The best Sabbatical destination of 2025

A (campervan) trip along the Atlantic coasts of Portugal and Spain lets you mix active mornings with long, unhurried meals and lazy afternoons on the sand. The pace is entirely yours: chase waves at sunrise, cycle quiet country lanes, hike to a cliffside view — or simply settle into a beach chair and stay there until the sun dips.

In Portugal, the southwest delivers a steady rhythm of outdoor options. Arrifana has a dramatic, cliff-backed beach with cafés serving grilled fish and cold Sagres beer just steps from the sand. Sagres offers a choice of breezy surf breaks, cycling routes through the Costa Vicentina, and sunset spots where the cliffs glow orange. Further north, Vila Nova de Milfontes is a river town perfect for paddleboarding, seafood lunches, and walks along the water. Ericeira, known for its surf, also has winding streets full of pastel houses and bakeries serving still-warm pastéis de nata. Peniche pairs its famous waves with fishing-port charm and simple restaurants serving arroz de marisco big enough to share.

Cross into Spain and the rhythm continues. In Arnados (Galicia), mornings can mean a forest hike to a hidden cove, followed by plates of pulpo a la gallega in a café. Suances (Cantabria) offers a blend of surf and hill walks. At the southern tip, Tarifa mixes kitesurfing energy with laid-back beach clubs, where you can watch the sun sink into the water with a plate of grilled sardines in front of you.

Travelling by van makes it easy to follow the weather, the waves, or simply your appetite (See top 10 things to consider for a campervan Sabbatical). Some days you’ll want the rush of an early paddle or a long ride through the hills; others will be about finding a quiet stretch of sand and doing as little as possible. The shoulder seasons — spring and autumn — bring warm air, cooler nights, and space to park close to the water. With its mix of sport, food, and wide-open coastlines, this is the best sabbatical choice for 2025 — and with Europe’s reputation for safety and ease of travel, you can focus entirely on the adventure in front of you.