travel42 Port Guide: Mar del Plata

travel42 Professional Cruise Port of Call Review

The city of Mar del Plata, Argentina, lies on the South Atlantic 250 mi/400 km south of Buenos Aires. It's not a pretty town and is certainly no Rio, and the beach is only average—but it has its own vibe and is something of a nostalgia icon for middle-class Argentines. Wide, sandy beaches stretch 15 mi/25 km along the seafront. The seafood is very good and the fishing excellent. Nightlife centers on the country's largest casino (it's mostly roulette—and black tie is de rigueur).

The best time...