Do you want to know the Top of the Northern Portugal Beaches?

When visiting Apúlia beach, it is certain that the image that you will retain is not the clean white sand, nor the cold and capricious sea, but that curious line of windmills installed on the top of the dunes to enjoy the strong winds of the area. Recovered by the owners, they are excellent summer spots, in a truly privileged place, either because of the tranquility or the views over the long and narrow coast that is long out of sight.

Some artisanal fishing boats give the beach a rustic feel, but the most beautiful and wild part is a little further on. As you walk, the dunes seem to grow and cross a barrier against the waves, which leave some marine spoils at your feet. At the top, neither houses nor windmills, just the wild vegetation that precedes Ofir's dark pine forest, which is reached by a wooden walkway.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/kAUHwJYB9rPbGXWc7

Located in Esposende, Praia de Ofir, surrounded by the Pinhal de Ofir, is the stage for hot days, sea with waves and the smell of salt, but it is also the stage for national festivals and regional parties that fill the village of Fão with color and music.

In the surroundings of this beach you will find typical vegetation of the dunes, as well as fences and walkways adorning the landscape. Above average quality water and average temperatures of 19ºC make this sea a perfect example of what the best beaches in the North have to offer - clean and careful waters, and temperatures only for the most resistant.

• What to do near Ofir beach?

• Opt for troubled surf or a relaxed dive

On this beach of great affluence, choose your place according to your wishes. Are you going to surf? It opts for the south zone, where the waves are stronger and the sea has better waves. Do you prefer to read a book and take a refreshing dip? Look for a place in the central area of the beach, where you will have calm waters at your disposal.

• Discover the Horses of Fão

When the sea waters descend, exposing the rocky compositions, it is possible to see the so-called "Cavalos de Fão" of Praia de Ofir. Legend has it that in the past the forces of the people pushed the fleet into the sea, and the divine forces turned horses into rocks.

• Enjoy the nightlife

Around the beach, dozens of restaurants, cafes and bars guarantee that you will always have entertainment available. Live music, background music, lively dinners, party evenings - the options are many and all within minutes.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/PfQDq1zTgCr2rTnX9

Now towards Póvoa de Varzim, we are talking about Aver-O-Mar Beach, one of the pleasant places to vacation in the North, here you will find a perfect mix of beach, culture, walks, good food and warmth.

The sea has the usual force of northern waters, with several rock formations along the water line and with the usual dune vegetation, which gives a certain charm to the sand. At Aver-O-Mar beach you also have important amenities for well-spent beach days: parking, several restaurants, complete beach support. Also for nautical sports.

• What to do near the beach Aver-O-Mar?

• Visit to Póvoa de Varzim

A city that usually goes unnoticed by tourists, Póvoa de Varzim presents charms that will surely surprise you. For those who like to combine beach mornings with stroll afternoons, take advantage of the location of Praia Aver-O-Mar for moments of tourist exploration.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/tDCU9FRxacDhD3rF6

Mindelo beach is located in Vila do Conde, half an hour from Porto and, contrary to what is usual on the North beaches, it is protected from the north. It’s also good for kids,

with an extensive beach, bustling ocean waters and an abundant north wind, it has excellent conditions for multiple water sports, such as surfing, bodyboarding and kitesurfing, among other modalities associated with the sea. Fishing has always been the oldest maritime activity in this coastal area of Portugal, and the fame of excellent quality fish is one of the characteristics of this sea.

• What to do near Mindelo Beach?

Once you are in a good fish area, take the opportunity to enjoy it and eat an excellent fish!

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/LCM6VmdUFznZPPPW9

So Porto is the second Portuguese capital, with thousands of tourists surrendering to the wonders of Ribe9ra, Clérigos and Sé, so Matosinhos is the perfect refuge for those who want to combine the beauty of Porto with the tranquility of this fishing city, as well calmer and full of green areas to explore.

Praia de Matosinhos has an extensive sand, a strong sea (but perfect for swimming) and the marginal, ideal for long walks in the late afternoon.

• What to do near Matosinhos Beach?

• Visit the City Park

When the sun, the sea and the lively sound of the beach full of people are too much for you, you always have a perfect getaway just a few minutes away: Parque da Cidade, where you can get lost in paths full of nature. Here you can relax, read a book, walk your canine or have a family picnic.

• Visit the Municipal Market of Matosinhos

Matosinhos beach presents itself as an excellent option in the range of beaches in the north of Portugal, with a lively city waiting for you. If you like to get involved in the culture of each city, visit the Matosinhos Market and surrender to the charm of the cartoonish sellers of vegetables, fish and other fresh products.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/XN1heamrgukzRc5v5

The Senhor da Pedra beach is known for its hexagonal chapel built on a rock by the sea. The construction of this chapel refers to the century. XVII and may have its origins in what is thought to have been a pagan worship of nature and its divinities.

On this beach full of mysticism you will have others as less mysterious, but equally fundamental dities.

