Lugar Do Sol

Presumably you’ve primarily chosen this area for its beaches? That’s fair enough, given that this stretch of coast has some fabulous ones to choose from. The nearest is Praia de Santa Cruz, about a 10-minute bike ride/25-minute walk from the site. The long sandy stretch is great for strolls, sunbathing and surfing (there’s a surf school in town) but the waves might be a bit too much for many swimmers. If it’s calmer waters you're after, head a little way north to Praia de Porto Novo (10 minutes’ drive/20 minutes’ cycle), which is a more sheltered spot for swims, paddleboarding and canoeing. If, on the other hand, you’re more in search of an adrenaline hit, you can have a go at paragliding over the cliffs at Praia de Santa Rita (10 minutes’ drive/20 minutes’ cycle) or try flying a plane from Aérodromo de Santa Cruz (five minutes’ drive or cycle ride). To expand your horizons a little further, it’s certainly possible to sort day trips to places like Sintra and Lisbon (both an hour's drive away), visit the castle and churches of medieval Óbidos (45 minutes) or take tours of the area’s wineries (several within a half-hour drive).