The beaches of Sintra in Portugal - only a short trip down the coast from Lisbon - have been a popular destination for British tourists since the Christian crusaders first sailed to the region in 1147, yet most visitors remain completely unaware of the easily-accessable delights of the area.

Praia da Adraga - wild and wonderful, Praia Grande - great surfing and body boarding, and Praia das Maças - body boarding and good for families, are some of the best. Lifeguards are on duty from mid June to mid September.

If you like walking, there is a walk that takes you to all the beaches along the cliff tops, with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

www.lookgofind.com/

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What a fantastic beach, a sand crescent tucked between tall cliffs, wild and wonderful, with great surfing breakers pounding the shore.

Take lunch at the restaurant which is great for fresh fish and seafood. You can choose your lobster or crab from the large tank. Recommended are amêijoas à bulhão pato (clams in garlic and white wine sauce),accompanied by a chilled bottle of vinho verde (green wine).

Walk over the cliffs to the next beach Praia Grande and see the dinosaur footprints imprinted in the cliff face. A wonderful day out.

www.lookgofind.com/

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Sintra is wonderful. If you have more time take the old tram from the terminus near the art gallery over to the coast - some good beaches there and a lovely run to them. Trams are infrequent, so plan!

Regular trains from Sete Rios station or Entrecampos station (Estação Rossio closed at time of writing)

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An enormous windswept beach. Fabulous view with Cape Roca and Sintra hills as a backdrop and some of the best surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing in Europe.

15 miles west of the centre of Lisbon. Take the train to Cascais then catch a bus or get on the free hop-on hop-off bike.

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