Photographers for your intimate destination wedding or elopement
AZORES BEST SECRETS LOCATIONS FOR YOUR INTIMATE WEDDING
CLIFFS AND LUSH VEGETATION
IN THE HEART OF THE ATLANTIC
For the Nostalgic, Storyteller, FADO and Cinema Lovers
Your Ultimate Guide to Legally Marrying in AZORES: ROMANCE AND LOVE STORIES WITH A TOUCH OF DREAMY
BY ERIC RENE PENOY
Why PortuGAL is the MOST CHARMING Destination for Your Dream Wedding or Elopement!
we are passionate about capturing the unique love stories of couples through breathtaking, cinematic photography. Based in the heart of Porto, Portugal, we specialize in both weddings and elopements, offering a tailored experience that blends artistry with authenticity. Whether you're exchanging vows against the stunning backdrop of the Douro River, in a charming city alley, or along the dramatic cliffs of the coastline, we’re here to document every beautiful moment with timeless imagery. Our approach is not just about photos—it’s about telling your story, filled with emotion, raw connection, and unforgettable memories. Let us help you create a visual legacy that celebrates your love in the most magical way possible.
Let‘s have a Simple but Deep Connection
AZORES Wedding and Elopement Photography Service. FOR ADVENTUROUS COUPLES IN SEARCH OF THE MOST WONDERFUL CEREMONY.
BEST LOCATIONS FOR YOUR DREAM DESTINATION WEDDING OR ELOPEMENT
Final Checklist: Why the Azores is the Perfect Wedding Destination
Breathtaking Natural Scenery – Volcanoes, lakes, beaches, and lush greenery create the perfect wedding backdrop.
Secluded and Romantic – Avoid the tourist crowds for a peaceful, intimate wedding experience.
Rich Cultural Heritage – Charming old towns, historic sites, and local traditions add depth to your wedding.
Easily Accessible – Direct flights from major cities make it a convenient yet exotic destination.
Eco-Friendly Weddings – One of the world’s most sustainable wedding destinations.
Mild Climate All Year – No need to worry about extreme weather conditions.
Adventurous Activities – Whale watching, hiking, and exploring make your wedding trip unforgettable.
Unique and Customizable – Every wedding in the Azores is completely unique and personalized.
The Azores is waiting to be the setting of your unforgettable, romantic wedding adventure!
AZORES Wedding and Elopement Photographer: Capturing Timeless Love Stories
The Azores, a stunning Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, is an extraordinary wedding destination for couples looking to exchange vows in a breathtaking, intimate, and adventurous setting. Known for its dramatic landscapes, lush greenery, volcanic craters, and pristine coastlines, the Azores offer an unparalleled romantic backdrop for your wedding or elopement.
Whether you dream of a secluded beach ceremony, a fairytale-like garden wedding, or a mountaintop vow exchange, this island paradise has it all. The Azores are perfect for couples who want an eco-friendly, adventure-filled, and unique wedding experience, far from the crowded tourist hotspots. Additionally, the mild climate makes it a year-round wedding destination.
In this article, we will explore the best locations for your wedding in the Azores, highlighting why this region is perfect for intimate weddings and elopements. We will also discuss how our wedding photography services capture every moment of your love story through a multi-day adventure, ensuring every couple gets a unique, personalized experience.
WHY AZORES?
Why the Azores is the Best Place for an Intimate Wedding and Elopement
Untouched Natural Beauty
The Azores boast volcanic landscapes, lush forests, crater lakes, and stunning ocean cliffs, making it an unmatched destination for a picturesque wedding.
A Wedding Surrounded by Culture and Heritage
From charming cobbled streets to centuries-old churches, the Azores offer a rich cultural experience for your wedding day.
Year-Round Mild Climate
Thanks to the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores enjoy mild temperatures throughout the year, making it an ideal location for a destination wedding anytime.
Endless Adventure Possibilities
Couples can enjoy whale watching, hiking, hot springs, and diving, making their wedding experience truly unforgettable.
VERY EASY ACCESS WORLDWIDE
Iconic Locations for YOUR PortUGUESE Wedding Photography
A Romantic and Secluded Destination
Far from tourist crowds, the Azores provide a peaceful and private atmosphere, perfect for couples wanting a truly intimate ceremony.
Easy Accessibility from Europe and the U.S.
With direct flights from Lisbon, London, and New York, the Azores are a convenient yet exotic wedding destination.
Eco-Friendly Wedding Destination
As a sustainable tourism hotspot, getting married in the Azores allows you to celebrate your love while respecting nature.
