| PÓVOA
DE VARZIM |
Situated 30 km north of Oporto,
Póvoa de Varzim is both a traditional fishing town and
cosmopolitan summer resort for the people of northern Portugal.
At one end is the port and picturesque fishermen's quarter,
where the men arrange their brightly-painted boats and the womenfolk
quietly sit mending their husbands' nets. The northern end of
Póvoa is a lively mix of beach-side cafés, water
slides, discotheques, bars, restaurants, tennis courts, quality
hotels and a modern newly-renovated casino. The town's 2-km-wide
expanse of sandy beach is ideal for bathing, surfing and most
other kinds of water sports.
What to see: A small 18th-century fort guards Póvoa
de Varzim's busy harbour. The town's parish church was built
between 1743 and 1757, while the church of Nossa Senhora da
Lapa dates back to 1772.
Nearby: 3 km south of Póvoa de Varzim lies the
smaller and lesser-known town of Vila do Conde, a peaceful place
reputed for its lace and pasteis de Santa Clara sweet cakes.
The elegant 12th-century church of São Pedro at Rates,
15 km north-east of Póvoa de Varzim, is considered one
of the best-preserved examples of Romanesque architecture in
Portugal. |
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| © 2007 Maisturismo |
