2021 year of the minimoon

The Pena National Palace in Sintra
Credit: The Pena National Palace in Sintra

With 290 days of sunshine a year alongside a world-class gastronomy scene, golden beaches, idyllic countryside and picture-perfect cityscapes complete with winding cobblestone streets guaranteed to deliver romance, Lisbon offers newlyweds the ideal location for an unforgettable post-wedding escape.

With all of this only a short flight from the UK and so much to see within easy reach of the central metropolitan area, making it ideal for those short on time, couples don't need to travel far from home when planning a romantic 2021 minimoon. What's more, with a reputation for affordability, Lisbon is the ultimate go-to for a romantic trip to remember. Here, the Lisbon Tourism Association highlights the ultimate 'minimoon' experiences to be had in the Portuguese capital...

Kiss atop one of Lisbon's famous miradores...
Nothing says romance like an idyllic sunset and for unforgettable views at dusk couples should head to one of the city's many miradores (viewpoints), where Lisbon's famous rooftops can be seen awash with the glow of pink and orange hues. Spread across seven hills, Lisbon is dotted with such viewpoints each offering their own unique vista of the city below. The Miradouro Da Nossa Senhora Do Monte is famed as one of the most romantic spots, perfect for watching the sun set behind the striking Castelo de São Jorge.

Experience the magic of a fairytale castle in Sintra...
The picturesque town of Sintra, recognised for its cultural landscape by UNESCO and only a short drive from the centre of Lisbon, is a must-visit on any trip wanting to inspire romance. Boasting dramatic mountains, exotic gardens, enchanting forests and glittering palaces the town is reminiscent of a fairytale storybook. The Pena National Palace, perched atop the rocky peak of Sintra Mountain, oozes romance and is the epitome of the 19th-century romanticism movement in Portugal.

views of the 25 de Abril bridge with Lisbon’s rooftops
Credit: Views of the 25 de Abril bridge with Lisbon’s rooftops

Walk in the footsteps of Portugal's greatest poet...
Cape Roca, the point where the land ends and sea begins, is immortalised in the famous words of Portugal's greatest poet, Luís Vaz de Camões, and is one of Lisbon's grandest coastal viewing points. To get there, couples will travel along one of the region's prettiest roads with a slow and winding climb to the top of the most westerly point in central Europe. Here couples can breathe in the pure sea air and even try to recite a couple of lines of poetry for their significant other!

Snuggle up on a sunlounger on Lisbon's golden beaches...
Home to golden Atlantic sands that can be enjoyed year-round, Lisbon's vibrant metropolitan centre is just 20 minutes from the coast making a day by the sea within easy reach for loved ones visiting the city. Some of the closest beaches can be found along the Costa da Caparica or couples can head to the charming beaches of Cascais in the west to experience a scenic resort town with a unique laid-back ambiance. More adventurous newlyweds should head to the neighbouring cities of Arrábida and Sintra which offer more secluded sands for those wanting to explore a more remote side of the region.

The taste of love is Lisbon's traditional eateries...
It's often said that the true way to one's heart is via the stomach and on this front Lisbon does not disappoint. Brimming with a world-class food scene that goes far beyond salted cod and pasteis de nata, the region's gastronomy is sure to keep newlyweds happy when the pre-wedding diet is over. For a special treat, couples can head to one of the city's seven Michelin starred restaurants or, for a more traditional setting, the Campo de Ourique district is home to a number of local eateries and food stalls serving regional delicacies and mouth-watering seafood straight from the Atlantic.

Stroll hand-in-hand along the capital's cobblestone streets...
One of the best ways to see Lisbon is on foot, combined with a ride or two on the city's charming trams – the famous tram 28 is particularly romantic offering a glimpse of the local houses that decorate the climb up the hills of Graça. Walking is also a great way to see much of Lisbon's famous architecture, monuments, UNESCO World Heritage sites and museums. Must-visits include Castelo de São Jorge perched on one of the city's highest viewpoints, the stunning 25 de Abril bridge and the Belém Tower - an iconic symbol of Lisbon - and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.
For more information on Lisbon, please see: www.visitlisboa.com.

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