Best Destinations in Portugal in Winter

Portugal, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and mild winters, makes for an exquisite winter getaway. Visitors in winter enjoy mild weather, fewer crowds, and unique seasonal activities. While summers draw sun-seekers, the quieter winter season is ideal for visiting Portugal’s cultural treasures and scenic beauty. Yes, there is a higher likelihood of rain in the winter and the days are shorter. These are ideal opportunities to enjoy Portugal’s restaurants, Fado shows, and other cultural activities and museums. Here are some of the best destinations to visit in Portugal during the winter months, from lively cities to quaint towns and lush islands.

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What to Expect from Winter Weather in Portugal

Portugal’s winter weather is mild compared to much of Europe, making it an appealing winter destination. Temperatures vary by region, with the coastal cities like Lisbon and Porto averaging around 10-15°C (50-59°F) and experiencing some rain showers, particularly from December to February. The Algarve in the south enjoys even warmer temperatures, often reaching 15-18°C (59-64°F), with more sunny days and less rain. Inland cities like Évora can be cooler and frostier, especially in the early mornings and evenings, while mountainous areas may even see a rare snowfall. Madeira, the “Island of Eternal Spring,” boasts the warmest winter weather, with temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F) and a mix of sun and light rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round.

Overall, winter in Portugal is mild, with plenty of sunny days and comfortable temperatures for exploring both cities and nature. Be sure to bring a rain jacket and umbrella for those rainy days. Expect the sights to be more crowded during the weeks right around the Christmas and New Years holidays.

1. Lisbon: The Winter Sun City

Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, shines even in winter, with temperatures hovering around 15°C (59°F) and plenty of sunshine. Wander through the historic neighborhoods of Alfama, Baixa, and Bairro Alto or take a tuk tuk tour or walking tour to learn more about the history. Winter is also the perfect time to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, like the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and São Jorge Castle, without the usual summer crowds. For a cozy experience, grab a coffee at one of Lisbon’s historic cafés, like Café A Brasileira in Chiado, or try Portuguese custard tarts (pastéis de nata) at the iconic Pastéis de Belém.

Around the holidays, enjoy the charming Christmas markets and vibrant street decorations. Some of the top markets are:

• Rossio Square Christmas market
• Praça da Figueira Christmas market (primarily focused on foods)
• Wonderland Lisbon in Parque Eduardo VII with ice skating and a ferris wheel
• Praça do Comércio’s huge artificial Christmas tree

A few suggested rainy day activities are:

• Visit the Museu Nacional do Azulejo and take a tile-making class;
• Take a cooking class, making Pasteis de Nata or other Portuguese cuisine;
• Explore one of Lisbon’s many museums, such as the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum;
• Tour the city with the historic Tram 28;
• Enjoy a day at the oceanarium;
• Enjoy a Fado show or a night at the opera.

2. Porto: A Cozy Winter Escape

Porto’s misty winter atmosphere gives the city a cozy, romantic feel. The city’s cafes and wine cellars are the perfect refuge from the cooler weather, and a port wine tasting is a must-do winter activity. Stroll along the Ribeira waterfront, then warm up with traditional Portuguese dishes at a cozy tasca. Don’t miss the Livraria Lello bookstore, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, or climb the Torre dos Clérigos for panoramic views.

If you’re there in December, the city lights up with holiday decorations, adding extra magic to your visit. A few holiday events not to miss include:

• Mercado de Natal, which is held in the gardens of the Palácio de Cristal
• Porto Christmas Urban Market
• View a Christmas Fado show
• New Year’s Eve fireworks displays over the Douro River

Top rainy day activities include:

• Visiting the Livraria Lello bookstore;
• Take a port wine tasting tour or a food tour;
• Attend a Fado concert or a concert at Casa da Música
• Enjoy one of Porto’s many museums, including Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art and the Soares dos Reis National Museum
• FC Porto Museum & Stadium Tour

3. Sintra: Fairytale Charm All Year

Just a short train ride from Lisbon, Sintra in winter feels straight out of a fairy tale. This charming town, known for its palaces and lush hills, offers a misty, magical vibe when the weather is cool. Sintra can be incredibly crowded in summer and even during some shoulder season months. In winter, enjoy the iconic Pena Palace with fewer visitors. The mystical Quinta da Regaleira becomes even more enchanting in the winter mist. Be sure to wear warm layers, as Sintra can be quite chilly compared to Lisbon, but the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views are worth it.

