Portugal In October: Ultimate Guide With Things To Do & See [2024]

Portugal is one of the best countries you can visit in October. I visited Portugal on a month-long journey. I explored the entire country and walked the Camino Portuguese to Santiago de Compostela. Besides, one of my friends lives in Portugal (Algarve), so I also asked her to give me insights into how Portugal really is in October.

From my experience and the report of my friend living in Portugal, I’ve put together this article to learn how the country is and what you can do in October.

How Is Portugal In October?

October is one of the best months to visit Portugal. Temperatures are still high, between 20°C/68°F and 25°C/77°F, and visiting all the places you want and enjoying beaches is pleasant. The best thing about visiting it in October is fewer crowds, so you’ll have a wonderful time.

The ocean is still relatively warm, so you can go swimming.

Another advantage is that prices are significantly lower than during the summer season. October in Portugal is a shoulder season, and prices drop, so you can save a lot on accommodation and activities.

Portugal In October Weather

The weather varies depending on the place you visit. Northern Portugal gets colder than southern Portugal.

Temperatures in Porto (northern Portugal) are about 20°C/68°F and can drop to 15°C/59°F, depending on the season.

Lisbon is slightly warmer, with temperatures around 23°C/73°F. If you want to enjoy warm weather in October, go to the Algarve. It has the best temperatures, between 25°C/77°F up to 27°C/80°F.

October is still a dry month in Portugal; it might only rain for about 1 week during the entire month on average.

Reasons To Visit Portugal In Fall

There are so many reasons why you should visit this country in October that we might even conclude that it’s the best month to visit the country overall. Here is why:

• Fewer tourist crowds
• Best prices & deals
• Mild temperature
• Best opportunities for surfers
• Unique scenery
• Wine grapes harvest in Douro Valley

Fewer Tourist Crowds

As summer ends, youth return to school here in Europe, and adults start working again. And Portugal, like many other European countries, is left empty.

October isn’t the high tourism season for Portugal, yet it’s still one of the best times to visit. It’s also thanks to the fewer tourist crowds. So you get to enjoy the places better and soak up the country’s unique atmosphere.

Best Prices & Deals

The prices are also decreasing significantly, thanks to the end of the high season. Usually, locals still try to attract some visitors, yet it is harder than during the summer season. That’s the reason why prices are lower. So you can enjoy it in October, the best month, with great deals.

Mild Temperature

If you are not the biggest fan of the heat, October is generally the best month to visit southern Europe. Temperatures are not super high, yet it is still comfortable and warm.

For example, it can get up to 23°C/73°F during the day in Portugal. Nights are a little chilly, around 15°C/59°F, which is still pretty warm.

So you can enjoy warm weather while it’s already getting pretty cold in other parts of Europe (Central and North).

Best Opportunities For Surfers

Portugal also offers the best opportunity for surfing enthusiasts. The waves are the best in October and some of the biggest. So if you are a beginner, I don’t recommend sticking only to surfing when visiting the country in October.

But if you seek more adrenaline, this is the month to visit the country. Scroll below to find out the best beaches for surfing in Portugal.

Surfing is also one of the best activities even if you plan to visit Portugal in winter.

Unique Scenery

As autumn turns in, the landscape changes colors, grapes are ready to be harvested, and everything looks more magical. Doing a train ride across the country can be one of the trip ideas for your visit.

Wine Grapes Harvest In Douro Valley

Lastly, Portugal is famous for its delicious dessert wine, Porto. One activity that must be on your Portugal bucket list is visiting the wine cellars, tasting wine, and making a day trip to the Douro Valley, where the grapes are grown.

October creates one of the experiences as it’s the month of grape harvesting. So you can make a unique trip from Porto to the Douro Valley and experience it in real.

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Top 8 Things To Do In Portugal In October

Portugal attracts visitors all year round with many things to do. However, there are some highlights I want to point out to you if you’re visiting the country in October.

