Things to do in Portugal

Portugal boasts 1,800km of beach-fringed Atlantic coast. Head west beyond the crowds clinging to the resorts around Faro and the Algarve morphs into secluded white sand bays and eye-catching rock formations culminating in the rugged drama of Cape St Vincent, Europe’s most southwesterly point. Heading north, the Costa Vicentina enthrals with miles of wild, deserted beaches, while above the shoreline the Fishermen's Trail is the 120km single-track ocean section of the 350km Rota Vicentina, one of Europe's most breathtaking walks. Among Lisbon's Blue Flag beaches (a short ride from the capital) the dune-backed Guincho is a wide golden local legend. Reaching towards Spain's Galician border, the Costa da Prata (Silver Coast) and Costa Verde combine timeless fishing villages with atmospheric waterfront restaurants and surf spots like Peniche and Nazare - where 2013 saw the tallest wave ever surfed come rolling in.

The 2013 opening of the 350km Rota Vicentina gave Portugal one of the world's finest walks. 120km hugs the Atlantic on the Fishermen's Trail, while the Historical Way crosses tranquil wildflower valleys, cork forests and Alentejo uplands still paced by shepherds. This old pilgrims' trail is stamped with history – churches, old country houses, time-warp villages where locals delight to chat about their lives and your journey.

Inland from the Algarve beaches, the Serra de Monchique's ancient paths track through orange and almond groves, and woods scented with eucalyptus and arbutus. Long valley views provide ready-made pauses. For geo-drama, the Serra de Estrela constitute Portugal's highest mountains, a north-east national park mixing limestone peaks, mossy waterfalls, granite caves and rippling rivers. In winter, this is also ski country – though luxury retreats offer relaxation amid beauty year-round.