Portugal is very easy to navigate and it is a safe country for solo travel. I have been several times to Portugal, and there are multi-way to travel and plan your trip around Portugal.
The following 10 places in Portugal are destinations done by a rented car, as I choose to go away from the main city. Furthermore to reach the mountains and remote areas that it is unreachable by train or public transport.
10 Places to visit in Portugal
Guimaraes
Guimaraes, a historical place in the north of Portugal, is about 45 minutes away from Porto by car. Therefore, the most attractions that one should see in this historical town are the castle of Guimaraes, Igreja de São Miguel do Castelo and Palace Duques de Bragança.
The castle of Guimaraes is the first castle in Portugal that the first king used to live in it. It is impressive and surrounded by eight towers.
After that, in a walking distance from the castle, there is Igreja de São Miguel do Castelo and Palace Duques de Bragança.
Penha
While in Guimaraes, take a curling uphill drive to Penha. It is about 15 minutes drive from the castle of Guimaraes. This mountain is the highest point in the area approximately 617 meters above sea level. For instance, the Sanctuary of Penha offers spectacular views of the historical city, Guimaraes and the surrounding area.
One can enjoy trekking in the area from various routes or relax and be peaceful while watching the sunset.
Sunset view from PenhaBraga
A half an hour drive from Guimaraes. It’s very beautiful to walk around. After a day, well spent in Guimaraes and Penha, I arrived here very late at about 7 PM. The city has a variety of restaurants, so I treated myself with a delicious dinner.
Bom Jesus in Braga
While in the area of Braga, you can’t miss the expansive views, magnificent park, impressive church and baroque stairway of Bom Jesus do Monte.
Bom Jesus de Monte is one of the most popular attractions in the North of Portugal. The sanctuary is outside the city of Braga.
The name means ‘Good Jesus’. Located on the slopes one can see the city of Braga.
The visit should be during the morning to be able to enjoy a nice walk and the views from the Sanctuary.
Amarante
Amarante is a charming town with an impressive bridge crossing the banks of the River Tâmega. It is about one hour drive from Braga. That is to say here one can stroll around the town and explore the area.
In addition, this town offers a variety of Taberna, where one can enjoy and eat a local traditional dinner from Portugal.
Viana do Castelo
Forte Santiago da Barra – A very nice area with an old historical abandoned bastion, where one can walk around and meanwhile you could also see the port.
Ponte Eiffel – Take a walk by the river Lima and view the bridge Ponte Eiffel, which is crossing the Lima River in Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
Sé Catedral de Viana do Castelo – Walk in the narrow streets and the cathedral of Viana do Castelo.
Santuário de Santa Luzia – You can’t miss the stunning skyline view of the city from the Santuário de Santa Luzia, it is a 15 minutes curvy drive from Viana do Castelo. Certainly here one can also enjoy a peaceful time watching the sunset over the ocean.
Ponte de Lima
This place is a half-hour drive from Viana do Castelo. Stroll around the beautiful village of Ponte de Lima and most importantly make sure not to skip the icon of the town, Ponte Romana.
Douro Valley
One of the longest drives and most unforgettable experiences I have done. This trip took me about 12 hours driving and stopping to explore the towns and villages during the day road trip in the North East of Portugal.
Gerês
Gerês is another beautiful area with views and mountains to drive in the Northern part of Portugal. In this area, one can swim in lakes, hike trails and do any activity in pure nature.
Talasnal Montanhas de Amor
Talasnal is a beautiful hidden gem in the magical world of Lousã mountain. It is hidden among lush vegetation, where wild animals and species can lurk.
It has typical characteristics such as houses and street décor. For example, the houses are decorated with vine branches. Every corner you take, you be surprised with the new discovery of the village.
What a beautiful hidden gem place in Portugal!! I really loved this small village in the mountains.
In this village, one can also do hiking around the beautiful nature of the mountains.
Watch the Series Episodes
Watch the created playlist series of the trip on YouTube: Solo Travel in Portugal by Car
Read More
FIRST TIME SOLO TRAVELLER – INTERVIEW WITH MANUEL
A DECISION THAT PUSHED ME TO THE EDGE
THE ART OF TRAVEL STORYTELLING
