Sagres, Portugal

Friday, midday

Check into the Martinhal Sagres (doubles from £160, www.martinhal. com), a luxurious family-friendly resort reclining on a sweeping Atlantic beach with views to Sagres.

1pm

Stroll along that arc of clean sand and enjoy the labours of the local fishing fleet at Tasca (tel: +351 282-624177). Corvina tastes as good as sea bass and it’s half the price.

3pm

Amble around Sagres (that’s all anyone ever does) amidst the holidaymakers and surfers, enjoying the end of the road/world vibe.

5pm

Take a kayak out at the Martinhal and look out for dolphins as you ease across to the wee island.

7pm

Dine in at As Dunas with a view of the beach savouring an Atlantic sunset. They do a mean cataplana (local seafood stew).

Saturday, 9am

Grab a bike and delve into Sagres’ history as a key outpost during Portugal’s hallowed Age of Discoveries at Sagres Fort.

11am

Cycle out to Cape St Vincent, the most southwestern point in Europe. Huge Atlantic breakers haunt this epic spot. A clutch of visitor facilities hug the courtyard of the iconic lighthouse.

1pm

A Sereia (tel: +351 282-109682) is as simple a fish restaurant as you will find. They just scoop up the best of the catch of the day at the fish market below and serve it up grilled.

5pm

Treat yourself to a massage treatment at the Martinhal. Let your cares drift away before relaxing in the outdoor hot tub.

7pm

Dine in with an ocean view on that terrace at the Terraco. A lip tingling international fusion menu tempts along with a light, slightly sparkling Portuguese vinho verde.

Sunday, 9am

Hike east along the cliffs from Martinhal and leave the modern world behind – it’s just you, the red cliffs and a blue ocean that merges seamlessly with the big skies. ■