22 reasons to visit Portugal in the Winter
Not too long ago Portugal was Europe’s hidden gem. Recently it got discovered and is visited every day by hundreds of tourists. As of today, it’s an established place for a Summer Vacation. However, you may be surprised by the country’s beauty in wintry days! These are 22 reasons why you should visit Portugal during Winter!
Nazaré’s Giant Waves
Nazaré is currently considered to be the number one place to go surfing due to its magnificent beaches and massive waves. It was here, at Praia do Norte, that Garrett McNamara successfully drifted down a curl that measured an impressive 78 feet. This has earned him the Guinness World Records title for Largest wave surfed.
The biggest waves occur during the Winter – from October until March- so this is the right time for you to come visit.
Sintra in the Winter
The current season plays a significant role in one’s enjoyment of a place. Some sites look better during the Winter, others during the Summer and some are amazing when Autumn arrives in town.
This is an important thing to have in mind when booking your vacation, as it can make it or break it. The Sintra tour is an excellent example of this. The village is located atop the dense forest of Sintra. In the Summer there’s a clear view and blue sky, therefore for some, it might be best to visit it in during this time of year.
However, you can enjoy this site in wintry days, as the haze turns Sintra into a super mysterious set. These are two completely different experiences that you should have!
Nightlife
Winter or Summer, Portugal’s nightlife is always very vibrant and fun. If you book the Lisbon Tour, you’ll end up at Bairro Alto, the neighborhood where it all happens. You can party there until 4 a.m!
Believe me when I tell you that there’s going to be people outside the bar chatting along even if it’s freezing. Pick the Porto tour, and you’ll have a similar atmosphere. Coimbra is also pretty lively but on a much smaller scale. Take this into consideration when choosing your destiny!
Douro river tours
Take a calming boat ride through the Douro River in a traditional Rabelo Boat and admire the vineyards and stunning landscape, in Porto, Peso da Régua and Pinhão. Afterward, it’s time to get a taste of that delicious wine!
Winter sports at Serra da Estrela
Serra da Estrela is the number one mountain in Portugal, and it’s the only place in Portugal where you can practice some Winter Sports: skiing, sledding, and snowboarding. You’ll love the beautiful landscape, which will welcome you in a white mantle.
Delicious comfort food
Portugal’s cuisine is well known around the world. Tasting the local gastronomy is one of the many wonders of visiting a new country and during Wintertime is even more enjoyable.
There is plenty of savory food for you to try and that will keep you warm and cozy. The Caldo Verde, for example, is a super-rich cabbage soup best served with a chorizo slice. There’s also the feijoada, a dish made out of beans, cabbage, several pieces of meat and rice. It’s delicious, and it will leave you full and super ready for touring.
You can have these dishes everywhere in the country. If you book the Serra da Estrela’s Tour, you must eat the cheese, bread, and sausages.
Climate
Portugal’s climate is one of its best assets and has been acclaimed for many years now. Don’t expect a severe Winter, on the contrary, it’ll get cold, but you’ll have good amounts of light during the day and a few days of rain! You can expect clear and blue skies for most of the days there, even in the coldest ones!
No crowds
If you choose to visit Portugal during the Winter you’ll avoid big crowds, so you’ll have a much more peaceful trip. You won’t have to wait in huge lines for your ticket or to enter a restaurant. Besides that, you can enjoy the landscape more peacefully and away from other loud tourists.
Great Prices
Portugal will be of great interest to you due to its low prices. You won’t spend large amounts of money. The meals in restaurants are relatively cheap, as well as the drinks at bars. Ask a fellow tourist, and he’ll nod affirmatively.
You’ll be served a big plate of tasty food for a great price. What’s better than not having to worry about weighing the money in your pocket during the holiday season?
Better customer service everywhere
Low season means fewer people, no crowds, more time saved waiting in lines and a better customer service everywhere. The employees won’t be so stressed out by so many people, consequently the customer service we’ll be way more relaxed and customized.
You’ll finally get why so many people say the Portuguese are so friendly and super welcoming!
