On the unforgiving edge of the Atlantic where a windswept coastline was once thought to be the edge of the world, Portugal is an intrepid frontier. The southern European country is a masterclass in timeless appeal, with the best places to visit in Portugal ranging from beaches with roaring 100-foot-waves to countrysides blanketed in impossible shades of green. On any given day, one can taste wines within steeply terraced vineyards, feast upon mouthwatering pastel de nata (an addictive egg custard tart pastry), or discover allegorical scenes painted on Portugal’s iconic blue-and-white azulejos tiles.

This archipelago is made up of nine islands sprinkled off the western coast of Portugal. All together, there are 26 active volcanoes in The Azores, which translates to a massive amount of thermal springs. Unsurprisingly, this is taken advantage of in full by visitors and locals alike. As one Vogue writer suggests, “Walk to Ponta da Ferraria when the tide is low, and the ocean is calm. This small, volcano-made swimming hole has warm geothermal water cooled by the ocean waves.” Or, if you’re after a touch of luxury, the spa at Octant Hotels Furnas features various pools filled with geothermal waters heated to different temperatures.

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SOURCE: Vogue