These are the top 8 things to do in October in Portugal:

1. Visit Fátima & Its Festival
2. Complete Camino De Santiago
3. Go Surfing
4. Experience Grape Harvesting In The Douro Valley
5. Explore Algarve
6. See Faro & Natural Parks
7. Visit Sintra National Park
8. Get Lost In Historical Towns

Each is different and has its purpose. So whether you’re a history lover or a religious traveler looking for a beach vacation, adrenaline, and stunning places, you’ll find some spots to visit.

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a city to be visited at any time, so I haven’t included it on this list. But make sure to see the city at some point, too.

1. Visit Fátima & Its Festival

Fátima is one of the most popular places to visit in Portugal. It’s a famous pilgrimage destination in Europe with a special atmosphere. Even if you are not religious, it’s well worth visiting.

Fátima has been known for the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to the three local children. She tried to spread a message about Jesus worldwide by talking to them.

October is a unique month to visit the place thanks to the Fátima Festival. The first apparition happened on the 13th of October, 1917, and the Virgin Mary has been honored here with the celebrations.

Experience the unique atmosphere of Fátima and its festival. Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima and sit for a good coffee with a local croissant to take it all in.

TOP EXPERIENCE:
➡ Full-Day Fatima Tour From Lisbon

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Portugal itinerary 10 Days

2. Complete Camino De Santiago

Speaking about pilgrimages, Portugal is also one of the countries hosting the so-called Camino de Santiago, the pilgrim’s way to Santiago de Compostela. The original journey runs through Spain. However, there is Camino Portuguese that you can do. It’s, indeed, one of the most beautiful pilgrimages in Europe.

Camino Portugal starts in Porto, the northern part of Portugal. It follows a coastal way, stopping at charming towns with stunning views and unique cultures. You’ll also walk through the most stunning beaches in Portugal, including the incredible 18-km-long Praia da Amorosa.

Ultimately, you can be excited to watch thousands of kite surfers trying to catch the wind. It then comes to the small town of Caminha, bordering Spain.

The Camino Portuguese takes about 14 days, and October is one the best months to complete. It’s not so hot anymore and way less crowded, which makes up for a perfect pilgrimage.

PRO TIP: I’ve done the pilgrimage 3 times – The French Camino, The Northern Camino, and the Portuguese Camino. So let me know if you have any questions and need further tips.

3. Go Surfing

Portugal is generally well-known for its best surfing spots. October is one of the best months for surfers since the waves get much bigger.

If you are looking for some adventure on a surf, check out the following great beaches in Portugal:

✅ Praia do Norte – gigantic waves
✅ Praia do Amado – good also for beginners
✅ Praia do Cabedelo
✅ Around Ericeria Village (Foz do Lizandro, Coxos, Pedra Branca)
✅ Sagres
✅ Praia de Carcavelos
✅ Guincho, Cascais – good also for beginners
✅ Praia da Amorosa – kite-surfing paradise

TOP EXPERIENCES:
➡ Surfing Lesson From Lisbon (With A Guide)
➡ Surfing Lesson From Porto (With A Guide)

4. Experience Grape Harvesting In The Douro Valley

Portugal is mainly famous thanks to its delicious dessert wine, Porto. It originates in the Douro Valley, close to Porto city. In October, you can experience grape harvesting and wine production in real-time.

Learn how locals make this unique wine directly on the spot, drink some samples, and taste local products. After, hop on a boat that’ll take you back to Porto. It’s a perfect day trip from Porto, and October brings unique experiences.

Porto also deserves special attention. It’s one of my favorite cities in Portugal. Stroll through the small streets of the old town, enjoy delicious food, and hang out in the Ribeira district in the evening.

TOP EXPERIENCES:
➡ Douro Valley Boat Tour With Wine Tasting & Lunch
➡ Porto: 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise

5. Explore Algarve

The Algarve is beautiful all year round. So, if you visit Portugal, you must include it on your itinerary. Algarve is the main destination for beach lovers, those seeking to relax, good food, and exclusive hotels for a vacation. So you can imagine, in the summertime, it’s very crowded.

