Póvoa De Varzim

If you have the time, an excursion up the coast north of Porto is a worthwhile trip. Take the Rua do Ouro along the river to the west of downtown through São João do Foz, a suburb sitting right at the mouth of the Douro with a 17th-century fort. Turn north along the Atlantic, past the old Castelo do Queijo, and continue to the new port of Leixoes, built at the mouth of the River Leca to circumvent problems with silt that plague Porto’s channel. A few kilometers after crossing the river to Leca da Palmeira, join the N107, passing Porto’s Pedras Rubras airport, and turn left on the N13.After a pretty 15 kilometers you will reach Vila do Conde, an ancient fishing village that predates the Romans, but which is increasingly attractive as a resort. The town is known for its lace making and, if you happen to be there on a Friday, you will find an especially large selection at the weekly market. The Santa Clara Convent is worth a visit, if only to see the carved ceilings and the tombs of the 14th-century founders, Dom Afonso Sanche and Dona Teresa Martin. In the cloister is a fountain fed by a 6-kilometer-long aqueduct, which originates in nearby Povoa de Varzim. This neighboring town is also a popular resort due to its nice beach, casino, and colorful old fishermen’s quarter.