Serra da Estrela
Serra da Estrela is one of the most iconic destinations for experiencing Portugal in winter. When snow falls, areas such as Torre and the Serra da Estrela ski resort become ideal settings for skiing, snowboarding or simple mountain walks. Even on snow-free days, hiking trails around Covilhã, Manteigas or the Zêzere Glacial Valley, as well as the many viewpoints across the range, continue to offer breathtaking scenery.
After time spent outdoors, winter calls for comfort. The region offers accommodation well prepared for colder days, mountain spas and access to thermal baths, such as the Unhais da Serra Thermal Spa. At the table, gastronomy takes centre stage: Serra da Estrela cheese, traditional cured meats, hearty soups and oven-baked dishes are all part of the local identity.
Mountain villages like Linhares da Beira, Belmonte or Loriga, with their distinctive architecture and slower pace, complete the experience and show another side of Portugal in winter.
Peneda-Gerês National Park
The Peneda-Gerês National Park is another destination that takes on a special character during winter in Portugal. Walks become quieter, trails less crowded and waterfalls retain their strength, creating ideal settings for those seeking direct contact with nature.
Routes such as the Mata da Albergaria, trails around Portela do Homem, or walks near the Arado Waterfall and Fecha de Barjas (Tahiti) reveal a more silent and immersive landscape during this season. The Gerês Thermal Baths are another major highlight, offering moments of relaxation after days spent outdoors.
Local mountain cuisine follows the rhythm of winter, with comforting dishes such as oven-roasted goat, Barrosã beef grilled over charcoal, the classic Bacalhau à Minhota and the traditional Abade de Priscos pudding. Small villages like Soajo, Lindoso or Pitões das Júnias preserve traditions and ways of life that invite visitors to slow down and explore without haste.
Here, having a car is essential to reach more remote areas and freely discover one of the most impressive natural landscapes in Portugal in winter.
Talasnal and the Schist Villages
Talasnal, one of the most emblematic villages in the Serra da Lousã, is a perfect example of how Portugal in winter enhances the atmosphere of historic villages. Part of the Schist Villages Network, this destination invites visitors to walk between villages, explore mountain trails and enjoy nature even during the colder months.
Winter highlights the welcoming character of local accommodation, much of it set in restored schist houses prepared for peaceful stays, complete with fireplaces, blankets and views over the mountains. Regional cuisine follows the season, with traditional recipes and mountain flavours such as chanfana (slow-cooked goat stew) and maranhos.
More than an isolated destination, Talasnal works as a starting point for discovering other villages in the Serra da Lousã and surrounding areas, such as Casal Novo, Cerdeira, Candal or Chiqueiro, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to discover Portugal in winter at a slower pace.
Gastronomic weekends in Northern Portugal
Another way to experience Portugal in winter is through food. In Northern Portugal, this experience takes on a special flavour with the Gastronomic Weekends, promoted by Visit Porto and North of Portugal in partnership with 68 municipalities. This initiative invites visitors to discover the region one bite at a time, with time, flavour and curiosity, away from the rush of peak season.
Throughout the winter, municipalities such as Amarante, Ponte de Lima, Bragança, Vila Real, Chaves, Mirandela or Melgaço host programmes that celebrate regional cuisine and wines, involving local restaurants, accommodation providers and producers. Each destination brings its own culinary identity to the table - from the mountain cuisine of Trás-os-Montes to the flavours of Minho and the Douro - always paired with wines that reflect local grape varieties, landscapes and traditions.
But these gastronomic weekends go beyond the table. In cities like Guimarães, Barcelos, Caminha or Viana do Castelo, programmes often include cultural visits, historic centres, religious heritage and routes along rivers or the Atlantic coast. In inland areas such as Valpaços, Vila Flor or Ribeira de Pena, closer contact with the landscape and rural rhythm makes the experience even more immersive.
For food lovers, this is another excellent way to explore Portugal in winter while discovering the traditions and flavours that define each region.
Enjoy Portugal in winter with Enterprise
For those planning winter getaways and looking for the freedom to explore Portugal in winter, renting a car is a practical and comfortable solution. Enterprise offers a fleet adapted to different needs, ensuring safety, comfort and freedom to explore the country without rush.
With a rental car, it’s possible to discover Portugal in winter at your own pace: calmly, comfortably and with the flexibility needed to make the most of every destination.