The Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve is where Europe runs out — 150 kilometres of Atlantic coastline carved into golden limestone, with sea stacks, arches, and caves that glow amber when the morning light hits them. Benagil, Ponta da Piedade, the Seven Hanging Valleys trail: this is one of the great shorelines of the world.

Beyond the cliffs, the Algarve keeps a Portuguese soul the resorts haven't touched. Tavira's tiled facades and church bells, Sunday markets in Loulé, family marisqueiras where clams come by the half-kilo and Sagres-adjacent surfers line up for plates of grilled sardines.

We design these trips for slow coastal days: kayak into caves before the boats arrive, walk cliff trails with picnic hampers from village bakeries, end with vinho verde as the cliffs go molten at sunset.