No cold weather can beat the desire to see new places. So here, you will find a guide to winter destinations to fill your cold weekends. Fight the urge to stay in the comfort of your sofa and go on an adventure. Get to know the 10 best winter destinations in Portugal.  

In Bragança, the intense cold invites you to stay around the fireplace while tasting the region's incomparable sausages. Don't forget, be prepared for below zero temperatures.  

If you visit Bragança between December 25th and January 6th, the "Festas de Inverno" will mark your passage through one of the coldest cities in Portugal.  These celebrations are the eternalization of a pagan ritual, which at its core, is a tribute to mother nature. A ritual of fertility, fecundity, initiation and purification. 

2. Gerês 

For those who like to enjoy nature in silence, winter is the best time to visit Gerês. Without rushing and the typical crowds, exploring Gerês in winter has another charm.  

Some prefer the quieter side of Gerês, the trails with different levels of difficulty to explore waterfalls, and some can't decide which sport to choose. Canyoning or tree climbing? The choice is yours. After so much effort, you can't stay on an empty stomach. The local gastronomy never disappoints, be sure to try it. 

For a well deserved rest, opt for a hotel or for the coziness of a rural tourism lodging. 

This is the classic winter destination in Portugal, Serra da Estrela. If winter sports are your passion, look no further, you have found the right destination for an unforgettable getaway. As soon as the first snowfalls arrive, for ski lovers, all roads lead to Serra da Estrela.  

Despite the unique landscape that can be glimpsed from the Torre resort, be sure to discover life in the mountains. After a day in the snow, let yourself be cozy with the warmth of a fireplace and the taste of typical products of the region.  

In winter, the rainy and gray weather brings out even more the mysterious personality of the city of Porto. Mysterious, but welcoming, just like the city's inhabitants. The hospitality of the people from Porto will make you feel at home.  

In Porto, every corner is worthy of a photo to remember later. After crossing the famous bridge D. Luis I, all streets lead to a Port Wine cellar. But before that, don't forget to pass by the Clérigos Tower, S. Bento Station, and the Porto Cathedral. To finish, a cold day, or not, always asks for the coziness of a francesinha. 

The historical village of Piódão, in the municipality of Arganil, is a place that becomes magical in winter. The typical alleys lined with small schist houses are the ideal setting for your next winter destination. The unique beauty of its landscapes invites you to go for a walk to get to know every corner of this small village, which has so many stories to tell. Warm up and get ready for the adventure. All the surrounding of the small houses with blue doors also deserves to be contemplated. The end of the day has only one possible destination, a rural lodge with a fireplace to recover from an intense day.  

Óbidos is the most famous Christmas Village in the country and, therefore, it is the favorite winter destination for the little ones. And while they are dazzled by the magic of Christmas, the older ones taste the typical Óbidos sour cherry served in a chocolate glass. 

To go through all the events, activities and Christmas illuminations are plans for more than one afternoon. Therefore, so that your visit is not only to the Christmas Village, our suggestion is that you extend your stay and get to know every corner of this beautiful town. 

In winter, there is less time to enjoy the daylight. So you should make the most of every minute in Lisbon. Whether on a terrace or on a walk by the Tagus River, enjoy every ray of sunlight. For the rainy days, take refuge in one of the museums of your choice or dive into the depths of the Lisbon Oceanarium.  

If you don't want to waste time, stay in the center. If you prefer a slow morning, disconnect from routine in a rural accommodation near Lisbon. Don't leave without first trying the traditional pork sausage roasted in the famous Casas de Fado. 

Are you ready to visit the Algarve out of season? Silves is one of the few Algarve towns that is not only busy in the summer. The mild temperatures in the winter months invite you to spend a unique weekend in Silves. Despite the shorter days, the plan can be varied. A visit to the beach is certain. Complement it with a visit to the Castle, the Cathedral or the Old Bridge.  

It is the ideal time to taste the local oranges, considered the best in the Algarve and in the world. Before you move on to dessert, enjoy the local cuisine, which ranges from fish and seafood from the coast to game dishes from the mountains. 

The island that gives way to the highest point in the country, is a great winter destination. If weather conditions allow, climb the 2351 meters of Pico mountain for a memorable experience.  From the top, you can catch a glimpse of the islands of Faial, São Jorge, Terceira, and Graciosa. This, in addition to the breathtaking view over the endless sea. 

In the vast list of museums, be sure to include the Wine Museum. A visit that deserves a return. Either for the landscapes, or for the warm reception that the Azoreans make a point of giving to all those who pass through the island. 

The island where the whole year seems like spring, is the ideal winter destination for those who don't like cold. Until New Year's Eve, you can explore the island calmly and without crowds. If you extend your stay until New Year's Eve, it's a different story. The fireworks show in Funchal bay on the first night of the New Year is one of the biggest tourist attractions. 

After a ride in the cable car and wandering every corner of the streets of Funchal's Old Town, it's time to taste the much coveted "poncha". 

 

Now that you have plans for the colder weekends, all you need to do is rent a car in Portugal with Guerin. A short getaway for two or a family weekend? We have a solution. Choose the vehicle from the vast Guerin fleet which best suits your adventure.