For those who enjoy winter walks along the coast , don’t miss visiting Cabo da Roca, Praia da Ursa, Azenhas do Mar, and Praia Grande. If visiting during December, don’t miss a visit to Reino Natal, with its Christmas market, holiday concerts and other events. For rainy days, consider visiting:

• National Palace
• Pena Palace
• Quinta da Regaleira
• Montserrate Palace

4. Guimarães: Birthplace of Portugal

Guimarães, considered the birthplace of Portugal, is a fantastic winter destination for history lovers and one of the top day trips from Porto. The town’s medieval charm, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved architecture transport you back in time. Explore the Guimarães Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, and wander through the town’s UNESCO-listed historic center. Winter is quieter in Guimarães, allowing you to soak in the ambiance and learn about the city’s rich heritage. If you visit in December or early January, be sure to visit Guimarães’ Christmas town, held in Largo Condessa do Juncal.

As Guimarães is in northern Portugal, you can expect more rain than in the southern areas.

Things to do on a rainy day:

• Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
• Guimarães Castle
• Convento de Santo António dos Capuchos, a 17th century convent
• Museu de Alberto Sampaio, located in a 10th century monastery
• Museu Arqueológico da Sociedade Martins Sarmento, an archeological museum

5. Coimbra: University Town with Seasonal Cheer

Coimbra, home to Portugal’s oldest university, offers a lively atmosphere even in winter, with students filling the cafés and streets. Visit the beautiful University of Coimbra, known for its stunning Joanina Library, one of the most magnificent libraries in Europe. Take a walking tour through the medieval streets, where you’ll find cozy taverns and scenic spots overlooking the Mondego River. Take a side trip to the Conimbriga Roman ruins, some of the top Roman ruins in Europe, or to the Schist villages in nearby Lousã. Coimbra’s winter events and festive decorations make it a delightful destination during the holiday season. These include the Christmas market in December at Praça do Comércio, which also holds holiday concerts.

Things to do on a rainy day in Coimbra include:

• Tour the Joanina Library
• Visit other areas of the University of Coimbra
• Live Fado show
• Explore one of Coimbra’s museums, including Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro
• Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova

6. Braga: A Spiritual Retreat

As one of Portugal’s most religious cities, Braga is a lovely place to visit during winter, especially if you’re interested in its spiritual history. Known for its baroque churches and grand religious sites, Braga is home to the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a peaceful place to explore in the cooler months. Wander through the city’s historic center, where you’ll find a blend of ancient architecture and vibrant cafés. Braga’s mild winter weather and festive lights make it an ideal destination for a quiet, reflective winter getaway. Be sure to visit the live Nativity of Priscos, the largest in Europe.

Be prepared for some rainy days while visiting in winter. Some of the top rainy day things to do include:

• Sé Cathedral of Braga
• Palace of Raio
• Monastery of São Martinho de Tibães
• Biscainhos Museum

7. Évora: Heritage and Wine in the Alentejo

The UNESCO-listed city of Évora is an architectural gem in Portugal’s Alentejo region. Winter is a great time to take a walking tour through the ancient streets and historic sites, like the Roman Temple and the eerie Chapel of Bones. This season also offers an excellent opportunity for a wine tour of the surrounding Alentejo vineyards, known for their robust reds. Évora’s rustic restaurants serve traditional Alentejan dishes like açorda (a bread-based soup), perfect for warming up after a day of exploring. In December, be sure to visit Jardim de Natal, with its ice skating rink, Santa Claus, Christmas Market, and holiday shows. Take a day tour to see the megaliths surrounding Évora, dating from 6000 BC or a side trip to the UNESCO town of Elvas. Whether you stay in the historic heart of the city or in the surrounding countryside, there are wonderful unique places to stay in Évora.

