Romantic Getaways and Unique Valentine’s Day Spots in Lisbon & Porto

While Paris and Venice often steal the spotlight, Lisbon and Porto offer a more intimate, soulful, and sun-drenched alternative for a romantic escape. There are plenty of romantic experiences in Lisbon and Porto for couples seeking memorable moments together.

From sunset sails on the Tagus to private dinners in historic cellars, Portugal is a playground for couples. Whether you are planning a Valentine’s proposal, an anniversary, or just a “just because” getaway, here is how to experience the most romantic side of our two main cities with us.

Lisbon’s golden light and fado-filled alleys are inherently romantic. But to truly escape the crowds and focus on each other, you need to change your perspective.

1. Sunset Sailing on the Tagus River

Nothing beats the Golden Hour in Lisbon. Watching the city light up from the water, with a glass of Portuguese sparkling wine in hand, is the ultimate romantic gesture.

A 120-minute sunset sailing tour aboard a luxury yacht, cruising along Lisbon’s historic waterfront. The journey starts by sailing past iconic monuments like the Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, and gliding underneath the photogenic 25th of April Bridge. The crew shares short, engaging insights about the sights, giving the whole moment that “premium but effortless” feel.

On the way back, as the sun drops behind the Atlantic, couples are served a drink and a selection of typical Portuguese appetizers, creating the perfect setting to just disconnect and enjoy the moment.

Why it’s perfect for couples:

It’s quiet, exclusive, and designed to feel like a private escape, whether you book a full private tour or a semi-private experience with limited guests. Between the golden reflections on the water and Lisbon’s skyline lighting up, you get the most cinematic backdrop for photos. It’s also ideal for proposals, anniversary surprises, or simply a romantic reset away from the city buzz.

What’s included:

• A luxury yacht ambiance where every detail feels curated
• A welcome drink + traditional Portuguese appetizers
• Experienced and certified crew
• Fuel & insurance
• Commentary in English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish
• Book it here: Sailing Boat Tours in Lisbon

2. Fado & Dinner

Lisbon romance hits different when it’s wrapped in the haunting, soulful notes of Fado. Sharing dinner in a candlelit tavern in Alfama, while a Fadista sings just a few meters away, is basically the city’s signature couple experience — intimate, raw, and unforgettable.

A 4-hour evening experience that starts with a scenic drive past the Lisbon Cathedral and through the iconic narrow streets of Alfama. You’re then guided to one of the city’s most stunning belvederes, the perfect warm-up for what’s coming next.
From there, a gentle walking tour leads you through Alfama’s maze of alleys — the birthplace of Fado — until you arrive at a traditional restaurant where the lights dim, the guitars tune… and silence falls.

“Silêncio, que se vai cantar o Fado.”

You’ll enjoy a dinner paired with an authentic Fado performance, where each Fadista pours raw emotion into every verse. It’s not just music; it’s storytelling. No wonder Fado was recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011.

What’s included:

• Guided sightseeing in Alfama
• Pick-up and drop-off
• Licensed, knowledgeable guide
• Dinner
• Live Fado Show
• Book it here: Fado & Dinner Experiences

3. Private Wine Tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia

Porto has that old-world charm you can’t fake — mist over the Douro, narrow lanes, and wine lodges that feel untouched by time. For couples who vibe with culture, elegance, and great wine, this is the experience.

Just across the river, in Vila Nova de Gaia, sits the epicenter of Port Wine. Instead of the usual crowded tours, this is a curated, private-style tasting designed for people who actually want to understand (and enjoy) what they’re drinking.

A 2h30 deep dive into the world of Port, visiting three distinct producers, each with its own identity, philosophy, and styles. With a local, specialized guide, you’ll explore everything from intimate barrel rooms to vast wooden vats holding thousands of liters — the full spectrum of how Port ages over decades.

You’ll taste seven premium Port wines, hand-selected to show you the real difference between “drinking Port” and drinking good Port. Expect layers of history, craftsmanship, and flavor. Expect to walk out a mini-expert.

This is an adult-focused experience. Participants must be 16+, and everyone needs a reservation — even those who choose not to drink.

Useful info:

• Duration: 2h30
• Includes tastings of 7 premium Ports
• Guided visit to 3 very different wine producers
• Adult-oriented (16+)
• Reservation required for all attendees
• Book it here: Wine Experiences in Porto & Douro

Cancellation policy:

• Individual bookings: full refund up to 24 hours before the start.
• Private or large group bookings (50%+ of tour capacity): full refund up to 14 days before.
• Cancellations or changes outside these timeframes aren’t accepted.
• All deadlines follow local time.

4. The Douro Valley Day Trip

If you have a full day to spare, the Douro Valley is where romance, heritage, and pure wow-factor come together. Rolling vineyards, terraced hillsides, slow-flowing river bends — this UNESCO World Heritage landscape feels like stepping into a painting. For couples who want something unforgettable, this is the move.

A 9.5-hour curated journey into Portugal’s most iconic wine region. The day starts in Porto, where you’re welcomed into a Mercedes van for a comfortable, scenic drive through winding roads and panoramic viewpoints. One of the first stops? A hidden belvedere only known by locals — the kind of place where photos instantly turn into frame-worthy memories.

From there, you dive into the heart of the Douro at a historic winery, exploring vineyard culture, traditional winemaking techniques, and the terroir that makes Douro wines some of the most respected in the world. Tasting their wines is not just a sip… it’s a crash course in aroma, complexity and everything that makes the region magic.

Before lunch, you step onto a 1-hour private cruise on the Douro River — quiet, scenic and impossibly romantic. With snacks and a drink included, it’s the perfect moment to just sit back, relax and take in the valley’s natural beauty.

The afternoon continues at a family-owned estate, where you’re welcomed like old friends. Expect a homemade Portuguese lunch paired with their own wines, served in a setting that feels intimate and deeply authentic. It’s the kind of place you’d never find on your own — and that’s exactly the point.

This experience has been rated among the Top Hosts and Highest-Rated Experiences for 2 consecutive years, driven by genuine passion for culture, history and wine. As they put it: Commitment, friendship, and passion.

What’s included:

• Driver-guide
• Insurance
• Traditional Portuguese lunch (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available)
• 1-hour private boat trip with snacks and drink
• Visits and tastings at 2 wineries
• Comfortable Mercedes transport
• Book it here: Douro Valley Tours

Good to know about this experience:

• Departs at 8:30 AM from Praça da Liberdade 126 (in front of McDonald’s)
• If it rains, the boat trip is replaced by a 3rd winery visit at no extra cost
• Dress according to the season — warm clothing is essential from November to March
• Apply sunscreen in summer
• Have breakfast before departure

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, planning a proposal, or simply carving out time for each other, there’s no shortage of romantic experiences in Lisbon and Porto waiting to elevate your getaway. From golden-hour sailing and candlelit Fado nights to private wine tastings and scenic escapes through the Douro Valley, every moment is designed to bring you closer.

If you’d like to make your experience even more personal, just let us know — we’re always happy to arrange those extra touches, from a favourite wine to a special seating area.

A few insider notes before you go:

• In Lisbon, sunrise at the Miradouros or sunset on the river guarantees the kind of photos you’ll treasure forever.
• In Porto, February evenings can be cool, so bring a stylish trench coat for those romantic walks along the Ribeira.

No matter the season, Portugal is ready to be the backdrop of your next great love story!