Map
7 ideas, picked for these days
Camster · CC BY-SA 3.0An autumn weekend in the Sierra de Aracena: chestnut groves, acorn-fed pigs and ham
From the end of October to November the chestnut trees of the Aracena sierra turn yellow and drop their chestnuts, and in the dehesa the Iberian pig eats acorns in the montanera. It is the sierra's best season and the most in demand: buy the cave pass and the Cinco Jotas visit beforehand.
Aracena: chestnut groves and cave
For those who do not want to sleep away: almost two hours by car, a short walk among chestnut trees and pigs in the montanera at Castaño del Robledo and the cave in the afternoon. The chestnut trees are at their best from the end of October to November; some years colour remains in December.
Autumn in Hervás and the Ambroz Valley, three hours from Madrid
From early October to the last weekend of November, the Ambroz Valley celebrates the Otoño Mágico, with walks through the chestnut grove and markets. In early November the Hervás chestnut grove is at its best colour. Book the Vía Verde bike and meals.
Marvão and Castelo de Vide
In autumn the São Mamede hills are green and the chestnut trees at Marvão golden. In mid-November, the chestnut fair fills the village: on 1 November not yet, and you walk around in peace. It is a holiday in Portugal too, and restaurants fill at midday.
Luis Daniel Carbia Cabeza · CC BY 2.0A weekend in La Alberca and the Sierra de Francia, an hour from Salamanca
October and November are the Sierra de Francia's season, with golden chestnut trees and magosto time. The Casa del Parque is open Friday to Sunday: call in on the first day. In November there may be mist on the Peña de Francia; go up on the clearest day.
Monsaraz: town, menhirs and potters
From October to June is Monsaraz's season, and in autumn Lake Alqueva is seen from the castle in clear light. The São Pedro do Corval workshops have their own hours and not all open on holidays: 1 November is a holiday in Portugal, so call first.
Zafra: squares, convent and spa
From autumn to spring is when you fancy the thermal pool, and November opens that season. A morning of squares and Santa Clara, lunch in the Feria family's alcázar and an afternoon circuit at El Raposo, adults only. The Santa Clara Museum is open on Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Are the chestnut trees in colour on 1 November?
Normally yes: in Aracena, the Ambroz and Marvão the chestnut grove is at its best from the end of October to November, depending on each year's cold.
Is 1 November a holiday in Portugal?
Yes, it is Dia de Todos os Santos. Some workshops and shops close and restaurants fill at midday.
Is there a plan for a rainy day?
The Gruta de las Maravillas in Aracena, the Zafra spa or the Santa Clara Museum, all under cover.
What is the montanera?
The season, from October to February, when the Iberian pig eats acorns in the dehesa. In the Aracena sierra you see it from the paths.