Being home to the world’s largest cork forest and producing over 70% of its cork exports, Portugal has so much to offer as a favorite honeymoon destination.
We have developed a list of the honeymoon destinations in Portugal that should be on your bucket list after numerous trips to the nation.
Most people relate Portugal with the breathtaking Algarve beaches or the ancient capital of Lisbon, but many other tiny villages and cities make up this lovely nation.
Thinking of Portugal, you might think of the famous custard tarts pastel de nata, also known as pastéis de Belém.
But the nation has much more to offer, including its people, who are often kind, approachable, and sincere, as well as its history and culture, food and wines, beaches, surfing, and music festivals.
At CCN Travels, we are determined to get you the best options for you to check out, and explore the other honeymoon destination we’ve updated lately!
Best Honeymoon Destinations in Portugal for your budget
1. Lisbon
One of the top honeymoon destinations for couples looking for a break that appeals to all five senses is Lisbon, a romantic city. It is a top location for sightseeing due to its beauty, history, and beaches.
Unquestionably one of the top honeymoon places in Europe is the city with a rich past and a wonderful current.
Portugal attracts honeymooners with its charming streets, picturesque islands, and expansive parks in addition to its bustling monuments, structures, palaces, and museums.
Best Time to Visit
Lisbon is best visited between March and May or September and October when the weather is still mild, hotel rates are lower, and there are fewer tourists than during the summer.
Perhaps you can get in a couple of beach days during certain times of the year. Heatwaves and crowded beaches are characteristics of the summer.
A first-time visitor who intends to travel to other parts of Portugal should spend three days in Lisbon.
Best things to do
Let’s explore the best things to do in Lisbon:
- Wonder at the Torre de Belém
- Conquer the bulwarks of St George’s Castle
- Go underwater in the Lisbon Oceanarium
2. Leiria
Spend a week exploring the Leiria District’s stunning beaches along the blue coast, and its historical villages, which have a deep past, or just take in the wonderful Renaissance-era architecture. You can do so much while here on your honeymoon!
Best Time to Visit
The best months for weather are May, June, July, August, September, and October when average temperatures range from 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) to 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit).
Best things to do
There are plenty of things to do and see in this region, which is home to cities including Obidos, Marinha Grande, and Atouguia da Baleia.
- Visit the Leiria Castle
- Museu da Imagem em Movimento
- Leiria Cathedral
- Day Trip to a Paper Factory
- Praca Rodrigues Lobo
- Igreja de Sao Pedro
3. Nazaré
Despite lacking any notable monuments or well-known tourist attractions, Nazaré is one of the must-see locations in central Portugal due to its picturesque setting, beach, and native customs. Nazaré is without a doubt worthwhile for a visit, in my opinion.
Best Time to Visit
In Nazare, Portugal, the big wave season runs from October to March (the winter season in Portugal, but September and April also work in some years). Therefore, that is the greatest time to watch the large waves at Nazare.
Best things to do
Join me as we explore in this post the greatest itineraries, activities, and tours, as well as the best locations to stay, eat, and learn about local customs and festivals in Nazaré and the surrounding area.
- Praia da Nazaré
- Nossa Senhora da Nazaré Sanctuary
- Miradouro do Suberco
- São Miguel Arcanjo Fort
- Sun-Dried Fish Museum
4. Alcobaça And Batalha
On a full-day, private excursion from Lisbon to Fátima, Batalha, Alcobaça, and Bidos, explore the medieval world of stone monasteries, cobblestone alleyways, and sacred sites.
Explore some of the most significant churches in Portugal to become fully immersed in its religious and historical traditions.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Alcobaça would be a time when you can completely soak in the experience and not worry about such hassles. The months of February to May could be the best months to pick!
Best things to do
Let’s explore the best things to do in Alcobaça:
- Alcobaça Monastery
- Museu do Vinho de Alcobaça
- Castelo de Alcobaça
- Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Cós
- Praia dos Salgados
5. Porto
Portugal is undoubtedly one of the top honeymoon destinations in Europe—a city with a rich past and a wonderful present.
Portugal attracts honeymooners with its charming streets, picturesque islands, and expansive parks in addition to its bustling monuments, structures, palaces, and museums.
Best Time to Visit
May through September, when the weather is frequently sunny and mild, is the ideal season to visit Porto. Porto has a generally moderate climate.
High summer temperatures are tolerable because of the winds and adjacent beaches, which will also keep you cool.
Best things to do
Fortified port wine is still kept in storage facilities on the south side of the Douro, and if you follow the river to the sea, you’ll reach the chic Foz do Douro neighborhood, home to trendy restaurants and beaches.
Let’s explore the best things to do in Porto:
- Cais da Ribeira
- Serralves Museum & Villa
- Luís I Bridge
- Church of São Francisco
- Palácio da Bolsa
- Clérigos Church
6. Braga
Because of its ties to the Roman Empire, which are evidenced by the various monuments and historic ruins that can be found all around the city, this place is also known as “Portuguese Rome.”
Still today, it is considered the religious center of Portugal because for centuries the archbishops were holders of both temporal and spiritual power!
