If you’re looking for a beautiful and affordable destination to travel to this Fall, look no further than Portugal! This amazing country is known for its stunning coastal views, delicious food, and warm weather. In September and October, the temperatures are still quite pleasant.
They are usually in the mid-20s Celsius (mid-70s Fahrenheit), making it the perfect weather for exploring all that Portugal has to offer. Here are a few reasons why you should travel to Portugal this Fall!
As per Silvia Romao, Portuguese Travel Storyteller & Writer:
The arrival of autumn in Portugal is also marked by the arrival of harvest time.
We are a small country but with a large expanse of vineyards, and we are proud of the wine that is produced here. Among the most famous regions for wine production, two stand out: the Alentejo, in the south, and the Douro region, where the famous Port wine is born.
There are several festivals and initiatives at this time of year related to wine culture. There are programs from north to south for those who want to get to work and participate in the production process of this famous nectar.
Are there Covid travel restrictions in Portugal?
Currently, as of July 1, 2022, all Covid restrictions on entering Portugal have been lifted. You no longer need a PCR test or proof of vaccine. Visit the embassy website for more information.
Do you need a travel visa to visit Portugal?
No, United States citizens do not need a travel visa to enter Portugal. However, you will need a valid passport. If you’re planning on staying for longer than 90 days, you’ll also need to apply for a residence permit. For more information on travel visas and passports, check out the Portuguese Embassy website in your country of residence.
What should I pack for a trip to Portugal in the Fall?
Some essential items to pack for a trip to Portugal in the Fall include comfortable walking shoes, light layers, and an umbrella. You’ll also want to ensure you have your travel documents (passport, travel insurance, etc.) and a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
to wear in Portugal For Women
As a woman, I would pack white comfy sneakers for during the day and some cute flats or wedges for the evening. I would also take some maxi dresses that are cute and comfortable. I always take a stylist hat and one stylish purse that I can wear with many outfits.
For layering, I take tank tops, t-shirts, and cardigans. During the evening I have a light faux leather jacket or a thicker cardigan. I also check out some places I will visit and see what other travelers have worn there. For this, I follow hashtags on IG and Tik Tok.
to wear in Portugal For Men
My husband is not as quickly cold as I am, so he takes a couple of pairs of shorts, a sweatshirt, a nice jeans packet for the evening, and 3 pairs of pants. In addition, he has his Adidas track pants for traveling, and sometimes he may wear it during the trip as well.
He also always takes his cool Zara black fanny pack that he purchased in Rome and 3 pairs or sometimes two pairs of comfortable shoes like Lacoste slip-ons.
What are the best cities to visit in Portugal in the Fall?
There are so many great cities to visit in Portugal, but some of our favorites include Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra. Each city has its own unique charm, and there’s plenty to see and do in each one.
Lisbon, you can explore the historic center, visit the castle, or take a day trip to one of the nearby beaches.
In Porto, you can go for a walk along the riverfront, sample some of the local wine, or visit one of the city’s many museums. And in Sintra, you can explore the fairytale castles, hike through the stunning forests, or simply relax in one of the many cafes and restaurants.
Whichever city you choose to visit, you’re sure to have a fantastic time!
In asking Silvia what the top Portuguese cities to travel to in the fall were, she states:
In the Douro, Quinta da Pachêca is one of the oldest wine producers in the region and, combining the art of good winemaking with an integrated wine tourism project, offers several programs to all those who want to know more about this art.
Further south, in Alentejo, Quinta da Fonte Souto is a recent project determined to extract the best wine from this region, opening its doors to all visitors who want an immersive experience of this process.
Autumn is also the season that highlights another important fruit in Portuguese gastronomy: the chestnut. During this period, several parties are held in which the chestnut is the protagonist.
The most famous of them is also in Alentejo, more specifically in the medieval town of Marvão. The Chestnut Fair takes place in November and is a unique opportunity to learn and taste this fruit’s potential.
