5 destinations for your Christmas holidays

A classic is always a classic and Serra da Estrela is always one of the most popular destinations during the Christmas season. Being the highest point in mainland Portugal, it is also one of the (few) places where snow tends to shine in winter, making it the perfect setting to experience a white Christmas, like in the movies. Just 20 kilometers away you will find the village of Manteigas, located in the heart of the Zêzere Glacier Valley – one of the largest in Europe at 13 kilometers long –, with a “U” shape, shaped by the disappeared glaciers, and the iconic Covão da Ponte and Covão d'Ametade painting the landscape. In addition to having a great offer in accommodation, for all tastes and budgets, it is known for its typically mountain cuisine, where Queijo da Serra (cheese) is king.

Located in the territory of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, it is expected that in the surroundings of the town, on cold days, you can find areas covered in snow. But its interest goes beyond that, and just to mention a few you will find a lush green landscape, even in the middle of winter, and several historical points, such as the group of Espigueiros do Soajo and the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Peneda, part of a large natural cemetery beauty However, the real fans of the season cannot miss one of the two most popular events in the last two years, in northern Portugal: the Enchanted Forest which, in 2024, will take place at Porta do Mezio, one of the five gates of the Peneda National Park. Gerês, a place where the magic of Natal and Nature merge in a perfect symbiosis.

For those who do not give up the sea and more urban environments, a mandatory destination is Vila do Conde, a medium-sized coastal city whose beauty served as inspiration for several writers such as Eça de Queiroz, José Régio, Antero de Quental or, more recently, Valter Hugo Mãe. With a beach line that flows into the Ave River, designed by architecture Pritzker Álvaro Siza Vieira, don't miss two of its ex-libris: the replica of the Nau Quinhentista – which will delight the little ones – and the Santa Clara Monastery, a imposing building located at a high point in the city, with spectacular views of the city, which houses a luxury hotel complex, which includes restaurants, bar and hotel. If you are travelling with children and want them to burn off energy, in the city centre you will find the typical Christmas market, with delicacies, Santa Claus's house and carousels.

A Christmas with tradition and refinement? This former fishing village is now one of the most sophisticated and popular areas on the outskirts of Lisbon, offering the tranquillity of nature – as it is located between the Serra de Sintra and the Atlantic Ocean – and the excitement of a vast and eclectic range of good cosmopolitan restaurants and bars.

Don't miss its beautiful beaches, with magnificent mansions right in front of the sea, such as Praia Grande do Guincho, which became world-famous in 1969, thanks to the recording of some scenes from the film “In the Service of His Majesty”, from the saga 007!

At the opposite end of the classic “Snow Christmas” is Christmas with mild, spring-like temperatures, which the climate of Madeira Island provides. Known internationally for its end-of-year celebrations, Funchal also has one of the most curious traditions in the country: the Market Night Festival, which takes place on December 23rd and lasts well into the night, bringing together crowds that gather to sing Christmas carols. , dancing and drinking in what is the longest night on the island. The bars serve traditional drinks – such as poncha – and the delicious “carne vine d’alhos” sandwich, typical of Christmas.



How to finance your Christmas vacation?

If you already have somewhere to invest your thirteenth and don't want to touch your savings, but would like to give your family a Christmas to remember later, Credibom has the solution for you in the form of a holiday credit.

Created with the financing of travel and leisure activities in mind, vacation credit offers financing amounts, interest rates and repayment terms in line with the needs of those traveling on vacation or work.

For example, at Credibom, the Consumer Choice 2024 credit institution, you will find a vacation credit that offers financing amounts of up to R$10,000, repayment terms between 12 and 60 months, flexibility in choosing the date for debiting the installment, free account opening, TAN from 10.90% and APR from 15.41%.

Just simulate and ask for credit. In just 24 hours you will have a response to your request and, 48 hours later, the money is in your bank account.