Home to fearless fishermen, Póvoa de Varzim became one of the favourite northern Portuguese seaside resorts during the second half of the 19th century and particularly after the opening of the railway line in 1875, which provided easy access to the city of Oporto.

Nowadays, Póvoa is a lively summer resort replete with excellent support infrastructures including Olympic swimming pools, tennis and squash school and a full range of other sporting facilities.

With the sea here tending to be rough surfers are attracted to the expanse of sands as are many others heading to beaches named after the cafes and restaurants serving that particular spot and including Hotel, Lagoa, Lada, Beijinhos or Carvalhido Beach, to name but a few. The entertainment continues into the early hours at the many restaurants, bars and café terraces in addition to the renowned Casino, one of the most attractive and best renowned in Portugal.