Just outside Piazza Duomo lies one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe. The cemetery presents an extraordinary historical artistic repertoire: from the parallelepiped burial mounds of Hebrew tradition dating from the 17th to 18th centuries to the Liberty styles dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries.

Portland is home to the nation's largest wooded urban park—Forest Park. A short hike in, and you'll find it hard to believe that civilization is just steps away. With 70 miles of trails winding through the forest and offering views of the Willamette River, you'll often have nature all to yourself. However, you're also likely to run into locals jogging or walking their dogs—expect to be greeted with a friendly "hello." If you have the time, hike up to Pittock Mansion, a stunning French Renaissance-style château that once belonged to Henry Pittock, a prominent publisher and businessman. Today, the mansion serves as a historic house museum open to visitors, offering panoramic views of the city. Another popular destination within Forest Park is the so-called "Witch's Castle"—the moss-covered ruins of an abandoned stone house. Despite its eerie name, there’s no record of witchcraft here. However, legend has it that its original inhabitant was the first person in Oregon to be sentenced to execution for murder in 1859.

For some insight into Cape Verde's more recent turbulent history, visit Colonia Penal de Tarrafal, a prison and concentration camp nicknamed 'Campo da Morte Lenta' (Camp of the Slow Death). It was used to keep political opponents of António de Oliveira Salazar, the right-wing dictator who governed Portugal in the mid-20th century. It is a harrowing, but important visit.

The small fishing town of Santa Maria, on the island of Sal, boasts miles of picture-perfect beaches with golden sands and sparkling blue water. Relax at one of the numerous beachside bars, watch the fishermen reel in their daily catch, or jump off the pier into the refreshing water on a hot afternoon.