A Unique and Customizable Wedding Experience
Whether you want a traditional ceremony or a wild, adventurous elopement, the Azores allow you to tailor your wedding to your love story.
STILL NOT
CONVINCED?
What are the most beautiful/magical locations to get married in AZORES?
GET access to more BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES in AZORES to get inspired.
ELEVATE YOUR WEDDING EXPERIENCE IN PORTUGAL
Dream Weddings Start in AZORES
With so many breathtaking locations, the Azores cater to every couple's dream wedding—whether it be a tropical beach ceremony, a mountaintop elopement, or a lakeside celebration. The unique landscapes and vibrant culture of the Azores make it an ideal setting for those looking to create unforgettable memories. Now that we’ve explored the best locations, let’s discuss how we, as Azores wedding photographers, can capture your love story with an immersive, multi-day photography experience.
AZORES
1. Sete Cidades – A Fairytale Wedding by the Twin Lakes
This iconic crater lake destination offers jaw-dropping scenery for a romantic and magical wedding.
2. Furnas – Hot Springs and Botanical Gardens
A lush, mystical valley with thermal pools, exotic plants, and steam vents for an enchanting ceremony.
3. Pico Island – Vineyards and Volcanic Charm
With black lava fields, scenic vineyards, and the towering Pico Mountain, this island is a perfect blend of adventure and romance.
4. Santa Maria – Golden Beaches and Secluded Escapes
As the sunniest island, Santa Maria’s pristine beaches provide a tropical backdrop for a relaxed, intimate wedding.
5. São Miguel Clifftop Ceremony – Ocean Views
Exchange vows on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with waves crashing below for a cinematic experience.
6. Faial Island – The Blue Island’s Hydrangea Fields
Known as the Blue Island, Faial is covered in endless hydrangeas, making it one of the most unique wedding spots in Europe.
7. Terceira Island – History and Elegance
Featuring UNESCO-listed cityscapes and charming streets, Terceira is ideal for couples who love heritage and architecture.
8. Capelinhos Volcano – A Dramatic, Moon-Like Landscape
This raw and untouched volcanic site is a surreal location for a wedding unlike any other.
Azores – A Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers
For couples seeking a truly unique and secluded elopement, the Azores’ untouched nature and dramatic landscapes provide an extraordinary backdrop. The Azores archipelago offers a variety of stunning wedding venues, each providing a unique backdrop for your special day. Here are seven notable options:
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Furnas, São Miguel Island
Nestled within the renowned Terra Nostra Park, this Art Deco hotel offers lush botanical gardens, thermal pools, and elegant indoor spaces, perfect for a fairytale wedding.
CK Events Villa, Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel Island
Boasting stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Vila Franca islet, this villa is fully equipped with a dining space for 100 people, a chapel, an outdoor swimming pool, and accommodation facilities.
Sensi Nature & Spa, Ginetes, São Miguel Island
Ideal for intimate weddings, Sensi offers a secluded setting with a restored 18th-century manor house, modern spa facilities, lush gardens, and stunning Atlantic Ocean views.
Quinta das Rosas, Ribeira Grande, São Miguel Island
Located in the heart of Ribeira Grande, this charming countryside estate offers beautifully landscaped gardens and rustic elegance, perfect for a romantic and intimate wedding.
Casa da Praia, São Miguel Island
Situated in the splendid scenery of São Miguel Island, this beach house offers a striking backdrop for your wedding day with magnificent 360º views.
Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its charming cobbled streets, historic buildings, and beautiful natural surroundings, offering a range of venues including historic palaces and churches.
Pico Island
Known for its stunning natural beauty, including its iconic mountain, Pico offers charming chapels, rustic farmhouses, and modern hotels and resorts for a memorable wedding setting.
HOW TO GET MARRIED IN PORTUGAL
LEGALLY MARRIED IN PORTUGAL
To legally marry in Portugal as a U.S. or British citizen, you must follow these key steps:
Choose Your Ceremony Type – Portugal allows both civil and religious weddings. Civil weddings are legally binding, while religious ceremonies require civil registration.
Gather Required Documents – You will need:
Valid passports
Birth certificates (certified and translated into Portuguese)
A Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) confirming you are free to marry, obtained from your local registry office in the U.K. or U.S. embassy
If divorced, a final divorce decree; if widowed, a death certificate of the previous spouse
Submit Documents – All documents must be apostilled and translated by a certified translator before submission to a Portuguese Civil Registry Office at least 30 days before the wedding.
