Located on the north-western tip of Portugal, the small fishing
village of Vila Praia de Âncora becomes a popular beach
resort during the summer.
Its tiny harbour, protected by a fort, is still used by fishing
boats, which are guided through the narrow entrance by specially-erected
lights.
The village was officially granted vila status in 1924 when
it took on its present name. What to see. Vila Praia de Âncora was an important
point on the pilgrim route to Santiago in north-west Spain.
On the old beach path stands the tiny chapel of Santo Isidoro,
which has seen many emotional religious processions over the
centuries at times of drought or other natural disasters. The
chapel features a fine 17th-century granite altarpiece and a
front porch to shelter from bad weather. Nearby. The 13th century church of São Pedro de
Varais, at Vile near Vila Praia de Âncora, stands in complete
isolation surrounded by beautiful countryside. This simple late
Romanesque building features a open 14th-century tomb built
into the wall of the nave and the remains of fresco paintings
in the chancel.
