Praia da Rocha

Portimão’s crown jewel is a 1-km (½-mile) stretch of sand backed by a curtain of ocher-red cliffs, along the top of which stands a series of striking hotels, restaurants, and bars. In summer it buzzes; in winter the locals promenade along the wooden walkway that runs the entire length of the beach, inhaling the invigorating sea air. Year-round Praia da Rocha is popular among youngsters looking for a place to party (though it’s nothing like the scale of Albufeira).