I first traveled to Europe when I was 16 and have been back countless times since in my 15+ years of travel experience, and let me tell you, Portugal is one of those places that just never gets old. Whether you’re going for the stunning coastline, absolutely incredible seafood, or their relaxed and deeply historic vibe, it’s really hard to go wrong here. I’ve explored everywhere from the teal waters and red cliffs of the coast to the wine-filled Douro Valley to the bustling streets of Lisbon, and I know exactly what to look for for a charming spot to elope that’s going to give you a taste of the best things this small but amazing country has to offer!
One of my favorite places in Portugal to elope isn’t on the mainland at all—the Azores Islands in the Atlantic Ocean are lush, hidden, and full of crazy-beautiful settings that will leave you feeling like you’re getting married in a movie.
But if you’re looking for something in the main part of the country, I’ve got you covered. Read on for my favorite beaches, cities, and sections of Portugal!
Or, if you’re intrigued by the idea of more islands or want to only search through locations with a certain scenery, you can always check out my interactive map packed with nearly 600 locations! Click here to go straight to it!
The Azores, Portugal
Lost in the middle of the Atlantic (but in the best way possible), the Azores are Portugal’s wild side – nine volcanic islands packed with craters, cliffs, and landscapes so green they practically glow. Each island brings something different to the table. São Miguel has steaming hot springs and crater lakes that look straight out of a fantasy novel, Pico is home to Portugal’s tallest mountain and some seriously underrated vineyards. Over on Flores, waterfalls tumble straight into the ocean, and Corvo’s ancient caldera makes you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet. Whether you’re here to hike, soak, or just take in the sheer drama of it all, the Azores don’t do boring.
Best for: Coast, Mountains, Forest, Island and Beaches
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking and Camping
Lisbon, Portugal
As Portugal’s capital city, there is so much going on in Lisbon! Full of hills and facing the spot where the Tagus River pools into a bay before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean, this is a truly gorgeous city. The international airport makes this city super easy to get to from all over the world. Certain parts of Lisbon almost feel like a European San Francisco, especially when looking at the rows of colorful buildings, hills, cable cars, and distinct red suspension bridge. You can catch three different palatial structures in the Sintra area, with the bright yellow Palace of Pena perhaps the most noticeable. Art and architecture tours are plentiful in the city, as are spots to catch incredible views of the sunset. Belém Tower is another great spot for a breathtaking backdrop and an epic view of the sea.
Best for: City, Coast
Best months to get married here: April to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Nightlife, Boating, Architecture
Douro Valley, Portugal
This is the birthplace of port wine, and if that doesn’t have you licking your lips and booking your elopement here, I don’t know what will. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most timelessly beautiful parts of the country, where you’ll find row-after-endless-row of vineyards winding down to meet the Douro River below. Spend your days hopping between family-run wineries for tastings, and, once you’ve had enough (if that’s even possible…) float down the river as you take everything in from the water. The Douro Valley is just as dreamy as it sounds.
Best for: Vineyards, River, Valley
Best months to get married here: April to October
My favorite activities to do here: Winetasting, Hiking, Paddleboarding
The Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve is Portugal in full-on show-off mode. Running along the southern coast, it’s golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, killer surf, and ocean hues so turquoise they almost look fake. Praia da Marinha and Ponta da Piedade are the headline acts with their jaw-dropping rock formations, but honestly, the entire coastline is a stunner. There’s no shortage of things to do – paddle your way through hidden sea caves, hike clifftop trails with next-level views, or hit the waves at one of Europe’s sunniest surf spots. Wrap it all up in towns like Lagos or Tavira, where fresh seafood and cobbled streets bring all the charm.
Best for: Beach and Coast
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Camping
Lagoa do Fogo, Azores, Portugal
Lagoa do Fogo, an untouched and ridiculously beautiful lake, is tucked away in the heart of São Miguel, 1,000 miles away from mainland Portugal! This crater lake is completely protected: no buildings, no roads, just you and the raw, unspoiled scenery. The hiking here is top-tier, with trails that either take you up for mind-spinning views or lead you right down to the sandy shores. With teal-blue water, dense evergreen forests, and volcanic ridges as far as the eye can see, this place is a non-stop highlight reel.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Island and Lake
Best months to get married here: April to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Comporta, Portugal
Comporta isn’t flashy – it’s effortlessly cool, and that’s exactly what makes it so unforgettable. An hour south of Lisbon, this stretch of Portugal’s coast is a haven of golden beaches and perfectly-layered rice fields. It’s where locals go to escape the crowds, so that’s got to count for something! Spend your days strolling barefoot along the beach, sipping crisp vinho branco at a seaside café, or riding horseback on the sand at sunset. When it’s time to eat, freshly shucked oysters and seafood straight off the boat are always on the menu. Here in Comporta, life feels a little simpler – in the best way possible.
