Guerin® Blog
Tourism in Portugal
Portugal Snow Area: where to go, what to do and how to travel safely?
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When people think about snow, Portugal is rarely the first country that comes to mind. And yet, every winter, a small kind of magic happens: a few regions dress in white and suddenly create that irresistible urge to go and see the snow before it melts away. But finding a Portugal snow area isn’t as simple as turning on the GPS and heading for the mountains. Exploring a Portugal snow area requires planning, choosing the right route, knowing where to stop for a good meal along the way and, above all, travelling prepared for winter conditions.
With the right car from Guerin’s fleet, a good dose of curiosity and close attention to the weather forecast, discovering snow in Portugal can still be part of your winter plans. Here are Guerin’s top destinations for chasing snow safely and comfortably.
Serra da Estrela: Portugal’s most famous snow area.
Serra da Estrela is, without question, the best-known Portugal snow area. As the highest point in mainland Portugal, it’s where snowfall is most frequent and where winter truly feels like winter. With Guerin as your travel companion, discover the must-see spots and flavours that make this destination special.
What to do:
- Serra da Estrela Ski Resort: the only place in Portugal where you can ski or snowboard. Whether you’re a beginner or just curious, fun is guaranteed.
- Sledging in authorised areas, perfect for both kids and adults.
- Playing in the snow: building snowmen, snowball fights and plenty of laughter.
- Scenic stops at Torre and Lagoa Comprida, when conditions allow, ideal for breathtaking winter photos.
What to eat:
After time in the cold, comfort food is non-negotiable:
- Serra da Estrela cheese (no excuses).
- Roast kid goat or lamb.
- Rice with carqueja.
- Traditional game dishes such as wild boar, partridge or rabbit.
Winter driving in Serra da Estrela requires extra care. Ice and fog can appear suddenly, so planning your route in advance is essential. Travelling with the Pack Platinum adds an extra layer of comfort and peace of mind, helping you navigate winter roads more confidently, even when weather conditions change suddenly. Before setting off with Guerin, it's worth understanding the key precautions for driving on snowy mountain roads.
Peneda-Gerês National Park: a wild Portugal snow area.
Less predictable, but equally magical, Peneda-Gerês National Park is another Portugal snow area, especially at higher altitudes. Here, snowfall often arrives quietly, covering mountains, forests and small villages without warning.
For travellers seeking raw nature, mountain trails and untouched landscapes, Gerês offers a quieter, more untamed winter experience.
What to do:
- Gentle winter walks along snow-covered trails that feel straight out of a Nordic documentary.
- Photograph frozen rivers and white landscapes.
Visit traditional villages like Soajo or Lindoso, where time seems to slow down.
What to eat:
- Traditional Portuguese stew.
- Barrosã beef steak or rojões.
- A glass of red wine to warm both hands and conversation (ideally with an Additional Driver).
Narrow roads and sharp curves make winter driving in Gerês more demanding. Opting for a vehicle adapted to winter conditions helps ensure safer handling, stability and smoother journey, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Montemuro, Marão and Lousã: lesser-known Portugal snow areas.
For those looking to escape the crowds, the mountain ranges of Montemuro, Marão and Lousã are excellent alternatives within a lesser-known Portugal snow area when winter brings a surprise snowfall.
Located in the North and Centre of the country, these Portugal snow areas reach elevations high enough to be covered in snow during colder winters, with authenticity and tranquility as their biggest charm.
What to do:
Explore mountain villages and quiet trails.
Discover frozen lagoons and forest paths.
Capture photos along snow-covered roads and viewpoints.
What to eat:
- Regional cured meats (sausages, ham, salpicão, etc).
- Oven-baked dishes and old recipes rarely found on modern menus.
- Homemade or convent-style desserts, because sugar helps fight the cold.
Mountain roads can hide ice, potholes or debris after storms. A well-prepared vehicle and careful driving make all the difference, turning winter roads into part of the adventure rather than a concern.
What to pack when visiting a Portugal snow area (besides good spirits)?
- Warm clothing (obvious, but often forgotten).
- Footwear with good grip.
- Extra time (snow and rushing don’t mix).
- A suitable winter-ready car, ideally with snow chains.
Regardless of the destination, always respect local regulations, drive only in authorized zones, and adapt your driving to road conditions.
Preparing for the trip is half the adventure.
Chasing snow in Portugal means being ready for cold weather and challenging road conditions. Renting a car is a flexible, practical and safe solution for winter travel. With Guerin’s diverse fleet, you can choose a comfortable and reliable vehicle equipped for winter journeys. With the Pack Platinum, everything you need for colder conditions and mountain roads is included in one complete solution, all managed through a simple, 100% digital booking process.
The perfect trip for a different kind of winter.
Finding the right Portugal snow area is a mix of luck, winter timing and preparation. It doesn’t happen every day, but when it does, every kilometre is worth it. With the right car, a well-planned route and safety taken care of, snow stops being a risk and becomes the perfect excuse to break routine. And with Guerin, every winter journey feels even better when everything around you turns white.
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