Portimao

Portimão sits on the Arade River in Portugal's Algarve region. The cruise terminal is on the riverfront, and a 1.5km walk along the promenade brings you to the town centre. The town has a traditional fish market and a rebuilt waterfront. Praia da Rocha, one of the Algarve's best-known beaches, is about 15 minutes' walk south, with golden sand backed by ochre-coloured cliffs. The coastline has sea caves and rock formations best seen by boat tour from the marina. Silves, about 20 minutes inland, has a well-preserved Moorish castle and a quieter, more historic atmosphere than the coast. Lagos, about 30 minutes west, has a picturesque old town and dramatic cliff-perched beaches like Praia do Camilo. Sardines grilled outside on charcoal is the standard Portimão meal, particularly in August during the sardine festival. Pastéis de nata (custard tarts) work for dessert. The euro is the currency.