Best Time to Visit
When the temperature is typically in the mid-20s, April to October is the finest month to visit Braga. The months of June to August experience the highest annual temperatures, while December and January experience the lowest.
Best things to do
Let’s explore the best things to do in Braga:
- Bom Jesus do Monte
- Braga Cathedral
- Praça da República
- Garden of Santa Barbara
- Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro
7. Sintra
The most magical town in Portugal and the “Capital of Romanticism” is a great option for those seeking a romantic break.
Sintra, a charming and historic community encircling the lower end of a tiny mountain range and dotted with palaces, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beauty and historical significance.
Best Time to Visit
The finest seasons to visit Sintra are spring and fall (February, March, September, and October) when the weather is still warm but less humid, and the local flora is at its lushest.
Rural hiking routes also provide delightful shade during these seasons. Although Sintra’s winters are wet and windy, this adds to the spectacle of Cabo de Roca’s untamed Guincho Beach.
Best things to do
Let’s explore the best things to do in Sintra:
- Pena Palace
- Cabo da Roca
- Palace of Sintra
- Palácio Nacional e Jardins de Queluz
- Quinta da Regaleira
- Cruz Alta
8. Èvora
Time seems to stand still in Evora, a well-preserved medieval town that features protective walls, a 13th-century cathedral, several palaces, and a 1st-century Roman temple.
No surprise that the town center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even though it’s kind of creepy, don’t miss the Chapel of Bones, where the remains of nuns and monks are arranged in a haunting mosaic.
Best Time to Visit
The greatest season to visit Evora is in the spring (March, April) when there is a mix of moderate temperatures between 16 and 28.5 °C, mild showers, and sporadic winds that further add to the city’s attractiveness.
Best things to do
For ideas on the best places to visit, see our list of the top attractions and things to do in Evora:
- Sé (Cathedral)
- Museu de Évora (Évora Museum)
- Termas Romanas
- Palácio dos Duques de Cadaval
- Igreja de São Francisco
- Roman Temple
9. Óbidos
Portugal entices visitors with its historic ports, charming countryside, immaculate beaches, and impressive structures.
However, there are a few undiscovered attractions that are far superior to conventional crowd-pleasers. These locations have withstood the test of time and offer travelers an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit
A good likelihood of precipitation occurs roughly half the year, and temperatures seem extremely pleasant all year long when humidity is taken into account.
When compared to tourist hotspots worldwide, the region is more temperate than most, e August, September, and then July is the best time to visit.
Best things to do
The alluring town of Bidos was given to Afonso II’s bride Urraca of León in the 1200s, and it later became the residence of Portugal’s queens. Let’s explore the best things to do in Óbidos:
- Historic Óbidos
- Igreja de Santa Maria
- Praça de Santa Maria
- Santuário do Senhor Jesus da Pedra
- Museu Municipal de Óbidos
- Lagoa de Óbidos
10. Monsaraz
The tiny community of Monsaraz, which is perched high above the surrounding countryside, is endowed with an imposing castle, lovely views of the Alqueva Dam, and olive orchards that dot the surrounding area. Uneven-walled, whitewashed homes fill the streets of this small town.
Best Time to Visit
The greatest season to visit Monsaraz is in the spring (February, March) when the Alentejo fields are covered in flowering flowers and everything is green. Over 40°C is considered a very hot day in the summer, and the Alentejo plains are quite dry.
Best things to do
Let’s explore the best things to do in Reguengos de Monsaraz:
- Monsaraz Village
- Wine Tours
- Olaria de São Pedro do Corval
- Alqueva Reservoir
- Reserva Dark Sky Alqueva
- Monsaraz Castle and Walls
11. Lagos
Think of taking a honeymoon or romantic getaway trip to Lagos, an old port city with a rich history that has been turned into a bustling beach resort. Find a wide variety of good dining restaurants, bars, and beaches with golden sand.
Best Time to Visit
The greatest season to visit Lagos is from November to February because the harmattan winds keep the temperature cooler, the weather is drier, and the air is less humid.
Best things to do
With Portuguese pavers laid in elegant patterns on its streets and sites that take you back to the Age of Discovery when explorers sailed from the harbor, Lagos’ old town is an exploring paradise.
Let’s explore the top activities in Lagos:
- Ponta da Piedade
- Praia do Camilo
- Meia Praia
- Old Lagos
- Praia de Dona Ana
- Zoo de Lagos
12. Funchal
The charming tree-lined lanes of Funchal wind through lush green slopes studded with luxuriant vegetation and red-roofed whitewashed houses, provide the ideal romantic setting for honeymoon couples.
Best Time to Visit
Between May and September, when temperatures average 25°C and rainfall is at a minimum, is the ideal time to go on a honeymoon in Funchal. On Madeira, the temperature never drops below 20°C, and bright days with highs of 22°C are common even in December.
Best things to do
The city is full of whitewashed colonial buildings, some dating back to the century Madeira was discovered.
The top activities in Funchal are as follows:
- Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro
- Funchal Cathedral
- Monte Cable Car
- Monte Palace Tropical Garden
- Rua Santa Maria
- Igreja do Monte
