Guide to Carcavelos

"Renowned on the surfing circuit for its awesome beach breaks, soft sands and fantastic food, it's all about the beach at this cosmopolitan seaside town"

A little west of Lisbon, Carcavelos is more than just your average Portuguese seaside town. While there are all the usual seafront suspects – fishermen, sun-seekers and the scent of sizzling sardines – you're more likely to see scenes reminiscent of Venice Beach in California here. Carcavelos Beach is a surfer's paradise. Local and international alike, the surfers' line-up beyond the impact zone waiting to catch a wave. The swell is hugely popular and as a result you have to watch for people 'dropping-in' and cutting you off. Out of the water and among the families picnicking on the sand, small groups gather to play football or volleyball. There are a couple of permanent goalposts and volleyball nets, so all you need to bring is the ball. On the beachfront, watch skaters performing lip tricks on the half-pipe and ballers shooting hoops on the basketball court. One things for certain, whether you're looking to top up your tan, build sandcastles with the little ones or just to hangout with the surf crowd, Carcavelos Beach is one of the best beaches on the Estoril coast. Life here doesn't start and finish on the sand though. Cafes and restaurants line the beach offering everything from ham and cheese sandwiches to traditional Portuguese seafood dishes, Brazilian favourites to succulent steaks, all washed down with a a glass of the local wine. Carcavelos wine with its topaz colouring and nutty aroma has been in production for centuries and was popular with the Duke of Wellington's officers during the peninsular war. And like a memory of that bygone age the huge Fort of Sao Juliao da Barra which protected the entrance of the Tagus River from enemy ships is still standing.

Find the cheapest late deals to Carcavelos leaving in the next six weeks.