Top 5 Best Places to Visit in Portugal in winter with kids:
Portugal news – What are the best things to do in Portugal in winter with kids? Here are the Top 5 best places to visit and things to do in Portugal in winter with kids and family:
1 – Perlim – A fairy tale castle with daily shows – Porto – November 23rd – January 5th
Perlim fairy tale castle, in Santa Maria da Feira that is in the district of Porto, is a wonderland with daily shows for an enchanting experience for families with kids. Perlim is a dreamland for a magical and fun Christmas experience, where children can explore this enchanted kingdom full of lights and surprises.
The Poseidon Circus, shows Pirate Tragaldabas, accompanied by his faithful cabin boy Peter, arriving at the incredible underworld of the ocean floor in search of the treasure of Poseidon, God of the seas.
The Santa Maria da Feira historic center holds a Parade full of color, joy, music and dance every Saturday and Sunday morning. The streets host the Dream Parade with two floats and the Christmas train that carriesy the Perlim characters and Santa Claus.
At nightfall, the closing show of Perlim takes place outside the Castle, in a fantasy land where dreams meet reality
2 - Caretos Carnival - on Ash Wednesday – in Podence, Bragança, northern Portugal
The Caretos de Podence carnival, that was officially recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, is held on Ash Wednesday that will be on March 1st – 4th in 2025.
Portugal’s enigmatic Caretos of Podence with their antics and rattling, while running down the streets and pretending to attack the “matrafonas”, that are men posing as shabbily dressed women who have been unjustly attacked, is a unique cultural experience to be discovered with families.
The event includes a parade that culminates with the "Burning of the Devil", in the Cavaleiro Ferreira square, accompanied by a show of trapped fire.
3 - Serra da Estrela & Belmonte winter festivities – December 1st – January 6th
Portugal’s Beira and Serra da Estrela snow-capped mountains transform into a real Christmas postcard during the festive season, with events that combine tradition, culture and the magic of the season. From villages decorated like fairy tales to Christmas markets full of typical products, the region offers a unique setting to experience the Christmas spirit for the whole family.
Experience the magic of Christmas in the historic Jewish village of Belmonte from December 1st to January 6th with activities for children and families. Hannukah lights on December 25th to January 2nd, street entertainment, Santa Claus's house, theater, concerts, music, carousel, workshops, lighting of the tree, festival of lights and much more to discover.
Serra da Estrela is not only a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts but is also a place where culture and gastronomy offer a rich experience with the famous Serra cheese, local wines and traditional rye bread.
4 – Bragança Winter Solstice festivities, on December 24th - January 6th
Discover Bragança Castle, a medieval fortress that offers panoramic views of Portugal’s northern region and that guards centuries of history within its walls.
Winter Solstice festivities in Bragança start with the cult of Saint Stephen (Festas de Santo Estêvão), a boys' festival (Festas dos Rapazes) that takes place on December 24th to January 6th that includes nightly rounds to the sound of the bagpipes with drums and songs around the village.
Visit the Iberian Mask and Costume Museum to learn more about local traditions and the importance of masks in the culture of Trás-os-Montes region.
The proximity to the Montesinho Natural Park also provides an opportunity for nature lovers to explore one of the wildest and most preserved areas of Portugal, inhabited by species such as the Iberian wolf and the golden eagle. The local cuisine is also worth mentioning, with dishes such as feijoada transmontana or butelo com casulas, which promise to warm hearts during the cold winter months.
5 - Peneda-Gerês National Park in northern Portugal
For nature lovers, the Peneda-Gerês National Park in northern Portugal, is a place to admire Garrano wild horses, Iberian wolves, red foxes and rare bird species, while enjoying the serenity of its snow-covered paths to discover frozen waterfalls and breathtaking views.
Gerês is also a place to enjoy with family and friends, with a variety of adventure sports, such as canoeing on the crystal-clear rivers or cycling along its mountainous trails. For those who prefer a more peaceful experience, there are numerous natural hot springs to relax while surrounded by idyllic winter landscapes. A visit to the historic villages of Gerês is a place to enjoy traditional architecture and local hospitality that is as warm as a log fire on a winter's night.
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