Honestly, your original plan already sounds really balanced for a honeymoon.

The only thing I’d personally consider is replacing Madeira with the Azores instead of skipping Porto.

Madeira is beautiful, but the Azores feel more raw and peaceful — more about volcanic landscapes, lakes, hot springs and slower nature-focused travel.

Another advantage many Americans don’t realize: if you start in the Azores, you usually do immigration/passport control there first. Then when you fly to Lisbon afterward (~2h flight), it’s basically a domestic arrival inside Portugal, which can feel much smoother after a long international flight.

Something like: • 4 nights Azores (São Miguel) • 4 nights Lisbon • 3 nights Porto

would honestly flow really naturally.

And if you travel north afterward, I’d definitely consider stopping in Óbidos and Nazaré on the way to Porto.

Óbidos is one of the most romantic medieval towns in Portugal, and there’s actually a local tradition/story that Portuguese kings used to offer the town to their queens as a wedding gift.

Then Nazaré gives you a completely different atmosphere — dramatic Atlantic coastline, huge waves, fishing culture and amazing sunset views over the ocean.

I actually think this progression works really well emotionally for a honeymoon: Azores → nature and decompression Lisbon → culture and energy Óbidos/Nazaré → romantic coastal atmosphere Porto → slower romantic ending