Winter sunshine
Portugal’s great weather means you’ll have winter sunshine. It’ll be freezing during the winter, but the sky will be clear, and the sun will always be on sight. This makes a huge difference in your mood, as well as the fact that the days are still longer than in most countries. The more rays of sunshine you get, the more lit up you’ll be.
Safety
Portugal is a small country, where you can walk at ease at different times of the day and keep an unconcerned attitude. There are some quieter places for you to visit: the Historical villages tour, for example. Or the trip to Nazaré, Batalha and Óbidos, three very peaceful villages, where you’ll feel you don’t need to worry about your safety.
Porto and Lisbon are busier cities, especially nowadays, but they remain a very safe place for you to tour. Take your time during the vacation, have a relaxing time and a carefree attitude!
Óbidos Christmas Village
Óbidos lights up every year during Winter Season due to its Christmas Village. The whole place dresses up in Christmas attire – the lights, the sparks, and even the Óbidos castle put you on a festive mood.
Santa Claus, gnomes, reindeers and the village people – with no exceptions- greet the tourists who come to visit! It seems as if you were transported to a magic moment in time. If you’re a fan of Christmas, you must go to this charming winter wonderland!
Great Christmas Decorations
Christmas is really big in Portugal as you can tell by the humongous Christmas decorations everywhere, that create a super unique atmosphere that you can’t run away from.
They’ll be downtown, in the shopping malls and even in the castles. Coming in all shapes, sizes, and colors (mostly white, red, green and gold) they help to establish a magical scenery. You’ll be delighted whether you’re a Christmas fan or not!
Fireworks
Portugal’s big on celebrations, so you won’t be disappointed when you’re waiting for the countdown on New Year’s Eve, all the while sipping on your champagne flute, and watching the breathtakingly and colorful fireworks.
They are so beloved by many Portuguese that they happen on several other occasions. If you love to see this show, then you must visit Portugal!.
Algarve
The Algarve region is both an acclaimed summer destination as well as a wellness destination, the latter happening during Winter time. There are many offers at eco-friendly establishments for you who’ve been dreaming of a relaxing Winter vacation at a spa.
This is also the place for you if you’re looking for a romantic getaway: sandy beaches, chilly nights and amazing landscapes.
Beach
Enjoy the peacefulness of the Portuguese beaches during the winter. We have many tours for you to choose from. The Algarve Tour, The Lisbon, Estoril and Cascais Tour are the perfect option for you, if you want to run away from the traditional beach experience.
By booking these tours, you’ll be getting the best of both worlds: the breezy atmosphere, the relaxing tone, and the circling green shades will get you in touch with nature’s greatness.
Don’t worry about the heat
Walking is one of the best ways to discover a new place. And this is harder during the Summer, especially if you’re going up the steep streets in Lisbon (a city which was built on hillsides).
Thus, it ’ll be easier for you to visit during the Winter, as you’ll avoid the sometimes painfully high temperatures of the Summertime!
Gerês
If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday, choose the Park of Peneda-Gerês to be your winter destination. Go on a hike and discover several species of animals and plants, that will astound you, as some of them only exist in Portugal. And if you’re lucky enough you might see snow!
Gerês is also famous for its thermal waters, so the cherry on top of the cake will be a visit to the local spa!
Fado
Fado is Portugal’s most famous genre of music. The word means destiny, so the songs are very intense and melancholic. These characteristics go well with the Winter Glow. You’ll have to drop by a Fado House and listen carefully to the repertoire that will be in accord with the weather outside.
Water Sports
During the winter, the water temperature is excellent for water sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and bodyboard, etc. Book any tour in the center of Portugal like Nazaré, Aveiro or Coimbra and go for a dive! You’ll stumble upon a nautical sports school, which offers very cheap lessons at this time of the year.
Hot Drinks
And last but not least, there’s nothing better than a hot drink on a cold winter day. Portugal is famous for its excellent coffee – the expresso- and for its teas, an Indian and African heritage from the spice trade era. The tea’s aroma and spices will help to keep you warm and cozy!
