Where to see snow in Portugal

Serra da Estrela Natural Park is, without a doubt, the snow destination par excellence in Portugal, and the place where you are most likely to see snow in Portugal. With an impressive size and diversity, it is to the Central Plateau, dominated by the Tower (the highest point in the mountain and in mainland Portugal, at 1991 meters above sea level) that snow lovers flock, whether just to see the mountains covered in snow, or to practice mountain sports. Located on the borders of three municipalities, Covilhã, Manteigas and Seia, at the Tower you can find everything you need, specially restaurants and shops selling regional products. But be sure to also visit other regions in the surroundings of the mountains where seeing snow is also common, such as Penhas Douradas, Loriga, Guarda and Gouveia.

With a vast fauna and flora and an unparalleled natural beauty, the Peneda-Gerês National Park is another of the most popular spots in winter in Portugal. Covering the municipalities of Arcos de Valdevez, Melgaço, Montalegre, Ponte da Barca and Terras de Bouro, it is a paradise for those who enjoy nature and history, due to its natural and built wealth. The small villages of Soajo, Pitões das Júnias, Castro Laboreiro and Lindoso, beautiful places in any season, become especially magical painted in white, be sure to pay a visit!

Montesinho Natural Park, with an area of 75 thousand hectares, is one of the largest parks in Portugal, with an impressive biodiversity. At more than a thousand meters of altitude, it is another place where seeing snow in Portugal is quite frequent. The harsh winters of Trás-os-Montes have as one of their exponents the city of Bragança, where snow often falls. In the beautiful villages of Montesinho and Rio de Onor, with granite houses and some services for tourists, time seems to move more slowly, and the snow transports us to an unforgettable bucolic setting.

With more than 1400 meters of altitude, Serra do Marão, located in the transition from the Douro Litoral to Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, is another place not to forget when looking to see snow in Portugal, since it is covered annually by the wonderful white mantle. In the area between Amarante, Vila Real and Régua, the natural landscape is impressive, but in winter, painted in white, it is especially magical. Here, where wolves and foxes still live, it is worth discovering the richness of its fauna and flora. Be sure to visit the Miradouro de Nossa Senhora do Marão, on the highest peak of the mountain range, to enjoy the most impressive views.

With 33 km in length and 12 km in width, Serra do Açor is located in the center of the country, being separated from Serra da Estrela by the valley of the Alva River. It is here that we find, on one of its slopes, one of the most beautiful and well-known snow postcards in Portugal, in the quaint village of Piódão, known as “presepio village”. Belonging to the municipality of Arganil, Piódão, with its typical shale houses and blue wooden windows, transports us back in time. In this fascinating setting, don't miss the opportunity to try the local cuisine, such as goat "chanfana", "tigeladas", sponge cake and "filhós".

Close to the border with Spain, in one of the highest spots of the Serra de São Mamede, the beautiful medieval village of Marvão is occasionally visited by snow. If you are lucky enough to visit at one of these times, you will be surprised by the stunning scenery of the castle and walls covered in an immaculate white mantle, a unique image, in the heart of Alto Alentejo. Visit the castle, the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Estrela and the various churches, and take the opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine, with emphasis on the "migas", the bread soup and the black pork.