Some comments. IMHO $8K is more than enough for 2 weeks (we usually did it for under $6k for the same duration). Water is cold in June almost everywhere even in Algarve. I would go to Madeira for 3 to 5 days, price/quality is superb (we stayed in 5*star hotel last Sep for 85€ breakfast included) but it's not a beach destination. Also touring Madeira is quite inexpensive (20-25€ pp for full day tour with hotel pickup). Also there lots of inexpensive flights from Lisbon or Porto to FNC if you book now.

Azores is also a worthy destination but less touristy and more expensive than Madeira (for hotels & tours). Food costs is about the same. We did from TO last year as SATA allows free stopover in PDL so no extra costs there.

If you really want something nice, then you might be interested in checking out the Farol Design Hotel in Cascais (www.farol.com.pt). It's an excellent property and much more intimate.

As far as a hotel in Lisbon, the best is the 5-star Lapa Palace (www.olissippohotels.com), where you can expect excellence, at a reasonable price.

Casa de Canihas in Mesão Frio is interesting, but I would move a little further up the river, closer to Pinhão. You can check out the Hotel Rural Quinta do Pégo (http://quintadopego.com) and Casa de Gouvães (www.casadegouvaes.com).

Quinta do Vallado is also an excellent option (www.wonderfulland.com/vallado/). You have the original house and new luxury hotel to choose from.

Or if you want a beautiful property with not other guests, then try SeMarkinhas (www.dourovillarental.com).

You might also be interested in reading this newsletter on the Douro (www.iberiantraveler-ontheroad.com/2012/02/exploring-alto-douro-wine-region-pinhao.html)

I highly recommendmthe Avenida Palace in Lisbon. We were there in August and loved it. An amazing hot and cold breakfast buffet is included, served in an elegant dining room. Click my name to find my trip report.

Thank you for your comments and suggestions.
@Robert2533 I love all of your recommendations, however they all seem pricey and out of budget. Staying at just one of those places for a couple of nights though would be wonderful and feel very "honeymoon" appropriate.
@PeaceOut - the Avenida Palace looks lovely as well. Thank you for your trip post, very detailed.
@hkto - you mentioned that the water will be cold everywhere in June. That's disappointing, we were really hoping for some beach time.
Any other suggestions or tips? Thanks!

We also recommend the Avenida Palace. Everything about the hotel is attractive and most important, the location is great.

We had a cornor room looking out at the old square.

We also stayed at the Praia using Marriott points. I would think that the pool would be usable, but the ocean water probably will be cold as it is open ocean. But the beach is very nice.

We did eat there one night in the bar area and it was just OK. Seems like they have a nice dining area.

Water temperature in Madeira & Azores can reasonable (20-22C) but both are not known for beaches. Madeira has ocean pools (the better one is in Porto Moniz) but no sand. There are couple smaller ones in Funchal. Water near Lisbon is freezing and Algarve is better (may be around 18-19 in the afternoon). It's colder in the morning. IMHO beaches in most of the country are very picturesque but water temp is getting better around August.

Great, thank you for the info, we'll just have to be satisfied with pool swimming which should be just fine!
A friend recommended we spend 5 days in Algarve in a rented condo when we first arrive and possibly take a day trip to Seville, Spain then make our way to Lisbon and Duoro. Any thoughts on this? Should we do this and skip the Obidos area? Thanks!

Algarve is mostly R&R; beach, water parks. We stayed in Praia da Rocha (next to Portimao) several times & liked it. Last time came in early July and water was cold. There are lots of towns in Algarve province to choose from. If you rent a car stay in Seville for at least 1 night; lots to see there. There are cheap bus day trips from towns in Algarve (you can buy in local travel agencies) but they are exhausting; leave at 5-6am back at 1am. Bus spends lots of time going from hotel to hotel picking up people.

We have a house in the Algarve that we use for R and R. the area is superb for just hanging out and forgetting aobut the world, esp. in June before the madding crowds arrive. Think warm sunny days, cool evenings, wonderful wine and food. There are some nice little cities and villages to visit, but it is not high octance culture travel for sure. It is more like the Florida of Europe with great weather, beautiful beaches and excellent golf. It does have a few secrets though.

The suggestion to visit Seville and spend the night is a good one. You can either drive it or not as the bus service works. The Alcazar is wonderful and you will gain a new appreciation for the Moorish architects. The dynamic of southern Spain is diametrically opposed to the Algarve and it makes a nice contrast.

IMHO Madeira & Algarve are two different experiences and not really comparable on the same criteria. I've been to both twice and for the first time visitor would definitely choose Madeira. Island is really good looking and as I mentioned before price/quality ratio is excellent. In 4 days it's possible to see Funchal & take 2-3 day tours to see at least West & North (& East if time permits). It takes less time to get from Lisbon airport to a hotel in Madeira than to a hotel in Algarve. I would choose Algarve for longer stays & do nothing type of vacation.

I think spending a few days in the Algarve prior to sightseeing the rest of the country is the better option (*). The beaches in the Algarve are superb. The eastern Algarve has long stretches of white sandy beaches, central and western Algarve has golden sands with beautiful rock formations on the beach. Four years ago we fell in love with the Algarve. We have returned every year ever since and will be doing so this June. Admitted, the sea water isn't very warm but with the air being very warm to hot, the cool sea water is very pleasant for a swim!

