Portugal is a country known for its spectacular light, its almost 300 days of sunshine per year, its beautiful beaches and its warmth. But it can also be cold here, and it can be intense. And winter is showing its face throughout the northern hemisphere and, of course, in Portugal. So, wrap up warm and pack your bags to visit FIVE places that are even more beautiful when it's cold.
Serra da Estrela
In this mountain range in the middle of the country, in the Guarda District, there is snow all winter long. To enjoy it, just climb the Serra da Estrela, which is almost two thousand meters high and thus enjoy the beautiful views that you have from there, of places like Loriga, Poço do Inferno and Covão da Ametade. But that's not all: for those who like winter sports, the place is a must-see, after all, there is a ski resort in Manteigas.
Monsanto
Still in the same District, that of Guarda, is Monsanto, a picturesque village with granite houses and single-tile roofs. On top of lower mountains, the village was built full of houses built into the rocks, with Manueline portals, viewpoints, boulders and churches full of history. When you reach the top, you will find the ruins of a castle from where you can see neighboring Spain in the distance! A visit that is well worth it, all year round.
Marvao
Now leaving the north of the country and crossing the Tagus River, the destination is this small and beautiful village located in Alentejo. Marvao It was built on top of a mountain, approximately 850 meters high, and is located in the Serra de São Mamede, in the District of Portalegre. The city is completely walled and you can sleep in one of the village's guesthouses, in addition to enjoying the good Alentejo cuisine. From inside the village, you have some of the most beautiful views I have ever seen.
Gerês
Anyone who loves nature, almost untouched, cannot miss the beauty in its purest form. Gerês Mountains, a huge place where true fans of hiking and contact with nature will love it. Discover one of the oldest sanctuaries in Portugal and take the opportunity to visit the granite houses in the village of Brufe. In the municipality of Montalegre you can also see the picturesque landscape formed by several stone houses and green fields, in the village of Pitões da Júnias.
Braganca
Considered one of the coldest cities in Portugal and very close to Spain, Braganca has breathtaking winter landscapes. Snow is present every year and winter temperatures drop below zero. There is a lot to see in this area known as Trás-os-Montes and the gastronomy is something that will stay in your memory for many winters. You can't go to Bragança and not visit the castle walls and the churches in the city center.