Plan the Ceremony – Civil weddings take place at the registry office or an approved venue. Religious ceremonies must be pre-approved.
Obtain a Marriage Certificate – After the ceremony, you’ll receive an official marriage certificate, which can be legalized for international use.
It is advisable to consult a local wedding planner or embassy to ensure compliance with updated regulations.
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Portugal is one of the countries where you do not need to be an actual resident to be married by the Portuguese national authorities. In the next article, we will present to you how magical can be your perfect wedding destination, also depending on the area you have chosen, you will see a lot of different possibilities. We will also cover how to legally prepare your document if you wish to be married in Portugal even if you are from abroad. If you plan your Wedding or Elopement in Portugal you should know the market is about 20 to 30% lowest than most countries in Europe and would cost between €7500 up to €30.000 in 2023/2024. Depending obviously on the number of guests, the location. You can rather rent a Palacio (castle), a fully inclusive hotel, or a private house. The providers are amazing and the products and music scene are even better.
From the Knot Articles in 2019: “Weddings in Portugal also come at a hefty price tag of $16,700 with an average of 126 guests.” but the pricing now is rising as Portugal is becoming very popular.
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Portugal is one of the best, rather romantic, or adventurous elopement destinations in modern times in Europe. Portugal offers a variety of landscapes, temperatures, and cultures and provides the best mix between beautiful weather, amazing food, wine, and traditions. We will find a lot of different opportunities for your Wedding or Elopement. If you like an outdoor location by the mountain, by the beach, in a colorful city, or beautiful architectural location full of history. There are a lot of palaces, and castles, you can easily get married to a Portuguese administration and plan a nice dinner at a beautiful typical or modern restaurant enjoying typical Fado while drinking Porto wine and eating sea food.
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The cost of hiring a wedding photographer in Portugal varies based on experience, package inclusions, and coverage duration. Generally, prices range from €1,200 for emerging photographers to €3,000 or more for full-day coverage by seasoned professionals. This typically includes ceremony and reception coverage, formal portraits, and a selection of edited digital images.
As of December 1, 2024, there are 421 wedding photographers in Portugal, reflecting a 4.2% increase from the previous year. Notably, 95.49% of these are single-owner operations, while the remaining 4.51% are part of larger brands. The majority are concentrated in Lisbon District (117), Porto District (98), and Braga District (38).
It's important to note that a significant portion of wedding photographers in Portugal are amateurs who supplement their income from other professions. Estimates suggest that over 80% fall into this category.
When selecting a wedding photographer, consider factors such as experience, style, package details, and whether they operate full-time or part-time. This ensures you choose a professional who aligns with your vision and expectations for your special day.
When considering wedding photography in Portugal's autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores, it's essential to understand the local market dynamics.
Madeira:
Number of Photographers: In Funchal, Madeira's capital, there are approximately 31 professional wedding photographers available.
Pricing: The cost for wedding photography services in Madeira typically starts from €1,000.
Azores:
Number of Photographers: The Azores have a smaller pool of wedding photographers compared to mainland Portugal and Madeira. While exact numbers are not specified, several professionals specialize in capturing weddings across the archipelago.
Pricing: For a wedding in the Azores, it's advisable to budget at least €10,000–€15,000 to cover essential expenses, including venue, catering, and photography. This estimate is general, and actual photography costs may vary based on specific requirements.
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ALL THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOW TO GET CIVIL MARRIED IN PORTUGAL. HOW DO GET MARRIED IN BEAUTIFUL PORTUGAL
Mentioning the Government of Portugal: “The marriage process is initiated when the engaged couple goes to a civil registry office and declares their will to get married. They may also do it online.
In the marriage process, the engaged couple may also be represented by their representatives with special powers. The process is concluded with the registry office’s order which authorizes or refutes the marriage.”
The marriage process may be initiated by:
the individuals who intend to get married or by their representatives with special powers
by the priest or religious minister of a church or religious community established in Portugal, through a request.
Who can get married?
Any individual over 16 years old.
However, if any of the engaged parties are not yet 18 years old, the parent’s or guardian’s authorization is necessary. This authorization may be waivered by the civil registry office, through a specific process.
To get married, no marriage impediments may be observed
During the marriage process, the registry office verifies if there are no impediments to the marriage of those two individuals. If there are no impediments, the registry office authorizes the marriage.
WHERE CAN YOU INITIATE THE MARRIAGE PROCESS?
Online, at the Civil Online website.
