Travelvan Park Salgado

You’re so close to the coast here, it’d be something of an error to miss out on at least one beach day (or preferably several…). There are huge dunes, wide sands and good fishing at Salgado (10 minutes’ drive); famed surfing waves and surf schools in Nazaré (10 minutes) and calmer waters for kids and swimmers at São Martinho do Porto (15 minutes). If it’s all a bit chilly to get in the waves, try the warmer waters of Norpark waterpark in Nazaré. Also close by are some pretty towns that lend themselves well to a bit of wandering: perhaps the stunning ornate monastery and wine museum in Alcobaça will pique your interest, or the ceramic museum and shaded parks of Caldas da Rainha. Both are around 20 minutes away by car, and just happen to have wineries nearby for picking up evening tipples. For something a bit bigger on the urban front, aim north for half an hour to get to the castle, cathedral and museums of Leiria; to change scenery completely, drive the half-hour to the open spaces of Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park.