I still smile when I think about this trip because it was one of those holidays where everything just… worked. It started with me, on my own, heading to Porto for three nights — slightly nervous, slightly excited, and very ready for a change of scenery.

Porto: Just Me, a Beautiful City, and a Glass of Port

Porto was the perfect place to start. It’s one of those cities that feels friendly the moment you arrive — colourful buildings, steep little streets, and the river sparkling away like it’s showing off.

I wandered, I explored, I got lost (in a good way), and I tasted the famous custard tarts that everyone raves about. Honestly, they’re worth the hype. I also tried salted cod because apparently you can’t go to Portugal and not eat it. It’s practically a rule.

And of course, I had port. When in Porto, you absolutely have to.

A First‑Class Train to Lisbon for €12 — Yes, Really

One of the highlights was the train ride from Porto to Lisbon. I treated myself to first class because it was only twelve euros. Twelve! I still can’t get over it.

The train hugged the coastline, so I spent the whole journey staring out the window like a kid, watching beaches, cliffs, and little towns roll by. It was peaceful, scenic, and honestly one of the loveliest travel moments I’ve ever had.

Lisbon: Four Nights of Food, Sunshine, and a Boat Trip

Lisbon was a dream. I stayed for four nights and did exactly what I wanted, when I wanted.

I wandered through the old streets, ate more custard tarts (no regrets), and took a boat trip along the coast one day. The kind where the sun hits the water just right and you think, “Why don’t I do this more often?”

I tried more salted cod, drank more wine, and just enjoyed being in a city that feels alive in the best possible way.

Armacao de Pêra: A Week of Pure Relaxation

After Lisbon, I headed south to Armação de Pêra and checked into the Pestana Viking, which honestly felt like stepping into a postcard.

A week there was exactly what I needed. I swam in the pool, drank cocktails, lounged in the sun, and basically lived my best life. The hotel sits right above the cliffs, so the views were ridiculous — the kind that make you stop mid‑sip just to stare.

Enter Fiona: The Sister Who Swore She’d Never Travel Alone

For the last two nights, my sister Fiona flew out to join me. This is the same Fiona who is terrified of travelling alone, so the fact she did it felt like a small miracle.

And we had the best time.

We spent our days on the beach and by the pool, drinking beer and cocktails, eating good food, and laughing at everything and nothing. One afternoon we even climbed through a hole in the cliffs — like actual explorers — and found another hidden beach on the other side. It felt like discovering treasure.

A Perfect Ending

Those last two days with Fiona were the perfect ending to a trip that started as a solo adventure and turned into a shared memory.

I loved the independence of travelling alone — the freedom, the quiet, the confidence boost — but I also loved having her there at the end, seeing the place through her eyes, and watching her realise she could do it too.

Portugal gave me sunshine, scenery, custard tarts, and a whole lot of joy.
But it also gave me something else: the reminder that travelling alone doesn’t mean being lonely — and sometimes, it leads to moments you’ll talk about for years.