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Fall in Portugal
04 October, 2024 | Reading Time – 5 min
Fall in Portugal is synonymous with charm and magic. The temperature drops, the landscape turns yellow and brown and life slows down.
This season is a magical time to travel, with countless activities, flavors and traditions to discover. So don’t be surprised if you smell chestnuts roasting in the streets during your fall trip to Portugal.
In that sense, this is the time when the crowds disappear, which makes it the ideal time to explore and travel around Portugal. What’s more, fall in Portugal has the gift of transforming beautiful landscapes into particularly captivating places.
Fall in Portugal has a mild temperature, and even if it’s embarrassing, the sun comes out almost every day.
By now you’re probably eager to find out what we’ve got in store for you?
Well… come and discover fall in Portugal!
Gastronomic experiences
Fall in Portugal is marked by the harvest of various products. So don’t be surprised if you find a fair or gastronomic festival around every corner where you can get to know and taste local products.
Chestnuts
An iconic moment of this season is the smell of chestnuts roasting in the streets. This is because in Portugal there is a deep-rooted tradition of eating chestnuts at this time of year. In addition, there is a festival called S. Martinho, celebrated on November 11, where the centerpiece is a bonfire and the roasting of chestnuts.
From traditional festivals to the big S. Martinho fair is held in Portimão, this is a day when you can truly experience the Portuguese spirit.
Pumpkin
One thing you need to know about Portugal is that : We love pumpkins! Yes, this vegetable is part of a variety of dishes. Especially at this time of year, as temperatures drop, there is a tendency to make soups with various vegetables, one of which is pumpkin.
In addition, there are many fairs throughout the country dedicated to this vegetable. In fact, many of them feature pumpkin competitions, where you can see pumpkins weighing over 100 kilos!
We advise you to go and see and try this wonderful and versatile vegetable.
Wine
As you’d expect, wine couldn’t be missing, not least because it’s harvest time. These seasons are the highlight of the agricultural year for wine tourism, from the north to the south of the country, the doors of the vineyards open with countless programs that allow you to get closer to this centuries-old ritual and, of course, taste this memorable drink.
If you’d like to have an experience in a vineyard and experience the whole process of harvesting and processing wine, we have the ideal option for you, take a look:
Agricultural harvests
The first weeks of October bring a traditional activity to the Portuguese countryside, the olive harvest, which gives rise to olive oil. This tradition has a huge family trait, as it’s a time for families and friends to get together to pick the olives from the trees. It’s a time-consuming process as it takes a lot of olives to make a liter of oil.
So don’t be surprised if you see huge groups of people around olive trees when you walk through more rural landscapes. It’s usually a very lively moment and they’ve certainly invited you to take part in this pleasant moment.
Known as liquid gold, this product will leave you speechless. Once you’ve tasted it, you won’t want to season your salad or grilled fish with anything else!
Olive oil is a product that is part of every Portuguese home, so it’s easy to find in a supermarket if you want to take it with you.
Autumn surfing
Surfing in the fall? Yes, it’s possible in Portugal!
The warmest seas for surfers are in September and October. Consistent waves guarantee beginners and intermediate surfers a good time. In addition, it’s in October that the world-famous big wave surfing season begins in Nazaré. Whether you’re a surfer or not, don’t miss out on this wonderful spectacle. If you’re not in Nazaré, you can enjoy great waves in Peniche or Ericeira.
Bike rides
This time of year is ideal for bike rides and can be a great way to get to know many places. It’s very common during the fall in west coast cities to see cyclists everywhere taking advantage of the cooler weather to ride the many well-mapped trails that exist there. These rides are wonderful for getting in touch with nature and enjoying the beauty of the season while feeling the fall sun and breeze.
Ah, but I’m more cosmopolitan! Very well, you can always get to know cities with a bike ride. Most of the big cities in Portugal have access for bicycles, which makes it easier for you to get around. How about a wonderful tour of Porto? We know you like the idea, so come along:
https://seecountries.com/3-hour-porto-highlights-on-a-electric-bike-guided-tour-1
Hiking
After a very hot summer, with the arrival of the first rains, nature in Portugal blossoms. Landscapes come alive with a variety of colors, birdsong is heard, life slows down to be enjoyed.
What’s more, the sunsets are even more special and captivating, with colors that will stay in your memory forever. Fall in Portugal is therefore the ideal season for hiking, without being overloaded with clothes and without feeling too hot to enjoy an early afternoon stroll.
You can try some of the trails in the south of Portugal around Carvalhal beach and Benagil. On the west coast, you can follow the coastal path known as the Fishermen’s Trail. Finally, if your trip takes you to the north of Portugal, you can follow one of the stages of the Santiago trail, from the center of Porto to the city of Matosinhos.
In short, fall in Portugal is proof that this country is not just a summer destination, but a tourist gem all year round. What’s more, it’s an extremely versatile option as it offers many different types of activities, from gastronomic to cultural and sporting.
Pack your bags, Portugal is waiting for you with open arms.
See you there!
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