Portugal in autumn also offers a rich cultural offering, stunning landscapes, plenty of history to discover and explore and relaxing moments in Lisbon and Porto. Find out more about why we recommend making Portugal the ideal choice for an autumn holiday here.
Weather
In general, the climate in Portugal is pleasantly dry and warm. If you go on holiday in autumn, you will avoid the hustle and bustle of the holiday months, but you can expect very sunny and not too hot days. On average, the Algarve enjoys over 300 days of sunshine, while the average temperature in Lisbon and Porto in October is 22°C, ideal for a city break.
Romantic weekends
Portugal is undoubtedly an extremely romantic destination. The autumnal colours of the landscape attract visitors to the countryside, which has inspired many artists over the centuries. Historic places and mansions are waiting to be explored and the Portuguese gastronomy with its famous wines and ports is popular all over the world.
Lisbon and Porto
First things first: Lisbon is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Compared to other capitals in Europe, the city is rather small, but there is much more to see and experience than you have time for. And why go to Lisbon in autumn? Because of the great climate, with 290 days of sunshine a year, the delicious cuisine, with numerous excellent restaurants, because there is a unique mix of cultures in Lisbon and hospitality is a big thing here. Like Lisbon, Porto is a city on the river just before it flows into the sea. There is also a lot to experience in Porto. Besides the numerous sights and museums, Porto is a great place to go shopping or for a delicious meal. Why should you go to Porto? The city is perfect for a city trip. There is a lot to see, the distances are short, the sea is not far away. And a glass of port wine is always good.
History and culture
Portugal offers an immense treasure trove for the historically minded visitor, with cultural assets ranging from prehistoric finds to the modern day and traces of past peoples to be admired throughout the country. Roman and Moorish occupations have left their mark on the architecture, and a multitude of castles, palaces and monasteries date back to the 12th century. The glorious era of Portuguese seafarers and explorers bequeathed the country a rich treasure trove of palaces and other buildings, some of which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
Golf
Golfing in Portugal is an experience – the over 90 golf courses in the country are unrivalled anywhere in the world. In the years 2014 to 2017, Portugal was consistently the best destination for golf and awarded the “World Golf Award”. In addition to their outstanding quality, the courses convince with their location in enchanting landscapes and views of the ocean, the cliffs or sand dunes.
Diving
If you want to discover the rich fish kingdom off the coast of Portugal, autumn is the best time of year to do so. At the most beautiful dive sites you can discover shipwrecks, reefs and even a German submarine that sank off Porto at the end of the Second World War. The clear waters of the Atlantic are home to many species, including anemones, dolphins and whales.
More tips for relaxing getaways in the fall:
Switzerland in autumn
Car Hire in Portugal
Get to know the country and its people on your own with a rental car in Portugal. Sixt in Portugal offers a dense network of stations, so that you can rent a car in many places.
