(Budget Travel) -- Here's a snapshot of Portugal's defining experiences: beaches, cities, and food and wine. Get a sense of which ones fit your travel style and your budget. Sandy beaches dot Portugal's rugged coastline. Find a secluded beach The Algarve, southern Portugal's balmy riviera, sees nothing but blue sky 300 days of the year. Admire the ocean views from the roof terrace at Dianamar, in the whitewashed old center of Albufeira, just a block from the beach. Rooms are simple, but all have private terraces, and the price includes a generous breakfast buffet and afternoon cake (doubles from $65).
@highlight
Portugal's most dramatic coastline is along the drive to the medieval town of Lagos
@highlight
A Moorish castle tops the Lisbon skyline and baroque churches line the streets
@highlight
The Douro River valley is stepped with some of Europe's oldest vine terraces
@placeholder is sweltering in the summer (June through August) and very busy with European tourists.