Where to Travel in Portugal This Autumn? 6 Unforgettable Getaway Destinations

27 July De 2026

Autumn is one of the best times to travel in Portugal. With pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds and landscapes transformed by the colours of the season, it is the perfect time to discover historic cities, seaside destinations and authentic experiences. Explore six destinations that deserve a place on your next getaway.

Why travel around Portugal in autumn?

Travelling in autumn offers a different way to experience Portugal. Temperatures become more comfortable for exploring cities and natural landscapes, while fewer visitors create a more authentic and peaceful atmosphere.

It is also an excellent time to discover regional cuisine, take part in local events and enjoy relaxing getaways at a slower pace.

Why choose autumn?

✓ Fewer tourists

✓ Mild weather

✓ Unique landscapes

✓ Seasonal cuisine

✓ Peaceful getaways

Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo railway station

Ideal for: nature, hiking and wellbeing

Recommended stay: 2 to 3 days

Not to be missed: Sanctuary of Santa Luzia

Set between the Atlantic Ocean, the Lima River and the surrounding hills, Viana do Castelo is the perfect destination for travellers seeking nature and tranquillity. In autumn, the coastal boardwalks are ideal for long walks, while the historic centre reveals a peaceful atmosphere that is best explored at your own pace.

Climbing Monte de Santa Luzia, visiting the Gil Eannes Hospital Ship or simply strolling through the city's historic streets are just some of the experiences that make Viana an excellent destination at this time of year.

Highlights

Uncrowded coastal boardwalks
Traditional Minho cuisine
A peaceful getaway surrounded by nature

Porto

Douro Valley landscape in autumn

Ideal for: culture, gastronomy and wine tourism

Recommended stay: 2 to 4 days

Not to be missed: Ribeira, the Port wine cellars and a day in the Douro Valley

In autumn, Porto reveals one of its most authentic sides. The cooler temperatures are perfect for exploring the city on foot, discovering historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and enjoying the many viewpoints overlooking the Douro River.

This is also an excellent time to visit the Port wine cellars, explore the Crystal Palace Gardens or enjoy the local cuisine without the intense pace of the high season.

With an extra day available, take the opportunity to visit the Douro Valley. With vineyards turning golden in autumn, historic wine estates and wine tastings, this is one of Portugal's most emblematic wine regions and the perfect complement to a stay in Porto.

To make the most of the city, choosing a hotel in central Porto allows you to explore many of its main attractions on foot.

Highlights

Wine tastings in the Douro Valley
A quieter historic centre
Ideal temperatures for exploring the city on foot

Coimbra

University of Coimbra

Ideal for: history, culture and heritage

Recommended stay: 2 days

Not to be missed: University of Coimbra

Coimbra takes on a special energy when the academic community returns. The city combines centuries of history with a vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for anyone interested in cultural heritage.

Visit the University of Coimbra, the Joanina Library, the Botanical Garden and the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, or walk along the banks of the Mondego before ending the day with a performance of Coimbra Fado.

Highlights

Historic attractions without long queues
A unique academic atmosphere
Coimbra Fado and a varied cultural programme

jardim da sereia coimbra

Lisbon

Arroios in Lisbon

Ideal for: city breaks

Recommended stay: 3 to 4 days

Not to be missed: Alfama and Belém

Lisbon remains bright and inviting throughout autumn, but with much more comfortable temperatures for exploring the city. It is the perfect time to wander through historic neighbourhoods, visit monuments, explore museums or simply enjoy the views from the many viewpoints overlooking the Tagus River.

From Alfama and Chiado to Baixa and Belém, each neighbourhood offers a different perspective on the Portuguese capital.

Highlights

Pleasant weather for exploring the city on foot
Monuments and museums with shorter queues
Historic neighbourhoods and a wide range of cultural experiences

Lagos

Praia do Camilo in Lagos

Ideal for: nature, the coast and mild weather

Recommended stay: 3 to 5 days

Not to be missed: Ponta da Piedade

Autumn reveals a much quieter side of the Algarve. In Lagos, the beaches and cliffs remain just as breathtaking, but the atmosphere is completely different from the busy high season.

It is an excellent time to walk along the Ponta da Piedade boardwalks, explore the historic centre, take a boat trip or simply enjoy the Algarve coast at a much more relaxed pace.

Highlights

Much quieter beaches and walking trails
Mild weather for coastal walks
Natural landscapes and traditional Algarve cuisine

Funchal

Funchal in autumn

Ideal for: nature, gardens and year-round mild weather

Recommended stay: 5 to 7 days

Not to be missed: Laurisilva Forest

Thanks to Madeira’s subtropical climate, Funchal remains an excellent choice throughout autumn. The city offers lush gardens, traditional markets, regional cuisine and easy access to the island’s famous levadas and the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For travellers seeking nature without giving up the comfort and convenience of a city, Funchal is one of Portugal’s most complete destinations at any time of year.

Highlights

Mild weather and tropical gardens
Levadas, hiking trails and unique landscapes
Regional cuisine and Madeira wine

Travelling in autumn means discovering a quieter Portugal, with more time to appreciate every landscape, city and experience. From the historic streets of Coimbra to the cliffs of Lagos, and from the gardens of Funchal to the banks of the Douro, this season reveals a different way to experience the country.

For inspiration for your next getaway, Viana do Castelo, Porto, Coimbra, Lisbon, Lagos and Funchal each offer unique reasons to travel in autumn and discover the best that every destination has to offer.