In-person, at any civil registry office.
At certain offices, you may schedule the service.
WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS TO INITIATE THE MARRIAGE PROCESS?
You must submit the following documents of the engaged couple:
Citizen Card or identity document.
A prenuptial agreement certificate, if it has been prepared at a notary office.
WHAT IS THE PRICE TO INITIATE THE MARRIAGE PROCESS?
The cost of the marriage process and registry is 120€This amount includes the process before the marriage and the registry carried out after the marriage.
Non-urgent marriage on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, outside the registry office or at the registry office but outside of the operating hoursThe cost of the marriage process and registry will be 200€ if you opt to get married:
on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday
on a business day, outside the registry office or at the registry office but outside the operating hours.
BEST TIMES OF YEAR TO GET MARRIED OR ELOPE IN PORTUGAL
Portugal is a fantastic wedding destination with its stunning landscapes, historic venues, and beautiful coastline. However, choosing the right time for your wedding can greatly impact your experience. Here’s a guide to help you pick the perfect season for your special day:
Spring (March – May) – Romantic and Blooming
Pros:
Mild temperatures (15-25°C) and longer daylight hours
Flowers in full bloom, creating stunning natural backdrops
Fewer tourists compared to summer, making locations less crowded
Lower prices for venues and accommodations
Cons:
Unpredictable rain, especially in early spring
Some coastal areas may still be windy and cool
Summer (June – August) – Vibrant and Sunny
Pros:
Guaranteed sunshine with temperatures ranging from 25-35°C
Ideal for outdoor and beach weddings
Lively atmosphere in coastal and city areas
Cons:
Peak tourist season, leading to crowded venues and higher prices
Extremely hot temperatures in inland areas like Alentejo and the Douro Valley
Popular venues book up quickly, requiring early reservations
Autumn (September – November) – Warm and Picturesque
Pros:
Mild temperatures (18-28°C), perfect for outdoor weddings
Stunning golden landscapes, especially in vineyard regions like Douro Valley
Fewer tourists and more venue availability
Ideal lighting conditions for photography
Cons:
Possible rain showers starting in late October
Shorter daylight hours in November
Winter (December – February) – Cozy and Intimate
Pros:
Lower prices and more availability for venues and vendors
Unique, intimate atmosphere with fewer tourists
Beautiful indoor venues, like palaces and historic estates
Cons:
Colder temperatures (10-16°C) and more rain
Shorter daylight hours for photography
Best Overall Time: Late Spring (May – June) and Early Autumn (September – October)
These months offer the best balance of good weather, affordability, and fewer crowds, making them ideal for an unforgettable wedding experience in Portugal.
CONCLUSION
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
AZORES Wedding Photographer.
Azores's Best Kept Secrets: The Most Beautiful and Unique Wedding Locations You Need to Know"
Why choose Portugal as your wedding destination?
ELOPEMENTS AND INTIMATE WEDDINGS IN AZORES.
The most beautiful, romantic, wild, or trendy venues to get married in Portugal.
Portugal already became one of the best places to visit back in 2017, so why not choose the country to get married to and gather your family and friends in a trendy and beautiful location? Here you can find some of the best villas, castles, hotels, and churches in this little and amazing European country.ent.
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Portugal,[e] officially the Portuguese Republic,[f] is a country in the Iberian Peninsula in Southwestern Europe. Featuring the westernmost point in continental Europe, Portugal borders Spain to its north and east, with which it shares the longest uninterrupted border in the European Union; to the south and the west is the North Atlantic Ocean; and to the west and southwest lie the Macaronesian archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, which are two autonomous regions of Portugal. Lisbon is the capital and largest city, followed by Porto, which is the only other metropolitan area.
