Honeymoon Destination: Coast of Portugal

From Porto to Lisbon to Faro in the south, Portugal boasts miles upon miles of gorgeous Atlantic coastline. Skip the expensive trips to Italy and the south of France, and opt for a Portuguese honeymoon instead.

Starting in the north in Porto, the colorful city is built upon a series of cliffs, meaning copious opportunities for afternoon strolls or invigorating hikes through the city streets. Porto’s old-world charm and long boats that dot the harbor are reminiscent of Venice’s romantic canals. Spend a night sampling port, a fortified wine beverage born in Porto.

Further down the coast is the capital city of Lisbon, a metropolis set on seven hills, similar to Rome but with views of the Atlantic Ocean rather than the measly Tiber River. Trek to Lisbon’s hilltop castle and other hilly landmarks for stunning views of the city and water. At night, enjoy a romantic seafood dinner for two complete with Portugal’s acclaimed wine and a dessert of rice pudding sprinkled with a cinnamon, a Portuguese favorite.

Continue down the coast to the southernmost town of Faro. Along the way, the captivating Atlantic coastline offers opportunities to pull over for photo ops. Hidden coves, sunny beaches and quaint ocean-side towns are ripe for exploring with your new love.