17 reasons to visit Portugal in the Summertime
Portugal was Europe’s hidden gem for a long time until it got discovered by the many tourists that visit it every day. The climate, the amazing coastline, and the incredible landscapes are some of the country’s perks.
Many Portuguese say that Portugal is just a little country planted by the sea. These are 17 reasons why Portugal should be your next summer holiday destination!
Alentejo road
The roads in Alentejo are amongst some of the most beautiful ways you’ll ever see. All due to its beautiful vegetation. You’ll know you’re in Alentejo when somewhere along the drive you’ll encounter vast plains of cork oaks and poplars in sight. Pick the Algarve Tour, for example, that will drive you past these rural roads.
You have to sit back and enjoy the view of the breathtakingly beautiful landscape. Summer is the perfect time to take this tour because it’s sunny and warm outside and nature’s features live up to its potential.
Wines
You’ve probably heard all about the Portuguese wines and possibly have tasted one before: Porto Wine – Ruby, Tawny, White -, Madeira Wine, Moscatel…These are all famous worldwide, having received many accolades and awards.
Some of our tours include a visit to wine regions and its wines cellars. Our primary goal is for you to learn more about the brands and the whole process involved in winemaking. And to top it off you’ll get a taste of this delicious drink during your visit to the cellars.
These are some of the regions included in the tours: Porto, where the acclaimed Porto wine is produced; Setúbal and Azeitão, two places that offer the best conditions to the muscatel wine raw material- the Muscat grapes; Évora, a town in the south of Portugal, is famous for the Cartuxa wine.
You’ll get to know the brands and the whole process, as well as to figure out what’s the best drink for your everyday meal during the holidays.
Safety
Portugal is a small country with a lovely atmosphere. It’s a very safe place, where you can walk at ease at different times of the day and not worry about your safety. There are some quieter places for you to visit.
Choose the Historical villages tour, for example, and travel to Nazaré, Batalha, and Óbidos, three very peaceful villages, where you’ll feel at home and carefree.
Porto and Lisbon are busier cities, especially nowadays, but they remain a very safe place for you to tour, despite its busing atmosphere. Take your time during the vacation and do have an unconcerned attitude.
Sintra during the summer
The season plays a significant role in one’s fruition of a place. Some sites look better during the Summer and others during the Winter. It’s not only a matter of taste but an important thing to have in mind when booking your vacation, as it can make it or break it.
The Sintra tour is an excellent example of this assumption. The village is located atop the dense forest of Sintra. Therefore it’s best for you to visit it in Summer because during the winter the mist gets in the way of you enjoying the landscape at its fullest.
In turn, during the summertime, there’s a clear view, that allows you to have the best enjoyment of the westernmost point of continental Europe – Cape of Roca- the Pena Palace, the Regaleira Villa and the other amazing buildings there.
The viewpoints present to you a clear sky, instead of a hazy mist, something typical during wintry days.
Costa Vicentina
This name refers to the coastal strip that goes all the way from Alentejo to Algarve. It has some of the most beautiful sights of the country’s coastline.
Summer is itself a great time of the year because you feel more relaxed and carefree, add to that a fantastic scenery in shades of blue, and you have the best holidays you can get.
Pick the Évora Tour, which starts at Alentejo and ends at the Algarve, and you’ll get along the way a great view of the sea from the window of the bus.
Algarve
The Algarve has been for ages a beloved region during summertime. Portuguese and tourists have chosen it as their holiday destination for many years now.
And it’s easy to understand why this is: the gorgeous beaches are some of the best in the country, and most importantly the waters are warm and calm, unlike the ones in the north of Portugal. Some of the beaches in the region have even been referred to as being the most beautiful on earth –
The Huffington Post chose the Ponta da Piedade, in Lagos. (Sun) bathe in these marvelous wonders during the day and enjoy the busy nightlife afterward!
Climate
Portugal’s climate is one of its best assets and has been acclaimed for many years now. In Summer it’s hot outside and the days are longer, so you’ll feel instantly better and happier. And you’ll be vacationing, so this is the perfect scenario.
