Portugal is best known for its beaches and summer destinations, but winter offers a quieter and more practical way to explore the country.
With mild temperatures averaging between 10°C and 17°C and fewer visitors, it’s an ideal time to visit smaller towns and villages.
Off-season travel also provides better value and a clearer view of everyday local life, particularly useful for location scouting ahead of a move to Portugal.
Alentejo Region – Monsaraz and Évoramonte
The Alentejo is known for its open landscapes, olive groves, and fortified hilltop villages. Monsaraz, one of the region’s best-preserved medieval settlements, overlooks the Alqueva Lake, Europe’s largest artificial reservoir.
Monsaraz’s position inside the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve makes it one of Portugal’s leading stargazing sites, and several boutique guesthouses remain open year-round.
Local restaurants focus on regional cuisine, including lamb stews and wines from nearby Reguengos de Monsaraz.
A short drive north lies Évoramonte, recognised for its unique cylindrical castle built in the 16th century and its panoramic views across the Alentejo plains.
Accommodation is typically small-scale, with a handful of restored stone houses available for short stays. The village is also conveniently located between Évora and Estremoz, allowing easy day trips to both.
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Central Portugal – Piódão and Linhares da Beira
Moving north, Piódão in the Serra do Açor is one of Portugal’s most distinctive mountain villages, notable for its uniform schist architecture and narrow stepped streets.
Local highlights include hiking routes, traditional honey and cheese production, and small lodgings that offer fireplaces and regional cooking.
Nearby Linhares da Beira, part of the Aldeias Históricas de Portugal network, is centred around a 12th-century castle and granite-built houses.
Linhares da Beira is known for its views over the Mondego Valley and for being one of Portugal’s paragliding capitals.
Northern Portugal – Sortelha and Belmonte
In the Beira Interior region, Sortelha and Belmonte offer insight into the country’s historical frontier life.
Sortelha retains its complete defensive walls and medieval gateway, providing one of the most authentic historical ambience in Portugal. It’s a compact site that can be explored on foot in under two hours, with guided visits available.
Belmonte, located nearby, combines historical appeal with a more developed visitor infrastructure. It’s known as the birthplace of Pedro Álvares Cabral, the discoverer of Brazil, and for its preserved Jewish heritage, reflected in the local museum network.
The town also has comfortable accommodation options and several family-run restaurants focusing on regional Beira dishes.
Douro Valley – Provesende, Barcos, and Trevões
The Douro Valley, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains an attractive destination throughout the year.
The village of Provesende, located near Sabrosa, provides wide views over the valley and several well-maintained guesthouses that cater to wine tourism. Further east, Barcos and Trevões are smaller settlements known for their proximity to family-run wineries, olive oil producers, and established walking trails.
Many estates in the region continue to host tours and tastings during the winter months, offering visitors a more flexible and less crowded experience than in peak season.
Coastal Portugal – Azenhas do Mar and Alcácer do Sal
For travellers interested in the coast, Azenhas do Mar, located just north of Sintra, remains a worthwhile destination in winter. The village is positioned on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic and is known for its natural seawater pool and several seafood restaurants that stay open throughout the year. Its location, approximately 45 minutes from Lisbon by car, makes it suitable for short weekend visits.
Further south, Alcácer do Sal, situated on the banks of the Sado River, combines historical interest with easy access to the Alentejo coast. The town features a medieval castle, traditional architecture, and surrounding landscapes of rice fields and salt pans.
During winter, it provides a quiet environment for walking along the river and convenient access to nearby destinations such as Comporta and Grândola, both less than 30 minutes away by car.
Exploring Portugal in winter can give you a better picture of how life is outside of the busier summer season, a perfect opportunity for those looking to make the move to Portugal. To learn more about visa options and buying luxury real estate, contact Portugal Pathways today.
About Portugal Pathways
Portugal Pathways has supported hundreds of Golden Visa residency-by-investment applications and provides expert guidance through its professional supply chain network on luxury property, wealth management, and tax optimisation, including post-NHR tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, IFICI tax incentive applications, money transfers and bespoke relocation solutions to enhance life and investments in Portugal.
About Portugal Investment Owners Club
The Portugal Investment Owners Club, or P Club for short, is a unique investor membership community designed for discerning individuals, families, and organisations committed to exploring and capitalising on life in Portugal and enjoying money-can't-buy experiences and exclusive events.
Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways and Portugal Investment Owners Club (P Club for short) websites and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice. Golden Visa investments need to be held for 6 to 7 years to allow for permanent citizenship/passport in the EU.
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