Portugal has an old-fashioned charm, with medieval castles and picture-perfect villages scattered over meandering coastlines and flower-covered hillsides. sandy islands of Portugal's coastline have long enchanted visitors and locals alike. Meanwhile, the country's capital, Lisbon, and its northern rival, Porto, are magical places for the wanderer, with riverside views, cobblestone streets and rattling trams framed by looming cathedrals.

Portugal has a warm and sunny climate, with mild winters. Portugal’s high season runs from mid-June to mid-September, when temperatures across the country average around 27°C. In July and August it gets hot. If you’d rather skip the crowds (and the heat), consider a trip in spring, when the countryside is at its most verdant, or in autumn, when it’s still warm but the summer crowds have dispersed.