Porto’s riverside, 4 days before Christmas
{ This article was written by me and created in partnership with Expedia.ca. }
Canadians with one eye on the lowering thermostat and the other eye on the flagging loonie are probably wondering what else is going south these days.
“Should I?”
Caribbean and Mexican beach holidays are fun for a while, but these days you’re interested in a trip with memories beyond umbrella drinks and gated resorts. The U.S. dollar is getting too expensive to cross the border. The major ski resort areas in Western Europe are costly, especially with the current rate of exchange. Where to go?
I’d say it’s high time for a different sort of winter travel, one that offers a wide range of activities beyond a beach. A country with warm people and interesting gastronomy, one that is unique yet affordable.
I know a country that fits the bill…
Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe, with a mainland border that’s barely changed since the 12th century. It has a Mediterranean climate, especially in the south region. Portugal has the added bonus of compactness—it’s not much bigger than the province of New Brunswick. Each region is quite distinct, however, with its own geographic features, specialty dishes, architecture, and traditions. The two main cities, Lisbon and Porto, are only 300km apart and connected by airport and rail links. Both airports receive flights directly from Canada year-round; there is a third airport in the Algarve (Faro).
Portugal’s beautiful, varied landscapes are best explored by car. Avis Car Rental awarded Portugal the prestigious honour of World’s Best Road for 2015: a spectacular 27km stretch of the N-222 from Peso da Régua to Pinhão in the Douro Valley. Take advantage of winter discounts for car rental to offset the highway tolls in Portugal. The highways are pristine—most completed less than 20 years ago—and have little to no traffic.
kitesurfing at Praia de Mira
In winter Portugal is a surfer’s dream, with some of the biggest, most dramatic waves in the world. (The Guinness World Record surfed wave by Garett McNamara in Nazaré in 2011 still stands.) Northern European surfers stay the winter to take advantage of the favourable surfing conditions and because it’s mild, sunny, uncrowded and easygoing.
Serra da Estrela, mid-February
Get the full winter experience by snowboarding at Portugal’s one ski resort in Serra da Estrela one day and hiking around the valleys below the next day. The highest peak is 2000m, overlooking breathtaking scenery. Nature is much gentler here: no bears, elk, mountain lions, or coyotes to run into on the trail. Instead, turn back time by visiting mountain villages made of schist, then stop by a fortress or castle. Many are free to visit and open all year round.
schist village of Piódão
Penedono Castle
For the health-conscious travellers seeking culture and creature comforts, Portugal has mineral springs and thermal spa towns catering for every type of tourist, the highest concentration between the central region to the north. While in the north, take in a local festival around Carnival time.
a carnival tradition in the northeast is the devillish Caretos of Podence (Entrudo Chocalheiro)
Did you know that Portugal produces some of the best wine, coffee, and olive oil in the world? It has an abundance of other home-grown products—rice, seafood, fruits, and vegetables—thanks to a growing season that lasts all year.
wine and cheese tasting after a tour
February food fairs, all over Portugal
Even with the less-than-favourable exchange rate, Canadians can eat well and indulge in Portugal for much less than in other Western European countries. Here during the day it’s common to dine al fresco in winter.
lunch on the beach in February
Where Canadians will find excellent value in Portugal is in accommodation, the category of largest expense. This is especially true in the winter, where deals can be found for a wide variety of stays, from private homes and golf resorts to restored farm houses and former manors of nobility.
This is just one of the many benefits to being an off-season traveller. Another is being able to enjoy outdoor activities under less intense sun. In Portugal, the winter season (January to March) is more ideal for wind and wave sports such as kitesurfing and surfing. With fewer tourists, you’ll get more of a chance to speak to the locals and practice your Portuguese!
With a suggested itinerary of 9-10 days, you can explore sea caves in the Algarve, golf in the Alentejo, visit fortified castles overlooking Spain along the eastern border, ski in Serra da Estrela, soak in a natural spa, take in a festival or two, tour wineries, watch professional surfers tackle huge waves on the central coast, and hike the countryside, stopping at visit schist villages along the way. Depending on your gateway city, take another few days to visit the vibrant capital of Lisbon and/or the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto, each with their own monuments and history.
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