Portugal is surging in popularity among U.S. travelers and expatriates. This small country has a remarkable English proficiency, making communication a breeze. It has a rich history, vibrant culture, amazing food and notable wines. Portugal’s mild climate entices you to spend time outdoors relaxing on the beach, walking, diving, climbing, shopping or people-watching at an outdoor café. It is one of the safest European countries and is home to vibrant cities and towns of all sizes. Let’s explore three of them: Lisbon, Porto and Funchal.

Lisbon – Warm and Welcoming

Lisbon is ageless, welcoming and innovative. Many people call it a European San Francisco with its hilly neighborhoods and hilltop viewpoints (perfect for watching the light dance on the water’s surface). Its lovely terraces are marvelous spots for romantic sunsets. Meander in the historic suburbs of Alfama and Mouraria, which are filled with winding lanes, tiled palaces and orange trees. Lisbon’s energetic music scene has something for everyone from soulful Fado at Casa de Fados in Mouraria to rock and roll to pop to electronica and more.

The mild sunny days lure you outside for discoveries that surprise and delight. Especially the street art for which Lisbon is well-known. The Bordalo II murals draw locals and visitors to gaze at the Raposa (fox) close to Time Out Market, the big racoon in Belem, or the giant bumblebee at LX Factory. Indulge in pastéis de natas — crispy, all-butter puff pastries filled with egg custard — from a recipe developed by nuns in the nearby Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Go treasure hunting at the historic Feira da Ladra flea market. The market dates back to 1272 and is open every Tuesday and Saturday in Campo de Santa Clara, behind the monastery of São Vicente de Fora. Ride the Santa Justa Elevator (designed by Raoul Mesnier, a student of Gustave Eiffel) to the viewing platform at the top where you’ll have a 360 degree view of renown landmarks.

Unwind in Torel Garden — one of the city’s last hideaways. It was created in the 18th century as a private retreat and opened to the public in the 1960s. The upper level of the garden is shaded by trees while the lower level has a terrace with a café. In between is a pond with an 18th-century mermaid statue.

Porto – Awaken Your Senses

Porto is ancient and cosmopolitan, vibrant and laidback, walkable and challenging (it’s those hills!), has amazing local food and exquisite gastronomy. It is the starting point for the Portuguese Camino de Santiago. As the gateway to the Douro Valley, it is a popular river cruise destination. Porto has several UNESCO World Heritage sites: The Ribeira – the historic centre of Porto; Luiz I Bridge – a double-decker iron bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel and the wine cellars of Porto as well as the production of Port wine.

Don’t overlook the Portuguese Photography Center housed in an 18th century former courthouse/prison. The top floors, once reserved for female prisoners and wealthy offenders, now house a sampling of the country’s photographic heritage, from old photos to cameras over 100 years old. Nearby is Clérgios tower on the “hill of the hanged men,” where executed prisoners were buried. It is the tallest tower in Portugal at 249 feet tall. The 200-step climb to the top rewards you with extraordinary views both day and night (the tower is only open late on Sundays). The climb also takes you past forty-nine bells so be sure to find out when they are rung.

Restore your soul at Crystal Palace Gardens. The scent of the flowers will entice you to breathe more deeply. The harmonious sounds will soothe you. The lush colors of the resident peacocks will widen your eyes with delight. Brushing your hand across the fascinating textures will make your skin tingle. This part of the park is also home to the Porto Romantic Museum and Port Wine Museum. Take note of the four statues on the sides of the central fountain symbolizing the four seasons. Meander down the avenue of lime trees or delight in the ducks’ antics.

Funchal – An Idyllic Retreat

Funchal – the capital of Portugal’s Madeira archipelago – is known for its year-round springlike weather making it a haven for both active travelers and those more interested in a leisurely pace. Its tree-covered mountains provide panoramic views of the vast Atlantic along with outdoor sports opportunities like hiking, climbing or fishing. Its beaches invite you to sunbathe, dive or snorkel. Closer to Africa than Europe, Funchal’s culture blends Portuguese and African traditions, Gothic with Romanesque architecture and contemporary art with ancient crafts. Its harbor, gardens and Madeira wine cellars are not to be missed.

Another must-see is Rua de Santa Maria, one of the oldest streets in Funchal, which connects Avenida do Mar to the Barreirinha beach. It is narrow, colorful and filled with cafes, shops, the church of Santa Maria Maior and an array of fanciful doors. Local artists transformed two hundred of the street’s doors into works of art in 2014. Nearby is Loja Jacaranda, the most authentic shop in Madeira for souvenir shopping. Visit the Santo António factory, founded in 1893, for local delicacies like fennel candy, passion fruit jam and sugar cane honey cookies – a symbol of Madeira.

If you love books, explore Livraria Esperança. It is the first bookstore in Funchal and the largest library in Portugal. Its over 100,000 books are displayed front cover exposed not sideways. Livraria Esperanca stocks most every book published in Portugal and written by Portuguese authors. There is a section with books in English. If you love history and architecture, you will appreciate the late 15th century palace in which Livraria Esperanca resides. On the first floor is one of the deepest wells in Funchal. On the second floor, the old ballroom ceiling has a beautiful golden outline.

Where in Portugal would you like to go?