Best for: Coast and Beach
Best months to get married here: April to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Boating, Camping and Stargazing
Sintra, Portugal
Sintra is part of the greater Lisbon area, making it super easy for a day trip from the city for some great castle visits. The National Palace of Pena and gardens is likely the most noticeable, given its vibrant deep yellow hue. You can also check out a 16th century castle at Quinta da Regaleira, the hilltop 10th century Castelo dos Mouros, or the Palace of Monserrate with its columns and stained glass. After you’ve had your fill of amazing architecture, you can head to the coast. Stop at Praia da Adraga for a spectacular natural archway built into the cliffs or Cabo da Roca for a lighthouse and panoramic views of the sea from the westernmost tip of Europe. Jeep tours are popular here and would make a great wedding day activity!
Best for: Mountain, Forest and Castles
Best months to get married here: June to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Praia da Marinha, Portugal
Praia da Marinha isn’t just one of the Algarve’s best beaches – it’s easily one of the best in the world! Over time, the waves here have carved the cliffs into towering sea stacks, arches, and caves, turning the whole place into a natural sculpture park. It also doesn’t hurt that the water here is so clear you can see straight to the sandy bottom, making it a dream for snorkeling or just taking a dip and letting your worries float away. The best way to explore the area is on a boat tour, when you can bob and weave through the caves to your heart’s content, but staying onshore with a picnic and taking in the view is also pretty great.
Best for: Beaches and Coast
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating
Arrabida Nature Park, Portugal
Arrábida Natural Park is one of the wildest and most unspoilt parts of Portugal, and if that doesn’t scream “perfect elopement spot”, I don’t know what does. Known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and chilled-out Mediterranean vibe, this place feels worlds away from the chaotic buzz of nearby Lisbon. The hiking here is next-level, with trails that wind through shady forests and along the coast, serving up eye-popping views every few minutes. You’ll barely have time to blink! Not a hiker? No problem. Kayaking is also a big deal here, and it’s popular to explore the park by kayak, ducking into a few sea caves along the way.
Best for: Beach, Coast and Forest
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking
Madeira, Portugal
It’s easy to see why this island is affectionately referred to as “the Pearl of the Atlantic”. Located an eyebrow-raising 600 miles from Portugal’s mainland, Madeira feels like Europe’s answer to Hawaii, packed with volcanoes, waterfalls, and some of the most heart-stopping beaches you’ve ever seen (and I don’t say that lightly!). This island is packed with adventure, whether you’re canyoning through rugged gorges, hiking dramatic mountain trails, or swimming in the natural lava pools of Porto Moniz. Madeira’s the kind of place that makes the mainland look like it’s not even trying.
Best for: Beach, Forest, Mountains, Canyons, Lakes, Waterfalls, Rivers, Coast and Islands
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Paddleboarding, Kayaking and Rock Climbing
Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal
Peneda-Gerês National Park might not be on every traveler’s radar, but it absolutely should be. Just a couple of hours from Porto, this is the place to go for a deep dive into the less-curated side of Portugal. With over 270 square miles of wilderness at your fingertips here, there are endless trails to hike, a bunch of hidden waterfalls to discover, and rugged peaks that are practically begging you to climb them. Plus, Peneda-Gerês is Portugal’s off-roading hotspot, so it’d be rude to resist hopping into a 4WD and tearing through the park’s remote valleys!
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Waterfall, Rivers and Lakes.
Best months to get married here: April to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, jeep/4×4 and camping
Praia de Falésia, Portugal
Praia da Falésia is the Algarve at its finest: nearly four miles of soft golden sand, towering red cliffs that steal the show, and not a single sprawling resort in sight. The three main entry points can get a bit busy in peak summer, but wander just five minutes in either direction, and you’ll find peaceful, untouched stretches that feel like your own little slice of paradise. The water here is super clear, perfect for cooling off after soaking up the sun, and those dramatic cliffs make every sunset a showstopper. It’s the kind of beach that keeps you coming back.
Best for: Beach and Coast
Best months to get married here: March to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking
Serra da Estrela Natural Park, Portugal
Bet snow-covered mountains aren’t the first thing that springs to mind when you think about Portugal, but at Serra da Estrela Natural Park, you’ll find just that. Don’t miss the Vale Glaciar do Zêzere, Europe’s longest glacial valley, or the climb to Torre, the country’s highest point at 6539 feet above sea level. And when it’s time to refuel, dig into Serra da Estrela cheese – Portugal’s most famous queijo. Made from sheep’s milk, it’s creamy, slightly tangy, and downright addictive. Pair it with some local bread, and you’ve got the perfect post-adventure snack.
