Discover self-catering villas and hotels in Torres Vedras, Portugal

Back in the early 19th century, the Duke of Wellington used this seaside city as a pawn in his martial chess-game with the French. At Wellington’s command, clusters of fortresses – the Lines of Torres Vedras – bristled along the coastline, repelling the would-be invaders. Today, Torres is a far more peaceful proposition. Where Wellington trod, the surfers followed, bringing their boards to the glittering beaches, and revelling in the sandy seclusion. The landscape is a visual tapestry: green-gold vineyards, shimmering turquoise coves, golden sand dunes, windmill-topped hills and crumbling castles. You could come here for the region’s ruby-red and sparkly white wines alone – like the landscapes, they’re intoxicating.