The tearoom at the Palacete Chafariz D'El Rei exudes exceptional charm decorated as it is with original period furniture, which is a design signature evident throughout the hotel. Non-residents can join guests for Sunday brunch in the salon or at a table in the beautiful art nouveau mirror lounge, noted for its outstanding Venetian mirrors and rare lamplights. Brunch is adapted from the breakfast menu, a healthy, hearty choice of bread, croissant, assorted jams, cheese and cold cuts accompanied by crisp and juicy bacon and light, fluffy scrambled egg. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and freshly squeezed fruit juice is also served. The menu lists additional delights such as yogurt, fruit salad and pancakes. The setting is certainly romantic and ideal for couples or small, intimate group gatherings. On warm sunny days, the verandah is the perfect to place to enjoy a gin and tonic well into the afternoon.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Discreet and still fairly under the tourist radar, the hotel and its facilities make for a charming and delightful discovery.
Paul's expert tip: You have to book in advance for Sunday brunch. Before taking your seat make sure to see the rest of the building. If they are not too busy, reception staff are happy to take you on a quick guided tour.
There are cocktail bars and there is Cinco Lounge. This is Lisbon's premier cocktail venue, a real after-dark treat for aficionados of the mixed drink. Its intimate, semi-lit ambiance also makes it a wonderfully romantic place to enjoy a drink with a loved one. You can perch on one of the counter stools and chat with the bartender as he prepares your choice - and the menu lists a bewildering number of cocktails - or find a corner and sink into any one of the plush, marshmallow-soft couches hugging the walls. Even when it's full the bar oozes cozy charm. The soundtrack is smooth chill out but the music never overloads the ear or gatecrashes the conversation.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Over the last few years, cocktail bars have pooped up all over the city. Some have proved themselves admirably. But Cinco Lounge remains the standard-bearer.
Paul's expert tip: if you like a little umph! with your drink, order the "Nim Nom Atom Bomb", an explosive combination of gin, cointreau and lots more.
Portugal's very own Disneyland palace crowns the highest peak of the Serra de Sintra mountain range and is one of the most distinguished landmarks in the region. The 19th-century wonder conjures up an image of a child's Lego-brick toy with its turrets and domes and colourful pastel facades. Indeed, it's a hotchpotch of different architectural styles. Commissioned by Queen Maria II for her husband Ferdinand Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, the multi-roomed palace is crammed full of rare and priceless antiques and curios collected from all over the world. Opulent furnishings are found throughout the salons, and the décor is especially lavish in the Ballroom. The Arab Room is another contender for the richest and most extravagant home decoration award. Enchanting and romantic in equal measure, this is a place to let the imagination run wild and live like royalty for a couple of hours. Note that interior photography is forbidden.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Even from a distance the palace conures up a sense of flamboyant romanticism, an emotion that strengthens as you approach this landmark wonder.
Paul's expert tip: Keep an eye on the weather. The mild micro-climate means that sometimes the palace is hidden by mist or low cloud.
Whisk yourself back to the dapper days of the 1920s by stepping inside this veritable gem of a café. This is one of the finest examples of an early 20th-century Lisbon teahouse, and the bygone ambiance is absolutely beguiling. The building stands replete in original décor, all marble walls, decorative stained glass panels and custom-made counters filled with an amazing selection of cakes, sweets and all manner of homemade goodies. Busy waiters in smart waistcoats and bow ties hover around tables in quiet indifference - they've seen it all before, and their manner is sometimes brusque but always efficient. For the first-time visitor, this gleaming reminder of a gentler age is a captivating experience. Dinners are served into the evening, which add a wonderfully romantic dimension to the visitor experience.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Favoured by locals, many of whom dress for the occasion, this is European café society at its most elegant.
Paul's expert tip: The specialty here is the hot chocolate, a rich dark concoction coifed with a dollop of whipped cream. Tempting at any time of the day.
To really experience Lisbon in a novel and romantic fashion, hop on board the number 28 tram. These bright yellow streetcars shake, rattle and roll their way over the city's most picturesque neighbourhoods to follow a meandering track past monuments, museums and miradouros (viewpoints). The tram connects Martim Moniz in the Baixa (downtown) district with Campo Ourique, an area west of the city centre. Along the way, the carriage trundles under the shadow of landmarks like São Vicente de Fora in Alfama and the Sé (cathedral). Further on it snakes around Praça Luís de Camões in Chiado, one of the capital's prettiest squares, before hissing and creaking towards leafy Estrela, known for its church and landscaped gardens. And the best thing about the journey is that once you've reached the end of the line, you can do enjoy exactly the same excursion in reverse.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: The city's tram (eléctrico) network has diminished over the years, but the 28 service is an authentic reminder of yesteryear Lisbon.
