Portugal is a country full of beauty, culture and history, which offers its visitors a rich variety of experiences and landscapes all year round. In winter, Portugal has a mild climate, with average temperatures between 10°C and 15°C, and sunny days in most parts of the country. In addition, December, January and February are the ideal time to avoid the crowds and high prices of summer and take advantage of special offers on accommodation, gastronomy and activities.

Explore some of the best places to visit in Portugal during the winter, according to your interests and preferences.

Gerês

If you like nature and adventure, you can explore the wonders of Gerês, in northern Portugal, where you can go hiking, cycling, canoeing, birdwatching and even see wild horses. Its biggest highlight is the Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal's only national park, which covers an area of more than 700 km², with mountains, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, typical villages and a rich flora and fauna.

In winter, you can find snow in the higher areas, which makes the landscape even more breathtaking. You can also visit Castro Laboreiro, a village rich in historical and cultural heritage, especially its medieval castle and Roman bridges. You can also enjoy the Arado Waterfall and Laboreiro Waterfall, which is even more beautiful in winter when a curtain of ice forms.

Enjoy exploring the best attractions to see in Gerês.

Porto

If you prefer an urban and cultural environment, you can visit Porto, Portugal's second largest city, located at the mouth of the Douro River. Porto is a historic city, with a centre classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can admire monuments such as the Cathedral, the Clérigos Tower, the Lello Bookshop, São Bento Station and the 6 bridges over the River Douro. Porto is also famous for its wine, which you can taste in the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, on the other side of the river.

In December, January and February, Porto has a cool, wet climate, but also plenty of entertainment, with cultural events, Christmas markets, concerts and exhibitions.

Discover the best activities in Porto in the rain and what to do at Christmas and New Year's Eve in Porto.

Serra da Estrela

If you want to see snow and ski, you can visit Serra da Estrela, the largest mountain range in mainland Portugal, with Torre, the highest point in Portugal at 1993 metres, where you can find the only ski resort in the country, with slopes for all levels of difficulty. You can also visit Poço do Inferno, a 10 metre high waterfall located on the Leandres stream. In winter, the water freezes and forms impressive ice sculptures.

Serra da Estrela is a winter destination par excellence, where you can practise snow sports such as skiing, snowboarding, sledging and snowshoeing. Serra da Estrela also has unique natural beauty, with lakes, rivers, waterfalls and magnificent valleys. Take the opportunity to stroll through typical villages and towns such as Linhares da Beira, Folgosinho or Sabugueiro. You can also try the famous Serra cheese, one of the most typical products of Portuguese gastronomy.

Lisbon

If you want to get to know the country's capital, you can visit Lisbon, one of Europe's oldest and most charming cities. Lisbon has a mixture of architectural styles, from Gothic to Manueline, Baroque and modern. It also has a vibrant cultural life, with galleries, theatres, festivals and museums to suit all tastes, from the most classic, such as the National Museum of Ancient Art, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and the National Coach Museum, to the most modern, such as the Design and Fashion Museum and the Berardo Museum.

In December, January and February, Lisbon has a pleasant climate, with average temperatures between 12°C and 17°C and plenty of light. You can stroll through the historic streets and go up to the viewpoints. Some of the best viewpoints are Santa Luzia, São Pedro de Alcântara and Parque Eduardo VII. You can also take the tram, visit the main monuments, taste pastéis de nata (custard tarts) and listen to fado.

See also things to do in Lisbon in December and what to do at Christmas and New Year's Eve in Lisbon.

Sintra

If you like romance and fantasy, you can visit Sintra, a village located about 30 kilometres from Lisbon, which seems straight out of a fairy tale. Sintra is famous for its palaces and castles, which stand in the middle of a misty green mountain range. You can visit Sintra National Palace, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, Monserrate Palace, Queluz Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.

In winter, Sintra has a cool, damp climate, but also a special charm with its contrasting colours and shapes.

Take the opportunity to discover the magical castles and palaces in Sintra.

Algarve

If you're looking for sun and sea, you can opt for the Algarve, Portugal's southernmost region, known for its golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear water. The Algarve has a Mediterranean climate, with mild temperatures and sunshine all year round. In December, January and February, you can enjoy the beaches without the hustle and bustle of summer, and practise activities such as surfing, golf, scenic boat trips and dolphin watching.

You have the opportunity to visit the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a protected area that is home to a great diversity of fauna and flora, especially migratory birds, where you can go hiking and cycling. You can also enjoy the views from Cape St Vincent, the most south-westerly point in Portugal and mainland Europe. The Algarve also has a rich cultural heritage, with traces of ancient civilisations such as the Romans, Moors and Phoenicians, which are reflected in the architecture, gastronomy and local traditions.

Also explore the 10 best activities not to be missed in the Algarve.

Madeira

If you want to escape the cold and feel like you're in a tropical paradise, you can visit Madeira, an archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, around 1000 kilometres from mainland Portugal. Or its capital, the city of Funchal, which in December is lit up with beautiful Christmas decorations and lights. You can also visit Pico do Arieiro, at an altitude of 1818 metres, which offers spectacular views of the mountains and clouds. In addition, Santana is known for its typical thatched houses, which are a symbol of the island's culture and tradition. You can visit these two places on an excursion to the east of Madeira Island.

Madeira is known for its exuberant nature, with flowers, fruit and trees of various colours and shapes. Madeira also has a rich and diverse culture, the legacy of centuries. In winter, Madeira has a subtropical climate, with average temperatures between 18°C and 22°C and many hours of sunshine. You can go hiking along the levadas, visit the botanical gardens, taste poncha and bolo do caco, and watch the spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks.

See the best places and attractions on Madeira Island.

Azores

If you want to have a unique and unforgettable experience, you can visit the Azores, an archipelago of nine islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, around 1500 kilometres from mainland Portugal. The Azores are a dream destination for nature lovers, with volcanoes, caves, lakes, hot springs, beaches and a variety of fauna and flora. You can visit the Ponta do Arnel Lighthouse, the oldest in the Azores, which offers a breathtaking view of the sea, and Pico Island, which offers fantastic scenery from the top of its mountains. You can also admire Lagoa do Fogo, the second largest and highest lagoon on the island of São Miguel. Also enjoy Christmas and New Year in the Azores, with decorations, lights, music and fireworks on the islands.

The Azores also have their own culture, with unique traditions, festivals and gastronomy. In December, January and February, the Azores have an oceanic climate, with average temperatures between 14°C and 18°C, and some rainfall. You can watch whales and dolphins, swim with fish and turtles, go canyoning and paragliding (weather permitting), visit the tea and pineapple plantations and try the Furnas stew.

Discover 4 incredible ways to get to know the Azores.

These are just a few examples of the best places to visit in Portugal during the winter, but there are many more waiting for you. Portugal is a diverse country with something for all tastes and needs. Come and discover Portugal in December, January and February, and let yourself be enchanted by its beauty and the warmth of its hospitality and friendliness.

Explore the best winter activities in Portugal and discover the best natural parks in Portugal.

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