Adventures
Flat days happen on every trip. The trick is to treat them as part of the plan rather than a punishment. Here are coastal routes near good surf towns, with honest notes on effort, timing and what to carry.
The Fishermen's Trail hugs the cliffs of the Alentejo and western Algarve, linking villages like Porto Covo, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Zambujeira do Mar and Odeceixe. Much of it is soft sand, which is harder on the legs than it looks. Do one stage in the morning and surf Arrifana or Monte Clérigo in the afternoon. Summer heat is brutal on exposed sections, so start early and carry two litres.
About 2,500 km of signed coastal route from Donegal to Cork. Surfers usually focus on the Clare to Donegal stretch: the Cliffs of Moher above Lahinch, the Burren's limestone, and Sligo's Benbulben behind Strandhill and Mullaghmore. Roads are narrow and slow; plan on half the daily distance you'd manage elsewhere.
England's longest national trail runs around 1,014 km. From Newquay, walk west past Crantock and Holywell Bay, or tackle the dramatic St Ives to Zennor stretch. Check tide times before crossing any beach section.
Highway 1 between Carmel and San Simeon is one of the world's great coastal drives. Landslides close sections from time to time, so check Caltrans road status before setting off. Pair it with a few days surfing Santa Cruz, where Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point need a 4/3 most of the year.
Montezuma's waterfall walk, the Cabo Blanco reserve at the peninsula's tip, and turtle nesting at Ostional near Nosara (go with a licensed guide). In the green season, river crossings on dirt roads can be impassable; ask locally before driving.
A forested climb with views over the left-hand points you surfed that morning. Allow most of a day and carry layers; weather turns fast.
Watch the Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple at sunset (sarong required, watch the monkeys and your sunglasses). On a flat day, take a fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida for Kelingking's cliffs. Penida's roads are rough; hire a driver rather than a scooter.
Kumana National Park, south of Arugam Bay, is wetlands and birdlife with elephants on the roads. Combine it with Okanda's point on a small day, or head inland to the hill country around Ella for cooler air.
Tsitsikamma's suspension bridge walk is an easy drive west of J-Bay. The multi-day Otter Trail needs booking far in advance.