The north of Portugal is much milder than the south, making it an ideal region for sightseeing and hiking. The best seasons to visit the Porto region are spring and autumn.
In Spring, the almond trees are in full bloom and the mountains and valleys in the north are covered in wild flowers. This time of year is ideal for hiking and exploring the likes of Porto, Sintra, Coimbra and Bragança in the far north.
Autumn is harvest time (mid-September to mid-October), when the Douro and Dao valleys are transformed into hives of activity. The chestnut trees are in bloom, and the countryside becomes a colourful tableau. If you like hiking in the mountains, autumn is the ideal time to visit the Minho and Tras-os-Montes regions.
It is much colder in winter (between January and March), especially in the Estrela mountain range, which has many ski areas.
During the months of November to February, surfers flock to Ericeira, where the waves reach record heights.
If you're looking for a beach holiday in the north, the summer months are ideal, as they are usually milder than the south thanks to the cool Atlantic breeze. Just be prepared for the water temperature to be lower than in the south, not to mention the occasional showers.
From the UK there are plenty of flights scheduled to Porto from several major airports, including Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and the London airports. Prices vary, according to the season.
