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THE BIG SHORT BREAK BOOK PERK
1 x day surfing lessons and board/wetsuit hire for OT card holder What's this?

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
Surf some of Europe’s best breaks > Stay in a nature reserve > Miles of sandy beaches > Delicious fresh seafood

A far cry from the sprawling villa complexes and golf resorts found elsewhere in the Algarve, the south-westernmost tip of Portugal (and Europe) has escaped over-development thanks to the protection of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, which happens to contain some of the best surfing beaches in Europe.

Just minutes from two of these beaches is the Monte Velho Nature Resort, a small, down-to-earth hotel housed in a converted farmhouse and surrounded by miles of rolling pine forest. The hotel can organise lessons for you at the local surf school, while experienced surfers can rent equipment and take their pick of several reliable beach breaks in the vicinity.

Once you’ve ‘hung ten’ and got the cutback mastered, there’s body-boarding, windsurfing and sailing to keep you busy, or you can just relax on the sandy beaches. Back at Monte Velho, other options include donkey-trekking, hiking and mountain biking in the peaceful surroundings of the nature reserve, or you can simply chill out in a hammock and admire the view.

When you’re hungry, the sleepy little seaside villages along the coast offer fresh seafood such as barbecued sea bass, marinated in garlic and lemon and served up just hours after it was caught. This corner of Portugal also has an interesting history – it was from the nearby town of Sagres that Prince Henry the Navigator pioneered the Age of Discovery, launching expeditions that vastly expanded the boundaries of the known world.

If there’s no room at Monte Velho, a good alternative is the Pousada do Infante, overlooking Sagres fort. From its cliff-top position it has fantastic views towards Cape St. Vincent and out over the Atlantic Ocean, and facilities include a swimming pool and tennis court.

N.B. 7 nights minimum stay at Monte Velho in July & August.

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PRICES
The price shown above is based on the sample itinerary, with flights in economy class, accommodation on a B&B basis (or more where stated), transfers and activities specific to this trip. Where prices fluctuate throughout the year, the price is based on low season rates and where more than one accommodation option is listed, on the cheapest available. We would be delighted to put together a current and 100% accurate quotation based on your specific travel requirements, so please contact the relevant member of our expert team.

TAILORED TO YOUR EXACT SPECIFICATIONS
Almost every one of our Big Short Breaks and Beyond the Big Short Breaks can be entirely tailormade from scratch, so you can enjoy the holiday exactly how you want it, exactly when you want it, and for exactly as long as you want it. Our expert team, who have been to every one of our destinations, are here to talk you through all the options available in order to create the trip best suited to you.