though there are plenty of options closer to town). The Circuito do Estoril or Autódromo do Estoril (Estoril Circuit), officially known as Autódromo Fernanda Pires da Silva, is a motorsport race track on the Portuguese Riviera, outside of Lisbon, owned by state-run holding management company Parpública.Its length is 4.182 km (2.599 mi). For a small country, Portugal has a diversity of landscapes that lie within a short distance of each other, so that your stay will never be monotonous. These interactions are as “dangerous” as it gets! We've been serving solo travellers for over 30 years. The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, located near the town of Portimão, opened to great fanfare in 2008, with high hopes of attracting a Formula One Grand Prix. 2. The range of accommodation options is varied, from the finest hotels of international chains to the refined country inns or rural tourism units. Of course, as is the case anywhere, you should naturally take care at night and in areas that are poorly lighted or where there are few people. Last Easter, I took a solo trip to Portugal and fell in love. Photo: Madeira © AP Madeira Your travel options are many: a good network of public transports that serves the entire country; by car, if you prefer greater autonomy; or trails you can follow on foot or by bicycle. Book a singles cruise to Portugal today with Solos Holidays for the experience of a lifetime in 2019/2020. Portugal has wonderful natural conditions for cycling tourism. There are so many amazing hostels in Lisbon that it’s hard to list them all. Country info. Or many of them will wink at you and try to get your attention. Madeira is a popular choice for many solo travellers with its soaring mountains, rugged beaches and botanical gardens - some of the best scenery in Europe! Besides the breath-taking landscapes you can enjoy in safety, you will find nice, welcoming people who will make your trip an unforgettable experience. Do you have any question? I reckon Portugal is one of the best (and most underrated) countries in Europe for solo travel – it’s beautiful, vibrant, good value, and has amazing beaches. The main attractions in Peniche are nature and surf-related (those endless sunsets! ), and summer brings a buzz to the town. This is a spectacular region, with its ochre hills plunging into the sea… which is only 20 minutes from the circuit.
Climbs, downhill stretches, blind corners, very fast curves… The Portimao circuit may be the most technical of the season, but it is also the most fun! Solo Travel Portugal: How a Trip to Lisbon Transformed My Travels . If you’re heading to Portugal because of all those photos you’ve seen of amazing beaches with giant rock formations and golden sand, then be sure to hit up the Algarve city of Lagos. The 67th Macau Grand Prix has already launched, with a shorter but still exciting three-day schedule, comprising mainly of drivers from Greater China and plenty of Macau talent spread out in the competitions five main races. Every year they seem to dominate the HOSCARS (Oscars for hostels). Its cobbled streets, retro trams and tiled buildings are hugely atmospheric. Portugalia Tara Bascilor 20 Zile 2021 Lisabona, Sejur Madeira Sejururi 2020, Circuit Si Sejur Lisabona, Circuit Lisabona Algarve Sevilla, Marele Tur al Portugaliei si Santiago de Compostela sunt cele mai populare hoteluri din Portugalia . And considering their very reasonable prices, the hostels in Lisbon are excellent value for money. Besides the breath-taking landscapes you can enjoy in safety, you will find nice, welcoming people who will make your trip an unforgettable experience. I recall writing part of this from the red and white cushy lounges of Pestano Porto Hotel, munching on an expensive (but VERY well-deserved) sandwich and fries, and catching up on some world news on the shiny wall-mounted plasma TV. Brilliant incredible women. Lagos itself has a pleasant whitewashed old town with historic churches. From the most genuine handicrafts to gastronomy and wines with a well-established reputation, you will encounter many temptations to experiment or to take home with you. However, you may get a few marriage proposals from overly flirtatious men. If what you’re after is beach chill, try the villa-style Bura Surfhouse which is a walkable distance from town but has a pool and an emphasis on relaxed vibes. You’ll find a great cultural offer, a diversified calendar of events and heritage sites dating back thousands of years as well as excellent examples of modern architecture. Lisbon has fascinating historic sites, fado, and great bar scene. My 10 day adventure split between Lisbon and Porto – with a few small stops thrown into the mix – was one of my favorite trips to date. Lots of travellers don’t make it to inland Portugal, but picturesque Coimbra is well worth a day or two of your time if you want to break up a journey between Porto and Lisbon with a slice of local life. History nerds (and photographers) can geek out in the old medieval town at the wide array of monuments and architectural styles on display – from Roman to Moorish to baroque. Two whole hours had … Experience the national nature reserve in Portugal at the Penha Longa resort on a solo friendly tennis holiday. The Portimao circuit is located in the Algarve in southern Portugal. . The university buildings themselves are on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Planifică-ţi vacanţa la Circuit Marele Tur al Portugaliei si Santiago de Compostela Circuite Portugalia Portugalia şi … Don’t miss a boat trip around the Rio Formosa. My accommodation was an average of just over €70 a day for private rooms in guest houses, but you could easily spend around €20-25 in your daily backpacking Portugal budget if you stay in hostel dorm rooms. W ith more than three-quarters of Brits having travelled alone or considering doing it in future, solo travel is no longer a niche pursuit. It’s not