Portugal Winter Holidays

When it comes to Portugal winter holidays, the coastal resorts of the Algarve often get the most attention, however there’s an abundance of history and culture to uncover throughout the country’s quieter interior. Óbidos, north of Lisbon, is one of Portugal’s best preserved medieval towns and often likened to an open-air museum, making it worth exploring come rain or shine. The rugged island of Madeira, deservedly nicknamed ‘The Pearl of the Atlantic’, is another gem of a destination during the winter season, with its subtropical climate allowing year-round hiking, windsurfing and mountain biking.

If it does get chilly, warm up with some hearty cozido à portuguesa (vegetable and meat stew) or açorda (a garlic and coriander broth served with egg and crusty bread) in Alentejo, a region which is every bit as charming during winter. Another well-kept secret of Portugal winter holidays is the Serra da Estrela ski resort. While the country isn’t known for being a ski destination, the under-the-radar resort is much loved by locals. For the true sun chasers, combine Portugal winter holidays with a visit to Southern Spain. Road trip from Cadiz to Seville, ending in the Algarve, on an excursion which really makes the most of both Iberian nations’ sun-soaked coastlines and mild winter weather.