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What to do on rainy days: explore Portugal at your own pace
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When grey clouds cover the sky and the rain begins to fall, the first instinct is often to postpone plans and wait for sunnier days. But instead, thinking about what to do on rainy days is a much better bet. A rainy day can open the door to unique experiences, away from the crowds and with a special charm of its own.
With the right car at the wheel, a rainy day becomes the perfect chance to create unforgettable memories. By hiring a car from Guerin, you gain the freedom to set your own route, choose where to stop and adapt each moment to the weather. Even if conditions change, you can continue exploring with safety, comfort and complete independence.
The best things to do on rainy days in Portugal.
Visit palaces and museums
Rainy days may not be ideal for outdoor strolls, but they’re perfect for diving into history and culture. Picture yourself wandering through the halls of a palace, with raindrops running down the windows overlooking the gardens, or losing yourself among masterpieces in an art museum.
Winter getaways in Portugal include: the National Palace of Mafra, the National Tile Museum in Lisbon, the Convent of Christ in Tomar, and the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art in Porto. All sheltered, but full of stories to tell.
Relax in thermal baths or a spa
The sound of rain outside makes the experience indoors even cosier. A day at a spa or thermal baths is the perfect way to completely disconnect from routine. Warm waters ease the body, while relaxation rooms with views of the landscape create the ideal setting to recharge.
In Portugal, popular options include: Monfortinho Thermal Baths, São Pedro do Sul Thermal Baths, Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park in Vila Pouca de Aguiar, and Águas do Gerês – Hotel Termas & Spa.
Cosy city breaks
Historic cities have a special charm in the rain. Streets glisten with reflections, cafés feel more welcoming, and life moves at a gentler pace. With a hire car, you can park close to attractions and come and go as you please.
Consider destinations such as Évora, with its UNESCO-listed historic centre; Coimbra, where you can pair visits to historic libraries with a traditional lunch; or Porto, where you can explore art galleries, tour the port wine cellars and enjoy a warm, inviting atmosphere.
A gastronomic journey
Bad weather is the perfect excuse to linger at the table and savour local gastronomy. Rainy days call for hearty dishes such as arroz de pato from Beira Alta, an Alentejo lamb stew, or a steaming bowl of caldo verde from Minho. You can also visit wine cellars, such as those in Azeitão, and sample the finest regional cheeses. A gastronomic itinerary is always a good idea.
Indoor experiences perfect for families
Travelling with children doesn’t mean a rainy day has to be boring. Interactive science centres, aquariums and planetariums offer fun activities for children.
Highlights include the Pavilion of Knowledge in Lisbon, Lisbon’s Oceanarium, the Porto Planetarium – Ciência Viva Centre, and the Visionarium in Santa Maria da Feira. Places that can turn a grey day into a true family adventure.
Count on Guerin to explore Portugal at your own pace.
Travelling with a hire car means freedom and flexibility. You are not tied to public transport timetables, you don’t have to worry about long walks in the rain, and you can always adjust your journey as you go.
For an even smoother trip, Guerin offers additional products that make a real difference on wet roads and when visibility is reduced. Driver and Passenger Protection ensures extra peace of mind throughout your journey, while Glass and Wheel Protection is essential in urban areas or on uneven roads where mishaps are more likely. With these protections in place, you can focus on what really matters: making the most of every moment, rain or shine.
With Guerin, comfort is guaranteed
At Guerin, we believe every trip deserves to be enjoyed to the fullest, no matter the weather. Our wide fleet allows you to choose the car best suited to your journey and group size, while our additional products provide extra protection. Drive safely, at your own pace, and discover how even a grey day can set the scene for an unforgettable journey.
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