Things to do in Portugal in Winter: Best Places to Stay & Visit

The mild temperatures of winter in Portugal offer an invitation to explore the country. Apart from treating yourself to some great gastronomy and tasty wine, there are many other interesting and unique things you can do that will make you warm up to the coldest season of the year. 

When looking for things to do in Portugal in winter, you will be pleasantly surprised by how many possibilities might unfold right in front of you.

The country’s mild weather and climate and means that winter temperatures rarely go under 10ºC (50ºF) and will sometimes reach over 20ºC (68ºF), offering plenty of chances go outside and enjoy the cities’ activities or nature’s beauty. Even rainy days will not be wasted, since there are great indoor options at your disposal.

If you are looking for a quieter time, away from big crowds and high season prices, winter may be the best time to visit Portugal, especially with this list of places to go and things to do.

Located in Central Portugal, Serra da Estrela is one of the most emblematic winter destinations in Portugal.

The reason for this is that it is one of the only places in the country that regularly sees snow, and as a result, the mountains have become the country’s closest ski destination.

The beautiful landscapes gain a magical feel when covered in snow, and the experience is completed by a stay at a cosy chalet and a ride to Portugal’s highest continental point, over 2000 metres above sea level. 

If you have never been to Porto, let us break the news straight away: the most famous Port wine cellars are not actually in Porto.

They are located in Vila Nova de Gaia, the city just across the river. The good news is that this gives you the chance to double the enjoyment, as you can experience a delicious Port Wine tour while taking in a beautiful front view of Porto’s Ribeira area at the same time—a lovely way to warm up during the winter months.

We do not need to make a case for why wine and winter go perfectly together, but we will reinforce that the sweetness and robustness of Port wine take this pairing to another level. 

Read More:
Living in Porto: The Ultimate Guide for Expats & Foreigners

Grab your camera, an extra coat, and the warmest scarf you have, and head to Sintra to take what may well be the most beautiful and mystical pictures ever.

While the region tends to be colder than its close neighbours, Lisbon and Cascais, the chance to see Pena Palace rising colourfully through a white winter mist makes it all worthwhile.

While you are there, enjoy the local pastries and the cosiness of staying nestled among the green valleys, which lose none of their beauty even on the coldest days. 

The World’s Leading Beach Destination in 2025 is, unsurprisingly, Portugal’s top summer hotspot. During the warmest months of the year, the streets and beaches of nearly every city in the Algarve are flooded with visitors. The atmosphere is always lively and exciting, but also undeniably crowded.

Visiting the Algarve during the winter gives you the chance to experience the region in a much calmer and more relaxing way. The best part is that even during this period, you will still enjoy many sunny days, offering beautiful views of the shoreline during a morning or afternoon walk.

January and February are peak months for golf tournaments in the Algarve, making it an ideal destination for golf enthusiasts at this time of year.

The region’s mild winter climate, characterised by pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine, provides perfect conditions for playing.

With world-class courses and a calendar full of exciting tournaments, the Algarve attracts players of all levels looking to enjoy the sport amid stunning natural landscapes. 

The island of Madeira, around a three-hour flight from mainland Portugal, offers a different take on winter.

With temperatures usually ranging from 16°C to 22°C (61°F to 72°F) during the winter months, a trip to the archipelago feels like flying straight into spring.

This is yet another destination that is far less crowded in winter and also more affordable. Even so, the mild climate allows you to do almost everything you would in August, including enjoying outdoor activities.

Located in the Braga district, you will find the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, an architectural and landscape ensemble whose monumental, photogenic staircase has made it one of the region’s most popular tourist attractions.

Recognised for its outstanding universal value, the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and took 21 years to be constructed.

You can take a funicular to the top of the beautiful staircase—but why not warm up during winter by walking its 573 steps? 

After being closed for eight years for renovations, MUDE—Lisbon’s Museum of Design and Fashion—finally reopened in mid-2024. Occupying an entire block on Augusta Street and sitting next to the iconic arch that separates the famous pavement from Commerce Square, the building itself is such a work of art that it has become the first exhibition of this new era.

If design and fashion are not your thing, you can still avoid the winter chill by heading indoors at MAAT, the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology. The new building is so beautiful that you might feel tempted to stay outside admiring it, but stepping inside for the exhibitions will elevate both your experience and the temperature.

Lisbon also features many other museums, such as the Tile Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of the Orient, the National Museum of Ancient Art, and many more.

Thanks to an underwater canyon located off the coast of Nazaré, giant waves form at Praia do Norte, attracting spectators and daring surfers. These waves usually occur during the colder months of the year, from November to February.

The best viewpoints during a giant wave event can be crowded and windy, but the thrill of witnessing the power of both nature and the surfers is sure to be unforgettable.

From big cities to small towns, Portugal’s four corners light up with Christmas lights and festive decorations. From mid-autumn to the beginning of winter, you can stroll around and soak up the season’s jolly spirit and, better yet, stop by one of the country’s Christmas markets.

In addition to buying handcrafted gifts, you can also enjoy local food and treat yourself to a delicious drink, including a warming cup of hot wine.

Unlike destinations with harsh weather, visiting Portugal during the coldest months of the year requires no major preparation. Yes, you will need a warm jacket for the evening, a good scarf, and maybe some gloves. However, unless you plan to visit Serra da Estrela or Bragança—some of the few places where snowstorms can occur—you will not need especially heavy gear.

The best preparation is to check the weather forecast for your destination and take it from there. Also, bring warm pyjamas. As Portugal is used to mild temperatures, central heating is not very common. Thankfully, air conditioning with a heating option and portable heaters are widely available.

Another thing to keep in mind is that in some regions, such as the Algarve, certain restaurants, bars, and nightclubs may be closed for the entire season, reopening only in late spring or even just during the summer months.

Other than that, simply follow our list of suggestions and let yourself be surprised by the charm of the season in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries.