Mesmerizing beaches

The beaches of Portugal are always beautiful, therefore they deserved their own section. Once you've arrived in Portugal, simply head west or south until the land ends, and you'll almost certainly be pleased with the results.

If you're searching for some white sand and turquoise sea vibes, or something a little more crash-and-awe, Portugal has plenty of both. Our personal favorite is Castelejo Beach, which is located on the Algarve's west coast but defies the stereotypes of an Algarve beach. Castelejo has huge black schist cliffs, deafening Atlantic surf, and stretches of misty golden sand instead of smooth sand and pleasant seas. This is, after all, a surfer's beach.

In Portugal, going to the beach is a requirement, and the country is blessed with lots of sunny days. But remember to use sun protection whether you plan to meander through one of the many wonderful cities, picnic in a park, or catch some rays!

Also keep in mind that the hottest time of the day is between 12 and 3 p.m., when the sun is at its strongest. Wear a hat and drink plenty of water to stay out of direct sunshine. Keep this idea in mind when visiting any section of the country, but especially in the Algarve, which is the hottest and where most activities are focused on the outdoors.