Searching for the best winter holiday destinations ? Consider winter camping in Portugal. As soon as New Year’s Eve celebrations come to an end, you find yourself staring into the long abyss of January. With the cold creeping in and the days still rather short, you may soon begin daydreaming of balmy evenings in the Bahamas or Summer days spent basking in sunshine.
However, there are ways of making the most of a quick ‘winter warmer’ instead of waiting for Spring to arrive. While Portugal reigns as one of the top summer holiday destinations, the warm year-round weather also makes it the perfect European winter getaway for sunshine seeking travellers and campers alike. A Portugal winter road trip in a campervan from Siesta Campers may just be your best source of Vitamin D. Consider these Portugal winter travel highlights & tips:
4 reasons to consider winter camping in Portugal
1. Best winter holiday destination
When the peak season crowds arrive, the beach is where most are headed. The endless coastline, cotton candy sunsets and quaint fishing villages make it easy to miss one key fact. Portugal offers more than 300 sunny days per year on average! Is it the best winter holiday destination? Not all of these are bikini days, but if you're looking for a warm winter holiday destination the odds of weather being pleasant are in your favour.
When the summer ends, the crowds disperse, sun loungers disappear and endless stretches of sand show their true wild charm. This time is ideal for relaxed coastal hikes, wildlife watching and authentic cultural experiences. For the adventurous, the beginning of winter signals the arrival of bigger swells and the best time for surfing in Portugal.
2. Portugal winter surfing season
Winter surf season in Portugal runs from between October and March and offers consistent waves between 6-15 feet along virtually the entire coastline. Add to that the draw of the big waves of Nazaré and it’s no surprise that Portugal is a top surfing destination. Surfers from around the world flock here in pursuit of their next adrenaline hit.
Whether you come to watch Nazaré big wave surfing or aim to ride gentler waves in the Algarve, winter surfing in Portugal is full of thrills. Beginners looking to spend time in the water have no shortage of surf schools to choose from. Check out our article for some helpful suggestions: 10 Beaches to Learn to Surf in Portugal.
3. The best time for cheap holidays to Portugal
The wintertime is your best opportunity to enjoy cheap holidays to Portugal. The weather is great, activities plentiful and the prices of flights, camperan hire, campsites, surf schools and hotels are all significantly less expensive. Portugal is already considered one of the most affordable European countries, so factor in the off-season pricing and you can snag a cheap Europe vacation. Our own prices are up to 50% lower from their summertime peak and we offer even bigger campervan hire deals. With convenient locations in Lisbon, Porto and Faro and short rental minimums a winter holiday in Portugal is an excellent choice.
Another little talked about perk of low season travel is not having to book everything in advance. For us, travel is freedom and the ability to wake up and decide what to do that day or the next without having a carefully planned itinerary, is priceless.
4. Authentic Portuguese Experiences
Break from peak season, the crowds that come with it and welcome opportunities for a more authentic look into the Portuguese way of life. Shops, restaurants and cafés have more time to offer better service and personal recommendations. Curious where to try the best marisco (seafood) or cozido (Portuguese stew) or where to enjoy the tastiest ginjinhas? Less stress means it’s easier to connect with the locals and exchange stories and to discover lesser known experiences. Your chances are better during the winter.
Portugal winter Camping in a campervan?
If you’re undecided about where your next adventure should take you, consider a Portugal winter vacation in a campervan. Take in the opulence and culture of Porto and the dreamy waterfalls of the Gerés National Park. Get swept up in the energy of Lisbon and be utterly charmed by the endearing Alentejo region. Get lost in the Portuguese interior before landing in the doorway to the stunning landscape and historic towns that make up the Algarve. Immerse yourself in everything Portugal has to offer.
Travel in a camper offers the freedom and flexibility to make the most of your trip especially if time is limited. If you're worried about cold nights, don't be. All our campervans are thermally insulated. Some come with auxiliary night heating and hot water to keep you cozy and help you make the most of your winter camping trip in Portugal.