PORTUGAL

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).

Check out this article from CARVE 64 on Portugal