In autumn, nature in Portugal gains a special beauty. The deciduous trees transform into true masterpieces of colors like paintings of yellow, red and orange, and there are some trails that allow you to fully appreciate this natural spectacle. In this article, we’ve highlighted some of the best Autumn Destinations that you can explore on foot.
1. Serra da Lousã: Schist Villages trail
The Serra da Lousã is one of the most iconic places for those who want to experience autumn to the fullest. In this sense, its slopes are covered with chestnut trees and oaks, whose leaves change color, creating breathtaking landscapes. Therefore, the Schist Villages Trail its ideal to roam these forests.
This trail has arround 6km, and swings by villages like Talasnal and Cerdeira, surrounded by a dense forest of deciduous trees, especially chestnut trees. During the autumn, the ground is covered with golden leaves, and the fresh air carries that distinctive scent of the season.
In addiction, during this season, the deer rut, is happening, meaning that you could be lucky enough to see and hear the deer, in their mating ritual.
Candal – Lousã
2. Serra do Gerês: Mata da Albergaria Trail
In Gerês National Park, the Mata da Albergaria is the queen of autumn hikes, and one of our favorite spots all year round. However, it is one of the most stunning areas to admire the colors of autumn. This protected area is filled with oaks and alders, which in autumn take on shades of yellow and gold
The Mata da Albergaria Trail (approximately 4 km) is perfect for those who want a peaceful walk among centenary trees, with the sound of streams accompanying the path. The autumn landscape here is truly breathtaking. An interesting fact about this trail is that you’ll be walking on the famous Geira Romana. A Roman road that connected Braga to Asturias
Mata da Albergaria
3. Serra da Estrela: Covão d’ Ametade
The Serra da Estrela you may find several trail options that are magical in autumn due to their deciduous vegetation. One of the most beautiful spots, in our opinion, to see the autumn colors is the Covão d’ AmetadeIn other words, it's no coincidence that we visit this place when we go as a group for the Faias Route.
Visiting this place is already a glimpse of autumn like few others in our country. However, if you want to take a walk, and since there isn’t an official trail that’s easy to follow, especially at this time of year, walk along the Zêzere river and around the entire area so you can experience the magnificent landscape from different angles.
Covão d’ametade
4. Serra do Açor: Piódão Trail
The Serra do Açor you can find one of the richest regions in terms of deciduous vegetation. The Piodão Trail (around 10 km) is a great way to explore this mountain range and its typical villages while admiring the colors of the autumn.
The trail passes through areas of chestnut and oak trees, with the leaves changing color as you move along the path. Additionally, the contrast of the Schist Villages with the autumn landscape makes this walk an unmissable experience in this season. You can shorten the trail by heading straight to Foz d’egua and returning to Piodão resulting in a trail of just 5 km.
Piodão
5. Mata Nacional do Bussaco: Floresta Relíquia and Via Sacra Trails
The Mata Nacional do Bussaco, near Coimbra, you will find a charming place to experience the autumn in Portugal. Above all, this place is a forest rich in biodiversity, with a mix of exotic and native trees, including oaks, chestnuts, and beeches. In autumn, its trails are surrounded by fallen leaves and vibrant colors.
The Floresta Reliquia Trail and Via Sacra Trail are the trails we recommend for a hike of autumnThese trails are linear but short (meaning you’ll need to go back the same way, but the distance is still manageable) and take you through some of the densest areas of the forest, such as the Vale dos Fetos, where large trees and lush vegetation create a true palette of colors. Additionally, the Santa Cruz do Bussaco Monastery n the heart of the forest adds a mystical touch to the experience, making it even more special. Although it is a fantastic destination year-round, it stands out as one of the best autumn destinations in Portugal.
Floresta relíquia – Bussaco
6. Montesinho Natural Park: Via Romana Trail
The Montesinho Natural Park, located in Bragançais one of the least explored destinations in Portugal, but it is especially stunning in the Autumn, , and it’s definitely worth a visit. This region is characterized by great biodiversity and forests of oaks and chestnut trees that take on fantastic colors at this time of year. There are numerous trails, and it's hard to choose just one. But... here we go!
The Via Romana Trail (approximately 10 km) is our recommendation for exploring a bit of the park. This route takes you along old stone paths, passing through dense forests and traditional Transmontano villages. The landscapes are marked by the contrast between the green of the pine forests and the red and gold tones of the deciduous trees. An interesting fact about this trail is that it is part of the Geira Romana that connected Braga to Asturias in Roman times
trilho da via romana
7. Serra de São Mamede: Marvão Trail
The Serra de São Mamede, in Alto Alentejois a unique destination to admire autumn, especially because it combines mountains, forests, and historic villages such as Marvão . This mountain range is rich in deciduous vegetation, especially chestnut trees, which paint the slopes in golden hues during this season.
The Marvão Trail (around 8 km) offers stunning views of the mountain range, combining nature and culture. Along the route, you'll pass through lush forests of chestnut and cork oak trees, with the castle of Marvão in the horizon.The autumn atmosphere makes the scenery even more enchanting, with the contrast between the vegetation and the historical buildings. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Castelo de Vide, and cross one of the most beautiful roads in the country.
Marvão Trail
8. Montesinho Natural Park – Rio de Onor (Lado Português)
Rio de Onorone of the most picturesque villages in Portugal, located in Montesinho Natural Park, it's one of the best Autumn Destinations, in Portugal. In other words, the village is surrounded by deciduous forests, especially oaks and chestnut trees,, which transform into a true painting of golden and red hues during this time of year.
Besides that, in the Portuguese Side of Rio de Onor, you can take a relaxed trail with arround 7 km, that swings through the village and by its forest surroundingsThe trail follows along the river, crossing rustic bridges and passing through dense forests where the autumn colors are absolutely breathtaking. This is the perfect spot for those seeking an authentic and calm experience,, away from the stress, with the village divided between Portugal and Spain adding an unique cultural tone to the adventure.
Rio de Onor
9. Serra da Estrela: Faias Route
The Faias Rota, in Serra da Estrela,is one of the most magical trails to explore in the autumn. That’s why it’s no surprise that it is also the most famous and attracts the most visitors. This 6 km walk takes you through an enchanting landscape of beeches that, at this time of year, dress in golden, orange, and red hues. It’s a true spectacle of colors that only autumn can offer.
The trail passes through a dense beech forest, with the ground covered in fallen leaves, creating an almost fairy-tale atmosphere. Despite being a trail with heavy foot traffic in the autumnwe couldn’t leave it off our list, as it truly is an extraordinary experience.
10 – Serra do Açor – Maragança Forest
The Maragança Forest, in Serra do Açor, it's one of the best Autumn Destinations, in Portugal. Although little known, this trail is a true haven for those who want to see the colors of the season in all their glory.
Thus, with a route of about 8 km, the walk through the Maragança Forest , offers spectacular views of oaks and chestnut trees that transform into vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. In other words, the trail winds through ancient, dense trees, with the ground covered by a tapestry of fallen leaves.
Maragança Forest
To sum it up, admiring the Autumn colors in Portugal, it is essential to choose trails that pass through lush forests rich in deciduous trees. Mountain ranges and woods like the ones in Lousã, Gerês, Estrela e Bussaco , are some of the best autumn destinations we have to recommend. However, we know there are countless other woods and forests that deserve a mention
So, now that you have several suggestions to experience autumn, all you need to do is put on your boots, grab your backpack, and hit the trail!
If you want to come with a group, take a look at our Hikes!
