Hop in a rental car and explore the picturesque villages Portugal has to offer. Óbidos, for example, has a 14th century wall, narrow streets, colorful and whitewashed buildings, and traditional shops.
Brooks loves the slower pace found outside the cities: "life is seemingly untouched by the frenzied pace and trappings of modern life," she explains, continuing: "Many areas have no loud, brash, corporate chain hotels to scar the beautiful landscapes. The Portuguese authorities have remained sympathetic to this in many regions and the hotels and guesthouses are chosen for their location, charm, and character."