October offers a unique opportunity to experience it, almost empty yet still charming. Wake up to a calm morning, go for a walk or a run on the Algarve beaches. Enjoy great food and relax. In the evening, stare at the beautiful sunset and enjoy a glass of wine on the southern coast of Portugal.

You can even swim in the sea, which usually has mild temperatures at this time of the year. So enjoy a late beach vacation in Portugal, even in October, if you can’t make it earlier.

I highly recommend visiting the following locations in the Algarve:

📍 Lagos
📍 Portimão
📍 Carvoeiro – Algar Seco boardwalk
📍 Praia da Marinha
📍 Algar de Benagil
📍 Armação de Pera

TOP EXPERIENCES:
➡ Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour (From Portimão)
➡ Guided Kayak Tour From Lagos

👉 READ ALSO: 17 Best Algarve Beaches In Portugal

6. See Faro & Natural Parks

While visiting the Algarve, you must also make it to Faro. As the capital of the Algarve, it has a lot to offer.

Start your day on a local ‘Mercado’ with fresh coffee and experience how locals shop for their goods. Then, see fresh fish and bread, and get a delicious croissant. Afterward, take a walking tour of the old town, visit the Sé Cathedral, and learn about its history.

Another day, you can do a day trip to the natural parks of Ria Formosa. Take a boat from Faro, go bird watching, see aqua birds, and stop on local beaches for the afternoon.

TOP EXPERIENCES:
➡ Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour
➡ Dolphin & Wildlife Watching

7. Visit Sintra National Park

Sintra can sound like a cliche, but it’s a must-see, too. It used to play an essential political role in the country during the monarchy. The town is very romantic, thanks to its charming castles.

Unfortunately, they get very crowded in summer, so we’re back with why you should visit the country in October. Sintra will be more enjoyable.

You can take a train from Lisbon, only about 45 minutes. After doing a castle tour, visit the following:

✅ Pena National Palace
✅ Castle of the Moors
✅ Quinta da Regaleira
✅ Sintra National Palace

Then, spend some time in the center, shopping for souvenirs, or just wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere. You’ll have the entire place and feel like a monarch.

I also highly recommend visiting Cabo da Roca and the nearby beach Praia da Ursa.

TOP EXPERIENCES:
➡ Pena Palace, Sintra & Cabo Da Roca Tour (From Lisbon)
➡ Sintra: E-Bike Self Guide Tour

8. Get Lost In Historical Towns

If you’re a history lover, there are 3 Portuguese cities that you can’t miss during your visit. They are all reachable from Porto, so you can make it as a day trip. Or make it a 3-day itinerary around Porto, seeing all the three cities:

📍 Guimarães
📍 Braga
📍 Viana Do Castelo

📍 Guimarães 📍

The first one is Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal. This is where Alfonso I., the first King of Portugal, was born in the 12th century. It became the place from where he ruled the country. You can visit its castle, stroll through its cobblestone streets, and drink coffee while people-watching.

📍 Braga 📍

The second city you shouldn’t miss is Braga. Located only 25km from Guimarães (a 24-minute drive), you can visit both in one day.

Braga is one of the most impressive cities in the country, competing with Porto and Lisbon. It has young vibes, the oldest cathedral in Portugal, and many shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Another popular spot is the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, just outside the city. Climb the stairs for the stunning view of the region, as it’s built on the top of a hill, surrounded by gardens.

📍 Viana do Castelo 📍

The third historical city on the list is Viana do Castelo. This place is special thanks to its charming Basilica Santa Luzia, also built on the top of the hill. You can either climb the thousands of steps or take a funicular up to the top. The views are spectacular.

Then, explore the ship of Gil Ennanes, which used to serve as a hospital.

