Portugal, a country steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, offers an idyllic setting for a dreamy and romantic honeymoon. From the vibrant streets of Lisbon to the quaint charm of Sintra and the breathtaking coastal landscapes of the Algarve region, Portugal has many destinations that promise to make your honeymoon an unforgettable experience. It is no coincidence my husband and I chose Portugal for our honeymoon. To this day, our trip to this colorful and interesting country remains one of my favorite times ever. We just celebrated out 15-year anniversary as a couple, so I decided it is the right time to remember our lovely trip. I hope this is useful to anyone planning a honeymoon or a romantic trip.
Portugal offers a lot! Stroll hand in hand through historic streets, explore magnificent castles, and savor delectable cuisine as you embark on a journey of love and discovery. Let’s begin.
Charming Lisbon and its streetcars…
Lisbon – A Romantic Tapestry of Old World Charm and Modern Vibes
Our first stop was the capital Lisbon. This vibrant city is an ideal destination for honeymooners seeking a perfect blend of history, culture, and modern flair. This enchanting city boasts charming neighborhoods with cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and historic architecture that exude a romantic ambiance. To start your honeymoon on a high note, stroll through Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods. There is so much to do! Lose yourselves in the maze of narrow streets, soak in the stunning views from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, and enjoy the soulful tunes of Fado, Portugal’s traditional music, in a cozy, candlelit tavern. Head to the Time Out Market Lisbon for a unique and intimate dining experience. This bustling food hall features an array of gourmet dishes, allowing you and your partner to savor different cuisines while sharing a vibrant atmosphere. I admit we ate so many pastéis de natas in Lisbon!
Take advantage of a romantic sunset cruise along the Tagus River, offering breathtaking views of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Belem Tower and the 25th of April Bridge.
We went to Sintra for a day while we were in Lisbon and I put the whole story in another blog post here. Long story short, don’t miss Sintra.
Keep in mind that Lisbon is a difficult place to handle a lot of luggage which we had on our honeymoon because we did a long trip and this was before we had kids (when we used to pack a lot of clothes just in case but now our approach is minimalistic haha)
Since it was a long romantic getaway for us in Portugal, we used MindMyBag.com to take care of our luggage. They have a luggage station in Lisbon, so we left half of our luggage there and picked it up before our next stop which was…
The Algarve – A Coastal Haven for Romance
The Algarve region is an irresistible choice if you and your partner dream of spending your honeymoon by the sea. We took a bus from Lisbon’s Central Bus Station to arrive in Lagos. Known for its picturesque beaches, golden cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, the Algarve offers an enchanting coastal escape that feels like paradise. Lagos is a relatively small place, but it was perfect for us after four days in Lisbon. The beaches, the caves, and a very fast boat experience – we did it all and loved it. Meanwhile, the landscape is very different from other parts in Europe, so we loved it for the diversity as well.
The lovely beach next to our hotel in Lagos. Ah, sweet memories!
Here are three things to definitely do while in the Algarve region:
- Relax and unwind on some of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches, such as Praia da Marinha and Camilo.
- Take a private boat tour along the coast, exploring hidden caves and grottoes and perhaps even spotting playful dolphins.
- Indulge in a romantic dinner at a beachside restaurant, where you can savor fresh seafood while listening to the soothing sound of the waves gently crashing on the shore.
The most interesting meal we had in Portugal. I don’t remember the name but it consists of meat, eggs, bread and cheese. This one we had in Porto
Porto – Where Romanticism Meets Riverside Beauty
After four lovely days in Lagos and around, we took a flight from Faro to Porto for the third and last part of our honeymoon. Nestled along the Douro River, Porto is a city of undeniable charm and rich history, making it an excellent destination for couples seeking a romantic retreat. Famous for its port wine cellars and stunning riverside setting, Porto offers a blend of old-world allure and contemporary sophistication. On our last day in the city we sat near Luís I Bridge and had a number of port wine glasses, while enjoying the surroundings. To make your time in Porto special, you can also take a private wine tour through the region’s famous vineyards. Sip on the finest port wines and relish in the serene landscapes of the Douro Valley, hand in hand with your loved one.
You have to visit Porto on 23 June, when locals are paying tribute to Saint John the Baptist. It is amazing! We accidently were in town on that day and loved the celebrations! It made our honeymoon even better!
Porto architecture surprised us a lot because many buildings look like they belong in the United Kingdom
Wrapping Up
With its romantic cities, picturesque coastlines, and enchanting landscapes, Portugal offers a diverse array of unforgettable honeymoon experiences. We loved it there! From Lisbon’s vibrant streets to Porto’s historic allure, the Algarve’s coastal charm, and the fairytale setting of Sintra, each destination promises to create cherished memories for couples embarking on their new journey together. Be sure to check out what I have to say about Sintra as well because it happens to be my favorite place in Portugal.
Whether you’re sipping port wine while watching the sunset over the Douro River, strolling hand in hand along the pristine beaches of the Algarve, or getting lost in the historic neighborhoods of Lisbon, Portugal’s romantic escapes are sure to make your honeymoon an unforgettable and truly magical experience. So, pack your bags, bring your love, and let Portugal weave its romantic spell on you, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Mine sure do!