Costa Vicentina, Portugal

Friday, midday

Check into Aqua-ventura (doubles from £55, www.aqua-ventura.com), a gloriously off-the-grid hideaway in the Algarvian hinterland.

1pm

Head into nearby Sagres for a boatfresh seafood lunch at the moderately pricey A Sereia restaurant down at the port. Recline on their terrace, or dip inside and peer through the windows to check out the local fish market.

2:30pm

Ease down to Maratea, a local beach right on the southwestern extremities of Europe that always has plenty of space for everyone.

5pm

Grab an ice cream from legendary Alice in Sagres. They have vegan and sugar-free. Every flavour they sell is utterly delicious.

7pm

Dine like a Portuguese king at Retiro de Pescador. Kick off with delicious clams in garlic before seafood cataplana, a delicious stew.

Saturday, 9am

Walk out of Aqua-ventura after one of Violeta’s famously delicious and satisfying breakfasts on a hike along the Rota Vicentina in search of Carrapateira.

11:30am

Check out Carrapateira’s Museum of the Land and the Sea. It tells the story of the seafaring and agricultural history of this rugged, wild corner of Europe.

12:30pm

Enjoy one of the legendary sandwiches at Bordeira. This striking beach that lies across the dunes is a roaring Atlantic stunner.

5pm

Catch a transfer (book in advance) back to Aqua-ventura for an hour chilling in a hammock.

7pm

Dine in tonight on one of Jonathan’s famous pizza nights with a homemade pizza cooked under the stars, feeling very far away from the more touristy sides of the Algarve.

Sunday, 9am

Jonathan can take you for a morning sea kayaking, rock climbing, surfing or bodyboarding along the west coast. Or just chill amongst the cork trees and congratulate yourself on discovering the Costa Vicentina. ■

Robin Mckelvie

Easyjet fly to Faro (www.easyjet. com) from Glasgow with returns

£73.72. A car is the best way to around the Costa Vicentina – try Holiday Autos (www.holidayautos. com.)