This coastal town in northern Portugal has an active fishing port, a 16th-century aqueduct, and traditional lace-making workshops along cobblestone streets near golden beaches.
Vila do Conde stretches along Portugal's northern coast at the mouth of the Ave River. You'll find fishermen mending their nets by the harbor, local women creating intricate lace patterns in century-old workshops, and beachgoers walking along the golden sand beaches. The town's medieval streets lead you past granite houses to the Santa Clara Monastery, while the 18th-century aqueduct spans the landscape with nearly 1,000 arches.
Getting to Vila do Conde
Take the Porto metro Red Line B from Trindade station to reach Vila do Conde. The journey takes about one hour, with both regular and express trains running to Santa Clara or Vila do Conde stations. Express trains skip several stops but cost the same as regular service.
Exploring the Historic Center
Walk through Praça Vasco da Gama to see the São João Baptista Church, built in the 16th century with detailed Manueline stone carvings decorating its main portal. The surrounding medieval streets contain granite houses with wrought-iron balconies. Every Friday, local vendors set up stalls selling fresh produce, textiles, and handmade items in the weekly market.
Beaches and Coastal Area
North of the Ave River mouth, Praia Azul and Praia do Forno stretch along several kilometers of golden sand. The Atlantic waves make these beaches good spots for surfing. Lifeguards watch over swimmers during summer months, when local families gather here to swim and sunbathe.
Santa Clara Complex
Walk up the hilltop to see the Santa Clara Monastery complex. While you can't enter the monastery building, you can walk along the Santa Clara Aqueduct from the early 18th century. The structure extends for 5 kilometers to Terroso, originally built with 999 arches to bring water to the monastery.
Maritime Heritage
Visit the Alfândega Régia museum in the former customs house to learn about Vila do Conde's shipbuilding past. The museum includes a replica of a 16th-century caravel and explains the town's role in Portuguese maritime exploration. At the riverside, you can watch fishing boats coming in with their daily catch.
Traditional Crafts
Step into the Museu das Rendas de Bilros, housed in an 18th-century townhouse, to watch local artisans create lace using wooden bobbins and pins. The museum exhibits historical lace pieces and tells the story of how this craft spread through northern Portugal.
Summer Festivals
Join the São João festival in June to see lace makers parading through the streets. In July, watch international short films at the Curtas film festival. The National Handicraft Fair in August brings together craftspeople from across Portugal who demonstrate and sell their work.
