For the best of these islands, head to Praia do Carreiro do Mosteiro, renowned for its fabulous beaches and the S. João Baptista fortress and lighthouse.

Take a boat trip to appreciate the clear local waters and discover the countless coastal caves. One is called "Furado Grande" (Large Borehole) and runs from one side of the island to another, coming out in the "Cova de Sonho" bay.

For diving enthusiasts, the translucent waters Berlengas let you see clearly the marine fauna and flora, and perhaps discover one of the wrecks on this coast.

To get to this living "oceanarium", take the boat from Peniche, which along with Nazaré deserves a visit if only for its surviving trawling and fishing traditions.

Off Médão Grande, the waves attract surfers and bodyboarders from all around the world. And for more water sports, the pretty Óbidos Lagoon is popular for rowing, canoeing, sailing and windsurfing.

Close by, Foz do Arelho offers good quality cuisine featuring local fish, cockles and ‘Lagoon caldeirada’ fish stew. All to be washed down with a good local wine. For dessert, the recommendation has to be the rich egg 'trouxas de ovos’, ‘beijinho’ meringues or ‘Caldas cavaca’ cracknel.