When Jed and Heather honeymooned in Portugal last June, their time in the historic villages of Óbidos and Sintra felt almost dreamlike — simple, timeless and utterly romantic. “I don’t even remember the names of the restaurants we visited,” Heather said. “We just roamed around and found little places with great food.”
For their fifth anniversary, Danielle and Aaron flew into Porto in the north and rented a car for a long weekend exploring the Douro Valley. One of Portugal’s premier wine regions, the Douro is dotted with exclusive resorts and spas tucked into green mountains and terraced vineyards.
Both couples — well-traveled professionals who could have gone anywhere — chose Portugal for the same reasons: outstanding food and wine, romantic places to stay, great value and relatively short flights from U.S. East Coast airports. They are among thousands of American visitors contributing to a steady rise in tourism that has become an important support for Portugal’s economy.
Portugal’s scenic beauty, low crime rate and growing number of Michelin-starred restaurants, together with an extensive network of historic pousadas, have drawn millions of visitors in recent years. The country has also benefited from media exposure: television segments, fashion shoots and travel features have helped raise its profile.
The European Travel Commission reported increased visitor numbers and noted that dozens of new hotels opened in recent years, many at four- and five-star levels. Tourism now accounts for a significant share of Portugal’s economy, and Lisbon ranks among Europe’s most visited capitals.
Portugal’s seafaring past — once the launching point for great explorers — now attracts a new kind of explorer: travelers seeking scenic landscapes, warm hospitality and rich culture. The Tourist Office of Portugal has identified a growing trend among young couples who see the country as an affordable, romantic destination for honeymoons and weekend getaways. While the Algarve remains a perennial favorite for its beaches, other regions — including Estremadura north of Lisbon, central Beira Litoral and the northern Douro Valley — are gaining popularity.
Sintra, a short drive or train ride from Lisbon, is an easy choice for couples. This small town exudes romance, from its Moorish castle overlooking the valley to 18th-century houses and former royal retreats. Sintra’s historic center, Vila Velha, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the town’s graceful architecture and lush gardens make it ideal for leisurely wandering.
The National Palace of Sintra, inhabited since the 13th century, houses an impressive collection of medieval azulejos — painted ceramic tiles — and several palaces, monasteries and museums are worth visiting. Still, the simplest pleasure is to stroll the narrow streets, stop for lunch or a drink at a local café, and soak in the atmosphere.
About one to two hours north of Sintra — depending on whether you take the inland highway or the scenic coastal road — lies Óbidos. This walled town, just 15 miles from the coast, remains one of Portugal’s most photogenic villages. Óbidos was once a royal gift and today features whitewashed houses with colorful trim, fragrant flower-filled lanes and finely preserved architecture.
With a small population and several upscale hotels and restaurants, Óbidos is an intimate destination where visitors can enjoy tapas and wine in historic settings. In the evenings, after tour groups have left, the sunset paints the town in gold and crimson and couples drift through the narrow lanes, soaking up the peaceful, romantic mood.
The drive from Óbidos to Coimbra in Beira Litoral can be done in under two hours, but a relaxed schedule rewards travelers with seaside stops near Foz do Arelho or active pursuits such as sailing and windsurfing at a local school on the lagoon.
Coimbra, a hill-filled university city with a youthful energy, offers romantic lodgings, historic architecture and lively nightlife. Founded as a university city in the 13th century, Coimbra has Romanesque and Gothic monuments, convents and churches to explore, plus a wide selection of cafés, bars and music venues.
An hour north of Coimbra sits Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, with a thousand-year history and a vibrant riverside district called Ribeira. In the past, boats carried barrels of Port wine down the Douro River from the terraced vineyards to ships bound for the Atlantic. Today, good roads make it easy to reach the Douro Valley, where quintas (wineries) open their doors for tours and tastings.
The Douro Valley has evolved into a destination for culinary travelers: homegrown wines, regional cheeses, smoked sausages, ham and fresh cod form the basis of a memorable food trail. High-end inns, spa resorts and restored historic houses now complement traditional villages, offering romantic options for couples.
Info To Go
Lisbon Portela International Airport (LIS) and Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro (OPO) are Portugal’s main international gateways. Buses and metro lines connect both airports to city centers; taxis and car rental services are readily available at each airport.
Lodging
Aquapura Douro Valley
A restored 19th-century manor on the Douro River with deluxe rooms, private villas, a spa and a gourmet restaurant. Rates generally include breakfast. Quinta do Vale Abraão, Lamego, tel 351 254 660 600.
Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas
A legendary estate tied to a historic love story, offering garden and palace accommodations, botanical gardens, a spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Rua António Augusto Gonçalves, Coimbra, tel 351 239 802 380.
Pousada de Óbidos
Housed within a 16th-century castle, this intimate property combines historic charm with modern comforts in one of Portugal’s most picturesque villages. Paço Real, tel 351 262 955 080.
Dining
Arcadas da Capela
A Michelin-recognized restaurant emphasizing garden-fresh ingredients and coastal fish; notable for refined preparations such as lobster risotto. Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas, Rua António Augusto Gonçalves, Coimbra, tel 351 239 802 380.
Cantinho de São Pedro
A short drive or walk from Sintra, this restaurant serves classic Portuguese dishes and fresh fish; reservations are recommended. Praça Dom Fernando II, 18, tel 351 219 230 267.
Quinta Romaneira
A romantic Douro estate offering a memorable dining experience with Portuguese and French-inspired cuisine. Cotas, Douro, tel 351 254 732 432.