Portugal Travel at Antor.org

Guincho

On the Estoril Coast, about 5 miles northwest of Cascais, is the westernmost point in continental Europe. Waves crash against three sides of a restored 17th-century fortress at this dramatic, spectacular site. Balconies of the fortress, now the Hotel do Guincho and one of the most unusual luxurious hotels in Europe, overlook a panorama with beaches on both sides. The crashing surf makes good background music for a torrid affair straight out of a romance novel.

Sintra

Since the times of Moorish occupation, Sintra has been one of the most beautiful and desirable sites in Portugal, favored by Catholic monarchs, industrial moguls, and members of the portuguese gentry.

Coimbra

For over 1,000 years, monks tended a secluded forest protecting a romantic summer place built by a king. The king's summer palace is now one of the finest hotels in Portugal -- the Palace Hotel do Bucaco -- and many of its rooms open onto terraces from which you can stargaze over the deep green forest, now a national park atop the northernmost peak of the Sera do Bucaco. This elegant fairyland is just a few minutes north from Coimbra, a wonderful setting for a second honeymoon.

Serra da Arrabida

This whale-shaped ridge never exceeds 500 feet in height. Masses of Iberia's most colorful and varied wildflowers flank its sides. The serra lies between Sesimbra and Setubal, across the estuary of the Tagus from Lisbon. En route from Lisbon, you'll find crowded and secluded beaches, a medieval Capuchin monastery.

Obidos

After Dom Afonso Henriques wrenched this village from the Moorrs, he offered Obidos as a wedding gift to his betrothed, the lovely isabel. The village remained the personal property of the queens of Portugal until 1834. Today, the town's ramparts, its quintet of cobblestone streets and 14th century facades make Obidos the most romantic place in Portugal.

Bugaco

In the 7th century, Benedictine and Capuchin monks labored to diversity the number of exotic trees that now flourish in the forest. Around 1900, the Portuguese royal family built a palace here, which, after its tragic history, is now a supremely romantic hotel.

Lisbon

St. Anthony of Padua, an itinerant ranciscan monk, became the patron saint of Potugal and is considered the protector of young brides. He is memorialized in Portugal by a church designed in the 18th century, when the original church built on the site of the house in which he was born was destroyed by the earthquake. To raise money to erect the altar at the church, the children of the Alfama built miniature altars with a representation of the patron saint. St. Anthony's Day is in June, the traditional month for weddings, and it is as time of merrymaking, heavy eating and drdinking. In the morning, there are street fires and singing, followed by St. Anthony's Feast on June 12. Admission to the Santo Antoniop de Lisboa Church is free; it is open to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily.

The Algarve

What lover would not sigh for a romantic stroll with their one true amore on an ocean-washed beach named Amoreira. Sunsets and beaches beckon adult vacationers, senior travelers, and honeymooners to the villages of Aljezur, Rogil, and Odeceixe. Just south of Aljezur, the turnoff leads to beautiful beaches at Arrifana and Monte Clerigo; north, the turnoff is posted 'praia', leading to the romantic Amoreira beach. There are more lonesome beaches along tracks out of Rogil, and another that is easily reached from Odeceixe, the last village of the Algarve.

Aljezur itself is in two parts on either side of a fertile valley. The original village clung close to the hillside, atop which a castle fortress was built in Moorish times. Legend has it that the Knights of Santiago took the castle without a fight one night when a Moorish maiden opened the door and let them in. The best view of the valley and town is from the castle ruins, which you can approach on foot or by car.

A Ferry to Troia

The car and passenger ferry that travels between Setubal and Troia permits visitors to see more of the coastline than can be seen from shore. It�s a very scenic 20-minute trip to the beaches of Troia. Looking back, you can see the Pousada sitting majestically on the hills and ahead the big sandy beaches and condominiums of Troia approaching. After driving your car off the ferry, you�ll be able to drive the coastline roads with a beautiful view and a genuine taste of Portugal with scenic coves, expansive beaches, and charming little towns. Porto Covo is a pretty little town that looked freshly painted � the type of place that when you see it, you would like to stay there forever.

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