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Trips and Adventures
Snow in Portugal: how to plan a winter getaway in the mountains.
Portugal is best known for its mild climate, sunny days and long Atlantic coastline. What many visitors don’t expect is that snow in Portugal is very real during winter and surprisingly accessible.
Just a few hours from cities like Lisbon or Porto, several mountainous regions regularly receive snowfall. The most well-known is Serra da Estrela, but snow in Portugal can also appear in Trás-os-Montes, Peneda-Gerês National Park and some inland northern valleys.
For tourists, digital nomads and expats living in Portugal, this means a winter getaway without international travel. Snowy landscapes, cosy villages and scenic mountain roads offer a very different side of the country.
These destinations deserve a place on any winter itinerary, and Xtracars has done the groundwork to help you plan a smooth and safe snow Portugal escape. Let’s explore them.
Where can you find snow in Portugal?
While Portugal does not have large alpine resorts, its mountain areas offer authentic winter landscapes, seasonal snowfall and a slower pace that feels worlds away from the coast. This is what makes snow Portugal experiences so distinctive.
Serra da Estrela: Portugal’s main snow destination.
Serra da Estrela is the most reliable place to find snow in Portugal. As the highest mountain range in the country, it is the only region with regular snowfall and basic ski infrastructure.
The region is also known for its food. Traditional mountain dishes, local cheeses and warm cafés make it a welcoming winter destination.
Some of the most scenic yet manageable winter roads are found between Seia, Manteigas and Covilhã, offering beautiful views while remaining safer than smaller mountain tracks.
Trás-os-Montes and Montesinho: winter off the beaten path.
In northeastern Portugal, Trás-os-Montes and the Montesinho Natural Park offer a quieter, more remote snow Portugal experience. Snowfall is less predictable, but when it happens, the landscape transforms completely.
Wide valleys, forests and traditional villages near Bragança and Vinhais create a peaceful setting. This region is ideal for travellers looking for authentic winter scenery away from the crowds.
Gerês: winter nature and thermal springs.
The Peneda-Gerês National Park, famous in summer for its green landscapes, reveals a different character in winter, as snow occasionally appears in higher areas such as Serra Amarela or near the Spanish border.
Trails like Mata da Albergaria or Cascata do Arado feel completely different in cold weather. After a day outdoors, nearby thermal baths offer a warm and relaxing contrast. Gerês suits visitors seeking nature, light snow and scenic drives rather than ski resorts.
Historic mountain villages.
Villages such as Linhares da Beira, Belmonte or Piódão gain a special atmosphere in winter. Stone houses, narrow streets and traditional food create a strong seasonal mood, even when snowfall is light.
Where to eat and stay during winter?
Travellers exploring snow Portugal regions can expect traditional stews, slow-cooked meats, soups and local cheeses, usually served in small, family-run restaurants. Dining is informal, welcoming and often centred around local products.
Accommodation ranges from small hotels and guesthouses to rural lodges and mountain houses. Many travellers prefer staying in villages or small towns where restaurants and services are close by. Booking in advance is recommended during weekends with forecasted snowfall.
In Serra da Estrela, staying near Covilhã, Manteigas or Seia offers a good balance between access to snow areas and comfort. In Gerês and Trás-os-Montes, rural lodgings provide a quieter experience, ideal for travellers seeking nature and relaxation.
What can you do during a winter trip?
A winter getaway in Portugal is not only about skiing. Depending on weather and location, activities include:
- Skiing and snowboarding (mainly in Serra da Estrela).
- Sledging and snow play, ideal for families.
- Winter hiking and mountain walks.
- Landscape photography.
- Visiting historic villages.
- Enjoying regional winter food and wines.
- Often, the highlight is simply driving through mountain roads and stopping at viewpoints.
How to get there and what to expect?
Most regions where snow in Portugal appears are easiest to reach by car. From Lisbon, Serra da Estrela is around a 3.5 to 4-hour drive. From Porto, destinations like Gerês, Trás-os-Montes or Serra da Estrela can be reached in 2 to 3 hours, depending on conditions.
Public transport is limited in winter, especially once snowfall begins. Mountain villages and higher-altitude areas often require a car to move around comfortably and safely, making driving the most practical option.
Snow in Portugal is weather-dependent and often short-lived. Visitors should expect cold but clear days after snowfall, occasional road restrictions and a mix of snow, ice and wet roads. Flexibility and daily forecast checks are essential.
Driving in cold and snowy conditions in Portugal.
Mountain roads in Portugal are scenic but often narrow, with sharp bends and steep gradients. In regions like Gerês and Trás-os-Montes, roads tend to be narrower, with tighter curves and steep sections. Snow, ice and wet surfaces are common in winter, making careful planning and cautious driving essential.
Key precautions include:
- Checking tyres, brakes and antifreeze levels.
- Ensuring good visibility and driving smoothly without sudden braking.
- Using snow chains when required, especially near Serra da Estrela.
- Defensive driving, reduced speed and greater safety distance make a significant difference. For those without a car in Portugal, Xtracars offers reliable, well-maintained vehicles suited for snow Portugal conditions, making mountain travel safer and more comfortable.
Why the right car matters, especially in winter.
For many foreigners living in Portugal, owning a car is not always practical. This is where car subscription or long-term rental solutions like Xtracars become especially useful.
For winter mountain trips, vehicles with good traction, stability control and modern safety systems are better suited to narrow and winding roads. With Xtracars, travellers can choose a reliable, well-maintained car adapted to winter conditions, without long-term commitments.
Maintenance, assistance and peace of mind are included, allowing travellers to focus on the experience rather than logistics.
Snow in Portugal: a winter experience worth discovering.
Yes, snow exists in Portugal and discovering it is one of the country’s most surprising winter experiences.
With short travel distances, diverse mountain regions and the flexibility offered by services like Xtracars, a snowy winter getaway becomes accessible and stress-free.
For those living in the country or visiting during winter, the mountains offer a refreshing escape with scenic roads and local food that often feels more rewarding than a long international trip.
