This coastal town in northern Portugal has a centuries-old fishing community, a 2.5-kilometer sandy beach, popular casino, and traditional seafood eateries along its active waterfront.
A coastal town 30 minutes north of Porto, Póvoa de Varzim draws visitors to its 12-kilometer golden coastline, active casino scene, and fresh seafood restaurants. You'll find 19th-century writers' homes along Rua da Junqueira, catch literary discussions at the annual Correntes d'Escritas festival in February, and watch fishing boats return with their daily catch at the harbor front.
Beaches
The 12-kilometer coastline includes several distinct beaches. At Redonda and Salgueira beaches, you'll find calm waters and lifeguards on duty from June through September. Head to Santo André beach north of town center for a quieter spot. During low tide, explore the natural swimming pools formed between granite rocks along the shore.
Cultural Activities
Visit the Garrett Theatre on Rua José Malgueira to see regular theater performances and music concerts. Each February, the Correntes d'Escritas festival fills the town with authors and readers from Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries. You can join book readings, panel discussions, and writing workshops throughout the week-long event.
City Park
Walk through the landscaped grounds of City Park, where paths wind past a central lake and connected ponds. The park's elevated areas give you views across the town, while the shaded paths make comfortable spots for walking or jogging. Find the park's entrance on Avenida dos Descobrimentos.
Local Food
Try Pescada à Poveira, the town's signature dish, which consists of whiting fish prepared with potatoes, eggs, and onion-tomato sauce. Along Estrada Nacional 13, you'll find traditional restaurants serving Portuguese barbecued chicken, bacalhau (salted cod), and francesinha sandwiches.
Transportation
Take the Metro Line B (red line) from Porto's Trindade station to reach Póvoa de Varzim. The Central de Camionagem bus station runs services to rural areas, Porto, the Minho region, and parts of Galicia in Spain. Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport is 18 kilometers south.
Historical Buildings
Visit the 11th-century São Pedro de Rates church to see one of Portugal's oldest Romanesque structures. Walk through the Cividade de Terroso archaeological site to see Bronze Age settlement remains spread across 12 hectares. In the town center, look for the 18th-century Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Conceição by the harbor and the Matriz Church with its rococo altar.
