Póvoa de Varzim is the classic seaside town of the north, about thirty kilometres from Porto. A long sandy beach runs the length of the town, backed by a promenade of cafés and apartment blocks and by the casino, which has drawn visitors since the 1930s.
Behind the seafront is a working town with a fishing harbour, a marina, a busy pedestrian shopping street and its own traditions: the old fishing families marked their boats and gear with signs that are still seen around town. Each February the Correntes d'Escritas festival brings writers from across the Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking world.
Póvoa is the northern end of metro line B, about an hour from Trindade. Unlike many resorts it is lived in all year, with schools, a hospital and shops that stay open in winter.
Café in Póvoa de Varzim. Address: Rua da Areeira 174, 4490-037.
Restaurant in Póvoa de Varzim. Address: Rua Gomes de Amorim 2939.
Clinic in Póvoa de Varzim. Address: Rua Doutor Alberto Pimentel 1, 4490-602.
Gym in Póvoa de Varzim. Address: Alameda Linha da Póvoa 243.
2-star hotel in Póvoa de Varzim. Address: Avenida Vasco da Gama 56, 4490-410.
Clinic in Póvoa de Varzim. Address: Avenida 25 de Abril 79, 4490-004.
Restaurant in Póvoa de Varzim. Address: Rua da Imprensa Regional, 4490-588.
Museum in Póvoa de Varzim. Address: Rua Visconde de Azevedo 17, 4490-589.
Dental clinic in Póvoa de Varzim. Address: Avenida do Mar 83, 4490-406.
Italian restaurant in Póvoa de Varzim. Address: Rua Santos Minho 48, 4490-549.
Museum in Póvoa de Varzim. Address: Alameda Linha da Póvoa.
Japanese restaurant in Póvoa de Varzim. Address: Avenida dos Banhos 117, 4490-428.
