Photographers for your intimate destination wedding or elopement
TOP VENUES
FOR YOUR DREAM WEDDING IN SINTRA
ICONIC AND CHARMING VENUES
IN THE HEART OF PORTUGAL
For the Nostalgic, Storyteller, MICRO CLIMATE and Cinema Lovers
Your Ultimate Guide to Legally Marrying in SINTRA: ROMANCE AND LOVE STORIES WITH A TOUCH OF FADO
BY ERIC RENE PENOY
Why SINTRA 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
SINTRA Wedding and Elopement Photography Service. FOR ADVENTUROUS COUPLES IN SEARCH OF THE MOST WONDERFUL CEREMONY.
TOP VENUES FOR YOUR DREAM DESTINATION WEDDINGS OR ELOPEMENT IN SINTRA
The Best Locations for Your Wedding in Sintra: Portugal’s Most Romantic Region
Sintra, often referred to as Portugal’s fairy-tale destination, is a dream come true for couples looking for a magical and romantic wedding location. Nestled in lush green hills and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, this UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its misty forests, dramatic palaces, charming villas, and enchanting gardens. With its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Sintra offers a once-in-a-lifetime backdrop for intimate weddings and elopements.
What makes Sintra even more attractive for a wedding is its accessibility. Located just 40 minutes away from Lisbon, it is easy for international guests to travel while offering a peaceful and private escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Whether you’re dreaming of a regal wedding in a historic palace, a bohemian garden celebration, or a scenic cliffside elopement, Sintra provides countless breathtaking venues to bring your vision to life.
In this article, we will explore the best locations for a wedding in Sintra, highlighting why this region is the perfect choice for romantic, intimate, and adventurous couples. We will also share insights on how our wedding photography services can capture every moment of your love story.
WHY SINTRA?
Why Portugal is Perfect for Weddings and Elopements
A Fairy-Tale Atmosphere
Sintra’s enchanting castles, misty forests, and charming cobblestone streets create a dreamy and magical setting for an unforgettable wedding day.
Rich Cultural Heritage
With centuries of history, Sintra boasts magnificent palaces, medieval castles, and historic estates that add an air of elegance and grandeur to any wedding celebration.
Breathtaking Landscapes
From lush gardens to dramatic ocean cliffs, Sintra’s landscapes provide a variety of picturesque backdrops for stunning wedding photos.
Mild and Pleasant Climate
Sintra enjoys a moderate climate year-round, making it an ideal location for outdoor weddings without extreme temperatures.
VERY EASY ACCESS WORLDWIDE
Iconic Locations for YOUR PortUGUESE Wedding Photography
Exclusive and Intimate Venues
Unlike crowded tourist destinations, Sintra offers private and intimate wedding venues where couples can celebrate in complete serenity.
Easy Accessibility
Just a short drive from Lisbon, Sintra is a convenient yet secluded destination for couples and their guests traveling from abroad.
Exceptional Local Cuisine and Wine
Portugal is known for its exquisite cuisine and world-class wines, ensuring a delicious and unforgettable dining experience for wedding guests.
Endless Romantic Activities
From carriage rides through palace gardens to sunset walks along scenic cliffs, Sintra offers countless ways to celebrate love before and after the wedding.
STILL NOT
CONVINCED?
What are the most beautiful/magical locations to get married in SINTRA?
GET access to more wedding venue IDEAS in SINTRA to get inspired.
ELEVATE YOUR WEDDING EXPERIENCE IN PORTUGAL
Dream Weddings Start in SINTRA
Sintra’s breathtaking wedding venues are only part of what makes this region so extraordinary. Beyond the ceremony itself, the region offers a wealth of romantic experiences, from exploring mystical gardens and historic palaces to savoring world-class cuisine and wine. Whether you prefer a regal castle wedding or a quiet elopement by the sea, Sintra provides the perfect setting for a love story that is as unique as your journey together. Let’s delve deeper into why Sintra is the ultimate destination for your intimate wedding or elopement.
SINTRA
Best Wedding Locations in Sintra
1. Pena Palace – A Regal Wedding Venue
This colorful, fairy-tale-like palace perched atop Sintra’s hills provides an iconic and luxurious wedding setting with stunning panoramic views.
2. Quinta da Regaleira – A Mystical and Romantic Estate
With secret tunnels, enchanting gardens, and Gothic-inspired architecture, this unique estate is perfect for a whimsical and intimate wedding.
