Portimao, Portugal - 26 - 28 September

Portimão is one of the true gems in the Powerboat P1 calendar, and has proved a great host for the Portugese Grand Prix of the Sea over the years. Located on the southern coast of Portugal in the District of Faro, its population numbers around 50,000. Wonderfully preserved historical monuments, a rich heritage, a near-perfect climate, spectacular beaches and golf courses – Portimão has it all. It also happens to be one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations.

Its maritime history dates back to 200 BC, with the recent discovery of nautical artefacts, as well as various archaeological finds. What’s more, it was once an important route for Atlantic, Mediterranean and North African trade. Its harbour has recently undergone a 40 million euro makeover, making it an ideal base for the wealth of golf courses in the area. With some of the best weather Europe has to offer – around 300 days of sunshine, on average, a year – it’s near-perfect climate also means that aquatic culture forms the very foundation of local life. Suffice to say that the region personifies leisure and relaxation.

Don’t leave Portimão without…
* Enjoying a leisurely round of golf at any one of Portimão’s superb courses. Check out Palmares, if only for the stunning beach and mountain scenery.
* Trying to net a fighting swordfish off the Algarve coast. Big game fishing is a popular pastime in the region, and there are plenty of places where you can charter a boat.
* Checking out the sunset from Vila Velha hill, which overlooks Ria de Alvor.
* Retracing the footsteps of the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, Normans and Crusaders by sailing up the majestic Arade Estuary.
* Exploring Algarve’s picturesque coastland.

Portimão/Portugal fact file
Time zone: GMT + 0hrs
Location: Portugal
Neighbouring countries: Spain
Capital city: Lisbon
Language: Portuguese. Spanish and English are spoken widely
Currency: Euro