Oporto, Portugal’s second largest city is classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. A charming town situated on the slopes of the Douro River with a combined heritage with ancient churches and monuments such as the Sé Cathedral, the Torre dos Clérigos or the São Francisco Church, and the modern buildings, such as Casa da Música or the Serralves Museum.
Do not leave the city without strolling through the City Park, with seafront, or without enjoying the good beaches and outdoor cafes near the mouth, and taste a “Francesinha”, gastronomic specialty of Porto.
Following trip, even before you get to Vila do Conde, is the Regional Protected Landscape of Vila do Conde Coast and Mindelo Ornithological Reserve. This city has a great view over the Ave River, which here flows. The São João Fort, the “Nau Quinhentista” (sixteenth-century caravel), the Vila do Conde Matriz Church and the aqueduct are part of the heritage to discover. Outdoors, you can still go to the beach or stroll through the many parks and gardens.
The “Rendas de Bilros” and “Lãs de Pescador” are very important crafts in this city.
The next town you will find is Povoa de Varzim. A flat and atlantic city also benefits from its location in the large coastal plain, which extends to the north and south with the view only confronted by the barrier formed by Rates Mountains.
Here you can visit the fishing port, the Marina, the Nossa Senhora da Conceição Fortress, the aqueduct or the “Monte de S. Félix”, the highest point of the Rates Mountains, a privileged panoramic point where you can take a overlook of the entire region.
Protected Landscape Area, the coastal strip stretching from Ofir and Fão to Esposende, is considered to be one of the most beautiful stretches of Portugal’s northern coastline.
Besides fishing, a characteristic activity in the Apulia village is the gathering of seaweed at low tide.
A county that combines all aspects of nature, with long sandy beaches and dunes, pine forests and woodlands, hills and fossil cliffs, rivers and sea, all framed in a dynamic equilibrium. The marsh and the estuary of Cávado River that go with, it is presented as a strategic place for the migratory birds. Green Ofir pine forest and the stunning views that offer different viewpoints about Esposende, are just some of the interesting features of the county in which reveals the richness of the natural landscape.
The heritage built by human hand, as the case of windmills, fields in trough, the forts and mills, are combined in a unique harmony, forming landscapes of high scenic and environmental value.
