17 things everyone should do in Portugal, which was just named the hottest place to visit in 2016

With its sun-swept beaches, medieval castles, and plentiful seafood, it's impossible not to fall in love with Portugal.

The westernmost country in Europe was just named the 2016 "destination of the year" by Travel + Leisure, and it has become a hotspot for US tourists thanks to its inviting climate, reasonable prices, and proximity to the east coast (Lisbon is just a 6.5-hour flight from New York City).

If that doesn't have you convinced, keep scrolling to see some of the best sights and activities Portugal has to offer.