Coimbra

Coimbra needs a full day: the University of Coimbra -a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Baroque Joanina Library as its jewel- and the Sé Velha (a 12th-century Romanesque cathedral) on the same walk through the upper town. March-May and September-October are the mildest months. It's cheaper than Lisbon or Porto. It was Portugal's capital during the 13th century and is home to the country's oldest university (founded in 1290) and one of Europe's oldest, whose student traditions -including the black cape that inspired the Hogwarts uniform in Harry Potter- are still alive in the city.