Praia Dona Ana

Doña Ana beach (Praia Doña Ana in Portuguese) is, in my opinion, the most picturesque, gorgeous beach in all of Europe. It's about a 20min. walk or 5min. drive from downtown Lagos, and is a little slice of paradise. The sand is a perfect gold and the water emerald green, but the cliffs and rock formations that surround the beach are what really give you a sense of the exotic. It's Atlantic water, not Mediterranean, so it's chilly year-round, but on a nice sunny day in the south of Portugal the water feels great! I recommend heading to Doña Ana early, say 10am, to get a good spot before all the German tourists from the nearby hotel stagger down there.

Leaving Spain, on the border of Ayamonte, take the Algarve motorway to Lagos and, following the signs, head to Playa de Donana. A natural wonder with excellent views and restaurants hanging from the cliff. A site that will become unforgettable.