Largely mountainous and filled with national parks, lovely Portugal has far more to offer than her vibrant cities. Ancient villages, Celtic monuments and rushing rivers make this friendly country perfect for an active getaway or for cultural exploration. In Central Portugal, the Serra da Estrela mountain range is home to the country’s most beloved cheese, made of sheep’s milk and named for the mountains. In the Serra da Lousã mountains, travelers will find small slate villages home to artists and artisans, along with the Foz de Aroue wine estate.

The Serra São Mamede range offers an intricate network of hiking trails with thickets of chestnut and oak trees in the north, and groves of cork oak and holm oak in the south. The medieval towns of Castelo de Vide and Alegrete and the walled stronghold of Marvão on its high peak are filled with fascinating archaeological sites, and lodging choices steeped in history including a selection of stunning pousadas. The peaks of the Serra do Alvão mountains are set off by numerous rushing waterfalls, born in the River Olo. Charming villages where traditional homes are built of slate, granite and straw include Lamas de Olo, Anta and Ermelo, located a scant hour’s drive from Porto.