Julia Sun visits the charming town on Sintra and finds its candy-coloured palaces and castles make it one of the most charming places in the world.

Carmen Chai tours Portugal's playful capital and comes away with a new-found respect for a city whose handsome tiled buildings and quaint neighbourhoods make it one of Europe's most beautiful places.

Olivia Johnson visits Coimbra and discovers the joy of Fado, the traditional music of Portugal that is sung in the streets of big and small cities throughout this electrifying country.

Contributor Mike Fuhrmann learns the proper technique to pouring a glass of cider when he visits Spain's Asturias region.

Tom Wuckovich sets sail on Portugal's fabled Douro River, the country's lifeline and main commercial route that's bordered by lush vineyards and quaint villages.

LISBON - Johanna, the pencil-thin server, delivered pillows of pasta floating in a delicate rosé sauce to our alfresco and ordered us to “enjoy.”

SINTRA, PORTUGAL - The two horses pulling our carriage bolted after being frightened by the 100-plus horsepower car whose driver decided to serenade them with his horn.

ÓBIDOS, PORTUGAL - The blackened oak doors of the 14th century Bar Ibn Errik Rex are closed the day we arrive with a local man named Luis Garcia.

There is something enthralling about spending a few days losing yourself in this city’s narrow cobblestone streets lined with pretty pastel-coloured buildings while mastering its steep hills fuelled by good coffee and pastel de nata.