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 1930's classy 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 peculiar church of Nossa Senhora da Lapa dates back to 1772.

The best place to watch people go by, to stroll or simply relax, is 'Passeio Alegre', a beach pavement and square with dozens of entertainment areas and outdoor cafés. Here, you’ll find the casino, nightclubs, trendy pubs, cafés and bars. Nearby is 'Rua da Junqueira', a traditional shopping street. While in this busy small city, it is also one of the safest and trendiest cities in the metro areas in Portugal.

Nearby:  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. The two hills which protect Póvoa de Varzim by the east, just outside the urban area:  São Félix Hill and Cividade Hill. In Cividade Hill there's the 3000 year-old hillfort city ruins known as Cividade de Terroso, origin of Póvoa de Varzim.

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.