The warm weather begs for a day out, so choose the tours that best suit your summer needs. If you want a relaxing day at the beach go for something like the Algarve Tour; if you’re going to take a stroll and discover more about the city’s history and tradition, pick the Porto or Lisbon Tour, for example. If you want to be out and about in nature, the Serra da Estrela is the tour for you. All that matters is that the weather will be great!
River beaches
Summer days can get hot, so people who live in cities away from the sea have to resort to river beaches, but that doesn’t mean that they’re worse. Many river beaches have beautiful sights. Take the Fátima Tour, for example. There are many beautiful river beaches in the country, some of them being crowded and other hidden treasures.
Summer festivals
Porto and Lisbon welcome some of the most important music festivals during the summer. If you’re a music lover, this will be of great interest to you. Why not book a day tour to Porto, spend the day discovering the city and its marvelous sites, and then at night go to a festival?
The long days will make you feel like you can do everything. And you can! Enjoy the city’s charm during the day and rock your heart out at a concert at night. This will be the best of both worlds, so what you’re waiting for?
Surf
Surf is a pretty big sport in Portugal as for today. The Nazaré giant waves have something to do with it because they put Portugal on the surf route.
This fishing village has become a go-to place if you’re a surfer or just an admirer of this sport.
Pick the Algarve Tour or/and the Historical Villages Tour, so that you’ll get the chance to surf some waves or enjoy the magic scenery. All of this happens in a place with great sights, great people and great food!
Great Prices
Portugal will be of great interest to you due to its low prices. You won’t spend much money here, even if you go out to dinner or to get some drinks. Ask a fellow tourist, and he’ll agree.
You’ll get great food for a great price. What’s better than not having to worry about your finances during the holidays? Book now one or more tours to some of the fantastic sites in the country!
Nightlife
The nightlife in Portugal is known for being one of the best in Europe. You already know that the prices are low, so that’s a plus, now imagine a night out during hot summer nights. There’ll be many themed parties and lots of great music.
If you choose the Lisbon Tour, you’ll end up at Bairro Alto, the heart of the nightlife in the capital. You can party there until 4 a.m! Pick the Porto tour, and you’ll have a similar atmosphere. Other tours like the Algarve Tour offer you an idyllic scenery of parties at the beach. I know what you’ll be doing next summer!
Superb mountains
Portugal has much more to offer than sunny beaches. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll have to get a look at the fantastic mountains during the summer. The Sintra Mountains, the Serra da Estrela Mountains, the Arrábida Mountains… These are some of the places you’ll be visiting! Go for a hike, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy your work free days!
Santos Populares
June is the month of the saint’s festivities in Lisbon and Porto- Santo António and São João, respectively. The residents celebrate the “Santos Populares,” as they call them, with lots of beer, wine, sardines on bread and popular music. In Porto, the citizens grab a hammer made out of plastic and use it to hammer people’s heads as part of the tradition.
It’s all super chill, don’t worry. Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, a town on the southern bank of the Douro River, are bursting at the seams this time of year. In Lisbon there’s even a parade where the different neighborhoods present a show; they call it the “Marchas Populares.” They put on their best costumes and sing and dance to traditional themes.
There are even the weddings of Santo António when many couples celebrate their marriage on the Santo António day simultaneously. This an enjoyable event for the locals and the tourists, as the city is lightened up by the ornaments everywhere!
Peixe fresco e marisco
Summertime is just the right time for you to eat some fresh fish by the beach. The fishing village of Nazaré is a great place to eat a spectacular grilled fish – sea bass, sea bream, horse-mackerel, sardines-, a fish stew or some shellfish.
Choose the Historical Villages Tour or the Sesimbra Tour, for example, and feast your eyes and your stomach with the fantastic views and delicious cuisine.
Golf
The Algarve loves Golf, and so do you. If you’re a fan of the sport, you’ll be happy to hear that this is a favorite sport in the southern region of Portugal. If a golf course is a must have for your vacation, book a tour to Lisbon or the Algarve!
Fado
Fado is Portugal’s most famous music. The word means destiny, so the songs are very intense and depict life’s most emotional events. During the summer there’ll be lots of music outside, and you’ll stumble upon many houses of Fado.