to be outdone on the hostel front either. To learn more, see the Terms of Use and Personal Data Processing, 'OuTonalidades' is back! Photo: Paulo Ribeiro. You will be able to travel between mountain landscapes and beaches, or from peaceful plains extending as far as the eye can see to the bustle of the cities in a short space of time, meaning that you can make the best use of your time here. Ha! If you like to travel on your own, include Portugal in your plans. Oh, and don’t forget to eat custard tarts. English is widely spoken amongst the younger generation in Portugal and public transport is easy to figure out. There is surfing, rafting, canyonning or abseiling in locations from the north to the south of the country or on Portugal’s Atlantic islands. Lots of people speak English. This makes it easy for Portugal solo travel because there’s nothing worse than being alone in a hostile environment. Portugal’s popular Algarve area is where most of the country’s summer tourism is based. For accommodation, there’s no shortage of surf lodges. Did you know that if you’re a fan of outdoor activities, there’s a wide variety of sports at your disposal? Staying in Sintra for a few days gives you the time to explore more of Sintra’s fairytale palaces, and also the park’s wild beaches – which are surprisingly crowd-free given its proximity to Lisbon. Sure, you might come across one or two gruff customers (like everywhere else in the world) but on the whole you’ll experience nothing but a smile, and most likely a bit of humour, with each Portuguese person you meet. There are hundreds of cycle routes throughout the country, either for cycle tourism or mountain biking. From September to December, she will be volunteering in Thailand teaching refugees on the Thai-Myanmar border with Openmind Projects. If you’re travelling during the summer then the rooftop pool at Sunset Destination Hostel takes some beating though. Photo: Miradouro de Santa Luzia - Lisboa © Clara Azevedo. ); The Portimao circuit is 5.592 km long. The city is surrounded by the extensive 5km Faro beach and the swirling lagoon sands of the Rio Formosa (complete with flamingos), pretty cobbled backstreets and the legacy of Moorish rule and the area’s fishing and salt panning heritage. Porto wins hearts with its laid-back charm, cobblestoned Old Town and elegant medieval bridges. Before you travel to the Algarve, take a look at my travel tips that you may find useful for visiting the south of Portugal: The Algarve is safe for solo female travellers. One of Europe’s top city break destinations and digital nomad hotspots, capital city Lisbon is popular for good reason. My personal favourite is the centrally-located boutique hostel Lisbon Lounge – the nightly social dinners were a highlight of my trip. It’s also got one of the best hostel scenes in the whole wide world. { The 100,000 capacity Algarve International Circuit (Portuguese: Autódromo Internacional do Algarve), commonly referred to as Portimão Circuit, is a 4.692 km (2.915 mi) race circuit located in Portimão, Portugal.With a total cost of €195 million (approximately $250 million), the project includes a karting track, technology park, five-star hotel, sports complex and apartments. Optimise the opportunity to have private tennis coaching before putting into practice everything you learnt that day in a group tennis clinic whilst making new friends. Cruising the coast on the double-masted Santa Bernarda pirate ship is a family favorite. The bus is too huge and the back stairs too..." Portugal in Depth "The tour guide and the bus driver were an excellent combination. A lot of the articles written about solo travel in Portugal are quite generic, and don’t really offer any specific advice. forms: { https://www.themediterraneantraveller.com/portugal-best-places-solo-travel Portugal & The Islands With some of the finest beaches and coastlines on the planet, Portugal's breath-taking landscapes stretch out in all directions. on: function(evt, cb) { I had just flown in from Porto and had already experienced a little bit of Portugal’s charm – colourful houses, steep hills and cobbled streets. Solo travel in Portugal. Financial difficulties for the original owners have put paid to that lofty ambition for the team being, but the circuit nevertheless remains a widely used facility and is among the top motorsport venues in Portugal. Admire the beautiful landscapes and quaint towns of the Douro Valley on this solos cruise through Portugal which includes a visit to Salamanca in Spain. The other top pick is the spacious Nice Way Cascais with its boutique design (including pod beds) and an outdoor pool. Plans were first announced in 2002, but problems in raising the required finances put the project on hold for a number of years. Posted on August 14, 2016 by Kelly Johnstone Share Tweet Pin. It’s proximity to the capital means it has a bit more life out of season – the sun-bleached streets are popular with weekenders from the city looking for ocean views and delicious food. There is a large number of these hostels, the quality of which has been recognised by the many international prizes awarded to them. There is surfing, rafting, canyonning or abseiling in locations from the north to the south of the country or on Portugal’s Atlantic islands. The area around Cascais is known as the Portuguese Riviera and features some fabulously colourful and unique villa architecture as well as a traditional resort feel. There’s magic in the air here, and the scenery here is beautiful. But if you do it that way you’re missing out because Sintra isn’t just the palace complex – it’s also a town and a national park (known as the Sintra-Cascais National Park). Like with all major cities everywhere in the world, you do need to watch for pickpockets, especially in Lisbon. You can disable this feature in your browser settings. Three years late… About Liz Sherman. But most tourists simply nip over to Sintra