The days start getting shorter and autumn begins to show up in the landscapes.

From traditional fairs and seasonal produce to film festivals, coffee, fashion and autumn walks, there are plenty of reasons to get out and explore this month.

Monthly Calendar

Commemorative Dates

5 October — Republic Day

Portugal celebrates the establishment of the Portuguese Republic on 5 October 1910. It is a national public holiday, with many museums, cultural spaces and municipalities organizing special programs around the date.

31 October — Halloween

Halloween has become increasingly popular in Portugal, with themed parties, events, activities for children and special programs taking place in cities and entertainment venues across the country.

Cultural Events

Annual Fair and Craft Show

2–11 October — Vila Franca de Xira

This annual fair celebrates Portuguese crafts and traditional knowledge with exhibitions, market stalls, regional food and entertainment. The program also includes showcookings and activities for visitors of all ages.

São Francisco Fair

3–6 October — Redondo

The Feira de São Francisco celebrates the traditions of Redondo with regional products, handicrafts, entertainment and local food. It is also a chance to discover some of the cultural traditions of this Alentejo town.

Porto Coffee Week

5–10 October — Porto

Porto Coffee Week brings coffee culture to different parts of the city through workshops, tastings, competitions, pop up events and a coffee market. It is a good pick for anyone who would rather explore Portugal through its coffee culture than its wine.

Harvest Festival

7–11 October — Vila Verde

The Harvest Festival celebrates the rural traditions of Vila Verde with agricultural activities, popular music, regional gastronomy and handicrafts. A regional products fair is also held during the event.

ModaLisboa

7–11 October — Lisbon

ModaLisboa returns with a programme dedicated to Portuguese fashion and new collections. The event brings together designers, creatives and fashion enthusiasts across several venues in Lisbon.

Feira da Praia

9–15 October — Vila Real de Santo António

One of Vila Real de Santo António’s traditional annual events, Feira da Praia brings together regional products, handicrafts, food and local commerce. The fair also includes music and entertainment throughout the week.

EDP Lisbon Marathon

10 October — Lisbon

The EDP Lisbon Marathon follows a coastal route from Cascais towards Lisbon before finishing at Praça do Comércio. Even if you are not taking part, the event offers a different way to experience the Lisbon waterfront and its surrounding areas.

Feira dos Gorazes

15–18 October — Mogadouro

With medieval origins, Feira dos Gorazes is one of the traditional events of Mogadouro. Alongside handicrafts and local products, the fair has a strong gastronomic focus with regional dishes and traditional flavors.

Feira de Santa Iria

15–25 October — Faro

Feira de Santa Iria is one of Faro’s traditional annual fairs, bringing together food stalls, entertainment, fairground attractions and local commerce. It offers a different way to experience the Algarve capital outside the summer season.

Doclisboa

15–25 October — Lisbon

Doclisboa brings national and international documentary cinema to venues across Lisbon. The festival presents contemporary films alongside discussions, special programs and different perspectives on real life stories.

Festival Nacional de Gastronomia

22 October–1 November — Santarém

The National Gastronomy Festival brings together flavours from different regions of Portugal in Santarém. Visitors can discover traditional dishes, regional products and Portuguese culinary traditions in one place.

Monthly Suggestions

October is a good time to explore autumn in Portugal.

Instead of planning around the beach, this is the time to look for local food, historic towns, autumn landscapes and cultural programs.

October Getaways

Amarante

Set along the Tâmega River, Amarante combines historic architecture, riverside walks and a strong food tradition. Its compact centre makes it easy to explore on foot and the surrounding hills offer plenty of opportunities to get outdoors.

Must visit spots:

• São Gonçalo Bridge
• São Gonçalo Church
• Amadeo de Souza Cardoso Museum
• Tâmega River

Marvão

Perched on a hilltop in the Serra de São Mamede, Marvão offers panoramic views across the Alentejo and towards Spain. Its narrow streets, whitewashed houses and castle make it particularly enjoyable to explore at a slower pace.

Must visit spots:

• Marvão Castle
• Historic Centre
• Santa Maria Church
• Nossa Senhora da Estrela Convent

Castelo de Vide

Often known for its whitewashed streets and Jewish heritage, Castelo de Vide is surrounded by the landscapes of the Serra de São Mamede. October is a good time to explore the historic centre and combine it with walks through the surrounding countryside.

Must visit spots:

• Castelo de Vide Castle
• Jewish Quarter
• Fonte da Vila
• Historic Centre

Monção

Located in the Minho near the Spanish border, Monção is closely connected to the production of Alvarinho wine. Its historic centre, thermal traditions and riverside setting make it a good option for an autumn weekend.

Must visit spots:

• Monção Fortress
• Old Town
• Thermal Park
• Minho River

October Activities

Autumn Foliage Walks

In October, Portugal’s landscapes change. Head to parks, forests and mountain areas to see the warm foliage colors and enjoy cooler temperatures.

Suggestions:

• Serra da Estrela
• Mata do Choupal
• Parque Nacional da Peneda Gerês
• Serra de São Mamede

Thermal Baths

With cooler days arriving, October is a good time to discover Portugal’s thermal baths. Spend a day at a thermal spa or combine the experience with a weekend getaway.

Suggestions:

• Termas de São Pedro do Sul
• Termas de Chaves
• Termas de Monfortinho
• Termas de Vidago

Coffee Experiences

Portugal’s coffee culture goes beyond the traditional espresso at the end of a meal. Spend an afternoon discovering independent cafés, specialty coffee shops and different ways of preparing coffee.

Try:

• Bica
• Galão
• Pingado
• Specialty coffee
• Pastel de nata with coffee

Porto Coffee Week is also taking place from 5 to 10 October, with workshops, tastings and coffee related events across the city.

Food Markets and Seasonal Produce

Autumn is a good time to explore Portugal’s local markets. Look for seasonal fruit, mushrooms, chestnuts, pumpkins and other regional products while discovering what different parts of the country have to offer.

Suggestions:

• Local municipal markets
• Farmers’ markets
• Regional food fairs
• Seasonal festivals

There is plenty to do once the summer rush is over. So, swap the beach towel for a jacket and make the most of the season.