Before you travel

It is always a good idea to buy your anniversary gift in advance, to take with you so that you do not have to worry about searching for something on your time away. Choose a gift symbolic of your love, like a 24k gold rose. This is a gift that will last a lifetime and as a piece of beautiful home décor will be a daily reminder of the love between you and the wonderful holiday you have had.

Other ways to prepare for your anniversary celebration in Portugal is to contact your hotel in advance and ask if they can put flowers in your room and a bottle of champagne in the fridge as a surprise for your spouse. You could contact the airline and ask for an announcement to be made on your flight if it is a milestone anniversary celebrating 25 years (silver), 50 years (gold) or 60 years (diamond).

Ponta de Piedade

Enjoy the rock formations of the Ponta da Piedade on a boat tour gliding through crystal clear waters. This is an essential trip when visiting the Algarve, which has some of the area’s most spectacular cliffs, which look even better when seen from the sea. Weather permitting, sail among the beautiful rock formations and caves of Ponta da Piedade. The caves and tunnels caused by the wind and tides over thousands of years have created an incredibly beautiful spot. Located in Lagos, Ponta da Piedade is where you want to be when the sun sets, as the sea takes on the tones of the setting sun and the caves take on a golden glow, whether you sit on Pontast da Piedade’s Beach or watch the sunset from a cruise, toast your anniversary with a glass of special bubbly.

Quinta da Regaleira

If you enjoy castles and gardens, Quinta da Regaleira is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Sintra which you can visit on a day trip from Lisbon. The Palacio da Pena, chapel and Quinta da Regaleira estate gardens were built at the turn of the 20th century and include grottos in the romantic gardens. Among its styles are Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance and Manueline.

Based in Sintra, you can incorporate your visit with a wander through the coastal forests at Cabo da Roca which is the farthest west you can be in continental Europe or stop for some freshly cooked fish in the village of Cascais. Sintra also offers stunning views of pastel-coloured Portuguese villas that cover the town’s pine-covered hills. Other historic monuments in the area include the Sintra National Palace and the Castelo dos Mouros. The town’s historic district is the perfect place to stop for lunch since it is next to the National Palace.

Parque Natural da Arrábida

Serra da Arrábida has earned the moniker of the Portuguese paradise. Just 40 kilometres from Lisbon, the area has wonderful beaches, stunning landscapes and ancient castles. The area has is a National Park covering 10,521 hectares where it is possible to see rare animal species and discover some amazing caves. With views of both the sea and mountain on your drive to the area, it is worth stopping at several viewpoints on the way.

Arrábida Convent, built in the 16th century is worth a visit if you are heading to one of the beaches in Serra da Arrábida Natural Park, with several choices including Figueirinha, Galápos, Galapinhos and Creiro beaches (Portinho da Arrábida).

After visiting Serra da Arrábida, visit the ninth century Palmela castle, built by the Moors and now a hotel. Take a break at the Parque de Merendas da Comenda for a picnic and travel on to Sesimbra castle, located in Sesimbra village, which offers lovely accommodation.