Best for: Mountains, Canyon, River
Best months to get married here: April to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Rock Climbing, Stargazing
Benagile Caves, Algarve, Portugal
Benagil Caves is hands-down one of the most famous spots on the Algarve coast, and the hype is completely justified. Hidden inside a towering sea cliff, this massive cave is pure magic, with a gaping skylight that floods the golden sandstone walls with sunlight. Oh, and the only way in is by water, which amps up its coolness! You can kayak, paddleboard, or hop on a boat tour to glide inside, clamber onto the sand, and take it all in. The swirling rock formations, echoing waves, and that perfect beam of light really set it apart from all the other great beaches in the area. Just get here early to beat the crowds!
Best for: Coast, Beach, Cave
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Boating
Sete Cidades, Portugal
Sete Cidades is the crown jewel of São Miguel Island, and trust me, it’s worth all the hype and then some. Tucked away in the crater of an ancient volcano, you’ll find the site’s world-famous twin lakes – one vivid blue, one emerald green – split by a narrow bridge and surrounded by rolling hills that stretch out as far as the eye can see. It’s so stunning it almost feels like it’s been Photoshopped, but no, it’s 100% real. For views that’ll leave you speechless, head to Vista do Rei. You’ll leave with a billion photos and memories you’ll struggle to ever forget.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Island and Lakes
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Ponta de Piedade, Portugal
Ponta da Piedade is nature in full-on flex mode, and it’s impossible not to be impressed. Towering golden cliffs twist and tumble into arches, caves, and sea stacks, all surrounded by water so neon-bright it almost looks fake. The best way to see this place up close is to jump in a boat or kayak, snaking through the grottoes and under those insane rock formations along the way. After you’ve explored from the water, clamber up top and tackle the cliffside trails. They’ll deliver knockout views that’ll have you double-taking every few steps – just be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, since it’s hot, hot, hot up here!
Best for: Beach and Coast
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Boating, Kayaking, Hiking
Vila Franca do Campo, Portugal
Vila Franca do Campo is famous for one thing – an almost-too-perfect volcanic crater floating just off the coast. This islet is now a protected marine reserve, and in summer, you can take a quick boat ride over to swim, snorkel, and float inside its glass-clear lagoon. Back on the mainland, the town itself is classic Azores: whitewashed houses, ocean views, and the best place to try queijadas, the sweet, drool-worthy pastries this place is known for. Since it’s so far from mainland Portugal, it’s super easy to switch off here, making it one of my favorite underrated destinations for elopements.
Best for: Coast and Island.
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Hiking and Boating
Praia De Odeceixe, Costa Vincentina, Portugal
Praia de Odeceixe is a spot on the Algarve where a river meets the sea, creating a stunning beach that delivers the best of both worlds. On one side, the Atlantic rolls in with surf-worthy waves; on the other, the Ribeira de Seixe forms a calm, winding lagoon perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. The beach itself is a beauty, with soft golden sand framed by towering cliffs and tide pools scattered along the edges. It’s part of the Costa Vicentina’s protected coastline, so there’s not a single high-rise in sight. Hike up to the clifftop viewpoint for the best panoramic shot, then head into the village for fresh seafood and a glass of vinho verde. Saúde!
Best for: Beach and Coast
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking
Ilha Deserta, Portugal
If picturing your perfect elopement destination has you dreaming of a desert island, I have the perfect place for you. Ilha Deserta is exactly what it sounds like – an uninhabited island where nature is free to run wild. Sitting just off the coast of Faro, this is the southernmost point of Portugal and feels a world away from the Algarve’s busier spots. The beach here is endless, the water is ridiculously clear, and the only real landmark is a single wooden restaurant serving up some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever eat. No cars, no crowds – just peace and quiet.
Best for: Island, Beach and Coast
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Boating
These are some of my favorites in Portugal, but there’s so much more to choose from! When there’s this much goodness packed into a country the size of the state of Indiana, it can be almost overwhelming to know what to pick from. That’s why I created my searchable location database! It’s stocked with literally hundreds of great elopement locations all around the world that let you filter by scenery, seasonality, and even activities so that you can ditch your analysis paralysis once and for all! Click here to go to the database!
Or if you’re sold on Portugal but the travel portion of it feels intimidating, that’s where I come in! I’ve traveled to 41+ countries, been to all 7 continents, and have been photographing elopements for ten years. I have your back and can help you plan a destination elopement that feels effortless, so that all you have to do is focus on enjoying your wedding day like it’s your honeymoon.
If you’re ready for bespoke itineraries, custom packing lists, unlimited consult calls, thorough client guides, and hand-delivered recommendations from your personal cheerleader and hypewoman, send me a message! I want to hear all about how you want your day to go.