Wine, food, and great weather are winners in my book. I can’t wait to visit the regions above. B
What is the best way to get around Portugal?
There are many different ways to get around Portugal, but the most popular option is by car. This allows you to explore at your own pace and make stops along the way if something catches your eye.
You can also travel by bus or train, which is what we have done both times we have traveled there. If you’re planning on doing a lot of traveling and want to see smaller towns, you may want to consider renting a car.
What are some things to do in Portugal in the Fall?
There are many different things to do in Portugal during the Fall season. Some of our favorites include exploring the historic city centers, going for walks in the stunning countryside, visiting one of the many museums or castles, and sampling some of the local wine. Of course, there are also plenty of great beaches to relax on if the weather is nice!
Can I sunbathe in Portugal in October?
That will depend on how cold do you usually get. You can sunbathe in Portugal in October, but swimming may be another thing altogether. !
weather is usually still quite warm during this time of year, so it’s the perfect opportunity to relax on the beach or by the pool. Just make sure to pack some sunscreen and some layers in case it gets windy.
What are some popular tourist attractions in Portugal?
Some famous tourist attractions in Portugal include Sintra, Porto, and Lisbon. In Sintra, you can explore the fairytale castles, hike through the stunning forests, or simply relax in one of the many cafes and restaurants. Porto is known for its picturesque riverfront and vibrant nightlife.
And Lisbon is a historic city with many different museums and landmarks to visit. Whichever city you choose to visit, you’re sure to have a great time!
Fall Events in Portugal
– Lisbon Pride (September 19-27): One of the biggest pride celebrations in Europe, with over 500,000 people expected to attend.
– Cascais International Jazz Festival (September 25-27): A three-day jazz festival featuring both local and international artists.
– Atlantic Coast Surfing Championship ( September 26-27): An annual surfing competition that takes place in Ericeira, a town known for its surf beaches.
-Port wine harvest festival (October 18-31): A two-week festival celebrating the start of the port wine harvest, with many different events taking place in the city of Porto.=
– Lisbon Marathon (November 29): An annual marathon that takes place in the city of Lisbon. Over 20,000 people are expected to participate this year!
Fall Foods in Portugal
Besides hearty soups, cod dishes, and lovely chestnuts, here are a few other autumn dishes to try in Portugal. Caldo verde (Portuguese cabbage soup) is a staple in Portugal, making it the perfect soup to try on fall nights. As per The Real Algarve:
Feijoada Trasmontana. For a more complex dish choice, you can always try the Feijoada Trasmontana, which is a bean stew that includes pig parts that are not so uncommon. The history behind the dish is that people couldn’t afford to throw away food they had bought so, as well as putting in the meaty parts of the pig, they also threw the pigs’ parts into the stew so that it wouldn’t go to waste.
The soup is extremely warming to the stomach, but the thought of pig’s parts in the dish can be interesting for some. Then we also have these specialties during November and December.
Also don’t forget you can eat the famous pasteis de nata all year long!
November: Percevejos (Crisp Fried Bugs) – These fried bugs are a traditional Portuguese dish that is typically served as an appetizer. They can be found at most restaurants during the fall months.
December: Bolo Rei (King Cake) – A dessert that is traditionally eaten during the Christmas season. It is a cake that is filled with dried fruit and nuts and often has a figurine of a baby hidden inside.
If you find the baby, you are said to have good luck! If you plan to visit Portugal in December, check out my December Portugal Travel Guide.
Here are 2 other great reasons to visit Portugal in the fall. The kids are back to school so there are more solo travelers and couple travelers, making the city easier to navigate and travel around.
Additionally, you can find some fantastic travel deals, especially with Tap Airlines. I am signed up for Scott’s Cheap Flights to find further deals.
So have you been to Portugal in the fall? What has been your favorite thing to do?
If you want to visit Portugal in the summer, then check out 5 Portugal Beach Cities to visit.