3. Monserrate Palace – A Blend of Exotic and Romantic Charm
This 19th-century palace combines Moorish, Indian, and Gothic architectural influences, offering an opulent and unforgettable wedding venue.
4. Seteais Palace – An Exclusive and Elegant Venue
This luxurious 18th-century palace-turned-hotel is ideal for couples seeking a regal and sophisticated wedding experience.
5. Azenhas do Mar – Clifftop Romance by the Sea
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this picturesque village provides a dramatic and intimate setting for a coastal wedding.
6. Capuchos Convent – A Historic and Tranquil Retreat
For couples seeking a serene and intimate wedding surrounded by nature, this 16th-century convent offers a rustic yet romantic atmosphere.
7. Sintra National Palace – A Wedding Steeped in History
Located in the heart of Sintra, this historic palace with its iconic twin chimneys is perfect for couples who love traditional and cultural settings.
8. Praia da Ursa – A Wild and Secluded Beach Wedding Spot
For adventurous couples, this untouched beach, surrounded by rugged cliffs, provides an incredibly scenic and intimate elopement location.
Sintra & CASCAIS– A Fairy Tale Wedding Destination
Nestled in the mountains, Sintra’s palaces, gardens, and mystical atmosphere make it one of the most romantic destinations in Portugal.
Sintra is not far from Lisbon but there is something very special about this place. Famous for his colors, the fog, and the climate very unusual and green. Enter Sintra is like entering a whole new world., a whole new Portugal. Here are my top 9 best wedding venues in Sintra.
Palácio de Monserrate
Located in Sintra, this small palace with Gothic, Indian, and Moorish decor influences from the 19th century is one of the most important examples of romantic architecture in Portugal. If you are looking for an exotic and beautifully intimate wedding, this one has the capacity for 72 guests.
The Quinta – My Vintage Wedding
The first venue with a vintage proposal in Portugal is located in Sintra, in a remodeled villa. Ideal for outdoor weddings, with a rustic and romantic vibe. It can also offer beach ceremonies, gardens, a fountain, and breathtaking views - these are included, just like magic.
Palacio de Seteais
Palácio de Seteais is a luxurious wedding venue in Sintra, featuring exquisite architecture, lush gardens, and panoramic views, offering a fairytale setting for unforgettable celebrations.
Camélia Gardens
Camélia Gardens is a beautiful wedding venue surrounded by lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and serene landscapes, offering an elegant, intimate setting for unforgettable celebrations.
Quinta da Penalva
Quinta da Penalva is a charming wedding venue with scenic views, elegant gardens, and rustic charm, offering a peaceful, romantic setting for unforgettable celebrations.
Tivoli Palácio Seteais
Tivoli Palácio Seteais is a luxurious wedding venue in Sintra, featuring stunning architecture, lush gardens, and breathtaking views, offering a regal and unforgettable setting for celebrations.
Cabo da Roca Lighthouse
Cabo da Roca Lighthouse offers a dramatic wedding venue with breathtaking ocean views, rugged cliffs, and a unique coastal setting, perfect for a romantic celebration.
Ritz Carlton Penha Longa
Ritz-Carlton Penha Longa is a luxurious wedding venue nestled in Sintra’s hills, featuring elegant spaces, stunning gardens, and a historic monastery for an unforgettable celebration.
Casa dos Penedos
Casa dos Penedos is a romantic wedding venue in Sintra, featuring stunning architecture, lush gardens, and breathtaking views, perfect for an elegant and unforgettable celebration.
Arriba by the Sea
Arriba by the Sea is a stunning coastal wedding venue with breathtaking ocean views, elegant spaces, and a romantic ambiance, perfect for an unforgettable seaside celebration.
Quinta da Bella Vista
Quinta da Bella Vista is a breathtaking wedding venue surrounded by lush gardens, offering scenic views, elegant spaces, and a serene atmosphere for unforgettable celebrations.
HOW TO GET MARRIED IN SINTRA
LEGALLY MARRIED IN SINTRA
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 SINTRA
Sintra, known as Portugal’s most romantic destination, is a fairytale-like region filled with lush forests, misty hills, and breathtaking palaces. Its enchanting atmosphere makes it an ideal place for a wedding, but choosing the right time of year can make all the difference. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to help you decide the best time to say "I do" in Sintra.
Spring (March – May) – Blooming Romance & Mild Weather
Spring is one of the best seasons for a Sintra wedding. The gardens and forests are in full bloom, creating a lush and colorful backdrop for stunning wedding photos. The temperatures range between 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F), offering pleasant conditions for an outdoor ceremony. There's a moderate chance of rain, but the soft mist often adds a dreamy, mystical touch to the scenery.
