Esposende - the fisherman's village, Portugal

Just 50km north of Porto, is a little place by the ocean with wide, unspoilt, sandy beaches and relaxed vibe. This upmarket, elegant town, lies in the Braga District in the north of Portugal and is home to just over 34,000* people.  

It is an old fishing and sea port, dating back to Maritime Discoveries, still in operation today. Follow the promenade down south to see fishermen at work, or stay right in the center, near the Maritime Museum; enjoy the pretty, small port and learn about its rich maritime past. 

Relax on one of the many benches, while your kids are playing in the wooden ship-shaped playground, located right in front of the local swimming pool. 

Esposende is a very peaceful and calm beach seaside resort, ideal for long promenade walks or cycling. The wide, sandy beach, with beautiful ocean waves, is right behind the red lighthouse - Forte de São João Baptista de Esposende. It is here, where the Cávado river meets the Atlantic Ocean. 

The newly built wooden beach path gets you quite far to the beach shore, even with a pushchair or a bicycle. The ocean coastline is stunning and you can walk for miles and miles at either direction.

The town would mostly suit a slow travel lover, it is more on the quiet and mindful side, ideal for families and people seeking to unwind and just enjoy the local life, swimming pool, evening strolls, walks, promenades, fresh air and day trips to local towns. The only drawback is that it can be very windy, so be sure to check the weather and choose a more favourable day.

Esposende is definitely my favourite Portuguese town in the north of Portugal. Time slows down here, making you feel far, far away from all the world's problems.. so wake up early, grab a beach towel, a book, some food, drinks and go out to enjoy an energy building morning by the ocean. Then go into town for lunch, or take a trip to the neighbouring village and comeback right in time for a truly spectacular sunset.

 

Stay:
• at hotel Suave Mar, quite lovely 3 star hotel with a great location at Av. Eng. Eduardo Arantes e Oliveira

Dine:
• for a home made soup, salad, light lunch or a desert visit De LiLi & Companha Gourmet (€-€€) in the town centre at Rua 1° de Dezembro n° 57
• to sample local, freshly caught fish, check out the restaurants' notice boards, for daily specials
• for pizza lovers, go to the Italian restaurant - Siamo in Due Restaurante & Pizzeria at R.19 de Agosto, opens for 2 hours at noon and then again from 6.30pm
• for a quick alfresco snack and drink, enjoy one of the restaurants at Largo Dr Fonseca Lima, with a charming view of the square with a boat-shaped fountain

Shop:
• weekly market is held each Saturday, where you can buy fruits, vegetables, fresh fish and flowers
• for fresh fish on a weekday, visit Peixaria Susana. R. Piloto do Frita
• for bread, croissants etc go (in the morning) to the pastry shop Pau de Canela Pastelarias, R. Adriano Vieira 5, or to just enjoy a drink and dessert (throughout the day)
• for some other items visit supermarket Jaju at Av. Valentim Ribeiro
• for beautiful Portuguese and other fabrics visit: Retrosaria Pontos & Linhas, Av Valentim Ribeiro, Edificio da Morena 27-B

Enjoy:
• cycling or skating along the long promenade
• sunbathing, reading, long walks and sunsets on the beach
• water sport activities, such as kitesurfing and more
• horse-riding on the beach
• weekly Saturday market
• be like the locals and just enjoy your day in the sun

How long:
• if in hurry, few hours would suffice to see this little town; for slow travellers a 1 or 2 night's stay would be ideal, to fully unwind I recommend 1 to 2 weeks stay

When to come:
• late spring, summer and early autumn is the best time to visit Esposende, although, no matter the season it can be very windy and muggy, so be prepared and check the weather in advance

How to come:
• by plane from London Stansted to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, then rent a car for a 25 mins drive
• by bus from Porto city center, with a journey of approximately 1 hour (possible change on the way)

For more info visit the very helpful tourist office:

Centro de Informação Turística de Esposende
at Av. Eng. Eduardo Arantes e Oliveira 400
4740-211 Esposende
website: www.visitesposende.com/en

* source: Wikipedia (2011)