On a rainy day, there is plenty to explore in Évora, including:

• Évora Museum
• Chapel of Bones
• Évora Sé Cathedral, and its attached museum
• Museum Frei Manuel do Cenáculo
• Carriage Museum

8. The Algarve: Coastal Beauty in Larger Towns

While the Algarve is known for its summer beach tourism, winter in the region’s larger towns like Faro, Lagos, and Albufeira offers a completely different vibe. These towns are peaceful, with mild temperatures around 15-18°C (59-64°F), making it ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring the coastline. Go for a hike on the Fisherman’s Trail, running through the Alentejo and Algarve.

Winter is also a prime time for birdwatching in the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Staying in a larger town ensures you’ll have access to restaurants and cultural events while enjoying the Algarve’s stunning beaches without the summer crowds. If you visit the Algarve in December, consider exploring the Christmas markets in Lagos, Monchique, Loulé, Portimão, and Vale do Lobo. To explore the many small towns, consider renting a car while in Portugal. Be sure to read up on our Portugal car rental tips to avoid any unnecessary surprises.

Things to do in case of rain in the Algarve include:

• Old Town Faro’s historic district, with its ancient walls, cobblestone streets, and incredible architecture;
• Castle of Silves;
• Sagres Fortress, built in the 15th century under the order of Prince Henry the Navigator;
• Nossa Senhora da Assunção Convent, a 16th century convent now converted into a museum in Faro;
• Tavira Tour, including a visit to Tavira Castle, a medieval castle with beautiful gardens;
• Tour Loulé’s TechSalt’s Rock-Salt Mine.

9. Madeira: The Island of Eternal Spring

Madeira, often called the “Island of Eternal Spring,” is a fantastic winter escape thanks to its warm climate, with temperatures around 20°C (68°F). Explore the island’s levada trails, which offer breathtaking views of lush landscapes and waterfalls, and don’t miss a visit to the botanical gardens and natural pools. Madeira’s botanic gardens and Monte Palace Gardens have an abundance of flowering plants even in winter. These are just a few of the many things to do on Madeira year-round. Madeira’s winter events, cozy restaurants, and dramatic coastal scenery make it a magical destination during the colder months.

Funchal, the island’s capital, has one of Europe’s best New Year’s Eve fireworks displays, drawing visitors from around the world. The Christmas market in Funchal is divided into 12 different events, held from November 23 to January 6th. These typically include a Christmas village, ice rink, ecological nativity scene, and more. The island is diverse; check out where to stay on Madeira island.

The north side of the island tends to be rainier than the south side. That said, there are activities all over the island to enjoy when it is raining, including:

• Porto Moniz aquarium
• São Vicente lava cave
• Funchal market hall
• Food and wine tour
• Go karting and climbing can be done under the airport’s runways in Funchal

10. Serra da Estrela – Portugal’s Winter Wonderland

For a true winter escape in Portugal, head to Serra da Estrela, the country’s highest mountain range, renowned for its snowy peaks and winter activities. Located in central Portugal, Serra da Estrela offers Portugal’s only ski resort, near Covilhã. It has slopes for all skill levels, as well as opportunities for snowshoeing, winter hiking, and exploring picturesque mountain villages like Manteigas. This area is known for its rugged beauty, glacial valleys, and pristine lakes, particularly enchanting when covered in snow.

Don’t miss tasting the famous Queijo da Serra, a rich, creamy sheep’s milk cheese unique to the region. Expect colder temperatures and regular snowfall from December to February, so pack warm layers to fully enjoy Portugal’s winter wonderland. If visiting around the holidays, be sure to stop off in Cabeça, located in the region of Seia, Serra da Estrela. Aldeia Nata is the first eco-sustainable Christmas village in the country.

Plan Your Winter Escape to Portugal

Portugal’s winter season offers unique travel experiences, from lively cities and historic sites to tranquil beaches and lush islands. Whether you’re exploring Lisbon’s vibrant streets, Porto’s cozy wine cellars, or Madeira’s scenic trails, Portugal in winter has something for every traveler. Embrace the slower pace and milder weather, and you’ll discover a new side of this captivating country.

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