8 reasons Portugal is the perfect place to visit this fall

Although I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Europe over the years, most of my experiences have been in western countries like Germany and the U.K. A recent solo trip to Lisbon was my first time setting foot on southern European soil, and I immediately understood the appeal. Portugal has a thriving food scene and rich cultural heritage, plus a sunny climate, typically lower prices and miles of golden beaches.

After my week-long trip this summer, I’m already daydreaming about going back to Portugal — but I would probably visit in the fall next time. Here’s why I think autumn is the ideal time to visit this magical country.

Related: How to travel to Europe using points and miles

1. Pleasant temperatures

Portugal and its neighbors enjoy a warm, dry, sunny Mediterranean climate — perfect for unwinding with a long dinner (and plenty of local wine) at one of Lisbon’s many rooftop dining venues. However, during my visit in July, temperatures were downright sweltering during the day. This didn’t stop me from making the most of my time in Portugal, but if I went back, I would shoot for spring or fall instead.

That’s because the shoulder seasons bring milder temperatures across most of the country. With highs in the 60s and 70s and plenty of sunshine, it’s still warm enough for outdoor pursuits, but you won’t find yourself pining for air conditioning nearly as much.

Related: European destinations that are best experienced in the fall

2. Affordable rates

Portugal has a reputation for being one of Europe’s more budget-friendly destinations, with lower prices than its ever-popular neighbor, Spain, and many Western European countries. During my time in Lisbon, my bill usually averaged around $20 for a meal at a restaurant, including an entree and either an appetizer or drink (or sometimes both). I capped off my trip with a three-course meal at upscale vegan restaurant Kong, which set me back a grand total of $45 after the conversion.

I usually pay more than that at home in Colorado.

On top of that, you can expect lower prices on airfare, lodging and car rentals after the summer tourism rush ends. Plus, you’ll benefit from other shoulder-season perks: wider availability at hotels, thinner crowds and an easier time getting dinner reservations at a Michelin-starred restaurant or renowned winery, for example.

3. Beautiful (and less crowded) beaches

The southern coastal Algarve region is known for its beaches. Many are within easy walking distance of charming villages, top-notch golf courses, rugged hiking trails and more, so you can pack a lot of variety into a single trip.

Thanks to the country’s warm climate, you could still enjoy lounging on the beach or swimming in the turquoise water in autumn — without having to pay peak prices or fight the summer crowds.

Plus, Portugal is among Europe’s top surfing destinations, and fall is prime time to catch waves. The rough summer winds usually drop in September, the water is at its warmest and the waves are at their Goldilocks best — bigger than in summer but more manageable than the tumultuous winter storms.

Related: Best European beaches for a sunny autumn vacation

4. Choose your own adventure

Keep in mind that beaches aren’t the only draw — Portugal has something for everyone.

Vibrant cities? Check. National parks? Check. History, art and culture? Check, check, check.

Even though I stayed in the capital, this outdoorsy traveler found plenty of nature to explore, from the gravel paths of the Lisbon Botanical Garden to the sprawling trails of Monsanto Forest Park. Head farther out, and you’ll find mist-shrouded castles in Sintra, the picturesque beach town of Caiscais, and historic temples and cathedrals in Evora. And that’s just around Lisbon.

On a trip to Portugal, you can choose your own adventure — or try a little of everything.

5. Great public transportation

As with many European locales, Portugal has an extensive and well-developed public transportation system, as well as common rideshare apps like Uber. This makes it easy to get around without the cost and hassle of renting a car.

Coming from a state where public transportation is practically nonexistent, I found this the most daunting area of my solo trip. But between the easy-to-use ticket machines in Lisbon metro stations and some cursory research, I had no trouble getting where I needed to go. I was also blown away by the prices (starting at under 2 euros for a single trip).

You’re not limited to the capital if you don’t have a car, either. National rail provider Comboios de Portugal offers affordable tickets to major hubs; for example, a one-way ticket from Lisbon to Porto starts around 20 euros or $23. Almost anywhere not served by train can be reached by bus or coach, and most services maintain their schedules year-round.

6. Fantastic food

Portugal offers many rich culinary traditions, from the iconic pastel de nata (custard tart), which is practically the national dessert, to all kinds of seafood.

According to my colleague, Ben Smithson, who spent an extended time in Portugal a few years ago, “You can expect very fresh razor clams, sea bass and bream, jumbo prawns and sardines, to name a few. These are bursting with flavor and don’t need additives like herbs and spices like you might add to your food at home.”

As a vegan, I often don’t get to fully appreciate dining abroad, as I’m too busy trying to find enough veg-friendly options to sustain me through long days of sightseeing. However, I was pleasantly surprised at the wide variety (and high quality) of the food on offer in Lisbon. There was plenty of Portuguese fare, of course, but I also discovered Japanese, Tibetan and more — and everything I tried was delicious.

Related: How to maximize Amex Gold credits when traveling abroad

7. Wine country at its best

Let’s not overlook the wine, which is almost a food group in itself here.

Thanks to Portugal’s varied topography and microclimates, the local wine scene offers a huge range of wines — over 250 native varieties — that you won’t find elsewhere. And the harvest season is the perfect time for oenophiles to visit, as the leaves change and turn vineyards into glorious fields of gold and crimson.

Head to the Douro Valley to taste wines straight from the source, watch winemaking in action or even get your feet wet with a traditional grape-stomping activity.

Related: A river cruise adventure through Portugal’s Douro Valley

8. Friendly, welcoming locals

My impression of Portuguese culture was that it is generally laidback, warm and welcoming.

Everyone I met made me feel right at home. This was especially nice on a solo trip, when I had to rely on hotel staff, bartenders and tour guides for my social interactions. I learned some basic Portuguese phrases before my trip, but everyone I encountered spoke such good English, I didn’t end up using them.

Portugal is also a very safe destination. The U.S. Department of State currently lists it as a Level 1 travel advisory (“Exercise normal precautions”), and it’s ranked seventh on the Global Peace Index’s most peaceful countries list. Even as a solo female traveler on my first international trip alone, I felt very safe throughout my stay.

Bottom line

Between the culture, landscapes and gastronomy, there’s really no reason not to go to Portugal. It was a great choice for my first solo trip, but it would be just as fun for couples, families or friends.

Ben Smithson also recommends it for working remotely. “If you have no rush to return home after some time off and could use a change of scenery from your bedroom, you can expect stable internet and affordable everything, giving you plenty of time for an after-work swim and sunset beverage before enjoying some delicious seafood and maybe yet another custard tart before bed.”