Guerin® Blog
Explore the best destinations: Guerin
Spring in Portugal: where nature awakens, and we feel it
Share
In January, you realise how much clearer the mornings have become. In February, we start to feel the warmth that comes with the sun's rays. And in March, we witness the first signs of spring in Portugal. If you're a fan of this season, take note of our suggestions for living it to the full.
The blossoming of flowers during spring in Portugal
Summer for many, autumn for others, but the season that seems to give us so few options is, in fact, spring in Portugal. Whether it's the mild temperatures or the transformation of the landscape. Come with us and discover this route from the north to the south of the country.
Miranda do Douro
Viewpoints with memorable views over the River Douro, monuments and well-preserved old streets. Often off the beaten track for adventurers, its lands are one of the best choices for lovers of nature and mountain sports.
To visit:
- São João das Arribas viewpoint.
- Fraga de Puio viewpoint.
- Miranda do Douro citadel walls and historic centre.
- Rue de la Costanielha - the oldest street in the city.
- Miranda do Douro Cathedral.
- Casa de la Lhéngua Mirandesa.
- Miranda International Biological Station.
- Picote village.
What to do:
- Douro International Natural Park.
- Boat trip on the Douro.
- Watch a show by the Pauliteiros de Miranda.
What to taste:
- Posta Mirandesa.
- Lamb stew.
- Local sausages.
- Mirandese stew.
- Mirandese codfish.
- Bola doce, Dormidos, Roscos and the Sodos.
Vila Nova de Foz Côa
Spring in Portugal invites boat trips, historical discoveries, outdoor races and hikes in the mountains. Vila Nova de Foz Côa's tourism peaks at this time of year, with the almond trees in bloom adding colour to the region and attracting hundreds of onlookers every year. But there is much more to see, do and taste here.
To visit:
- Prazo Archaeological Station.
- Côa Valley Archaeological Park.
- Slopes of the Alto Douro Wine Region.
- Archaeological complex of the Old Castle of Freixo de Numão.
- Historic centre of Vila Nova de Foz Côa.
- Mother Church (National Monument).
- Pillory and Municipal House of Vila Nova de Foz Côa.
- Côa Viewpoint and Museum.
- Numão Castle and Walled Town.
What to do:
- Festival of the Almond Tree and World Heritage Sites.
- Upper Douro Wine Festival.
- Côa Walkways Trail.
- Drive along National Road 222.
- Walk through the Côa Valley Archaeological Park (rock engravings).
What to taste:
- Here you'll find some of the best Portuguese wines.
- Wild asparagus omelette.
- Batatas baqueadas.
- Fish crumbs.
- Soursop salad.
- Sausages.
- Local honey.
Fundão
Spring in Portugal isn't all about almond trees. And in Fundão, there's a tree that blossoms to fill the mountain landscape with soft colours: the cherry trees. An itinerary that you can add to our other romantic getaways.
What to visit:
- The cherry trees in bloom in the Serra da Gardunha.
- Historic village of Castelo Novo.
- Historic centre of Fundão.
- Pedra d'Hera viewpoint.
- Village of Alcongosta (known as the ‘Land of the Cherry’)
- Alcongosta Watchtower Viewpoint.
- Village of Castelo Novo (one of Portugal's medieval villages).
- Schist village of Barroca.
What to do
- Fundão Archaeological Centre.
- Take a photo on the swing at Castelo Velho.
- Take a boat trip in the Lavandeira River Park.
- Visit the House of Poetry.
What to taste
- Liqueurs from Fundão.
- Cherry cakes.
- Wines from the region.
- Octopus à lagareiro.
- Tenderloins with cherry sauce.
- Lamb stew.
- Carqueja rice.
Castelo de Vide
Did you know that Castelo de Vide is known as the ‘Sintra of the Alentejo’? This is one of the most beautiful villages to visit during spring in Portugal. Close to other historic towns, it's the perfect excuse to visit the Alentejo. Nature finds a place here to flourish and give it even more charm.
What to visit:
- The town walls.
- Town Hall.
- Yellow House.
- Ogivais Castle Gates.
- The Castelo de Vide Jewish Quarter.
- The town's fountains.
- Melriça Dolmen.
What to do:
- Take part in Holy Week and Easter events.
- Visit the Old Synagogue and Museum.
- A trail in the São Mamede Natural Park.
- Climb up to the Chapel of Our Lady of Penha.
- Visit Marvão.
What to taste:
- Rib-eye crumbs.
- Pézinhos de coentrada.
- Sarapatel.
- Alhada de cação.
- Boleimas.
- Real sericaia.
- Honey cakes.
Spring in Madeira: the island is always in bloom
With a mild climate for most of the year, the island of Madeira manages to preserve a fauna and flora that makes it feel like spring all year round. It is perhaps the most popular place to spend spring in Portugal, both for national and international tourists.
What to visit:
- The island's waterfalls.
- Ponta de São Lourenço.
- Madeira Botanical Garden.
- Monte Palace Gardens.
- Taking part in the Flower Festival.
- Porto Moniz Volcanic Natural Pools.
- Porto Santo.
- Fanal.
What to do:
- Madeira's levadas are some of the best for trekking in Portugal.
- Explore the Laurissilva National Park.
- Watch the sunrise at Pico do Areeiro.
- Go downhill in the basket carts.
- Watch the Flower Parade in May.
- Climb Pico Ruivo.
- Visit the typical houses of Santana.
- Climb Cabo Girão.
What to prove:
- Nikita and poncha.
- Fruit from the Farmers' Market.
- Tomato soup.
- Chestnuts.
- Bolo do caco.
- Lapas.
- Garlic vines.
- Fried corn.
- Madeiran skewers.
Spring in Portugal: your journey begins at Guerin
Town cars, SUVs, family cars or electric cars. Exploring spring in Portugal can be done with the best rented cars and all the flexibility of being able to pick up and drop off your hire car at different stations, 100% digital rental process. And so, you can enjoy the spring landscapes without being behind the wheel, you can always add an additional driver to your booking so you can swap seats whenever you feel like it. If you're planning a family trip, Guerin has the most suitable children car seats for the little adventurer in the house.
Share
