Summary
In close proximity to Porto, Espinho is a resort destination characterized by expansive sandy beaches, dynamic surf, and a variety of seafood dining establishments.
This former fishing village has gained recognition for several reasons: Competitors from around the globe converge on Espinho in June to take advantage of the high swells and hollow waves at Praia da Baía.
The shrimp harvested just off the coast of Espinho is renowned throughout Portugal and is truly exquisite.
Moreover, the weekly market held on Mondays is the largest in the nation, featuring rows of stalls stretching for kilometers, offering nearly every item imaginable.
Let us delve into the noteworthy attractions in Espinho:
1. Praia da Baía
Located directly in front of the town, Espinho’s preferred beach is a captivating bay with a gentle curve, bordered by extended breakwaters.
A raised promenade parallels the beach, lined with restaurants and a wall where people gather and socialize.
Surf shops and schools can be found along this strip, as the beach provides a reliable hollow beach break.
Moreover, Praia da Baía has a gradual slope, allowing the waves to break quite a distance from shore, creating a spacious area with shallow water and tidal pools when the tide recedes.
2. Mercado Semanal
It is advisable to spend at least one Monday in Espinho, as this is when the vibrant weekly outdoor market takes place.
The Mercado Semanal is a significant event, widely considered one of the premier outdoor markets in Portugal.
Established in 1894, it attracts thousands of shoppers to the locality each week.
Beyond its impressive size and diversity, the market offers an excellent opportunity to purchase local delicacies such as cheese, ham, fruit, spices, and cured sausages directly from the producers.
You may be surprised to see live animals including ducks, chickens, and rabbits available for sale, while numerous stalls showcase home goods, clothing, accessories, and handicrafts.
3. Museu Municipal
The striking “Fábrica de Conservas Brandão, Gomes & C.º” canning factory has been repurposed as the town’s Forum of Art and Culture.
This early 20th-century structure features a spacious, modern interior.
The museum narrates the history of the former cannery, showcasing vintage advertisements, photographs, and cans of various shapes and sizes that illustrate Espinho’s past before the tourism boom.
Additionally, there is an exhibition dedicated to traditional xávega fishing, utilizing crescent-shaped wooden boats and large conical nets.
One of these boats is on display, accompanied by photographs and first-hand accounts from that era of fishing.
4. Centro Multimeios de Espinho
The town’s multimedia center, established in 2000, offers a wide array of activities.
It is recommended to check the website upon arrival in Espinho for numerous options available during rainy days or evenings when no other activities are planned.
The upper level features an astronomical observatory and a planetarium capable of screening 3D presentations.
Moreover, there is an auditorium that hosts plays, live music, and dance performances, which also serves as a cinema.
One notable convenience is that most films in Portugal are screened in English with Portuguese subtitles.
Additionally, there are galleries showcasing contemporary art and a fashionable café, all housed in the same facility.
5. Piscina Solário Atlântico de Espinho
This pool complex, situated along the seafront, provides bathers with a warmer and more tranquil alternative to the open ocean.
It features two pools: a shallow one for children and a full-sized one for adults, with water sourced directly from the Atlantic.
Sun loungers and parasols are available around the pools, and a bar serves snacks and beverages.
While relaxing, visitors can also admire the Art Deco design of this facility, which dates back to 1942, featuring a scenic entrance pavilion and a diving platform that resembles a modern art piece.
6. Praia de Silvalde
Also known as Pau da Manobra, Praia de Silvalde is a short distance from the resort.
In contrast to the bustling Praia da Baía, this Blue Flag beach offers a more serene experience.
Behind the beach, you will find only dunes and a golf course, along with an expansive stretch of sand perfect for observing bodyboarders and surfers navigating the waves.
The upper section of Praia de Silvalde is more lively, featuring lifeguards, a bar, and a venue for renting sun loungers.
Additionally, locals can often be seen fishing from the breakwater.
7. Parque João de Deus
Espinho takes on a more urban character in this central square and garden, which was landscaped in the 1940s.
All essential services, including the municipal library, post office, banks, and town hall, are located at Parque João de Deus, while the coastal side features pedestrian shopping avenues with popular retail stores, cafés, and bars.
If you are exploring the town, the garden provides an excellent spot for a break.
It boasts expansive, verdant lawns, colorful flowerbeds, leafy pathways, and a playground for children.
