Portugal

Europe’s most southwesterly point — the Cape St Vincent — witnessed the beginning of Portugal’s fabled Age of Discovery in the 15th century. Since then, this stretch of coastline, running north along the Atlantic, has drifted back to a peaceful, unhurried pace, where dramatic cliffs and sun-baked scrub form a backdrop to life on land and at sea

- RICHARD JAMES TAYLOR

The harbour remains the beating heart of the small town of Sagres, gateway to the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. This was the cradle of Portugal’s Age of Discovery from the 15th to the 17th century, but the town dances to a different rhythm these days. Instead of seafaring galleons, the quayside bustles with fishing boats bringing in the day’s catch.

Of all the fresh seafood landed in this corner of Portugal, percebes (known as ‘goose barnacles’) are perhaps one of the most curious-looking. The crustaceans are harvested from the rocks and are a local delicacy, best enjoyed lightly boiled and served with a cold glass of vinho verde at the beachside Mar à Vista restaurant.