Winter in Portugal offers mild temperatures that are an invitation to explore the country. Apart from treating yourself to some great gastronomy and tasty wine, there are many other interesting and even unique things you can do that will make you warm up to the coldest season of the year.
Best Places to Visit in Portugal During the Winter
When looking for things to do in Portugal in wintertime, you will be pleasantly surprised by how many possibilities may unfold right in front of you. The mild weather will offer plenty of chances of going outside to enjoy the cities’ activities or nature’s beauty. Even rainy days will not be lost, since there are some great indoor options at your disposal.
If you are looking for a quieter time, away from big crowds and high season prices, winter may be the best time to visit Portugal. Especially with this list of places to go and things to do.
See Snow at Serra da Estrela
Located in Central Portugal, Serra da Estrela is one of the most emblematic winter destinations in Portugal. The reason for that is that this is one of the only places in the country that snows and, more than that, the mountains become the closest ski destination possible for residents, and also the only one in the county.
The beautiful scenario gains a magical feel when it is covered in snow and the experience is completed by a stay at a cosy chalet and a ride to Portugal’s Highest Continental point.
Go into a Port Wine Tour
If you never been to Porto, let us break the news straight away: the most famous Port Wine cellars are not actually in Porto. They are actually located in Vila nova de Gaia, the city just across the city. The plus is that this gives you a chance to get double the enjoyment since you get to have a delicious Port Wine Tour and a beautiful front view of Porto’s Ribeira area at the same time.
We do not need to make a case on why wine and winter go together perfectly, but we will reinforce that the sweetness and robustness of the Port Wine will take this pairing to another level.
Take Movie-like Photos in Sintra
Grab your camera, an extra coat, the warmest scarf you have, and head to Sintra to take what could probably be the most beautiful and mystical pictures you ever will. While the region tends to be colder than its closest neighbours of Lisbon and Cascais, the chance to see the Pena Castle rising colourful among a white winter mist will make all worthwhile.
While you are there, enjoy the local pastry and the cosiness of staying nestled in between the green valleys that do not lose any of its beauty even on the coldest of days.
Enjoy a Crowd-less Algarve
The World's Leading Beach Destination in 2024 is, unsurprisingly, Portugal’s top summer spot. During the warmest months of the year the streets and sands of almost every city in the Algarve gets swiped by visitors. The atmosphere is always lively and exciting, but also undeniably crowded.
Visiting the Algarve during the winter will give you the chance to experience the region in a much more calm and relaxing manner. The best part is that even during that period you will have many sunny days, offering a great view of the shore during a morning or afternoon walk.
Escape the Cold in Madeira
The Island of Madeira, around a 3-hour flight from Portugal’s mainland, will offer a different take on winter. With temperatures usually ranging from 16°C to 22°C (61°F to 72°F) in the winter, a trip to the archipelago will feel like you took a plane straight to springtime.
This is yet another destination that will be way less crowded during the winter and also much more affordable. Yet, the mild climate allows for you to still do almost everything you would in August, including outdoors activities.
Warm Up on Bom Jesus Do Monte’s Stairs
Located in the Braga district, you will find the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, an architectural-landscape ensemble that has such an imponent and photogenic staircase that it has become a popular touristic attraction of the region.
For its outstanding universal value, Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary is considered a World Heritage Site by Unesco and took 21 years to be constructed. You can get a funicular to the top of the beautiful staircase but, why not warm up during the winter by walking its 573 steps?
Visit the New or the Most Photogenic Museum in Lisbon
After being closed for 8 years during a renovation, MUDE, Lisbon’s Museum of Design and Fashion, finally reopened in mid-2024. Taking up a whole block right in Augusta Street and next to the iconic arch that separates the famous pavement and Commerce Square, the building itself is such and work of art that it has become the first exposition of this new era.
If design and fashion are not your thing, you can still avoid the winter shivers by staying inside MAAT, the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology. The new building is so beautiful that you might feel the urge to stay outside admiring it, but going inside for the expositions will elevate your experience, and the temperature.
Lisbon also features other museums such as the Tile Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Museum of the Orient, the National Museum of Ancient Art and many others.
Watch Nazaré's Giant Waves
Thanks to an underwater canyon located at the shore of Nazaré, north from Lisbon, giant waves are formed at Praia do Norte, attracting viewers and radical surfers. However, they usually only happen during the colder period of the year, namely from November to February.
The best viewpoints during a giant wave happening will be crowded and windy, but the emotion of seeing the strength of both nature and surfers is bound to be unforgettable.
Marvel at the Holiday’s Lights
From bigger cities to smaller towns, Portugal’s four corners light up with Christmas lights and festive decorations. From mid-autumn to the beginning of winter you can stroll around to check the season’s jolly sprit and, better yet, stop by one of the country’s Christmas Markets.
Other than being able to buy handcrafted gifts, you can also eat local food and have a delicious beverage, including a cup of hot wine.
How to prepare for winter in Portugal
Unlike places with harsh weather, there is no major preparation needed for visiting Portugal during the coldest months of the year. Yes, you will need to get a really warm jacket for the evening, a good scarf and maybe some gloves. However, unless you plan to visit Serra da Estrela or Bragança, some of the few places with a chance for a snow blizzard, you will not need such heavy gear.
The best preparation you can have is to check the weather forecast of your destination and take it from there. Also, bring a warm pyjama. Since Portugal is used to mild temperatures, central heating is not really common in the country. Thankfully, air conditioning with a heating option and heaters are easily found.
Another thing to be aware of is that, in some regions such as the Algarve, there are restaurants, bars and nightclubs that might be close during the whole season, opening back only in late spring or even just during the summer months.
For the rest, simply follow our list of suggestions and let yourself get surprised by the charm of the season in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries.
