Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Vila do Conde, Portugal

This coastal city at the mouth of the River Ave serves as a beach destination rich in history. From the Age of Discovery until the 20th century, Vila do Conde was a prominent shipbuilding locale, producing vessels that facilitated Portuguese influence across Asia, Africa, and South America.

A replica of one such ship is currently moored on the Ave, while the historic Customs House has been transformed into a museum that chronicles Vila do Conde’s maritime heritage. This resort town presents a quieter alternative to Póvoa de Varzim, situated just minutes to the north, and features several kilometers of sandy beaches bordered by coastal parkland.

Let us explore the top attractions in Vila do Conde:

1. Alfândega Régia – Museu de Construção Naval

Located in the 15th-century Royal Customs House on the quayside, this museum explores the shipbuilding industry that flourished along the Ave River from the Early Modern Age until the 20th century.

The exhibition features model boats, tools, and informative displays across three significant historical themes.

Firstly, visitors can examine the Portuguese Age of Discovery, highlighting notable figures such as Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama.

Secondly, the museum provides insights into the building’s historical function as a Customs House, and lastly, it covers Vila do Conde’s esteemed shipbuilding legacy and the variety of vessels constructed at this site.

2. Nau Quinhentista

Docked at Cais da Alfandega on the River Ave is a replica of a 16th-century carrack, representing the type of ship constructed at Vila do Conde’s shipyards during that period.

This vessel, launched in 2007, employed traditional carpentry and rope-making techniques. Notably, it reflects a period of the Portuguese Empire when advancements in naval technology enabled the construction of ships with larger cargo capacities.

These advancements allowed them to remain at sea longer during expeditions to India.

The onboard exhibit includes containers, an apothecary, maps, and navigational instruments to enhance the experience.

3. Igreja Matriz

This splendid church was constructed between 1496 and 1518. During this period, Portuguese religious structures were adorned with elaborate sculpture in the Manueline style, which melded Late Gothic elements with Spanish Plateresque aesthetics.

This church exemplifies such design, as evidenced by the main portal, which showcases intricate carvings.

These details are present in the tympanum above the doorway, as well as in the trefoil archivolt and the pinnacles on either side.

The interior features additional Manueline stonework in the chancel, while the altar is of Baroque design, highlighted by gilded woodworking from the 1740s.

4. Convento de Santa Clara

This impressive complex is located on a slight elevation overlooking the Rio Ave and was historically one of the wealthiest convents in Portugal.

Dating back to the 14th century, the Gothic church represents the initial phase of the convent’s construction.

The primary convent structure, which houses municipal services, was later added in the 18th century.

The 14th-century church commands attention with its robust design, a reflection of an era often marked by Castilian threats.

Its granite walls feature minimal openings, save for a rose window, and pointed merlons along the roofline add to its formidable appearance.

5. Santa Clara Aqueduct

The Convent of Santa Clara, befitting its stature, required a significant water supply.

In 1626, a substantial project was initiated to enhance its water source.

This endeavor involved channeling water from the highlands of Terroso, culminating in an aqueduct that spanned four kilometers and took nearly 90 years to finish.

One delay occurred during the 1630s when they realized an error had been made in calculating the slope.

Although some portions of the aqueduct succumbed to damage in the 18th and 19th centuries, it was completed in 1714, featuring 999 arches.

6. Praia Azul

Vila do Conde is home to several Atlantic beaches, with Praia Azul being the most notable, located approximately 500 meters from the old town.

This Blue Flag beach boasts a wide expanse of golden sand bordered by a promenade and bike path stretching several kilometers to Póvoa de Varzim to the north.

Despite the amenities that qualify it for Blue Flag status, Praia Azul maintains a feeling of seclusion and untouched beauty.

This is attributed to the Marginal Atlântica, a broad area of dunes and coastal vegetation that separates it from the urban environment.

Younger visitors can enjoy the rock pools along the shore, while larger areas provide waves suitable for surfing in the autumn and winter.

7. Capela de Nossa Senhora da Guia

One of several intriguing landmarks on the right bank of the Ave River estuary is this modest chapel.

A place of worship has existed here since before the 12th century, and the design of the current structure dates from around 1636. Although the exterior features low, whitewashed walls and a terracotta roof, the interior is richly decorated.

The ceiling is adorned with frescoes framed by gilded panels, while the altar showcases an amalgamation of marble and ceramic elements.

