As the beach months fade, I long for a destination distinct with medieval allure and captivating landscapes, and I often find my way to the oldest city in Europe– Portugal.
What is Portugal like in September?
With fewer tourists and a mild temperature in September in Portugal, the marvelous Azores Islands let outdoor enthusiasts like me experience incredible hiking views, while the beautiful Portuguese culture charms every tourist at various festivals as they travel Portugal.
In this post, I’ll share with you my favorite places and things to do in Portugal in September that you’ll rarely find elsewhere, with recommendations for making the most of Portugal.
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Overview: Things to do in Portugal in September
- Go wine tasting in Douro Valley
- Go whale watching in Pico Island
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sintra
- Explore Algarve beaches
- Visit the historic sites of Evora
1. Attend the Festa do Avante in Seixal
One of the most anticipated things to do in Portugal in September is the Festa do Avante in Seixal.
Started in 1976, it’s held around the first weekend of September, showcasing a celebration of culture, politics, and Portuguese arts.
That said, you can expect an entire weekend of concerts highlighting local and international artists’ music performances, theatre (Avanteatro), cinema (Cineavante), debates, and tasting the best of traditional cuisines.
Festa do Avante draws an average of 100,000 visitors annually.
Attending such a packed event had its share of stressful moments, so I learned to stick with two things: coming early and staying hydrated.
2. Explore the Douro Valley Vineyards During Harvest Season
From Porto, the winery or Quinta tour was one of the special activities I loved in Portugal, particularly during the harvest season in Douro Valley– home to the famous sweet and red Port wine.
Depending on the average weather in Portugal in September and the whole year, the harvest season often falls in the second half of September.
You can participate in the winemaking process, which includes grape handpicking and joyous grape stomping.
Some of the wineries I found offering these oldest winemaking traditions in Portugal are Quinta do Popa and Quinta do Seixo.
Don’t miss this activity among things to do in Northern Portugal!
Book a Douro Valley wine tour here
3. Discover the Azores’ Natural Wonders
Nestled in the North Atlantic ocean, the Azores Archipelago is home to Portugal’s natural wonders.
It is every nature enthusiast’s haven with nine extraordinary small islands and 26 active volcanoes.
Pico Island is one of the largest whale shelters where you can embark on a whale watching experience from Lajes and spot several whale species, while in Furnas, the volcanic hot springs at Poça da Dona Beija will soothe you with iron-rich waters.
I thought I had already seen a lot, but only when I traversed through the perimeter of a volcanic cone named Caldeira do Faial, where I admired an epic ocean view. It is one of the best Azores hiking trails!
For more Azores adventures, find out things to do in Ponta Delgada.
4. Visit the Feira de São Mateus in Viseu
Feira de São Mateus in Viseu is the perfect opportunity for those looking for an authentic Portuguese festival.
It’s the oldest Portuguese fair, dating back to 1392. It started as a local trading hub and later became a vibrant cultural event.
Concerts, cultural activities, and Portuguese gastronomy are the key attractions that draw tourists to Feira de São Mateus.
Hear the expressive traditional music Fado, explore the handicraft markets, and savor Portuguese dishes like leitão (suckling pig.)
I look forward to attending the festival again, though I overspent back then when it could be budget-friendly.
To make the most without hurting your pocket, plan a budget and check their official website for possible discounts.
5. Experience the Nazaré Big Wave Surfing
Who would have thought a tiny fishing village would put Portugal on the map?
Now attracting professional surfers, photographers, and spectators, Nazare was a sleepy seaside hamlet with an obscure 16th-century fortress.
Famous surfers typically come or live near Nazare in winter to ride one of the world’s biggest and scariest waves.
It is where Garrett McNamara tamed a mind-blowing 78ft monster swell that put him in the Guinness World Record.
Praia do Sul (South Beach) is Nazare’s main beach, but since I wanted to experience the awe of watching an enormous blast of waves during calmer weather in Portugal in September, I went for a Nazare tour to Praia do Norte.
Book a Nazare tour here
6. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sintra
If you are visiting Lisbon in September, never miss the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sintra and journey through time in the stunning palaces, ancient castles, and an old town with meandering streets and traditional houses.
I was fascinated by Pena Palace’s eclectic architecture, which featured intricate stucco and murals, and by the medieval allure of the 8th-century Moorish Castle.