The western part of the Iberian Peninsula has been continuously inhabited since prehistoric times, with the earliest signs of settlement dating to 5500 BC.[14] Celtic and Iberian peoples arrived in the first millennium BC. The region came under Roman control in the second century BC, followed by a succession of Germanic peoples and the Alans from the fifth to eighth centuries AD. Muslims conquered Portugal's current mainland in the eighth century, but were gradually expelled by the Christian Reconquista. Modern Portugal began taking shape during this period, initially as a county of the Christian Kingdom of León in 868, officially declared a sovereign Kingdom with the Treaty of Zamora in 1143.[15]
During the Age of Discovery, the Kingdom of Portugal settled Madeira and the Azores, and established itself as a major economic and political power, largely through its maritime empire, which extended mostly along the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean coasts.[16] Portuguese explorers and merchants were instrumental in establishing trading posts and colonies that enabled control over spices and slave trades.[17] While Portugal expanded its influence globally, its political and military power faced internal and external challenges towards the end of the 16th century. The dynastic crisis marked the beginning of the country's political decline that led to the Iberian Union (1580-1640), a period in which Portugal was united under Spanish rule.[18] While maintaining a degree of self-governance, the union strained Portugal’s autonomy and drew it into conflicts with European powers which targeted Portuguese territories and trade routes.[19] Portugal's prior opulence was further diminished by a series of events, such as the Portuguese Restoration War and the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, which destroyed the city and damaged the empire's economy.[20]
The Napoleonic Wars motivated the Portuguese royal family to relocate to Brazil in 1807. This event reshaped the relationship between Portugal and Brazil, culminating in Brazilian independence in 1822,[21] which indirectly led to a civil war between liberals and absolutists from 1828 to 1834.[22] The monarchy was overthrown in the 5 October 1910 revolution, which led to the establishment of the Portuguese First Republic. A phase of unrest ultimately led to the rise of authoritarian regimes of the Ditadura Nacional and the Estado Novo.[23] Democracy was finally restored following the Carnation Revolution of 1974, and brought an end to the Portuguese Colonial War, allowing the last of Portugal’s African territories to achieve independence.[24]
Portugal's imperial history has left a cultural legacy, with around 300 million Portuguese speakers around the world. Today, it is a developed country with an advanced economy relying chiefly upon services, industry, and tourism. Portugal, a member of the United Nations, the European Union, the Schengen Area, and the Council of Europe, was one of the founding members of NATO, the eurozone, the OECD, and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries.
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The Azores Portuguese: Açores, Portuguese pronunciation: [ɐˈsoɾɨʃ]), officially the Autonomous Region of the Azores (Região Autónoma dos Açores), is one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal (along with Madeira). It is an archipelago composed of nine volcanic islands in the Macaronesia region of the North Atlantic Ocean, about 1,400 km (870 mi) west of Lisbon, about 1,500 km (930 mi) northwest of Morocco, about 1,930 km (1,200 mi) southeast of Newfoundland, Canada, and the same distance southwest of Cork, Ireland.
Its main industries are agriculture, dairy farming, livestock, fishing, and tourism, which has become a major service activity in the region. In the 20th century and to some extent into the 21st, they have served as a waypoint for refueling aircraft flying between Europe and North America. The government of the Azores employs a large percentage of the population directly or indirectly in the service and tertiary sectors. The largest city of the Azores is Ponta Delgada. The culture, dialect, cuisine, and traditions of the Azorean islands vary considerably, because these remote islands were settled sporadically over a span of two centuries.
There are nine major Azorean islands and an islet cluster, in three main groups. These are Flores and Corvo, to the west; Graciosa, Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, and Faial in the centre; and São Miguel, Santa Maria, and the Formigas islets to the east. They extend for more than 600 km (370 mi) and lie in a northwest–southeast direction. All of the islands have volcanic origins, although some, such as Santa Maria, have had no recorded activity in the time since the islands were settled several centuries ago. Mount Pico, on the island of Pico, is the highest point in Portugal, at 2,351 m (7,713 ft). If measured from their base at the bottom of the ocean to their peaks, the Azores are among the tallest mountains on the planet.
The Azores are located at the seismically active Azores triple junction plate boundary where the North American plate, Eurasian plate and Nubian plate meet.
The climate of the Azores is very mild for such a northerly location, being influenced by its distance from the continents and by the passing Gulf Stream. Because of the marine influence, temperatures remain mild year-round. Daytime temperatures normally fluctuate between 16 and 25 °C (61 and 77 °F) depending on season. Temperatures above 30 °C (86 °F) or below 3 °C (37 °F) are unknown in the major population centres. It is also generally wet and cloudy.
If you are searching for a wedding destination that is intimate, adventurous, and breathtakingly beautiful, the Azores should be at the top of your list. With its dramatic volcanic landscapes, serene lakes, pristine beaches, and charming old towns, this Portuguese paradise provides an unparalleled setting for a wedding or elopement.
Unlike traditional wedding locations, the Azores offer couples privacy, stunning backdrops, and a deep connection with nature. Whether you want a secluded forest ceremony, a dramatic ocean cliff vow exchange, or a sunset wedding on a mountaintop, these islands cater to every couple’s dream wedding.
