Photo walk tour of Esposende, Portugal - Part 1

Today I am taking you on a photo walk tour of beautiful Esposende. In my previous post, I introduced you to this, off the beaten path fisherman's town, and today we will walk from the beaches and marina to the town center. 

We are starting our tour, by the yellow Esposende letters, near the red lighthouse, Forte de São João Baptista de Esposende. It is here, where the Cávado River meets the Atlantic Ocean. This is such a peaceful place, where you can spot fishermen catching their fish and hear the sounds of the ocean..

Pass the letters on your left, and you will find yourself on a beautiful, wide, sandy beach Praia de Esposende. If you are in town for more then one day, devote at least a few hours to enjoy this great beach and the ocean. 

In the summer, you can have an alfresco meal with a nice view, shielded from wind with a glass wall, at the nearby restaurant on a hill Bar da Praia.

After dipping your toes in the ocean, turn back the wooden path on to the promenade. Once on the promenade, turn right and walk straight ahead, along Av. Eng. Eduardo Arantes e Oliveira, passing the Hotel Suave Mar on your left. 

You will then reach a beautiful Marina de Esposende, on your right and an array of lovely restaurants. You can stop by for a drink, have some nice fish or fruto do mar (seafood).

Continue straight ahead, to the roundabout. On your right, you will find Parque Radical, a wooden boat playground for kids, straight ahead - communal piscinas (swimming pool), and opposite the pool - Centro de Informaçaõ (the Tourist Office).

We are turning left, and crossing the road, just before the roundabout. On our right, we are walking by a large monument, dedicated to the men of the sea. We reach a lovely square with Igreja Martiz (the Catholic Church) of Esposende. Come summer or winter you will see the locals, sitting on the benches, enjoying the sun.

When you stand with your back to the church's wall and look right, you will see Pastelaria Rio Doce, which might suit those with a sweet tooth or looking for a tea break. I sometimes parked my bike here, when I came to town. However, my favourite place to park my bike, was on the promenade, right by the swimming pool.

From the church, we are crossing the road, to enjoy the nicest shopping footpath in town - R. 1° de Dezembro. Here, led by the red carpet, you will find lovely cafes, newsstands, kids and adult's clothing, and souvenir shops. Look out for cork souvenirs, fridge magnets, postcards and wicker baskets.

Just as you walk the footpath, enjoy a light lunch or a cup of coffee at De LiLi & Companha Gourmet. This was always our favourite lunch stop, for homemade soups, cakes or organic blueberry ice-creams and juice for kids. This is also a nice place to buy, sweet (and elegant) souvenirs for family and friends back home.

From LiLi, continue on the red carpet, until you come to a little crossroad.. I will meet you there in Part 2. ;)