On the western side, the Quinta da Regaleira Palace highlights mystical gardens that depict ancient secretive rites and mysteries.
After joining a full day tour in Sintra, I felt the wonder of standing at the edge of the continent by heading to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe accessible in Sintra.
7. Take a River Cruise on the Guadiana River
Another unique experience you’ll love when visiting Portugal in September is the river cruise on the Guadiana River.
Meandering its way through picturesque landscapes and villages, the river is a natural boundary separating Extremadura and Andalusia (Spain) from Alentejo and Algarve (Portugal.)
It was like sailing through Portugal’s rich past as the tour passed through the medieval towns of Castro Marim, Alcoutim, and Mértola, while live Portuguese music serenaded tourists onboard.
I experienced a fantastic Guadiana River Cruise from Vila Real de Santo Antonio in the Algarve, which moored at Foz de Odeleite, a small village boasting natural and cultural beauty.
Book Guadiana River Cruise here
8. Join the Grape Harvest Festival in Madeira
Typically held in the first two weeks of September, Madeira‘s 400-year-old grape harvest tradition and the wine festival are highly anticipated on the island.
The celebration happens in the streets of Funchal and rural estates.
You’ll enjoy downtown entertainment, vineyard tours, and wine tasting, where you can taste a variety of fortified wines, which the region is known for.
If there’s one event I can’t afford to miss, it’s the live harvest at Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, when locals and tourists get together to dance and sing at the end of the harvest.
Before accommodations go fully booked for the festival, look for Airbnbs in Portugal or Airbnb villas in Portugal.
9. Discover the Hidden Beaches of the Algarve
Is Portugal hot in September?
While not as hot as the summer peaks, the September weather in Algarve will still let you feel the summer breeze, especially on its beautiful golden coasts.
Algarve has some of the most impressive hidden beaches in Portugal and Europe like Praia da Marinha. It’s surrounded by cliffs and fascinating rock formations.
Nearby, I walked through a tunnel dug in the rock to find another secret beach, Praia do Carvalho in Lagoa.
Explore Algarve coastlines by kayak or discover secluded beaches through small modern grotto boats that pass through awe-inspiring arches and caves like Praia de Benagil.
Book an Algarve kayak tour
10. Explore the Historic City of Évora
A remembrance of Portugal’s golden era, the historic city of Evora brims with spectacular monuments.
Some of these date back more than twenty centuries, making Alentejo a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the reasons to visit.
Dubbed as the museum city, your Evora tour must include the ruins of a Roman Temple, which still stands imposing in one of the highest spots of the town, the Chapel of Bones in Sao Francisco Church, and the cathedral, which I consider as the most remarkable medieval structure in Evora.
I also explored the surrounding prehistoric sites and medieval towns. Note that many attractions are closed on Mondays. – Book your Evora city tour here
11. Attend the Porto Book Fair
For about 80 years, from the last week of August to the second week of September, book lovers have enjoyed more than books at the Porto Book Fair.
Usually held in the green Gardens of the Crystal Palace near the Art District, the fair has presented more than 100 exhibitors annually, which include publishers and booksellers with numerous exhibition pavilions.
Whenever I plan to join the fair, I look out for author signings, book launches, and literary events like poetry recitals.
The fair attracts bookaholics, but everyone is welcome as the event organizes concerts and kids’ activities.
12. Visit the Berlengas Archipelago
Lie west of Cabo Carvoeiro in Peniche, the granite archipelago of Berlengas is rich with marine fauna and different bird species, including herring gulls and peregrine falcons.
No wonder UNESCO declared it a World Biosphere Reserve!
With its scenic beauty and incredible caves, I had an unforgettable hiking adventure on its more-than-a-mile trail.
The Duque de Brangança lighthouse and the Fort of São João Baptista das Berlengas are must-see places.
Snorkeling and boat tours from Peniche are among the activities you’ll enjoy around these three-islet islands. To help protect Berlengas, take nothing but pictures!
Book boat tours to Berlengas here
My final thoughts on Portugal in September
If you’re looking for a destination that’s different from your usual, I highly recommend Portugal as your next stop in September.
The marvelous islands of Portugal, from the Azores to Berlengas, will inspire you with their undisturbed natural attractions, while the varied festivals in September highlight heritage that goes back to ancient times.
What is your unique travel experience in Portugal? Please share your thoughts in the comments or on my Instagram and Facebook pages.
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Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together!
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