Póvoa de Varzim

Povoa de Varzim has a long seafront promenade that stretches along the beach. In the evening, after a long first day of walking, strolling the promenade with no pack on your back is a small luxury. The Atlantic air is fresh and the sunset over the water sets the tone for the days ahead. The promenade connects to Vila do Conde to the south, so you may have already walked part of it today.

Povoa is a fishing town and the seafood is excellent. The restaurants near the harbour and the old town serve grilled fish, caldeirada (fish stew), and shellfish at reasonable prices. Try the grilled sardines if they are in season, or the arroz de marisco (seafood rice). Pair with a glass of Vinho Verde, the light, slightly sparkling white wine of northern Portugal.

The fishing harbour is still active and worth a visit. Colourful boats line the quays and the fish market operates in the mornings. Watching the fishermen unload their catch connects you to the maritime traditions that have defined this coast for centuries. The harbour area also has several good restaurants and cafes.

The old centre of Povoa de Varzim has a compact medieval district with narrow streets, traditional houses, and small churches. The Bairro da Matriz area around the main church preserves the character of the original fishing village before the town expanded into a resort. It is easy to walk through in half an hour and gives a different perspective to the beachfront.

The convent sits on a hill above the town and offers the best panoramic views of Povoa, the coastline, and the countryside stretching inland. The climb is short but rewarding. On a clear day, you can see a long stretch of the coast that you will be walking over the coming days.