5 Affordable Winter Flights from Portugal

For expats in Portugal, staying connected with family, friends, and work can be challenging, especially due to high roaming charges. But don’t worry! We have a solution for that too.

1. Paris

Emily isn’t the only one who should experience the beauty of Paris in winter. The city of love and lights has an especially magical effect this season. Winter in Paris lives up to its reputation and offers even more.

Flight details

Prices vary depending on the season and booking time, with Ryanair offering round-trip flights from Porto and Lisbon starting at €42 and €34 respectively.

Must-see attractions

One of the most popular Parisian attractions is the Louvre Museum, but a less-known fact is that the museum opens its doors for free on the first Friday of each month. Ice skating is a fun and affordable activity for winter tourists in Paris. One of the city’s most prominent landmarks, the Grand Palais des Glaces, houses France’s largest indoor skating rink every holiday season.

Up to 20 Christmas markets appear in different locations around Paris throughout November and December. From the cosy wooden chalets to the whimsical decor, this is a must-see winter attraction! Join the locals to sip hot mulled wine (vin chaud), munch on roasted chestnuts and sample delicious sausages, cheese and chocolates while shopping for Parisian arts and crafts.

2. Bilbao

While Bilbao might not be covered in snow for winter, the city has a unique blend of Basque culture and modern architecture. If you want to skip the winter cold this year and go for a mild cool destination packed with rich culture, this is the place to be!

Flight details

Both Porto and Lisbon have affordable options for Bilbao and Vueling Airlines flies the cheapest direct route. Prices start at around €40 for a round trip depending on the season.

Must-see attractions

One of the top activities in Bilbao is exploring its renowned museums. The Guggenheim Museum has been one of the most important pieces of architecture since 1980. It is a modern and contemporary art museum that hosts different exhibitions several times throughout the year, especially during the festive season.

Every winter a 5,000-seat basketball arena, La Casilla, transforms into a family-friendly ice skating rink. The Wildlife Recovery Centre, Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and Armañón Natural Park are popular destinations for nature lovers looking to see interesting wildlife, birds of paradise, and underground cave castles.

Stay Connected While Exploring

Travelling to new destinations is exciting, but staying connected remains essential. Yesim's eSIM service allows you to seamlessly stay in touch with family, friends and colleagues without the hassle of high roaming charges. Wherever you're travelling, Yesim offers data plans that provide local rates in over 200 locations — no need for extra SIM cards or searching for Wi-Fi hotspots.

Yesim’s eSIM plans are tailored for expats like you. For example, the Europe & UK plan is available for €24 per 7 days (currently on discount from €49). You can find all the details and plans directly in the app.

With the Yesim app, setting up an eSIM is easy. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, choose your plan, and follow the simple instructions to install the eSIM on your phone. Whether you’re travelling for work or leisure, Yesim makes it seamless to stay connected, even in more remote areas where roaming charges could otherwise add up.

3. London

London is one of the most captivating and popular winter destinations. From the festive Christmas markets to ice skating in Canary Wharf, the city is nothing short of magical in the snowfall.

Flight details

Ryanair strikes again, and this time, we’re going directly to Stansted Airport in London! The round-trip for carry-ons costs around €49 from LIS and €34 from OPO.

Must-see attractions

London is packed with Christmas markets during this season. The most popular one happens at Hyde Park. The entire area is transformed into a Winter Wonderland and you can experience it for free or participate in the festivities.

Stroll along Oxford Street to see the Christmas lights and find something in the city to indulge in. Our first recommendation is none other than the London Eye. The landmark Ferris wheel offers a full look of the city in winter, and you can experience the whimsical view for a small fare. Once you’re done, head to one of the mega ice skating rinks in Canary Wharf or Somerset House.

Lastly, if you’re a Harry Potter fan, Warner Bros Studios offers a unique experience every winter — experience Hogwarts in the snow. The studio is transformed into a makeshift version of the castle with all-inclusive packages. Admission prices start at €40.

4. Berlin

If you’re looking for a true winter escape, look no further than Berlin. The city is known for its historical architecture, and the sights are even more astonishing when covered in snow.

Flight details

There are a few ways to get to Berlin from Portugal. The most affordable direct route is on Ryanair starting at around €71 from Porto and €86 from Lisbon.

Must-see attractions

Berlin boasts numerous iconic landmarks and museums. The iconic Brandenburg Gate is over 780 years old and is especially magnificent to see during winter. Likewise, set a plan to visit the Pergamon Museum, Reichstag and Berlin Wall. For a comprehensive sightseeing experience, consider booking a Trabi Safari tour.

Christmas markets are also a cultural favourite in Berlin. The city has about 60 markets during the period, free to the general public. The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra has concerts every festive season.

5. Marrakech

At first glance, Marrakech might not seem like a typical winter destination, but it offers a warm cultural escape from colder climates. Similar to Bilbao, Marrakech provides a warm cultural retreat from chilly winter evenings.

The famous souks, ethnic markets, hot tea and flavourful spices are just the start.

Flight details

Lisbon and Porto usually have affordable direct flights to Marrakech starting at less than €50.

Must-see attractions

Morocco is full of cultural sites and historical relics. In Marrakech’s Medina quarter, you can visit the Jemaa el-Fnaa square. It’s one of the most popular spots for locals and tourists alike. Drink mint tea from a rooftop, taste the local delicacies and purchase some local spices or pottery to take home. Other must-see souks in the city are Haddadine for gorgeous lanterns or Smata & Cheratin for gorgeous slippers and Moroccan streetwear.

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to views and tourist landmarks. Visit the Bahia Palace, Jardin Majorelle, Saadian Tombs, Jardin Secret or Yves Saint Laurent Museum. In any case, make sure you tour the Atlas Mountains for a quick hike.

Your Winter Wonderland Awaits

Exploring new destinations is the perfect way to spend the winter holidays. Enjoy the culture and don’t miss a thing back home by installing Yesim! Activate any of their budget-friendly data deals to stay connected to the internet 24/7 while abroad. Whether it’s at the winter wonderland of Paris, London and Berlin or the mild warm weather in Bilbao and Marrakech, your next seasonal adventure awaits!