Best Spots to See Fall Foliage in Portugal

The time of the year around September-November when the leaves of the trees start changing color from shades of green to mesmerizing shades of red, orange, gold, and rust and present an enriched version of the beauty of nature is the perfect time to travel. Traveling to Portugal, which is well known for its well-preserved beauty of nature, and witnessing the beauty of the fall foliage in Portugal would add an amazing charm to your trip. Portugal is one of the warmest and sunniest European countries so around this time of the year when the sweltering heat of summers has subsided, the weather is at its best, the prices drop, and the crowds thin out making it the perfect time to travel and explore! So let us explore different places in this region which should be on your list while planning your trip.

Peneda-Gerês National Park

 

Peneda-Geres National park also known as Geres is the first and only national park in this region. Visiting this park in the fall is a breathtaking experience. You get to enjoy nature and many fall activities such as hiking, boating, horseback riding, and camping in a calm and serene countryside environment. There is so much to explore a new trail, stony hills, mountains, rivers with waterfalls and not to forget small villages with typical houses and friendly people. If you want to immerse in Portuguese culture while also enjoying nature, this is the best place to be. Don’t forget to pack in some warm clothes as evenings are usually cool.

Douro Valley

 

A UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site Douro Valley, located at a distance of 3hrs and 25 mins from Porto should be on your bucket list, as it turns spectacular as the splashes of beautiful autumnal colors take over it.  This is the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. The rows of widespread vineyards turning the colors to red, yellow, and gold present the most encaptivating scenic view. You can visit a winery and dine at one of the fine gastronomic restaurants here. This trip to Douro valley would turn into one of the most memorable experiences in Portugal so you should not miss it for sure.

Serra da Estrela

 

In Serra da Estrela you will not only discover the highest mountains of mainland Portugal but also one of the largest national parks in Portugal. So embrace yourself to witness the glory of nature, the lush golden forest, beautiful pastureland, mountain springs, and much more. The delightful small town of Belmonte makes an excellent base camp for the explorers. You can also visit the ancient Village of Piodao. The stacked arrangements of houses are much like an amphitheater and at night, when the lights are turned on, the village looks magnificent. Alongside also pack some warm clothes as the weather can turn chilly given the humidity and wind.

Lisbon

 

Lisbon, one of the sunniest and liveliest capital cities of Europe, turns the beautiful shades of red, yellow, and gold as autumn approaches. September-October is the best time to enjoy Lisbon as the temperature also turns mild and you can stroll in the beautiful neighborhood lined with honey-colored trees. The city has a lot to offer from its rich historical background, enticing coastline to the fantastic wineries of its countryside, waiting to be explored.

Sintra

 

Sintra, located at a short distance of 27 km from Lisbon by train, is the best getaway offering a calm and serene environment. With its rolling hills and awe-inspiring palaces and castles, the historic resort town of Sintra gets you to believe that fairy tales are real. While exploring the town of Sintra leaves you awe-struck with its historic architecture and beautiful tree-lined streets endowing with t a magical feel, the mountain range of Sintra provides a window to breathtaking landscapes. Visiting Sintra is a pleasure all year round but autumnal colors add a different charm to the beauty of this place.

Serra da Arrábida

 

Serra da Arrabida located on the opposite bank of river Tejo on a short 45 mins drive from the city of Lisbon is again a popular destination in Portugal. The beauty of its thick dense forests and golden coastline becomes much more admirable during the fall season. If you are looking to spend a relaxing day at the beach followed by a hike on the best trails offering the finest scenery of the coastline beaches from the peaks, Serra da Arrabida has it all.

Final Words

 

Experiencing these enticing places enthralling with natural beauty and captivating sceneries would make you want to come back to relive the aesthetics of fall foliage in Portugal. So if you are looking to plan a trip this fall season, Portugal should undoubtedly be it. Are you ready to explore Portugal on your next trip in the fall season?