Finally, try the local specialty ‘Bola,’ a huge donut stuffed with cream or chocolate. So delicious.

A Week In Portugal During October

Let me plan your perfect week itinerary in October for you. If you can’t decide where to go and what to visit, I would do this.

With this itinerary, you’ll visit the most exciting places, immerse yourself in the local culture, taste delicious food, and spend some time at the beautiful beaches in the Algarve.

So take it and travel without much planning:

➡	Start Of The 1-Week Portugal Itinerary
0. DAY: Arrive In Porto	Fly to Porto and check in to your accommodation. Go to the Ribeira, enjoy delicious food, and taste local Porto wine in the evening.
1. DAY: Porto	Visit the sights of Porto, stroll through its streets, admire beautiful churches with blue tiles, and eat a local Franceshina sandwich.
2. DAY: Douro Valley	Make a day trip to the Douro Valley to experience grape harvesting. Visit local wineries, learn about the wine production, and taste some of the best samples of dessert wine Porto.
3. DAY: Lisbon	Make your way down to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Visit the most important sights and don’t miss the Belem district. Try traditional Pastel de Nata or participate in a cooking class.
4. DAY: Sintra	Make a day trip to see the palaces of Sintra from Lisbon. Experience some of the most beautiful castles in the world, and travel to the end of the world – Cabo da Roca.
5. DAY: Algarve	Travel from Lisbon to Algarve. I recommend staying in Portimao to enjoy some of the best beaches in the Algarve. Have a proper beach vacation for a while.
6. DAY: Algarve	Make your way to Carvoeiro and walk the famous boardwalk to Algar Seco. Admire stunning rock formations and get lost in the local caves. After, go kayaking and visit Benagil Cave.
7. DAY: Algarve	Spend the last day enjoying the southern coastline of Portugal. Visit Praia Da Marinha (the most beautiful beach) or travel to Faro and connect with locals in the food market.
➡	End Of The 1-Week Portugal Itinerary

Practical Tips For Visiting Portugal

Here are some further tips to help you plan your visit to Portugal in the fall. I’ve put together a list of places, what you should wear, events that are organized at this time of the year, and where to stay. So check it out.

Where To Go In October In Portugal

I recommend you visit the following places to get the most out of Portugal in autumn. But first, choose the reason why you would visit the country.

Is it because you want to taste delicious wine and experience the grape harvest, or do you want to catch the sun and spend somewhere warm on a beach, or do you want to visit big cities and experience local culture?

Check with yourself what the reason for your visit is, and then choose one of these places:

📍 Porto – city, history & culture
📍 Lisbon – city, history & culture
📍 Braga – city, history & culture
📍 Douro Valley – wine tasting
📍 Viana Do Castelo – surfing
📍 Sintra – history
📍 Algarve – warm weather & beaches

October Events & Festivals In Portugal

October in Portugal means great weather, low prices, and fewer tourist crowds. But it’s also a great month to experience some of the local events and festivals.

So here you have the most exciting festivals that are organized in October. It’s so much fun attending these, so you can plan your itinerary to participate in one of them:

DATE	FESTIVAL	WHERE
4th – 10th October	Costa del Folk	Albufeira (Algarve)
12th – 13th October	Miracle Of The Sun	Fátima
13th – 22th October	Feria de Santa Iria	Tomar
21st October – 1st November	National Gastronomic Festival	Santarém

What To Wear In October In Portugal

You can wear everything what you’d wear in the summertime when visiting this country in October. Temperatures are still warm, especially in the southern part of the country. If you’re visiting the north, pack a jumper, jacket, and long-sleeve clothes if it gets colder at night.

Generally speaking, you can wear summer clothes in October in Portugal. In case it gets colder, bring some light long-sleeve clothes.

Where To Stay In Portugal In Fall

As with other aspects of your trip, I recommend you choose activities and things you want to do in Portugal, then choose the base where you’ll stay.

