The most romantic day of the year is here and we don't want you to waste this opportunity to show your better half how much you value your relationship. We know that it can be stressful to make sure everything goes perfectly, so we want to take a little of the weight off your back. How? By presenting you with five destinations that will transform this Valentine's Day into one of the most exciting adventures of your lives.
1. Viana do Castelo
Let the purity of the Minho region take away all the tension and stress from your body so you can enjoy a peaceful and romantic weekend with the person you love most.
The Praça da República with its beautiful fountain marks the centre of the city and we recommend that you walk through the streets of the historic oldtown. Enjoy the buildings inspired by Manueline, Renaissance, Baroque and even modernist styles. When you want to appreciate the nature of Minho and the best view that Viana do Castelo has to offer, we recommend that you go towards the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia: the view over the city and the mouth of the Lima River is magnificent.
If you still have any doubts about the romanticism of Viana do Castelo, just remember that the symbol of the city is a heart.
2. Sintra
If you've always dreamed of living in the middle of a fairy tale, Sintra is the place to be. There are loads of points of interest in this charming city, but our highlights include the seductive Quinta da Regaleira, the colourful Palácio da Pena and the captivating Chalet and Jardim da Condessa d'Edla.
Another obligatory destination to enjoy with your other half is Cabo da Roca: contemplate the westernmost point of Europe at sunset and let love speak up itself. If you're a fan of Portuguese pastries you'll have to try the famous queijadas from Sintra, which will certainly sweeten your stay.
3. Alcobaça
In the district of Leiria, several cities and towns stand out for their charm, with Alcobaça being just one of them. The greatest selling point of this city is the splendid Monastery of Alcobaça, classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Its imposing façade already attracts your attention, but going inside is a spectacular way to truly appreciate all its architecture and beauty.
We also recommend that you visit the various gardens, parks and lakes of the city, which are the perfect setting for a romantic walk.
4. Óbidos
One of the most picturesque places in Portugal, Óbidos astounds thousands of visitors every year with its incredible ancient walls, its romantic atmosphere and its tasty ginginha drink. While walking through the narrow streets of the city, take the opportunity to discover this town in depth and above all find the Porta da Vila, considered by many to be the best monument in Óbidos. To experience the romance of Óbidos to the fullest, wait until the end of the afternoon when the majority of tourists leave the city and you can enjoy the incomparable atmosphere for a romantic dinner for two.
5. Viseu
Viseu is one of the Portuguese cities with the best quality of life. It is the perfect holiday destination to leave behind the daily stress and have a weekend of passion.
Explore Viseu from the city centre outwards, where you can enjoy the narrow, medieval streets with their many shops. Take the opportunity to visit Rua Direita or Rua Escura streets and see 16th century houses which preserve their original Gothic style, complete with gargoyles.
An absolute must while you’re there is a visit to the Adro da Sé church, which is surely the most interesting landmark in the city. If what you're looking for is nature, however, we recommend you take a walk or cycle around the Ecopista do Dão, a 30-mile cycle track complete with lush, green spaces.
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