Romance in Portugal: 10 weekend tips

Dreamy waterfalls, enchanted forests and verdant landscapes in every corner, the Peneda-Gerês National Park is the epitome of romance in the North of Portugal. You can choose accommodation in full contact with Nature (there are many with a jacuzzi in the room, for example), or a stay in the relaxing spas, with beauty and well-being programs. It is the perfect setting for a getaway for two, to recover energy and spice up the relationship.

With the charming Guimarães Castle and the Paço dos Duques de Bragança, which look like something out of a fairy tale, the city of Guimarães would be, for this reason alone, a great destination for a romantic weekend as a couple. But the city has much more to offer, such as a walk through the historic center, with special attention to Largo da Oliveira, a visit to the Penha Sanctuary and a ride on its cable car.

With the Douro River as a backdrop, there are a lot of romantic corners in the beautiful city of Porto. There is a lot to offer, and you can discover it as you explore the city, but we leave some points not to be missed: dinner at Cais da Ribeira, night visit to Torre dos Clérigos, ride on typical rabelo boats along the Douro River, visit to the Gaia cellars with wine tasting and a walk through the green City Park, ending with watching the sunset by the sea, right in front of the Park.

Integrated into the magnificent Douro Demarcated Region, the lovely Pinhão, integrated in the municipality of Alijó, is home to many of the farms producing the famous Port Wine. In the heart of the Douro Wine Region, it is therefore a great option for a weekend of romance in Portugal. You have at your disposal rural accommodation farms with wine tastings, boat trips on the river, not forgetting a visit to the Railway Station, with the famous tile panels.

Quietness and diversity are the words that best describe the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. In winter, seeing the mountains covered in snow and practicing winter sports are the most popular activities, but during the summer the mountains also have their charms, take the opportunity to discover the magnificent and refreshing river beaches in the region. During spring and autumn, it is filled with colorful flowers and autumn colors, which give it a unique romantic mysticism. There are a lot of accommodation with a jacuzzi, fireplace in the room and indoor pool to end the day in beauty.

We could not talk about romance in Portugal without mentioning Coimbra, also known as the “City of Loves”, since it was the scenery of one of the most beautiful and tragic love stories, between D. Pedro de Portugal and D. Inês de Castro. In addition to visiting the magnificent Quinta das Lágrimas, associated with this history, visit the historic center, starting at the Sé, and continue to Dr. Manuel Braga Park, with privileged (and romantic) views over the Mondego River. At night, visit traditional restaurants, where you can listen to fado and, if you're lucky, typical serenades.

Óbidos is a medieval and traditional village, perfectly preserved, that offers visitors a journey back in time to the era of knights, kings and queens. You can stay in its castle, where there is an inn full of magic for lovers. Let yourself get lost in its alleys with whitewashed houses with flowers on balconies and windows, full of little shops and traditional restaurants. In keeping with the medieval atmosphere, there are carriages that make tourist tours.

Classified by UNESCO as a Cultural Landscape and World Heritage Site, Sintra is a magical village, where the past mixes with the present and the realm of fantasy mixes with reality, in a romantic combination. Of the various farms and palaces here, the most notable are the charming Palácio Nacional da Pena, Palácio Nacional de Sintra, Palácio de Seteais, Convento dos Capuchos and Quinta da Regaleira. Finish with a visit to the village, to taste the famous "travesseiros" cakes.

The Great Alqueva Lake is one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe, built on the Guadiana River. In a region of great beauty, here you can practice water sports, rent a houseboat and literally sleep on the Great Lake. To enjoy the well-known starry sky of Alqueva, be sure to visit the Official Dark Sky Observatory, in Reguengos de Monsaraz, where you can have a unique visual experience of the planets and stars. Is there anything more romantic than seeing the stars hand in hand with your better half?

We finish our suggestions for romantic destinations in Portugal in the Azores, more precisely on the Island of São Miguel. Graced by mother nature with the most verdant and magical landscapes you've ever seen, the island has truly amazing and beautiful corners. In addition to the lagoons (Lagoa Verde, Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa Rasa, Lagoa do Fogo, among others), you can bathe in the warm waters of Poça da Dona Beija, Caldeira Velha and Parque Terra Nostra. In the latter, enjoy a romantic walk in its pleasant gardens.