PORTUGAL

Nestled beneath the western shoulder of the Iberian Peninsula, the beautiful Portuguese Republic is rising once again. Reigning over the seas and leading in intrepid exploration from the 1500s to the 1800s, this once-mighty far-flung empire has since quietly become a place for unpretentious leisure, where time stands still amid Moorish Revival architecture and under 3,000 hours of gorgeous sunshine.

While the days away sipping wine in growing northern destinations like Vinho Verde, known for its carbonated fresh wine, or the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, deep valleys and gorges carve through terraced vineyards. Or, seek out Port and Madeira in their namesake origin cities. You can’t go wrong with either.

Others flock to The Algarve, its stunning shorelines full of whitewashed fishing villages on low cliffs overlooking a cerulean Atlantic. This is the second biggest region of the country, right after its capital, Lisbon, whose steep hills, picturesque trams, and famous blue-and-white tile charm 5.4 million visitors per year. Another popular destination: the wild, serene Azores that have become a magnet for those seeking a deeper connection with our earth. With consistently mild weather, there’s no time that isn’t the right time to go. The only question is, how long can you stay?