Moreover, the Azores is a sustainable and eco-friendly destination, making it perfect for couples who want to celebrate their love while being mindful of the environment. With year-round pleasant weather, it allows you to have an outdoor wedding at any time of the year.
A wedding in the Azores is not just about the ceremony—it’s about the entire journey. By choosing an Azores wedding photographer, you ensure that your love story is captured in the most cinematic and heartfelt way possible. Our 2-3 day adventure wedding photography experience allows us to document your intimate moments in stunning locations, making your wedding album truly one-of-a-kind.
If you’re ready to plan your unforgettable wedding in the Azores, let’s create a wedding story that is as adventurous, intimate, and magical as your love.
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FULL LIST OF WEDDING VENUES IN PORTUGAL
Adega Regional de Colares - Agroturismo Atzaro - Alenquer - Algarve - Areias do Seixo - Aviero - Braga - Casa de Castelo - Casa de Laila - Casa de Reguengos - Cascais - Castelo de Portuzelo - Douro Valley - Estufa Fria - Estufa Real - Faro - Forte da Cruz - Fronteira Palace - Gradil - Guimaraes - Herdade do Amarelo - Hotel Palacio de Villapanes - Hotel Santa Maria de Bouro - Lamego - Leiria - Madeira - Monchique - Monserrate Palace - Noto - Paco de Vitorino - Palacio da Pena - Palacio de Estoi - Palacio Fronteira - Parque Pedras Salgadas - Penafiel - Penha Longa - Pin Cliffs Luxury - Porto - Portofino - Pousada de Palmela - Pousada de Amares - Queluz - Quinta Casa Grande - Quinta da Caloura - Quinta das Lagrimas - Quinta de Penalva - Quinta de sant’ana - Quinta Segade - Quinta do Hespanhol - Quinta do Lago - Rio do Prado - Senhora da Rocha - Sesimbra - Sintra - Solar de Levada - Son Berga - Sublime Comporta - The Wine House - The Yeatman - Vidago Palace - Vila Monte - Villa Bardini - Wine Cellar - 100 Maneiras -The western part of the Iberian Peninsula has been continuously inhabited since prehistoric times, with the earliest signs of settlement dating to 5500 BC.[14]Celtic and Iberian peoples arrived in the first millennium BC. The region came under Roman control in the second century BC, followed by a succession of Germanic peoples and the Alans from the fifth to eighth centuries AD. Muslims conquered Portugal's current mainland in the eighth century, but were gradually expelled by the Christian Reconquista. Modern Portugal began taking shape during this period, initially as a county of the Christian Kingdom of León in 868, officially declared a sovereign Kingdom with the Treaty of Zamora in 1143.[15]
During the Age of Discovery, the Kingdom of Portugal settled Madeira and the Azores, and established itself as a major economic and political power, largely through its maritime empire, which extended mostly along the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean coasts.[16] Portuguese explorers and merchants were instrumental in establishing trading posts and colonies that enabled control over spices and slave trades.[17] While Portugal expanded its influence globally, its political and military power faced internal and external challenges towards the end of the 16th century. The dynastic crisis marked the beginning of the country's political decline that led to the Iberian Union (1580-1640), a period in which Portugal was united under Spanish rule.[18] While maintaining a degree of self-governance, the union strained Portugal’s autonomy and drew it into conflicts with European powers which targeted Portuguese territories and trade routes.[19] Portugal's prior opulence was further diminished by a series of events, such as the Portuguese Restoration War and the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, which destroyed the city and damaged the empire's economy.[20]
The Napoleonic Wars motivated the Portuguese royal family to relocate to Brazil in 1807. This event reshaped the relationship between Portugal and Brazil, culminating in Brazilian independence in 1822,[21] which indirectly led to a civil war between liberals and absolutists from 1828 to 1834.[22] The monarchy was overthrown in the 5 October 1910 revolution, which led to the establishment of the Portuguese First Republic. A phase of unrest ultimately led to the rise of authoritarian regimes of the Ditadura Nacional and the Estado Novo.[23] Democracy was finally restored following the Carnation Revolution of 1974, and brought an end to the Portuguese Colonial War, allowing the last of Portugal’s African territories to achieve independence.[24]
Portugal's imperial history has left a cultural legacy, with around 300 million Portuguese speakers around the world. Today, it is a developed country with an advanced economy relying chiefly upon services, industry, and tourism. Portugal, a member of the United Nations, the European Union, the Schengen Area, and the Council of Europe, was one of the founding members of NATO, the eurozone, the OECD, and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries.
