When I've had enough of crowded beaches and coastal traffic, I head for the Monchique mountains.

This is one of my favourite Algarve day trips: a leisurely wander through Caldas de Monchique, coffee in a historic spa village, hidden convent ruins, local medronho, spectacular viewpoints and the highest peak in the Algarve. If you're looking for a greener, quieter and more authentic side of the region, this route is hard to beat.

A snapshot of Norway in November from aboard a Hurtigruten

Visiting Evorá in spring and autumn with a dog