Once upon a time we all believed in fairy tales, didn’t we? Those exceptionally romantic tales usually had to do with a prince – or princess- a castle and knights in shining armor.

While those dashing knights may only exist nowadays in the worn pages of history, fortunately for us, fairytale settings complete with castles and all the romantic trappings that go with them are abundant in Europe – especially in very regal Portugal.

For the ultimate, unusual honeymoon, visit the magical medieval village of Marvão. Perched on a high rocky pinnacle in the Alentejo region not far from the Spanish border, it promises an evocative stay.

Completely surrounded by thick stone walls dating from the 13th to the 17th century Marvão is about a two-hour drive west of Lisbon. It offers a privileged peek into Portugal’s storied past while dishing up some of its most typical cuisine, local lore and remnants of Roman ruins. In recent years, it has become a favorite escape for Lisbon residents in search of a weekend respite.

To enter the tiny town, you pass through an archway, just wide enough to fit one car. Beyond that, you’ll find a tangle of winding, cobblestone streets housing a collection of white-washed homes with terracotta roofs, quaint cafes, typical shops and bakeries conjuring up the same tasty treats made by their ancestors centuries ago.

The jewel in the crown of this “head in the clouds” village is the dominant castle built by Portuguese king Dom Dinis in the 13th century as a fortress to stave off the marauding Moors. From the ramparts you get a magnificent 360 degree view of the Serra da Ossa and Serra de São Mamede and the undulating patchwork below of flora and granite stretching as far as the eye can see.

Close to the castle is the fascinating 15th century Santa Maria Church, now the Municipal Museum. The well kept museum houses an overview of the country’s history with a kaleidoscope of excavated pottery, 15th century saints, colorful Azulejos (colorful hand-painted tiles drawn from the Moors) and a small room dedicated to the area’s Jewish history. Many Jews fled to the area to escape persecution at the hands of the Spanish Inquisition.

A romantic honeymoon can be booked at the Pousada Santa Maria de Marvão. Pousadas are government-subsidized inns, typically tucked into former castles, convents or villas. This one, located in a clutch of medieval buildings along one the town’s narrow winding cobblestone streets, offers a nod to the past, with modern-day amenities, intimacy and a touch of class. The pousada’s cozy cliff-top restaurant specializes in grand views of the valley along with robust regional wines and typical Alentejo dishes. Special honeymoon packages are offered throughout the year.

https://www.pousadas.pt/historicalhotels/EN/pousadas/Portugal/Alentejo/SantaMaria/home/PousadaSantaMaria_Home.htm

Marvão is the perfect spot from which to explore other charming historic towns and vineyards in the Alentejo…while indulging in your fairytale honeymoon.

Airlines such as TAP Air Portugal(https://www.flytap.com/Portugal),United, American and Delta offer direct and non-stop flights to Lisbon from various US gateways. From there,the drive to Marvão takes about two hours.