The location of the beach is a must for those who want a quick visit to Porto, in order to explore the Ribeira, the Cathedral and the D. Luís I Bridge.

• What to do near Senhor da Pedra Beach?

• Pilgrimage of the Lord of the Stone

If you visit Praia do Senhor da Pedra during the month of June, you will be lucky to attend the great annual pilgrimage that fills the sand for three days for celebrations that include good food, crafts and lots of music and entertainment.

• Visit the Port Wine cellars

Visiting Vila Nova de Gaia without visiting a Port wine cellar is like visiting Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower, so we recommend that you take advantage of it! Choose the basement you like best and schedule a visit, a short excursion through the Douro, a tasting session, or even all the options - the decision is yours and the cellars are many: Cálem, Croft, Ferreira ... now here it is an experience that you will surely enjoy with all your senses.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/8efbneR56qGyGyRg7

In Espinho you have Azul Beach waiting for you! This beautiful long sandy beach, limited by two walls, is chosen by swimmers who enjoy the relaxation of a day of sun and sea, and also by water sports, being a good option for surfing.

• What to do near Praia Azul?

• Camping

Also in Espinho you will find the Municipal Camping Park, with direct access to the beaches, If you are given to adventure activities and experiences of contact with nature, why not combine some nights in camping mode with some nights in a luxury village? Bring together the best of both worlds!

• Playroom: books and games

At Cnetro Azul on the beach you will find a leisure space that promotes various recreational activities. During the bathing season, the center lends swimmers books and games that guarantee fun for all age groups! This leisure space will entertain the most restless and allows you to escape the hours of greatest sun exposure.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/uvUwDLFZaEkB9dtU7

Located in Viana do Castelo, Praia da Arda, has been acclaimed as one of the best places to spend holidays in the North of Portugal, especially by fans of water sports such as bodyboarding, surfing or stand up paddle.

An exotic and extensive white sand beach, protected by small dunes, and bathed by crystal clear waters with Blue Bath. The almost tropical landscapes of the sparkling alley are anticipated by kilometers of agricultural fields of all colors and whose scents of fauna and flora flourish away from the confusion of big cities and their frantic pace.

• What to do near Praia da Arda?

• Visit Viana do Castelo, one of the "pearls" of Minho

The historic center of Viana do Castelo is located about 20 minutes away, where you will find alleys with medieval architecture, as well as several monuments that please both History fans and those who simply enjoy a relaxed walk. Be sure to visit the Viana Statue, the Eiffel Bridge, the Santa Luzia Sanctuary or even the Cathedral.

• Take a Surf Lesson

In the vicinity of the beach you will find some surf schools that will allow you to take classes or rent equipment, meet new people and enjoy a different day.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/DBNWyzDnXxkQXmMy7

Located in Caminha, next to the Fronteira com Espanha, the Moledo beach is one of the most beautiful in the northern region, with a distant and postcard-worthy landscape, in which the distant mountains illustrate the horizon.

The strong wind and agitated waves make surfers and windsurfers choose this place for their adventures. Rich in iodine, surrounded by dunes, thick vegetation and walkways and wood, this beach is one of the most beautiful in the North and an unmissable place for a well spent holiday.

• Things to do near Praia do Moledo

• Visit to Mata do Camarido

It combines a trip to the beach and a dip in therapeutic waters rich in iodine, with a walk through the forest, to lose yourself in the immensity of natural wealth of the Mata Nacional do Camarido, a very rich and diverse forest, ordered by D. Dinis to plant. A relaxed stroll, a leisurely run or a refreshing walk - the option is yours!

• Visit the Fort of Ínsua

National monument since 1910, Forte de Ínsua will be one of the highlights of your visit to Praia do Moledo. Few beaches in the north of Portugal are fortunate to have a century-old construction located on an islet next to the coast, but surrounded by the restless waters of the Atlantic. The fortress has an irregular star design and houses a Franciscan convent that dates back to the 14th century.

• Enjoy the enchanted sunset

A healing sea, a distant mountain, the forest nearby and a convent full of mysticism built on an islet in the middle of the sea - if these factors are not enough to choose Praia do Mooledo, surrender to one of the most beautiful sunsets Portuguese coast.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fpA6v5AdTvYeHPpE6

Still in Caminha, we have Praia do Cabelo.

The wind helps water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing to be the highlight of this beach. But it is also worth spreading the towel on the sand, especially in the morning, the most favorable time for sunbathing. In the afternoon, take the opportunity to walk on the sand or the walkways that extend south.

• What to do near Praia do Cabedelo?

• If you are in Cabedelo, take the opportunity to stay at Feel Viana Hotel. There are four comfort stars just a few steps from the beach. The spa, indoor swimming pool and yoga room contribute to a more Zen stay.
  You can see more about this hotel here: https://carlomonteiro.pt/pt/blog/escapadinhas-na-natureza

   

   

   

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/mxJKwx9rXdFSBCE29