Best places to visit in Portugal this winter

It is true that Portugal is internationally recognized as a country of sun and beach, as its temperate maritime climate and more than 300 sunny days a year still coordinate with the mild temperatures and summer warmth. Still, make no mistake, there are winter destinations in Portugal that invite you to take advantage of the cold months and the many offerings that rewrite the country during the time of rain, snow and winter festivities.

The best places to visit in Portugal in winter are not necessarily just the best places to ski in Portugal, although they do, of course, encompass them. In addition to the top places to ski in Portugal, you will also find other options, which will allow you to adapt to the tastes and ages of all travelers. Get to know the ideal places for winter sports, but also the best mountains to hike in Portugal and the places where you can enjoy amazing winter celebrations, fairs and events during the colder months and get to know concretely, with this article, where to spend your winter vacation in Portugal.

Serra da Estrela

Winter sports fans will not be able to resist the white blanket of snow that extends over the Serra da Estrela in the Covilhã region during winter. At an altitude of 2000 meters, the mountains invite sportsmen to take advantage of the snow to practice extreme activities such as skiing and snowboarding.

Being one of the best places to ski in Portugal, the mountain nevertheless offers other options, such as hiking the mountain trails, contemplating the magnificent landscape, or buying regional, handmade products in the small stores or in the famous Torre. In addition, the region contains the only ski resort in the country, and there you will have all the necessary infrastructure for the practice. The 19-slope resort produces artificial snow and is active up to 150 days a year.

Viseu

Winter sports are not limited to skiing and snowboarding in the Serra da Estrela, and if you visit Viseu, you will discover this. At Palácio do Gelo Shopping you will find a space destined for those who love winter, being invited to skate on the Ice Rink.

This winter activity is, interestingly, available at this location all year round, allowing ice hockey and figure skating training. If you want you can even take skating lessons here!

Lisbon

The Portuguese capital is also a winter destination, and there are numerous reasons that highlight the city at this time of year. To begin with, cafes and restaurants adapt to the cold weather, and on the terraces you will naturally start to find blankets, which complete menus where teas and hot chocolate are immediately integrated. In addition, the Christmas tradition creates a wonderful scenery in the city of Lisbon, with the creative lighting of the streets, usually of great beauty, and also by the dynamism of the famous Wonderland Lisboa, which takes place in the heart of the city and where an ice rink and an interesting Christmas market are born.

Sintra

The telluric town of Sintra is also becoming a winter destination in Portugal. As the end-of-year celebrations approach, the village takes on a new splendor with the Christmas illuminations, inviting walks through the historic center.

In addition, during this season, the town promotes the Kingdom of Christmas in its Parque da Liberdade, an event that integrates a Christmas market and many activities for children and adults.

Porto

Just like Lisbon, Porto also transforms itself in winter, creating the perfect dynamic to live the season. Besides the beautiful illuminations that are spread all over the city, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy winter menus in many cafes, with specially prepared hot drinks and even blankets to protect you from the cold.

In addition, you can take advantage of the ice rinks that the municipality puts up in the D. João I Square and the Mouzinho de Albuquerque Square.

Cascais

Another place that easily becomes one of the best winter destinations in Portugal is Cascais. During the winter holiday season, this town lights up with beautiful Christmas patterns, promotes events and concerts, and even opens an ice-skating area in its Marechal Carmona Park. In the same park, you can enjoy several events along the Cascais Christmas Village, a Christmas Market with a packed menu.

Faro

The main Portuguese summer destination – the Algarve – proves that Portugal is a varied country by also being a magnificent winter destination!

In November and December, Faro puts ice rinks at strategic points, including Fórum Algarve, and celebrates Christmas with various public events, many of which are free. Walking along the Algarvian beaches in winter is also a new and soul-repairing experience.

Elvas

At the Comendador Rondão Almeida Coliseum, in the Alentejo city of Elvas, you can enjoy winter activities, such as ice skating.

The city is also very beautiful when the Christmas decorations and illuminations are put up, and is well worth a visit, especially after sunset.

Óbidos

The Christmas Village of Óbidos is one of the most renowned winter events in the country and brings thousands of people to visit this town, near Lisbon.

The medieval slant of the region, as well as the integration of decorations and lighting and the dynamism of interactive, theatrical, and dynamic events, makes the town particularly appreciated by visitors during the winter.

Funchal

The Archipelago of Madeira is ideal for those who want to experience a winter vacation in Portugal, being the promoter of several Christmas events and also widely known for its fireworks shows in the New Year.

In Funchal, besides the New Year’s Eve fireworks, it is worth visiting the “Natal na Praça!

Penela

For those who appreciate Christmas and don’t want to miss a bit of the national tradition, Penela can be a good travel destination this winter.

The town recreates the Nativity scene, with a live nativity scene that attracts the little ones and delights the adults.

In addition, you can take advantage of the Christmas shopping and enjoy the decorated and illuminated atmosphere of the medieval streets.

Vila Real de Santo António

Returning to the south of the country, more specifically to Vila Real de Santo António, you will find a completely irrefutable Portugal winter destination.

In this town the largest nativity scene in the country has been made every year, with thousands of figures spread over an area of more than 200 square meters.