Summary
Located along the coastline between Aveiro and Porto, Esmoriz is a burgeoning resort town that is gaining recognition. The primary beach offers consistent breaks, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers. Numerous surf camps allow visitors to refine their skills throughout the day, followed by various evening activities.
Significant investments have been made towards enhancing the local environment, including a restored lagoon that serves as a sanctuary for bird species. Additionally, a new sustainable park featuring 20 hectares of ponds, green spaces, and maritime pine trees has been established.
Let us explore the top attractions in Esmoriz:
1. Praia da Barrinha
Situated on the northern beachfront of the resort, Praia da Barrinha provides a tranquil escape from the surrounding apartment blocks and bars, with striking dunes and a serene lagoon.
As the broadest beach in the vicinity, it is fully exposed to the powerful Atlantic Ocean.
Confident swimmers may enjoy paddling in the surf, but it is advisable to heed the warnings of lifeguards and pay attention to flags.
While surfers can take full advantage of the waves, others may simply relax and appreciate the natural beauty of the ocean from the soft, golden sands.
2. Surfing
Praia da Barrinha is renowned for its reliable beach breaks, providing excellent surfing conditions approximately 150 days per year. With waves ranging from 1 to 2.5 meters and easy access, it caters to both novices and seasoned surfers.
As bathers typically prefer to remain on the shore, the spacious beach allows ample room for everyone.
Esmoriz is home to two surf camps, Surfivor and Porto, each offering a variety of packages tailored to surfers of all levels.
A standard holiday includes a week filled with surfing sessions, typically two per day, with surfboards and wetsuits available for rent.
Additional activities may feature beach parties, yoga classes, excursions, and complimentary transport to alternative beaches should local conditions be suboptimal.
3. Parque do Buçaquinho
This remarkable park, located just south of Esmoriz, exemplifies ongoing environmental enhancement efforts.
Previously a sewage treatment facility, the park has been transformed into a 24-hectare natural area, recognized for its innovative design and sustainable practices.
Visitors can explore the environmental education center, six ponds, two observation towers, and a variety of pathways ideal for cycling or leisurely strolls among the maritime pine groves.
The café operates on renewable energy, and bikes can be rented for free, with an identification deposit as collateral.
4. Igreja Matriz de Santa Marinha de Cortegaça
Located a mere five minutes from the beach, this church, established in the early 20th century, has historical roots dating back to the 1100s.
The modern church’s facade, adorned with striking blue and white tiles, is visually captivating, embodying artistic elements from the 1920s including trompe l’œil alcoves featuring saints and faux rose windows influenced by Gothic and Renaissance revival styles.
While the exterior is a highlight, the chancel ceiling also offers stunning paintings of the apostles for visitors to admire.
5. Barrinha de Esmoriz
The lagoon adjacent to Praia da Barrinha has faced numerous environmental challenges in recent decades. Once cherished until the 1970s, the site suffered pollution and threats from eroding dunes and rising seawater.
A multimillion-Euro regeneration initiative commenced in 2016, which has revitalized the lagoon.
Efforts include tree planting, dredging the lagoon, and restoring the dunes.
Footbridges now offer vantage points for observing herons, sandpipers, swallowtails, and gull-billed terns.
6. Palheiros de Esmoriz
In the less developed areas of Esmoriz, the wooden structures known as “palheiros” serve as reminders of a bygone fishing culture, with some well-preserved while others appear weathered.
Traditionally built on stakes driven into the sand, these cottages allowed for airflow below, and could be relocated easily if necessary.
The oldest examples date back to the early 19th century, featuring storage on the lower floor and living quarters above.
7. Praia de São Pedro de Maceda
Praia de São Pedro de Maceda offers a unique experience—a sunbathing opportunity adjacent to a NATO base. However, the base is cleverly concealed among tall maritime pines, providing a secluded atmosphere.
The beach features a generous expanse of white sand bordered by sandy cliffs, perfect for those seeking to escape the crowds.
Lifeguards monitor the area during the summer months, although like Praia da Barrinha, the surf can be unpredictable.
8. Capela da Praia de Esmoriz
This modest chapel, situated squarely facing the coast, stands as a testament to the ocean’s formidable power along Esmoriz.
Constructed in the 1940s, it served as a place of devotion for local fishermen, replacing an earlier structure from the 19th century that was claimed by the sea.
Originally built 100 meters from the shoreline, the previous chapel fell victim to the ever-shifting coastline.
The contemporary version features an Art Deco stained glass window and a statue of Christ (Sr. dos Aflitos) prominently displayed on the facade facing the water.
9. Festas do Mar
Celebrating Esmoriz’s deep-rooted connection with the sea, the Festas do Mar takes place annually at the end of August.
This four-day event features both religious and secular festivities.
The religious ceremonies commence at the Capela da Praia, as the images of Christ (Senhor dos Aflitos) and Mary (Senhora da Boa Viagem) are venerated, both significant to the local fishing community.
The festival includes a mass, followed by a processional blessing of the sea.
In addition to the solemn aspects, the festival boasts lively parties, concerts, dancing, and grand fireworks displays.
10. Golf
For those interested in golfing, the Oporto Golf Club—a short distance from Esmoriz—offers an exceptional experience.
As the first golf course on the Iberian Peninsula and the second on the European continent, it boasts a rich history intertwined with the British port wine trade.
Set against a coastal backdrop, this links-style course presents unique challenges due to the prevailing winds.
Despite the course’s long-standing heritage, its welcoming atmosphere accommodates families and inexperienced players who may prefer the pitch & putt for a more casual experience.
11. Day Trips
Beyond Espinho, a succession of Blue Flag beaches line the coast leading to the mouth of the Douro River in Porto.
One notable beach, Praia de Miramar, features a 17th-century chapel nestled among the rocks on a small headland right by the shore.
As a UNESCO World Heritage city, Porto is conveniently located within less than a 30-minute drive and offers a wealth of attractions, nightlife, and cultural experiences that can easily occupy your time.
Mandatory stops include the 18th-century Clérigos Tower, a visit to a port cellar on the left bank, a stroll through the vibrant streets of the Ribeira district, and admiring the exquisite interiors of the Palácio da Bolsa.
12. Food and Drink
Esmoriz, part of the Ovar municipality, is well known throughout Portugal for its renowned pão de ló.
This delightful sponge cake, characterized by its soft and airy texture, is sold wrapped in linen paper.
Many classic Portuguese treats have their origins in convent recipes, and this one dates back over 200 years.
The coastal diet of Esmoriz heavily features fish and shellfish, with traditional dishes such as caldeirada de marisco (seafood stew) and bacalhau (salted cod) available widely across the region. For the adventurous palate, regional eel dishes, such as caldeirada de eguias or pickled enguias de escabeche, provide a unique taste experience.
