The Algarve

Cape St. Vincent, the southwestern-most point of Portugal - and Europe - has seen a few things over the years, namely the departure of the many Portuguese voyages of discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries. However, thanks to the protection of the Costa Vicentina national park, this dramatic stretch of Atlantic coastline has remained mercifully undeveloped, but nowadays the seafarers are of a different kind and the School of Navigation has given way to surf schools and some of the best surfing beaches in Europe, including the renowned Amado. After the initial frustration of going through the spin cycle a few times and having a sand facial, you'll soon progress from shark biscuit to master of the cutback.

For the land lovers, spend your luxury Algarve holiday relaxing on the sandy beaches, going donkey trekking, hiking and mountain biking in the peaceful surroundings of the nature reserve, or simply chilling out in a hammock and admiring the view. 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.