Solar do Rei-Bodhichitta

Your first sea dip might as well be in Burgau (10 minutes' drive), where the small beach is mightily scenic with golden sand backed by green hills. Head to a snack bar for a pastel de nata to fuel yourself for a good stroll along the volcanic coastal path at nearby Rocha Negra (20 minutes). The sunrises and sunsets at this place come highly recommended. Of course, there are plenty more top-notch beaches to take your pick from… perhaps Praia do Camilo (20 minutes), where there are spectacular views of sea stacks and rock arches. Meia Praia (20 minutes), Lagos' main sandy beach, is popular for watersports like kitesurfing when the breeze picks up. Surfers can flock to the large sandy Porto Mós beach (20 minutes) for consistent swells, too. Travelling with the kids? They're likely to appreciate a quick trip to Zoo de Lagos (five minutes) to see the waddling penguins and reptiles – that's if you have any time left over.