Parque de Campismo de São Torpes

Praia de São Torpes (10 minutes’ drive) is one of the best beaches in the area because of its wide, sandy coastline. It’s also a smart spot to pick if you fancy having a go at surfing – wave riders from all over Portugal head here when the swell’s working. If you begin to tire of this spot, simply pick up your towel and head to another as there are at least eight beaches to check out within a short drive of the site. Fancy some town times in between all that basking on the sand? Head to Sines and soak up the laidback atmosphere in this former fishing village, a pretty place with a mini marina and a well-regarded arts centre. But the main reason to flock here is for the food – try all the traditional Portuguese fodder you can muster, saving space in your stomach for the seafood in particular. For wildlife watching, lope to the Lagoa de Santo André lagoon up the coast (half an hour) and keep your eyes peeled for birds. Alternatively, guarantee a glimpse of more exotic creatures at Badoca Safari Park, an outdoor zoo with animal-feeding sessions.