for a day trip – usually to visit the Pena Palace (pictured) – then back to Lisbon. Hopefully, it’s useful. Final Tips for Solo Travel in Portugal. Photo: Madeira © AP Madeira Take our suggestions and discover Portugal, travelling in the best possible company…you! Many skip through its capital Faro and head straight for the beach (and who can blame them – the beaches are epic), but Faro has a beautiful old town and is a good base for the region. It’s one of the best beach cities in Europe – with a lively party scene and several small town beaches plus close proximity to some of the Algarve’s stunners such as Praia do Camilo (pictured) with its famous wooden staircase. However, the apex at Turn 11 and Turn 12 is equally testing. It was the home of the Formula One Portuguese Grand Prix from 1984 to 1996. For accommodation, Old Town Hostel is my pick for backpackers who like activities. Not to be outdone, Portugal’s second city takes atmosphere into overdrive with its tile-fronted (and UNESCO-listed) buildings, riverside setting and hipster modern cultural scene. callback: cb The seafood here is as spanking fresh as the Atlantic breeze. Although a small country, it has a large variety of landscapes and it is full of cultural richness. But if you’re apprehensive about solo travel in Portugal here are some go-to destinations where you’ll find everything you need for a stress-free solo trip – including hostels, good transport links, a bit of nightlife, and a range of activities and tours suitable for solo travellers. Thursday 2 January 2020. By Anna Hart. Solo Travel Portugal: How a Trip to Lisbon Transformed My Travels . but with the words “solo travel” in the title. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { On its 24th edition, which will takes place from the (...), Voo saindo de Leiria até à linha de costa com uma paisagem deslumbrante, (...), Um pequeno video com alguns locais onde fomos com os nossos clientes e (...). Porto. Logistics and psychology..." Best Of Portugal "Maria made the whole trip. Capital: Lisbon Largest city: Lisbon Currency: Euro (€) Time Zone: WET (UTC+0) Drives on: the right Calling code: … The cuisine here is amazing, as is befitting a city on with the Douro vineyards on its doorstep – take a food tour, wine-tasting, or hop on the wine train to explore the valley’s port lodges. } Solo travel. Kids can keep busy at Portugal dos Pequenitos, a … eat a pastel de nata, stroll around the city, etc.) This site uses cookies to enhance the browsing experience and does not keep data on the identification of users. The Portuguese certainly take pride in their hostels – boutique design is par for the course here. Porto, Portugal, has single-handedly provided me with the most challenging yet amusing experience (in hindsight) yet of solo travel. All rights reserved. Taghostel brings the boutique vibes. The night life is another attraction of these two cities and in many others around the country, with discotheques and bars with live music and parties that last until the wee hours of the morning. Photo: Sintra © Caminhos da NaturezaAnother pleasant surprise in Portugal is the good relationship between the price and the quality of products and services. Family trips, the pair of you or on your own, we have created various circuits you are going to want to know about. I spent around €45 a day for food, transport and sightseeing expenses on my solo travel Portugal itinerary. The big waves are over at famed Praia dos Supertubos, where the Rip Curl Pro annual tournament is held, and at Nazaré. Portimao is a sailor’s delight, thanks to its calm waters and beautiful conditions. Welcome to Peniche, a sleepy fishing village turned surf capital of Portugal (and perhaps all of Europe). Send us a message. })(); For all the legal bits go to my Disclaimer and Privacy Policy, 10 Best Places in Morocco for Solo Travel. Faro is a hub for cheap flights with Europe’s budget airlines (I recommend Skyscanner for finding the lowest fares), and it’s also the last major stop before Spain. Here I will break down my solo Portugal trip cost. 2013 Turismo de Portugal. If surf is your jam check out Salty Days Lodge. The Almaa Sintra Hostel is an eco-hostel set in its own gardens, or you can even stay in a renovated palace at the quirky Sintra Nice Way hostel. Students roam the narrow streets clad in black capes, while strolling fado musicians give free concerts beneath the Moorish town gate or under the stained-glass windows of Café Santa Cruz. The Solo Travel Tours Comparison allows you to easily find, compare & book thousands of wonderful Portugal group tours and Portugal round trips with many cheap single room options for solo travelers or friends. , there’s a wide variety of sports at your disposal? The friendly and chic The Salty Pelican Beach Hostel has surf, yoga and BBQs on offer. } Liz is from upstate New York and is currently bouncing around the world. Make your journey even more enjoyable, see our discounts. Many are just a list of things to do (e.g. Enjoyed this post? If you like to travel on your own, include Portugal in your plans. 18 °C/17°C. What began as a grassroots tournament in 2014 is now a highly competitive international circuit that offers amateur players an opportunity to battle like top League of Legends pros. It’s easy to fill a few days experiencing world-class museums and churches, incredible restaurants and wine cellars. Lots of them. I wanted to provide something that was a little more practical. Portugal Tours for Solo / Single Travellers Reviews "42 people on one bus is far too many. It has the perfect balance of city access and beach if you want to escape the heat of the city in summer. And let’s just talk about those hostels for a moment. Standards are high and most hostels also have an emphasis on social activities and always seem to offer something extra (bar crawls, BBQs, evening meals, free walking tours, yoga, wine tasting, beach runs, etc.).