You have Fado of Lisbon and Fado of Coimbra. You have to pick a tour of these cities and experience both of the events!
Best Tours in Portugal – January
Are you wondering what to do on your next vacation?
Discover the best tours in Portugal during the month of January. At this time of year, Portugal is truly a Winter Wonderland. Read what follows and find out why this is!
These are some of the tours we recommend:
- Lisbon Tour
- Sintra Tour
- Fátima Tour
- Serra da Estrela Tour
- Évora Tour
- Porto tour
- Algarve Tour
Discover Lisbon
Lisbon Tour
This tour will provide you with a fantastic experience in Portugal’s capital. Lisbon is a city with great spots that will astound you. January is a good month for you to visit the city, as the cold weather leaves the city even more charming.
Don’t let the weather affect your holiday plans! This time of the year there’re fewer tourists, so you’ll enjoy a more peaceful visit. Get your coat on and hop on this tour through the beautiful Lisboa!
Park of the Nations, Parque das Nações is one of the places you’ll be visiting. It was here that the acclaimed Expo ‘98 took place. This was a great exhibition that highlighted the 500 years anniversary of the Great Discoveries made by the Portuguese.
There you can hop on a cable car ride and enjoy the often sunny landscape, despite the current season.
Other tourist attractions include the Baixa Pombalina, which was rebuilt by the Marquis of Pombal, an important figure of Portuguese culture which gives its name to the Downtown Historic Center. The reconstruction happened after an earthquake wrecked the city center, in 1755.
Continue your hike and arrive at Parque Eduardo VII, a pop of green in the city, which allows you to walk amongst nature or take a sit and enjoy the marvelous views of city life.
Lisbon is a very historic place, so you’ll stumble upon many essential elements of the country’s History. Tower of Belém is one of them. It’s a symbol of the Portuguese and world heritage. This once protective piece during war times is now a reminder of Portugal’s importance on the business world of yesteryear.
Another example of the historical nature of the city is The Cristo-Rei statue, in Almada, which took inspiration from the Christ Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Every day hundreds of people visit this site to have access to an exceptional view of Lisbon’s north and south banks, united by the 25 de Abril Bridge.
To end this day of touring take a stroll through Chiado and Alfama historical neighborhoods. These two are well representative of Lisbon’s aura, which will be highlighted by the winter glow.
Discover Sintra
Sintra Tour
Sintra looks like a cinematic dream, but we can guarantee you it’s real. The village’s situated on top of Sintra’s mountains, Serra de Sintra and this is a strong factor regarding the site’s aura. You’ll see some fantastic buildings there, namely the Pena National Palace, Pena’s Park. The Regaleira Villa and Palace of Queluz.
To stand at a majestic building on top of the mountain and surrounded by all colors of nature is a fantastic feeling. The season can change one’s view of the place and turn it into a completely different experience. Winter time in the Sintra mountains is for sure a grand moment with its various shades of green and blue.
There are several astonishing sites in the village for you to visit and where you can seize the beautiful day. The Pena Palace, for example. It was built on the steep ground, on top of a rock, and has a dense forest that surrounds it.
Here you’ll get a great view of the landscape and the sea, all the while having access to a museum which is home to countless objects of Portugal History.
This tour happens to take part in some of the prettiest buildings in the village, and the Regaleira Villa is one of those. The Villa is supposed to represent one man’s idea of a microcosmos on earth, in this case on Serra de Sintra. The lavish wintery gardens wait for your visit!
And for another natural monument, you have Cape of Roca -Cabo da Roca. This is the westernmost point of continental Europe. Here you have a wide view of the Mountains in Sintra you have just visited and get to see the fantastic coast.
Discover Fátima
Fátima Tour
Fátima is a town in the center of Portugal, which is known for its Shrine and as the most famous pilgrimage place in the country. In 1907, three little shepherds claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary in Fátima. The town became a pilgrimage place ever since.
You’ll be surprised to find other exciting locations near the Shrine, the Ourém Castle and Vila Medieval de Ourém, the city’s medieval village.