Also noteworthy are the patterned tiles on the walls, crafted in the 17th century at the Coimbra Manufacture.

8. Forte de São João Baptista

Just a short distance from the chapel stands this robust 17th-century fortress, set on a rocky outcrop directly at the beach.

Active for 200 years, this fortification’s strategic location allowed it to protect the shipyards along the Ave River from pirate incursions.

In the 1980s, after being abandoned for several decades, the fort began its transformation into a boutique hotel featuring only eight suites.

Visitors can enter the pentagonal enclosure and ascend the walls to view the bartizans and enjoy the scenic view of the Ave River as it flows into the ocean.

9. Museu das Rendas de Bilros

This museum, inaugurated in 1991, is housed in the splendid Casa do Vinhal, a townhouse dating back to the 1700s.

The establishment is dedicated to preserving Vila do Conde’s traditions, particularly the craft of bobbin lace. Inside, visitors will find exquisite examples of local lacework, displayed in cabinets or attached to historical garments.

Moreover, the museum showcases the tools utilized in this craft, both locally and abroad.

Exhibits include lace pillows, bobbins, and wooden molds, and visitors may witness skilled artisans creating lace in traditional styles on select days.

10. Praia do Forno

Despite its proximity to the city, Vila do Conde’s primary beach retains a natural and secluded ambiance.

The Marginal Atlântica, a stretch of dunes and coastal flora, helps shield the high-rise structures from view.

Only the Forte de São João Baptista is situated on the beach, providing a dramatic backdrop against the granite landscape.

Praia do Forno is characterized by a small bay flanked by rocky formations, creating a sheltered environment from rough waves and strong currents.

During the summer months, a variety of kiosks and bars operate in small huts at the beach’s rear.

11. Casa Museu José Régio

Situated on the left bank of the Ave River is the residence of a celebrated figure in Portuguese culture.

The writer José Régio was a subtly critical voice during the Estado Novo regime of the 20th century.

He inherited this home from his aunt and furnished it with the intent of residing there upon retirement, shortly before his passing.

This museum provides an intimate glimpse into Régio’s life, showcasing a wealth of religious artwork, including paintings, ex votos (offerings), and sculptures, as religion was a prominent theme in his literary work. Régio was also influential in Portugal’s modern art scene, and visitors can view both his collected works and personal creations.

12. Póvoa de Varzim

Located only minutes up the coast is Póvoa de Varzim, a vibrant holiday resort.

The skyline of Póvoa de Varzim’s high-rise apartments is visible from Vila do Conde.

This city has a rich history, having served as a spa destination for the affluent and a fishing hub with a fleet of “poveiro” sailboats at the turn of the 20th century.

Many of these restored vessels are exhibited at the history museum, which occupies an 18th-century count’s palace, alongside relics of Póvoa’s upscale past reflected in its Art Deco pavilions and the Beaux-Arts casino dating back to the 1930s.

13. Cividade de Terroso

A glimpse into antiquity awaits at this citadel situated in the hills northeast of Vila do Conde.

Cividade de Terroso represents a substantial Bronze Age settlement, characterized by three defensive walls that protected numerous homes for hundreds of inhabitants.

The oldest sections of these historical remains are nearly 3,000 years old.

Furthermore, the site reveals fascinating remnants of Roman habitation from the 2nd century BC, including streets paved with stones still visible and designed to channel rainwater or sewage.

Artifacts discovered at this site, such as pottery and metalwork, can be found at Póvoa’s history museum.

14. Festas de São João

The 23rd and 24th of June are dedicated to the patron saint, St. John the Baptist, in Vila do Conde.

While celebrations for São João occur throughout the Norte Region, the events in this city possess a unique character.

The community gathers in the evening of the 23rd to celebrate in Praça José Régio, playfully engaging with each other using soft plastic hammers.

However, what enhances the festivities are the decorated balconies, adorned with red and yellow tinsel, and the traditional songs and rituals exclusive to this city, including a visit to the beach on the 24th.

15. The Style Outlets

This outlet mall near Vila do Conde enjoys popularity in the region and even offers a shuttle bus service from Porto.

While the mall may not be expansive, it compensates with an array of premium brands, including Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Armani, Guess, and Polo Ralph Lauren, alongside mid-range fashion labels like Mango, Benetton, and Levi’s.

Its proximity to Vila do Conde makes it an ideal destination for a day trip, especially during inclement weather.

Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a crèche, a children’s play area, and a food court.