Jardim do Mar

The west-coast village set on a fajã at the foot of tall cliffs, whose name recalls the wild flowers that once covered it; narrow lanes and traditional low houses, a recently restored water mill, and a worldwide reputation among surfers: the Portinho beach — point breaks and reef breaks, Red Bull Big Wave Challenge, a world championship event — and Enseada, for advanced riders, get some of the best waves in Europe. You reach it by road or, when open, by the Vereda do Jardim do Mar (PR 20) from Prazeres.