This one-time fishing village in Portugal’s western Algarve has a history dating back centuries. Here you’ve got a compact town centre made up of two main roads leading to the square. There are pretty white buildings set into the cliff, along with a lighthouse and the remains of a 17th-century fort. And just along the coast is Algar Seco, a spectacular landscape formed by cliff erosions.

Carvoeiro provides a choice of beaches – you’ve even got one in the middle of town, just off the square. There are loungers and umbrellas to rent, plus a choice of bars and restaurants by the entrance. And from here, the next beach along is Praia do Paraiso, a sandy bay sheltered by dramatic cliffs. The restaurant above the sands offers up some fantastic views from its terrace.