Expect surprisingly cool water, punchy beachbreaks and some lovely long wrapping points. The prime months are March to September.

Take a shortboard and something that will handle the extra juice at the points. For dinner you’ll be having lobster, sea bass or swordfish at one of the ludicrously cheap restaurants in Ericeira or Peniche. Stay at the campsite just north of the town (but be careful of ripoffs), Pensao Gomes or Largo dos Navegates (all in Ericeira); try Residencial Maciel or Residencial Marisqueira in Peniche. Make sure you don’t mistime the paddle out at Coxos or you’ll get well and truly nailed. Don’t miss the party because you peaked too early (the coolest Portuguese clubs don’t get started until at least 1 am). If it’s flat, check out Lisbon, it’s one of the grandest cities in Europe (Just avoid the roads during rush hour).

What to expect Surprisingly cool water, punchy beachbreaks and some lovely long wrapping points. Portugal’s long coast has something for everyone.

When to go The best time of year is March to September.

Where to surf The warm Algarve coast has a great variety of beaches for beginners and some nice waves for advanced surfers. The more rugged reefs of Ericeira produce some challenging conditions for advanced surfers. Peniche has some great waves for beginners, and Supertubos for the advanced surfer. Peniche also has the added advantage of being located on a peninsula so no matter what the wind direction there is usually somewhere to surf.

What will £20 buy you? The Portuguese love to party and the coolest Portuguese clubs don’t get started until at least 1am. £20 would pay for (some of!) a night on the tiles. If it’s flat check out Lisbon, it’s one of the grandest cities in Europe (just avoid the roads during rush hour).