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When you think of Portugal, you probably consider it to be a summertime destination. Turns out that the Portuguese capital of Lisbon is actually a great place to visit during the winter months too. You can beat the crowds and still enjoy sunny days during the winter months in this vibrant capital – as well as indulge in Portuguese tarts!
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While the majority of Europe is shivering throughout November to March, you’re likely to enjoy pleasant, sunny days to explore Lisbon. During my February visit, most days were a pleasant top of 16 degrees Celsius – with barely a cloud in the sky! When the sun was shining and I was busy walking around looking at all the pretty plazas and buildings, I didn’t even need a jacket – it wasn’t that cold.
There’s lots of hills in Lisbon. In the summer months, you would work up a pretty decent sweat negotiating all the hills when the mercury peaks above 30 degrees Celsius. While the hills will still have you a little out of breath in the wintertime, you won’t be dripping with sweat at the top or verging on heatstroke – making for a much more comfortable visit.
A winter’s day and port wine are a perfect pairing. Take a break from your wanderings and down a port wine or two. Some pastelerias serve a pastel de nata (custard tart), salted codfish (known as Bacalhau), expresso and a port wine for around €4.
I’ve been to Portugal in the summer before and you have to line up for everything. From grabbing a pastel de nata to riding the elevators to nab scenic views of Lisbon - you have to join a queue for all the tourist themed activities in peak season.
In the winter months, you’ll get a seat straight away on the funiculars, walk right into the decorative elevators to reach the miradouros, or simply get a sweet treat as soon as you want one.
Among my favourite things in European countries during the winter months are fresh roasted chestnuts. At dusk, you’ll see the smoky haze from the roasted chestnut stalls waft along the Rua Augusta. The chestnuts are prepared fresh in front of you and you can grab a bag for €2.50. And you won’t even have to wait in line to get your hands on some.
The softer light, illuminated streetlamps and no crowds make for pretty streetscapes along the streets of Lisbon. You can get some great photos of streets with no people in them, snap a photo from the miradouros as soon as you get there without any annoying photobombs, and even wander down the funicular lines with hardly a person in sight. In the summertime, you’ll be jostling with all the other tourists to get a photo.
Even around the castle wasn’t busy and this is one of Lisbon’s main attractions. I could easily walk the Alfama (Old Town) streets without bumping into another tourist every two seconds. Some streets I had all to myself.
Lisa Owen is a pint-sized Australian following her dreams to travel to as many places as she can, and loves to share her photography, travel hacks, hiking adventures, and food discoveries along the way. At last count, she has travelled to more than 60 countries in between working in public relations and discovering hidden gems in Australia's great outdoors. Instagram: @thelittleadventurer. Facebook: The Little Adventurer Australia.
The views, opinions and positions expressed by the author and those providing comments are theirs alone, and are meant as travel inspiration only. They do not reflect the opinions of Cover-More Insurance. You should always read the Policy Documents available from your travel insurance provider to understand the limits, exclusions and conditions of your policy and to ensure any activities you undertake are covered by your policy.