Enterprise

Spring in Portugal: the best destinations to enjoy the season

Most holidays are usually saved for summer, the time of high temperatures and refreshing swims without the chill. However, spring in Portugal offers advantages that no other season can match: mild weather, colourful landscapes, better prices and fewer tourists on the streets. In short, it’s all upside. Don’t believe it? Keep reading,  we’ll convince you in the paragraphs below.

Tuscany? Why not Costa Vicentina instead?

We’re not just being provocative with this subtitle - our proposal is genuinely serious. As spring in Portugal blossoms, the fields of the Alentejo region burst into a true explosion of colour for those passing through. And then, of course, there’s the sea and the beaches of Costa Vicentina, much less crowded at this time of year.

Accommodation prices are also far more reasonable.With this setting in mind, it’s also the perfect time for a road trip, making the most of everything the region has to offer: the beaches, certainly, but also the gastronomy, culture and the peaceful pace of life that defines these days.

Start your journey in Porto Covo, head to Vila Nova de Milfontes, continue to Zambujeira do Mar and finish your adventure in Aljezur and Sagres. Which brings us back to where we started: why travel all the way to Tuscany in Italy when Costa Vicentina is right here?

Alentejo villages instead of Provence

Alentejo villages instead of ProvenceAnother bold subtitle - encouraging you to make the most of spring in Portugal without needing to travel abroad. And we don’t say it lightly. Follow us.

As the largest region in the country, Alentejo is perfect for exploring by car, driving across its endless plains, which at this time of year are filled with flowers decorating the fields.

This sweeping landscape is only interrupted when you reach its picturesque villages, each offering plenty to see and enjoy.Visit medieval Monsaraz, where you can admire stunning views over the Alqueva Lake. Enjoy its restaurants and traditional shops, immersing yourself in the Alentejo way of life.

From there, continue to picturesque Marvão, located at the top of the mountain range that shares its name. Here, José Saramago once said: “From Marvão you can see the whole world.” There’s no better endorsement than a quote from a Nobel Prize in Literature laureate.

But don’t stop there. Continue your road trip along beautiful local roads to historic Castelo de Vide, where you can explore the castle views, savour regional cuisine, wines and museums.If you’re looking for even more culture and heritage, shift up a gear and head to Vila Viçosa or Mértola.

Visiting these towns during spring in Portugal means avoiding the intense summer heat - with mild temperatures, experiencing these destinations becomes even more enjoyable.

Skip the Canary Islands, embrace the Algarve

The reasons are obvious but one stands above the rest: you can reach the Algarve by car, driving through the flower-filled fields of Alentejo and Algarve along the way. All this with temperatures close to those of summer, inviting you to take long swims on the region’s countless beaches.

While we highlighted the lower number of tourists in Costa Vicentina during spring compared to summer, in the Algarve this difference is even more noticeable. This allows you to explore the region’s roads and visit places such as Lagos, Albufeira, Portimão, the islands of Ria Formosa or even the Monchique mountains, stepping away from the coastline for a change of scenery.

After your road trip, enjoy the beaches and their crystal-clear waters, hiking trails in the mountains, fresh regional fish and seafood, vibrant nightlife and the peaceful atmosphere that spring in Portugal, especially in the Algarve, offers its visitors.Still tempted to catch a flight to the Canary Islands? We didn’t think so.

Porto and Douro: wine, vineyards and much more

Some travellers head to Bordeaux for a wine experience. We prefer pointing the compass north and, by car, driving through the vineyards with magnificent terraced views cut through by the blue waters of the Douro River along the scenic N222 road.We recommend stopping in Pinhão to fully appreciate the vineyard landscape and its iconic tiled train station, or in Peso da Régua, home to the Douro Museum.

After exploring this region, continue to the city of Porto for a more urban experience, while still immersed in local traditions - always with wine as the backdrop, alongside its outstanding gastronomy. And all the museums, all the bridges over the Douro, and all the streets and avenues with their artistic flair. As you can see, the offer is rich and diverse.

If late autumn and winter can feel harsh in this region, spring in Portugal brings a lively and colourful atmosphere that invites you to visit and linger, with the reflections of the Douro River lighting up your journey.

Explore spring in Portugal with Enterprise

To fully experience spring in Portugal, rent a car with Enterprise. Travel in comfort and flexibility, making the most of every destination. Choose the model that suits you, pack your bags and set off to explore the country’s diverse regions during this wonderful season.

With Enterprise, it’s simple and hassle-free: we are your global mobility solution, a sector leader offering easy car rental anywhere in the world.