Trips and Adventures
Places to visit in Portugal in your next winter holidays
This year, we suggest you try a different kind of vacation. We know that summer means vacation, but winter can also be just as good. Winter holidays can be a lot of fun. There is so much more to do, beyond the beach. You can discover fantastic places to visit in Portugal and enjoy a calmer vacation by avoiding the crowded summer destinations. Put on your coat and fasten your seatbelt. Ready to hit the road with Xtracars?
Alcaide: A unique experience at the Mushroom Festival
Things to do in Alcaide
Our journey begins in the Beira Baixa region, in Alcaide. Here you can explore Serra da Gardunha and enjoy its beautiful landscape, shaped with wild pines, chestnut trees and olive trees. Located at approximately 1000 meters of height, Gardunha also offers an amazing view of its neighbour Serra da Estrela.
Traditional food from Alcaide
Beyond its natural richness, Alcaide also has good cuisine to explore. 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. With mushroom foraging walks, live-cookings with Portuguese chefs and tastings of several mushroom species, this really is an experience you shouldn’t miss.
Golegã: The capital city of the horse
In Portugal there is a land where the horse is the king. That’s true, we are talking about Golegã. If you’re a fan of equestrianism, this village should be on your list of places to visit in Portugal. Located in Santarém, Golegã annually hosts various events centred around the equestrian tradition, namely the National Horse Fair (Feira Nacional do Cavalo), the International Lusitano Horse Fair (Feira Internacional do Cavalo Lusitano) and the São Martinho Fair.
Places to visit in Golegã
Despite its large equestrian tradition, Golegã has much more to offer. This is the hometown of one of Portugal’s greatest writers. That’s right, the Literature Nobel Prize laureate, José Saramago was born in Golegã. Here you can visit the José Saramago Foundation and learn more about the author’s life and works.
Nazaré: Much more than big waves
We’re sure you have already heard about the famous Praia do Norte in Nazaré. After all, it was here that the surfer Garrett McNamara rode the world's biggest wave, in 2011. And it is exactly these giant waves that put Nazaré in this list of the best places to some winter holidays. From November to February, you’ll have the chance to see the most fearless surfers trying their chances in the giant waves of Nazaré.
Places to visit in Nazaré
Beyond its giant waves, there is much more to discover in this west village. You’ll find several must-visit spots here. First, use the elevator to get to the Sítio, where you’ll enjoy a fantastic view of Nazaré beach (Praia da Nazaré). While you’re there, make sure to visit the Fort of São Miguel de Arcanjo and the Nazaré Lighthouse.
Explore the traditions of Nazaré
Nazaré has always cherished its traditions, which is why many of them are still alive to this day. It only takes a walk in the streets to see the Nazaré women dressed in their traditional seven skirts.
Traditional food from Nazaré
The strong connection to the sea is also reflected in the food. In this west village, grilled sardine, "caldeirada à moda da Nazaré” and fish and seafood cataplanas are some of the best dishes you can try. Besides, dried fish is also a very typical snack of this region.
Connect with nature in Alentejo
The next stop on our list of places to visit in Portugal is in Alentejo and there is a lot to discover in the largest region of Portugal.
Things to do in Alentejo
Nature experiences are an excellent option and there are lots of activities to discover in this region. A visit to the nature reserves and parks of Alentejo is a great opportunity to see several animal species and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. The most adventurous ones can also do some walking or cycling in the Transalentejo trails. In the Alentejo region there are also some night activities to do, such as stargazing in the Lake Alqueva Observatory. An amazing experience for the whole family.
Traditional food from Alentejo
Beyond all the nature experiences, there is lots of food to discover in Alentejo. The locals use olive oil, bread and aromatic herbs in almost every dish and the best flavours of this region are served precisely with these ingredients. The gazpacho, the migas and açordas dishes are some of the best meals you can have here and let’s not forget the good wine of the region.
Try the best oranges of Portugal in Silves
We are headed to south, and our next stop is in Silves. If you think the Algarve is a summer destination, you’re wrong. By visiting the Algarve during the winter, you will have the chance to explore everything this region has to offer apart from the beaches.
Places to visit in Silves
In Silves we can find the biggest castle of the Algarve, the Silves Castle, an absolutely beautiful piece of military architecture. A building that is over a thousand years old and remains in excellent condition.
Traditional food from Silves
When you have the chance to visit Silves, don’t forget to try its delicious oranges, they are the jewel in the crown of the region. There are about 7 hectares of orange groves to explore, and you can also visit the orange route and help picking the fruit.
Discover the best winter destinations with Xtracars
Now that you know our list of best places to visit in Portugal, you just have to schedule your next winter holiday and book your car with Xtracars. With a flexible period of use and a fixed monthly fee, it's everything you need on your vacation. To enjoy your vacation with no worries you should add the complementary product of Driver’s and other passengers protection to your rental, to ensure the protection of all the vehicle's passengers in case of any unforeseen event. What are you waiting for?