Best for: Romantic garden weddings, elopements in nature, and outdoor receptions.
Summer (June – August) – Vibrant Atmosphere & Longer Days
Summer is the high season for weddings in Sintra, with warm temperatures ranging between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The long daylight hours allow for extended celebrations, but Sintra’s microclimate means occasional mist and cooler breezes, especially in the evenings. While Lisbon can be scorching hot, Sintra remains pleasantly cooler due to its higher altitude. However, tourist crowds peak during this time, making some locations busier than usual.
Best for: Grand castle weddings, luxurious outdoor receptions, and sunset ceremonies.
Autumn (September – November) – Golden Colors & Intimate Vibes
Autumn is another spectacular season for a wedding in Sintra. The changing leaves bring warm, golden tones to the landscape, adding a magical feel to your wedding photos. Temperatures range from 14°C to 24°C (57°F to 75°F), creating a comfortable climate for both outdoor and indoor celebrations. It’s also a less touristy time, making venues more exclusive and private.
Best for: Intimate weddings, castle elopements, and vineyard celebrations.
Winter (December – February) – Cozy & Mystical Ambiance
Winter weddings in Sintra can be absolutely magical for couples who embrace a cozy, moody atmosphere. The mist-covered forests and gothic architecture create an otherworldly charm, perfect for dramatic wedding photography. While temperatures rarely drop below 8°C (46°F), occasional rain and fog are common, so indoor or covered venues are recommended.
Best for: Dramatic elopements, cozy castle weddings, and unique winter-themed celebrations.
Final Verdict: When is the Best Time to Get Married in Sintra?
For the perfect combination of romance, weather, and ambiance, spring (April – May) and autumn (September – October) are the best times to get married in Sintra. These seasons provide comfortable temperatures, stunning natural beauty, and fewer crowds, ensuring an intimate and unforgettable wedding experience.
Would you like recommendations for the best venues in Sintra based on the season you choose? Let me know how I can help!
CONCLUSION
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
SINTRA Wedding Photographer.
Portugal'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 PORTUGAL.
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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Sintra
Sintra (/ˈsɪntrə, ˈsiːntrə/, Portuguese: [ˈsĩtɾɐ] ) is a town and municipality in the Greater Lisbon region of Portugal, located on the Portuguese Riviera. The population of the municipality in 2011 was 377,835, in an area of 319.23 square kilometres (123.26 sq mi). Sintra is one of the most urbanized and densely populated municipalities of Portugal. A major tourist destination famed for its picturesqueness, the municipality has several historic palaces, castles, scenic beaches, parks and gardens.
The area includes the Sintra-Cascais Nature Park through which the Sintra Mountains run. The historic center of the Vila de Sintra is famous for its 19th-century Romanticist architecture, historic estates and villas, gardens, and royal palaces and castles, which resulted in the classification of the town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sintra's landmarks include the medieval Castle of the Moors, the romanticist Pena National Palace and the Portuguese Renaissance Sintra National Palace.
Sintra is one of the wealthiest municipalities in both Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula as a whole. It is home to one of the largest foreign expat communities along the Portuguese Riviera and consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Portugal.
Sintra is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting wedding destinations in Portugal. Its unique combination of breathtaking landscapes, historic architecture, and magical ambiance makes it the perfect location for couples seeking an intimate and unforgettable wedding experience. From the grandeur of Pena Palace to the serene beauty of Azenhas do Mar, every corner of Sintra offers a romantic setting that feels straight out of a fairy tale.
What truly sets Sintra apart is its versatility. Whether you’re looking for an elegant wedding in a luxurious palace, a bohemian elopement in a mystical garden, or an adventurous ceremony by the ocean, Sintra has it all. The mild climate ensures that weddings can take place year-round, while the region’s accessibility makes it easy for international guests to attend your special day.
For couples who value storytelling and capturing emotions, our wedding photography services offer a unique approach. We specialize in covering multi-day wedding experiences, allowing us to document not just the ceremony but the full journey of your love story. From pre-wedding adventures exploring Sintra’s historic sites to post-wedding moments of romance along the coastline, we ensure that your wedding photos reflect the depth and beauty of your love.
If you dream of a wedding that blends romance, history, adventure, and breathtaking scenery, Sintra is the perfect destination. Let us help you create a wedding experience that is as unique and timeless as your love story.
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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.
