During the summer months, you’ll find warmer ocean temperatures, especially as you head south to the Algarve. Water temps and crowds alike peak in July and August, so plan on sharing those pretty beaches with plenty of other sunseekers. When the sun is shining, it seems as though all of Porto descends on Foz do Douro for a bit of beach time followed by drinks at terrace cafes overlooking the ocean. On steamy summer days, you can cool off in the chilly water. At other times of the year, you can join locals on runs, bike rides or saunters along the seaside promenade, which runs for 2.5km (1.6 miles) up to Matosinhos, Porto’s biggest city beach. For a shorter walk, you can stroll out along a jetty to the 19th-century Felgueiras Lighthouse, which has dramatic views over the wave-battered shore. Bike it from Porto or hop on vintage tram 1 to arrive in old-fashioned style.

Planning tip: During the summer, the terrace of the cafe transforms into an open-air stage for free live concerts and DJ sessions from Wednesdays to Friday nights. 12. Have a Porto picnic Key events: Óbidos Chocolate Festival, Semana Santa, Ovibeja, Liberation Day. May is the month for outdoor adventuresUnfortunately, Portugal is not a user-friendly country for travelers with disabilities. Some train stations have ramps, others do not. Some trains also have interior steps making access difficult. In general, Porto is the best city for getting around if you have a wheelchair. Nearly all metro stations are fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and dedicated spaces for wheelchair users onboard metro trains. Lisbon has fewer elevators, and they are often out of service. Tips & Advice Europe's extreme weather: what to expect in each country if you're traveling in August Practical information on money, getting around, unique and local ways to stay, and responsible travel

Less than an hour’s drive from Lisbon, you can find yourself amid the coastal wilderness of the Parque Natural da Arrábida. Here, forest-covered hillsides descend steeply to the shoreline, which is dotted with hidden coves and sparkling beaches. The loveliest of the bunch is the Praia dos Galapinhos, which offers white sand and crystal-clear waters. The calm seas make it a great swimming spot. 2. Praia de Odeceixe, Odeceixe With cloudless skies most of the year and little light pollution, the artificial Great Lake Alqueva in Alentejo is one of Portugal's most perfect spots for stargazing. These extraordinary conditions made the lake the first official starlight tourism destination in the world, as certified by Spanish-based Fundación Starlight. Several local companies offer stargazing and nighttime tours of the lake, and budding astronomers can also visit the observatory.

As the temperatures cool, head to the vineyards of the Douro, where you can see grape harvesting and treading, and even help out. October is also a great month for bird-watching, with many species passing through en route to Africa during the annual fall migration.

Lisbon welcomes visitors with pleasant weather all year long, but spring is the season when it hits the sweet spot. Trees are blooming, days are getting longer, and occasional rainfall keeps the parks green, making Lisbon just that bit more romantic. The weather is just warm enough, but not yet too hot, to explore the city on foot. Easter is the busiest period, with crowds of tourists visiting from neighboring Spain and elsewhere in Europe, and accommodation prices increase slightly. Key events: Festas do Sítio Nazaré, Queer Lisboa Film Festival, Feiras Novas Ponte de Lima, Concertos na Avenida Porto, Festival Flamenco Lagos. October is harvest season in wine country One of Iberia's great monasteries utterly dominates the town of Alcobaça. Hiding behind the imposing baroque facade lies a high, austere, monkish church … The scent of grilled sardines fills the air, and colorful flags decorate the narrow, cobblestone streets of historical neighborhoods as Lisboetas prepare for the month-long Santos Populares (Popular Saints) festivals. June 13 is St. Anthony’s Day, dedicated to Lisbon's patron saint. As the festivities hit their peak, crowds fill the streets for a night out that starts with a simple dinner of grilled sardines on bread with a glass of wine or beer and ends with free concerts by amateur bands. It’s officially the first month of summer and the beginning of the beach season.Forge new connections on your next adventure with the latest advice from our weekly newsletter. Don’t try to see it all in one trip Local experts share their love for the real Portugal, offering fresh perspectives into the country's traditions, values and modern trends to make your travel experience even more meaningful