Vila Nova de Milfontes, Portugal + Add a trip

Automobiles

The main road leading south to the Algarve is the A2, or, closer to the coast, the N120. The A22 runs right along the bottom, up to the Spanish border. Hertz (www.hertz.com) has hire car centres in both Faro and Albufeira.

Planes

The region's main hub is Faro. Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) fly in from all across the UK, including Bristol, Birmingham, Liverpool and London Stansted. EasyJet (www.easyjet.com) flights also depart various UK airports, including Newcastle and London Gatwick. International travellers are likely to need a change in Lisbon.

Trains

Comboios de Portugal (www.cp.pt) links up the land's railways. It has services which call it at most major cities, including Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto. In the south, the handiest stations are Faro and Lagos, reached by regional CP routes.

Dialing

Portugal: 351; Sagres: 282.

Reads

Do go / Don't Go

This sunny spot sees little rain throughout the year. Temperatures peak between July and September, ranging from 26°C to 35°C. Spring and autumn are pleasantly twentysomething degrees, and winter never gets more nippy than around 10°C.

Cuisine

Taxis

Taxis don't really roam these parts and there aren't any ranks, so your best bet is to book one ahead. Try Táxis Salmonete on +351 282 624 501/450.

Tipping

Currency

Euro (€).

Packing

The Atlantic may look inviting, but it's temperatures aren't - anyone hoping to wade into its waters will be grateful for a wetsuit. The cliffside setting means things can get a bit breezy, so pack some lightweight sweaters and scarves.

Arts

And...

Shopping

Viewpoint

Something

February Floats and festivities take over Sagres during its annual carnival. May Over on the waterfront in Quarteria, Dio do Pescador is a three-day seafood festival. August As well as the annual surf festival involving reggae bands and surfers, Festa do Banho takes place this month. It's an age-old tradition where villages descend from the hills to swim in the sea and sleep on the beach. September Annual fairs come to Raposeira and Vila do Bispo. October/November Time to get the binoculars out for birdwatching opportunities in the Costa Vincentina National Park.