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

27 July De 2026

Travelling around Portugal in autumn offers a different way to experience the country. Temperatures are more comfortable for exploring cities, walking trails and enjoying natural landscapes, while fewer visitors make many destinations noticeably quieter.

It is also an excellent time to discover regional cuisine, enjoy cultural events and plan shorter getaways at a more relaxed pace.

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 with the return of the academic community. 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.

If you would like to plan your visit in more detail, discover our Coimbra in 2 Days itinerary, with suggestions for exploring the city through its history, flavours and the Mondego.

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, with much more comfortable temperatures for exploring the city on foot. It is an excellent choice for a city break at this time of year, with more time to wander through historic neighbourhoods, visit monuments and museums or simply enjoy the viewpoints overlooking the Tagus River.

From Alfama and Chiado to Baixa and Belém, each neighbourhood offers a different perspective on the Portuguese capital, combining heritage, culture, gastronomy and urban life.

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 striking, but the atmosphere is far calmer than during the high season, creating ideal conditions for discovering the coast at a more relaxed pace.

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 landscape and local cuisine with fewer crowds.

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 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 combines lush gardens, traditional markets and regional cuisine with 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 this time of year, making it easy to combine city life, sea, mountains and hiking in a single trip.

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, from the gardens of Funchal to the banks of the Douro, this season reveals very different ways to experience the country.

If you are looking for inspiration for your next getaway, discover the destinations of The Editory Collection Hotels and find the ideal starting point for travelling around Portugal in autumn.