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5 Reasons to Visit Portugal This Fall

Ah, Portugal.. You never get enough of it!

Dreamy landscapes, delicious and affordable cuisine, and a warm, welcoming population. This fall, we’re off to discover Portugal at its finest: during the harvest season when vineyards are adorned in a thousand colors, and the summer crowds finally give way to a sense of calm.

Fewer tourists, more charm, and perfect temperatures to explore the country from north to south. Here are five great reasons to visit Portugal this autumn.

 

1. A Romantic Weekend in Porto

Porto, famous for its namesake wine, is one of our favorite cities with its irresistible charm, cobbled streets, colorful houses covered in azulejos, and stunning views of the Douro River. Its vibrant artistic scene, with art galleries, local artists, and international music festivals, makes it a must-visit destination.

Start your day with a tour and tasting at Porto Cálem, one of the city’s most visited wine cellars, and enjoy a delicious lunch at the 1890 Lodge de Graham, nestled among the charming old alleys.

In the afternoon, discover the secrets of Cockburns’ cellars with a private tour, and end your day in style on the rooftop terrace of Porto Cruz, where the city’s vibrant atmosphere pairs perfectly with a Porto-Tonic and the golden sunset over the Douro.

 

Photos credit: @gabriailes_mtl

 

2. A Scenic Picnic in the Douro Valley

Just an hour and a half away from Porto, the Douro Valley is a breathtaking and iconic region of northern Portugal, whose landscape, sculpted by centuries of terraced viticulture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the valley of the once isolated steep hills of the Douro, runs the majestic Rio Douro, winding between century-old vineyards that produce the famous Port and Douro wines.

Take a scenic drive with a private guide, where every bend reveals new vistas of green and golden hills in autumn, dotted with traditional quintas (wine estates).

Settle in for a picnic with a view, and soak in the serenity of the surroundings while enjoying local wines that capture the essence of this landscape—both wild and crafted by men.

Photos credit: @grabriailes_mtl

 

3. A VIP Boat Tour on the Douro River

Explore the Douro from the water with a private boat tour. This VIP experience includes wine tastings and local delicacies on board, followed by a gourmet dinner in the luxurious setting of the Relais & Château Quinta Nova vineyard and hotel, the first and only of its kind in the region, renowned for its exceptional service and high-quality wines.

It’s an unforgettable way to discover the Douro Valley from a different perspective.

 

4.  Join the Harvest in the Alentejo Region

Immerse yourself in the heart of the harvest season in Alentejo, a region southeast of Lisbon known for its rolling hills and sun-soaked vineyards. At Fitapreta estate, near the historic town of Évora, you’ll get the full experience: hand-picking grapes, discovering ancient winemaking secrets, and of course, tasting the region’s finest wines. From clay amphorae used since Roman times to local grape varieties like Aragonês and Antão Vaz, it’s a guaranteed return to the roots.

You’ll be directly involved in every step of the process, making the experience even more memorable.

 

Photos credit: @grabriailes_mtl

 

5. Explore the Talhas Wine Route

Alentejo is also famous for its Talhas wine route, a traditional winemaking method using large clay amphorae, inherited from the Romans and over 2000 years old.

In cool cellars with whitewashed walls, these imposing jars provide an authentic and historic setting, where fermentation imparts unique flavors marked by mineral notes and a silky texture.

As you travel through this hilly region dotted with olive groves, you’ll discover family-run estates like XXVI Talhas and Herdade do Rocim, where craftsmanship is passed down through generations, and winemakers welcome you warmly in a peaceful atmosphere.

 

Ready to go?

Contact us to plan a tailor-made itinerary.

Cheers,

 

Kiki

 

 

 

12 September 2024 |