Portugal is home to numerous places perfect for igniting (or reigniting) the flames of love. One such site is in the cool hills of Sintra, Portugal’s capital of romance. Nestled in the romantic landscape of the World Heritage site Serra de Sintra, the ancient palaces, such as the Pena Palace and Town Palace, along with grand mansions offer the ideal backdrop to celebrate love on an important date, find the perfect place to get married, spend your honeymoon, or simply indulge in romance for no reason at all. Kings and queens have fallen in love here, and writers and poets such as Eça de Queiroz and Lord Byron have immortalized the town in their works. For an extra touch of magic, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through this enchanting town.
Love in nature
Another romantic escape is the Buçaco Woods, set on a mountain above the spa town of Luso. Make the woods your starting point for a stroll through nature, where you can fall in love with the serene, almost magical lush green landscape. After exploring the mountain's many paths, take a rest at the ancient monastery, once a royal palace and now a hotel, a stunning example of neo-Manueline architecture. Alternatively, visit the Santa Cruz Convent, where General Wellington stayed during the Battle of Buçaco, and experience its timeless beauty.
Undying love
One of Europe’s most famous love stories is that of Pedro and Inês. Prince Pedro, the heir to the Portuguese throne, fell deeply in love with Inês de Castro, a lady-in-waiting, but their relationship was opposed by his father, King Afonso IV, due to political concerns. After Pedro’s wife died, he declared his love for Inês, but she was tragically murdered at the king's orders. In a dramatic act of defiance, Pedro had Inês’s body exhumed and crowned posthumously as Queen of Portugal in the Abbey of Alcobaça. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the palace where Inês and Pedro once lived, as well as the gardens where she was tragically murdered, known as the Jardins da Quinta das Lágrimas (Garden of Tears). In the Abbey of Alcobaça, the ornate tombs of Pedro and Inês lie foot to foot, so that, on the day of judgment, the first thing they will see is each other. Engraved on the marble is the phrase Até o fim do mundo... (Until the end of the world...).
Symbols of love
On the Azores Island of São Miguel, the famed Sete Cidades (Seven Cities) Lake fills a giant crater where the Green and Blue Lakes coexist, connected by an arched bridge. Legend says they were formed from the tears of a princess and a shepherd united by an impossible love.
Love also inspires Portuguese crafts. The gold hearts from Viana do Castelo, with their intricate filigree, symbolize love, as do the lenços de namorados, embroidered handkerchiefs inscribed with love poems. Traditionally, a girl would gift one to her beloved — so why not give one of these heartfelt tokens to your loved one on Valentine’s Day — or surprise them with a romantic trip to Portugal?