Below, I’m giving you the best places to stay in October in Portugal. Each is the perfect base to explore the surroundings, whether you want wine tasting from Porto, visit Sintra and its palaces from Lisbon, or enjoy the Algarve beaches.

Porto

Porto offers the perfect cultural and historical stay in Portugal. It’s the best city to start your itinerary and get to know the country. Besides, you can make a day trip to the Douro Valley, experience grape harvest, visit some of the best wineries, and try delicious local wine.

Here are my top hotel recommendations in Porto for you:

➡ Hotel Carris Porto Ribeira – book here
➡ White Box Boutique House – book here
➡ ABC Hotel Porto – Boavista – book here

Lisbon

If you want to visit the capital city of Portugal, learn about the history and culture, and try traditional Pastel de Nata, stay in Lisbon. In addition, you can make a wonderful day trip to Sintra and visit its palaces or spend some time on the nearby beaches.

I suggest booking one of these hotels in Lisbon:

➡ Inn Chiado Prime Suites – book here
➡ 54 Sao Paulo – book here
➡ The Emerald House Lisbon – book here

Viana Do Castelo

Are you a surfing fan looking for the best spots to enjoy big waves? Come to Viana Do Castelo. Praia Da Amorosa, a stunning beach right next to the town, offers some of the best conditions for windsurfing.

Or you can go to other nearby beaches for surfing and enjoy huge waves even in October.

You can stay in one of these hotels in Viana Do Castelo:

➡ Ap Dona Aninhas – book here
➡ Axis Viana Business & Spa Hotel – book here
➡ Pousada de Viana do Castelo – book here

Portimão

Book a stay in Portimão to enjoy some of the best beaches. Enjoy a beach holiday and admire stunning rock formations with caves in southern Portugal. Make a day trip to the Carvoeiro boardwalk, Algar Seco, or the famous Benagil Caves.

Here are some of my top hotel picks for Portimão:

➡ Concorde Sea View – book here
➡ AP Oriental Beach – book here
➡ Bela Vista Hotel & Spa – book here

Faro

Another great location in the Algarve is Faro. It has an airport and is close to Spain, so it’s easy to get there. You can enjoy many beautiful beaches from Faro, including Praia da Marinha. Or visit Ria Formosa Natural Park and go bird watching.

Book one of these hotels if you decide to stay in Faro:

➡ Ria Formosa Guest House – book here
➡ Lemon Tree Stay – book here
➡ Roots Hotel – book here

FAQs

I’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions. They’ll help you decide whether Portugal is really worth visiting at this time of the year. So keep reading.

Is October A Good Time To Visit Portugal?

Yes, October is a great month to visit Portugal. Temperatures are mild and the southern part of Portugal, the Algarve, is still warm so you can go swimming. The weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds than during the summertime. So you’ll have everything for yourself and get to enjoy the places fully.

Is Portugal Still Hot In October?

Yes, Portugal is still hot in October. While temperatures might drop in northern Portugal, the Algarve, southern Portugal, still experiences hot temperatures. It ranges between 23°C/73°F to 26°C/78°F. You can still enjoy the summer vibe and go swimming.

What Part Of Portugal Is Best In October?

Algarve, southern Portugal, is the best in October. Temperatures are around 25°C/77°F on average, so it’s still warm. You can also go swimming and do many activities such as kayaking, boat trips, and hiking around the stunning rock formations.

Can I Swim In October In Portugal?

Yes, you can swim in October in Portugal. The ocean is still warm, especially in the Algarve, the southern part of the country. The water temperature in October in the Algarve is 21°C/70°F

WRAP-UP: October In Portugal

This is what October in Portugal looks like. I hope it gave you a good overview of the best things you can do in the country. It’s one of the most special times to visit, so take advantage of it.

If you have any questions or need further tips, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I can also create a customized itinerary for Portugal based on your travel needs and interests. So get in touch.

Happy travels!