The places to visit in Portugal aren’t limited to summer — even the colder months offer plenty to explore. If you're thinking of taking a break, winter holidays can be the perfect excuse to escape the routine and discover quieter, lesser-known spots. While many associate holidays with sun and sand, winter is a unique opportunity to experience a different, more peaceful side of the country.

To help you plan your next trip, Xtracars has put together a list of some of the best winter destinations in Portugal. Ready to explore?

Serra da Estrela is a top pick for some winter holidays with your family. From December to March, the mountains are covered in snow, the perfect setting for skiing, snowboarding, or building snowmen with the little ones.

But there's more to this region than snow. Take time to explore the charming mountain villages, enjoy breathtaking landscapes, and don’t leave without tasting the famous Queijo Serra da Estrela — a local cheese that captures the flavour of the region.

Our next stop is in the Beira Baixa region, in Alcaide. Here you can explore Serra da Gardunha, located at 1000 meters of height and with an amazing view to its neighbour Serra da Estrela.

The beautiful setting of Alcaide is home to more than 500 species of mushrooms. To celebrate the region’s heritage, the Míscaros - Mushroom Festival is held every year. A truly unique experience. 

If you're looking for places to visit in Portugal during the winter, Golegã is a fantastic choice. Perfect for a winter holiday with a twist, this village in the Ribatejo region is known as the horse capital of Portugal. Whether you're passionate about horse riding or simply want to enjoy an authentic and traditional experience, Golegã deserves a spot on your list.

Every year, especially in November, the village comes alive with iconic events such as the National Horse Fair, the International Lusitano Horse Fair, and the São Martinho Fair, celebrations that blend culture, equestrian tradition and local gastronomy.

But Golegã isn’t just about horses. It’s also the birthplace of José Saramago, a Nobel Prize winner in Literature. You can visit the José Saramago Foundation and dive into the life and work of one of Portugal’s most influential writers.

Visiting Óbidos is like stepping back in time to the Middle Age. It is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the world, and its many monuments bear witness to this — from the great Óbidos Castle to its ancient walls, which you can still walk along today.

In December, the town takes on a special charm with the Óbidos Vila Natal festival, filling the streets with lights and activities for the whole family. And of course, no visit would be complete without the famous ginjinha de Óbidos served in a chocolate cup — the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day.

The next stop on our list of places to visit in Portugal takes us to Alentejo and there is much to discover in the country’s largest region. A visit to the Alentejo’s parks and nature reserves is a great opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife up close and admire truly breathtaking landscapes. For the more adventurous ones, it’s the perfect chance to enjoy a bike ride or hike along the Transalentejo trails.

Even in the south of the country, there are places to visit in Portugal that are perfect for a different kind of winter holiday — like the charming town of Silves. Far from the summer crowds, this former capital of the Algarve reveals the region’s more authentic side, where history, nature and gastronomy come together.

In addition to visiting the impressive castle or wandering the peaceful streets, make sure to try the Algarve’s famous oranges. In Silves, you can explore around 7,000 hectares of orange groves, follow the Orange Route, and even take part in the harvest. A unique and delicious experience for a memorable family winter holiday.