8. Espinho Casino
After sunset, the illuminated neon signs of the town’s casino, located along the promenade at Praia da Baía, are hard to overlook.
Operating since 1974, the casino features games such as baccarat, roulette, an array of slot machines, and bingo.
To retain patrons, it offers six reasonably priced bars, a restaurant, and live performances in a comfortable auditorium.
If gambling is not appealing, the venue is still an option for a meal or live music entertainment before moving on.
9. Castro de Ovil
Located in the Paramos parish, visitors can explore the remnants of an Iron Age settlement.
A “castro” refers to a fortified village on a hilltop, dating back to centuries before the Roman invasion of Portugal.
This settlement comprises a cluster of circular dry-stone houses, typically constructed from shale and protected by an outer wall or moat.
Discovered in 1981 on a pine-covered hill, Castro de Ovil exemplifies the characteristics of a classic castro.
The site features thirteen houses, some situated around flagstone courtyards.
Notably, there are no indications of Roman architecture on-site, suggesting it was deserted prior to or during the Roman incursion into Lusitania.
10. Praia da Frente Azul
Espinho’s other annual Blue Flag beach is an urban shoreline situated on the upper side of the resort.
Praia da Frente Azul is complemented by a beautifully extended promenade, making it an ideal spot for a stroll, even during the off-season.
In the summer months, the beach is bustling with activity, hosting European championships for beach volleyball, bodyboarding, and surfing.
No matter the occasion, there is ample space for all visitors on this wide sandy beach.
Additionally, Praia da Frente Azul offers a “ludoteca,” which rents out toys and games for children.
11. Porto
The capital of the Norte Region and recognized as a World Heritage city, Porto is a short drive away.
While one day is insufficient to experience all that Porto has to offer, for those with limited time, several highlights are not to be missed: By the Douro River, one must explore the Ribeira district, which features a lively square surrounded by brightly painted buildings.
On the opposite bank, the port lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia have been storing and trading fortified wine for over 200 years.
Cultural and historical landmarks include the significant Praça da Liberdade, as well as the Clérigos Church, a Baroque masterpiece.
Lastly, do not overlook the Palácio da Bolsa, which boasts rooms designed in various opulent styles, along with a central courtyard featuring an impressive metal and glass dome.
12. Surfing
Espinho is among the premier surf towns in Portugal.
This reputation is largely attributed to the three-meter swells and long, hollow rights at Praia da Baía.
The town has developed a small but thriving surf industry, with various shops and schools located in the vicinity of the casino.
Visitors may take a one-time lesson on the day or opt for an extended course if they are keen on enhancing their skills or starting from scratch.
Throughout June, numerous bodyboarding and surfing events occur, culminating in the Junior Pro Espinho on the final weekend, which is a recognized event in the World Surf League tour.
13. Oporto Golf Club
Adjacent to Praia de Silvalde is the oldest golf course in Portugal and the second oldest on the European continent.
Founded in 1890 by British port traders, Oporto Golf Club has hosted the Skeffington Cup annually since 1891.
This 18-hole, par 71 course presents the classic challenges of a links-style layout, with expansive greens and ocean breezes.
The fairways are narrow, necessitating careful shot selection to avoid risky drives.
Both the front and back nine conclude with a more forgiving par 5 hole.
14. Estação Litoral Da Aguda
For those interested in learning about coastal life prior to tourism, a charming museum and aquarium are located five kilometers away in Aguda.
The aquarium features 15 tanks showcasing approximately 60 diverse species.
The objective is to highlight the Atlantic wildlife in the region, which includes spider crabs, octopuses, common turtles, and moray eels.
The gallery dedicated to Aguda’s fisheries illustrates the daily lives and instruments used by local fishermen, including nets, buoys, model boats, and some exhibits on marine archaeology.
15. Gastronomy
Although Espinho may be a modest-sized town, its name is synonymous with exquisite seafood throughout Portugal.
Particularly noteworthy is the camarão de Espinho (Espinho shrimp), which is fresh, flavorful, and widely available across the town, whether in formal seafood restaurants or cervejerias (bars). Patrons might pair it with a light beer or a refreshing glass of vinho verde from the Minho Valley to the north.
Additionally, be sure to try sopa de peixe, a rich fish soup, or caldeirada, the beloved Portuguese fish and potato stew.
Arroz de marisco is a seafood rice dish, typically featuring mussels and shrimp, while barbecued sardines are always a delightful option.