Paul's expert tip: Watch out for pickpockets! Tram 28 is a public transport service and the car can sometimes get uncomfortably crowded.
The unspoiled beauty of the Sintra coast lends itself to some incredible walks, and the trail that arrows its way through the Guincho-Cresima dunes is one of the most rewarding. The dune field lies within a protected reserve and is accessed by following a narrow boardwalk. Some of the dunes have been partially fixed by vegetation but as you near the beach, the sand is free-flowing, endlessly shifted by the strong westerlies Guincho is famous for. Wildlife enthusiasts should consult the information board at the start of the walk for a detailed rundown of the area's flora and fauna. But if you're here to spend some quality time with a loved one, then enjoy a leisurely stroll through one of the region's most beautiful and romantic stretches of coastline.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Guincho is renowned for its watersports options, but the beach and surrounding dunes are also a haven for wildlife.
Paul's expert tip: Regular buses depart Cascais fro Guincho, where you can commence the walk. Be sure to note return times to coincide with train departures back to Lisbon.
Lisbon is a stunningly beautiful city, set as it is on seven hills overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It's a destination that inspires the imagination and captivates the soul. It also exudes a wonderfully romantic atmosphere. Admired from a distance, the Portuguese capital appears as if plucked out of a medieval picture book, its skyline punctuated by polished church domes, crenelated towers, and impressive monumental arches. But where best to absorb this beguiling perspective? Across the river soaring skywards from the south bank of the Tagus is Cristo Rei, the Christ the King statue. From the observation deck set under the open arms of this iconic landmark, Lisbon is unveiled in all its glory, a stunning marble and terracotta canvas that shimmers in an ethereal glow.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Cristo Rei affords the most impressive and romantic panorama from any monument found anywhere in Lisbon.
Paul's expert tip: Obvious perhaps, but choose a day to visit the monument when the weather is fine, and preferably in the afternoon when the light falling on the city is from the west.
What better way to spend a romantic evening with someone you love than enjoying a candlelit dinner while listening to the haunting strains of fado? This is one of the most respected venues in the city, a fado house tucked away in the residential Lapa district known for its roll call of illustrious singers and guitarists. Expect first-class a la carte service - the restaurant upholds Portugal's rich, culinary traditions with a delicious choice of traditional dishes, and a list of carefully selected wines. The singing takes place between servings under dimmed light, the hushed audience serenaded with voice and guitar over the course of the evening.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Of all Lisbon's fado houses, Senhor Vinho is probably the most exclusive. It's therefore the choice of many locals seeking an authentic fado experience.
Paul's expert tip: Book a table in advance and check whether any tour groups are scheduled to visit. The atmosphere is far more intimate without the coach parties.
Don't be put off by the rather incongruous location for despite being situated in the northern suburbs and approached by concrete housing blocks, this utterly romantic 18th-century royal palace stands alone as one of the grandest and most sumptuous in the land. Actually, it's one of the finest examples of Rococo architecture in Portugal and the interior hides a treasure trove of exquisite furniture and period décor. A highlight is the opulent Sala dos Embaixadores, built by Robillion and which features a stunning trompe l'oeil ceiling. The palace gardens, embellished with trickling fountains and trim topiary, are laid out in formal symmetry and provide a relaxing and highly enjoyable extension to the tour.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Once the summer residence of two generations of monarchs, the palace remains high on the visitor checklist despite its suburban locale.
Paul's expert tip: The palace can be reached by using the train that departs Lisbon's Rossio station for Sintra. Alight at Queluz and follow directions.
This highly regarded day spa facility is known for its range of special Elohim Rituals where the emphasis is on Oriental-themed treatments. For couples, Elohim has designed appealing combo massages (ideal to enjoy as a romantic interlude or Valentine's Day celebration). Otherwise, the hot stone massage remains a favourite choice. Centrally located, Elohim is an attractive option for those seeking a feel-good pampering moment perhaps as a lunchtime treat with your significant half, or with a friend. The spa's Day Spa Amigas, a package aimed at small group rituals and treatments, is hugely popular. Similarly, the 30-minute facial or body scrub options are always in demand.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Its special menu of spa treatments for couples makes Elohim a wonderful excuse to indulge in a little romantic downtime.
Paul's expert tip: Try the combined massage and reflexology treatment followed by a relaxing tea ritual massage.