You’ve found the one you want to spend the rest of your life with — now it is time to find a paradisiacal destination to celebrate your union. Start your new life together by creating an intimate or lavish ceremony in one of my recommended regions of Portugal!
The Algarve
The alluring Algarve coastline is renowned for its powder-white, sun-kissed beaches, and scalloped rocky bays. It is a popular treasure trove for glorious beach weddings and quaint ceremonies in whitewashed chapels perched upon cliffs. The enchanting Algarve boasts castle towns and historic villages that are an ideal romantic escape. With plenty of opportunities to take the plunge and discover the magnificent marine life, you’ll feel the excitement of the wide-ranging list of romantic experiences that await.
Praia da Marinha is one of the most emblematic and beautiful beaches in the Algarve, thanks to the clear turquoise waters that weave between the iconic rock formations. This is the perfect setting to relax beside the calm waters and enjoy snorkelling, sunbathing and sunset viewing with your true love.
Lisbon
The western part of Portugal offers a wild and romantic history combined with its rugged coastlines, unspoilt beaches and friendly resorts. Its capital, Lisbon, offers the perfect wedding venue for every couple and has a charismatic ambience. After your big day, weave through the winding streets on foot, or hop on one of the city’s iconic yellow trams to easily discover each of the districts. As the sunsets, head uphill to one of Lisbon’s viewpoints, known locally as
Explore the ancient district Alfama and weave through the medieval alleys. Marvel at the stunning views, and churches, such as São Vicente de Fora, or fall in love with the quirky shops and restaurants. In the centre of Cascais, relax on the stunning Praia da Conceicao beach and take a leisurely swim in the azure sea.
Situated in Sintra (30 minutes away from Lisbon) you will find one of the seven wonders of Portugal. This fairytale-inspired town is characterised
Porto
Porto, a coastal city in northwest Portugal, is renowned for its fine Port vintage wines, stunning architecture, intriguing history, terraced vineyards and buzzing nightlife. In the heart of Porto, lies the gem of Avenida dos Aliados, with its sloping boulevard, grand buildings and a central promenade. Filled with history, it includes regal monuments and incredible ornate architecture.
Take a stroll through the oldest district in the city, Cais da Ribeira, consisting of crumbling medieval and narrow cobbled streets. It includes traditional boats floating at the quayside, quaint, colourful houses and charming family-owned restaurants, cafés and bars. The UNESCO World Heritage site is complete with the romantic Cathedral Se do Porto, boasting a gothic rose window, blue and white tiled cloisters and dazzling chapterhouse with a collection of sacred and magnificent art.
To the east of Porto, the Douro river meanders through this enchanting valley, surrounded by terraced vineyards and overlooked by traditional whitewashed quintas. These picturesque estates have been producing wine for centuries, and the Douro Valley is one of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions.
Madeira
Oozing elegance and timeless class, Madeira is a dreamy paradise with sublime ocean views and gorgeous scenery. The luxurious green island is an expression of exotic colours owing to its verdant forests, the plethora of botanical gardens and dramatic cascading waterfalls. Described once by Winston Churchill as a ‘floating garden’, Madeira offers a stunning green background for a blissful ceremony or honeymoon. Flowers are the heart and soul of Madeira, with a magnificent festival devoted to the exotic plant life that thrives on the island. Whilst this jewel in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is a year-round beautiful sight, the summer is when the capital Funchal really comes alive.
Best Portugal Read…If you need a more in-depth guide around this breath-taking country, then I found DK Eyewitness Portugal Travel Guide incredibly useful. Not only does it include up-to-date information about prices, times and recommendations based on interests, it gives you insider tips on what to see in Madiera & The Azores. I have struggled to find an all-in-one useful guide, covering all regions of Portugal, so this is a superb planning resource.
If you have already been to Portugal and you think I’ve missed anything out, I would love to hear about your experiences and what treasures you found!