The Nascente do Agroal, Spring of Agroal is a speck of quiet amidst life’s chaos. Visit the caves -in Portuguese grutas- Grutas de Mira d’ Aire, Grutas de Alvados and Grutas de Santo António!
Discover Serra da Estrela
Serra da Estrela Tour
Serra da Estrela is the most famous mountain in Portugal. It’s a great location whether you’re a fan of Winter Sports like skiing, snowboard, and sledding or just a nature lover.
April is a tricky month, given the fact that it’s already Spring, but there’s still a lot of rain! There’s a Portuguese famous saying -Abril águas mil- which means it rains cats and dogs during April. But don’t let this get in the way of you getting a fantastic trip to the Serra!
Put your raincoat on and visit the Cheese Museum and Bread Museum, where you’ll get to know two of the region’s specialties: cheese and bread.
Get to know nearby towns: Seia is known for its delicious food, such as honey, sausage meats, and cheeses; Covilhã is a bigger town, but it still maintains its rural look, because the great mountains are always there in sight.
Visit the University or take a tour through the Festival of Street Art, where many graffiti and visual artists have painted abandoned city buildings; make a sprint through petite Manteigas (its name means butter). While you’re there, you have to make a stop at a tiny café for a hot bowl of soup to keep you warm!
Climb the Serra’s highest point -The Tower and go for a hike on the many tracks at your disposal! The Serra has a different glow during warmer times!
Discover Évora
Évora Tour
This tour to Évora will you offer the quietness you’ve imagined for your vacation. During summer this town, located in a region in the south of Portugal named Alentejo, is one of the country’s hottest places, so you’ll be lucky to avoid the heat, as you’ll visit it in April!
Your tour we’ll probably be blessed with some refreshing rain.
Don’t let this discourage you from embarking on this journey. Évora has beautiful natural landscapes as well as historical monuments, the most acclaimed being The Roman Temple of Évora, situated at the town’s historical center, Largo Conde de Vila Flor.
There are other interesting sites in the area: the Cathedral of Évora’, the Museum of Évora, the Public Library or the Centro de Arte e Cultura Eugénio de Almeida.
You’re going to wander the charming streets and squares of Évora, for example, Giraldo’s Square, which is an excellent example of the iconic Portuguese sidewalk.
A wine tasting at Fundação Eugénio de Almeida and a visit to Cork Factory -Portugal is the world’s largest producer of cork- represent an excellent opportunity for you to learn more about the Portuguese culture.
Discover Porto
Porto Tour
The city of Porto was built alongside the hillsides and overlooked the beautiful Douro River.
If you book this tour, you’re going to visit the following tourist attractions: the solemn Tower of Clérigos and the great Carmo Church; Lello Bookstore, the world known bookstore; Aliados, the long avenue where people come to celebrate several events; Mercado do Bolhão, one the most cherished markets in Portugal;
Santa Catarina Street, the heart of the local commerce and where you can visit the famous Majestic Café; the São Bento Railway Station and its twenty thousand tiles and Vila Nova de Gaia, a town on the southern bank of the mouth of Douro river, where many of the Porto Wine Cellars is situated.
Discover Algarve
Algarve Tour
This tour begins in Lisbon and is headed to Algarve, which is a region best known as a summer destination for many Portuguese and tourists. By visiting it in April, you’ll avoid the chaotic days of the high season. Take a relaxing stroll by the beach and take a breath of fresh air.
Before the arrival in Albufeira, a bathing town in the Algarve region, you’ll make a stop at quiet Évora, a town in the Alentejo region.
Unlike the Algarve, Alentejo is a very peaceful place all year long. One of its most famous monuments is the Roman Temple, which still holds its complete podium at the Évora’s Roman Temple, one of the town’s symbols.
Familiar with the Portuguese sidewalk? It’ll be everywhere, on narrow streets, squares…And for a history lesson on Portuguese culture: a visit to Fábrica de Cortiça, a Cork Factory- Portugal is the world’s largest producer of cork- and a wine tasting at Fundação Eugénio de Almeida.