Portugal’s picturesque coastline stretches languorously along the Atlantic, inviting throngs of sun-seeking tourists to crowd its shores every year. Unquestionably one of Europe’s most coveted summer travel destinations, the high season unfolds in a crescendo of packed beaches, premium hotel rates, and fierce competition for a seat at one of the many seaside tascas. But as the frenetic energy of summer gradually yields to the mellow beauty of autumn, it’s the perfect time to plan your visit.
No matter where your travels take you—from the endless golden plains of Alentejo to the sparkling southern shores of the Algarve to the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, heavy with the fruits of the harvest—you’ll find a range of intimate, design-forward hotels that embody the country’s old world charm and endearing hospitality. Below, find the very best hotels and unique stays to book for your fall getaway.
Porto and the North
Quinta do Vallado
Courtesy of Quinta do Vallado
Built in 1716, Quinta do Vallado is one of Portugal’s oldest and most famous wine estates. The original 18th-century manor offers five rooms, resplendent with antique furnishings and a sense of history, while next door, the contemporary hotel designed by architect Francisco Vieira de Campos, houses eight rooms. The 158-acre property sits right on the bank of Rio Corgo, a tributary of the Douro, and offers stunning views of terraced hillsides. Tastings and vineyard tours are a must, and during the harvest season, guests can participate in picking and stomping the grapes.
Location: Vilarinho dos Freires, Peso da Régua, Vila Real, 5050-364
Duas Portas
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Courtesy of Duas Portas