After the Algarve rent a car and head to Lisbon, probably detouring via Evora (for a day or two) which is a very pretty little city. It's a very easy drive on the national road (no highway) through the beautiful hilly landscape of the Alentejo where vineyards alternate with rice fields, olive & orange groves, serra's, vast sunflower fields, etc. From Evora it's only a one and a half hour drive to Lisbon.

I have been to Madeira, too. I much more prefer Portugal mainland over Madeira island. Madeira is good for elderly people, not for a young couple (sorry hkto).

(*) The beaches around Sintra/Obidos are beautiful, too, but the weather can be more unstable and it's always cooler there.

Hotel Tivoli is ok..Art Deco styling..Prefer Pestana Palace and/or Pousadas which usually have honeymoon deals.(Pousadas are now part of Pestana group) www.pousadas.pt or www.pestanagroup.pt.
Evora Pousada is lovely as is Setebul,Obidos, Queluz etc,etc.There are new ones in Porto and in the Algarve.Another hotel with a romantic cast is Bussaco Palace. The Algarve is over run with tourists..If you want to be surrounded by condos, English speakers and crowds by all means go.

amer_can, Apparently you haven't been to the eastern Algarve. This part of the Algarve is peaceful and quiet. Tourists, yes, but mostly Portuguese or Spanish. In June we almost have the beautiful beaches (Praia Verde, Ilha de Cabanas, ...) to ourselves.

Thank you so much everyone. After reading some more and talking to frequent Portugal travelers we've settled on the itinerary of Lagos (Algarve) - Lisbon - Duoro Region. We think this will give us the relaxation and culture we are looking for. We can't wait! Thank you for your suggestions and help!

Sounds like a good plan. You can relax and unwind by the ocean after your wedding ceremony. Portugal is a great choice for your honeymoon, and it's such a great value.

MiriamC..Sounds like you live or often go there..Lucky !!! You are right.. never got to the eastern section as I guess we got scared off..Far west is spectacular however. Apparently there is a newish pousada at Estoi. We saw it in it's unrestored state, years ago, and even then it had magnificent promise. Ir all reports are correct (and why not?) it is even more beautiful now. I am not one to enjoy multi condos/high rises etc so my choices are my own as in "to each his/her". Again, PeaceOut I highly reccommend the pousada experience.

I wish I lived there amer_can! We'll be there this June for the 4th time in a row. We immediately fell in love with the eastern Algarve because of it's quietness compared to the 'British' Algarve. No high-rise for us, no loud nightlife. Yes, the west is spectacular but Lagos, Praia da Rocha, and such are all too crowded for us.

Natalie_N, in case you decide to stay in the Algarve, there is a beautiful pousada in Tavira (eastern Algarve).
http://www.pousadas.pt/historic-hotels-portugal/en/pousadas/algarve-hotels/pousada-de-tavira/convento-da-graca/pages/home.aspx

Hi Natalie_N,

I am Portuguese and worked in the Algarve in the hospitality business and I have to say that if you are looking to have not only a regular stay but a great experience you should definitely book VILA VITA Parc (www.vilavitaparc.com). Private beach, private yacht, 7 restaurants (1 of these with 2 Michelin Stars), SPA, Pools, etc and amazing staff!

I am from Coimbra area and Douro is totally worth seeing! Check Aquapura Douro Valley! Is amazing. 1 night there and the Porto! Can't miss Porto!

If you have the time to visit Sevilla you definetly should! Is quite close from the Algarve and you can save a day for that!

I have good contacts over there and if you need any help at all let me know. I am sure I can give you very good tips!

Diana Costa
dianaspcosta@gmail.com

Hi,

I just want to add a few thoughts.

The 10th of June is Lisbons' day, when people celebrate SaintAnthony and there's a popular festivities going on. I love everything about this party.
People on the streets, music, late night eating out (sardines are a must). Don't fail to be here at that time.
24 of June is the same but at Porto. Really great. Be there also.

There's something you need to know about the weather in the Portuguese Atlantic coast in June and even July. Around 4 in the afternoon with almost no exception there's a north wind to chill things down a little, which is often good. This wind doesn't get to Lisbon, so Lisbon is usually hot even at night.
In my opinion,because of this I'd prefer Eastern Algarve to the western. There's no wind there.
When people say the water is cold, it might be for some standards, but when it's hot at the beach there's nothing as swimming at the ocean.
People go to the beach from early June to the end of October everywhere near Lisbon, again, 18º it's great when the air temp is 25º to 40º.

About hotels, if you want something nice for honeymoon go to "Tivoli Palacio de Seteais" this in in Sintra and it's a fairytale palace. There's also a new one "Sintra Boutique Hotel". Sintra is very nice to visit and to stay for one night.
Don't miss Pousadas, I love all the Alentejo Pousadas.

There are some awesome specials adv. now on pestana.pt or pousadas.pt but I'm not sure when they run out. It would be worth a look.

I cannot believe all the helpful responses, thank you so much everyone!!
We still have not booked. We've been going back and forth with a travel agent since trying to book and finding out places we wanted are no longer available. @amer_can Thank you for the pousadas.pt tip, some look really great!
I just wanted to thank everyone for your assistance!

You are welcome and the Pousadas are great..Right now 118E for 2 nights. This can't be beat!!! I don't know the cut off dates..don't wait if you see something you like..

IMO, the trick to the Algarve is to rent a villa. Preferably one with a garden large enough to buffer you from the other tourists. June is shoulder season so I don't think the tourists are much of an issue, but late July and August can be crazy.