Vila do Conde, the best Seaside Town in Portugal

Exploring Vila do Conde: A Guide To Portugal’s Hidden Gem – History, Festivals, Markets, Beaches and More!

This is a very special blog about a small seaside village called Vila do Conde. I’ve called this city my home for the past 3 years. My parents bought a vacation home in Vila do Conde, over a decade ago. Over the years, many family get-togethers were celebrated here. Both my parents were born in towns close by, and I remember when they were still alive having family get-togethers with 40 or more family members.

Vila do Conde is so much more than my memories of family and celebrations. It’s also about the early morning walks along the beach, going to different restaurants, and trying new local dishes. Going to outdoor patios by the beach and watching the sunset. It’s about sitting with friends and family and people-watching. It’s about going to city parks and having a picnic, and about walking the cobbled stone roads. The same cobblestone streets that I’m walking are hundreds of years old with more history than I could ever imagine.

Vila do Conde is nestled on Portugal’s northern coast, a hidden gem full of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its cobblestone streets and quaint coastal charm, Vila do Conde offers a unique experience for the adventurous traveler. From its ancient churches and historical monuments to its vibrant festivals and vibrant markets, Vila do Conde has something for everyone. Plus, the city offers stunning beaches and plenty of outdoor activities like surfing, kayaking, and hiking. Whether you’re looking to explore the area’s rich history, soak up the sun on its majestic beaches, or experience the vibrant culture and festivities, Vila do Conde is sure to have something for you.

Historical Highlights

The town of Vila do Conde was first mentioned in a document from 1058. It’s one of the oldest settlements in Portugal and was initially a small fishing village. By the 12th century, it was a major trading post, a significant center of commerce and industry during the Middle Ages. During the Age of Discovery, Vila do Conde was a strategic port for ships departing to explore the world. The town is home to some of the oldest churches and monasteries in the country, dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

In the 18th century, Vila do Conde experienced a period of great economic and cultural development. This period saw the construction of many of the city’s most important landmarks, such as the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Church of Santa Clara. The 19th century was a time of great industrial development, and the city saw the construction of the railway and the expansion of the port. In the 15th century, Vila do Conde was granted a royal charter by King John I and it quickly became an important port town. It was a major hub of trade between Portugal and other countries and a major center of shipbuilding.

Festivals and Events

Vila do Conde celebrates its rich history with several festivals and events all year long. Being such a culturally rich city, there is always something going on in Vila do Conde. Here are a few of the top festivals and events you can experience while you’re in the area. Vila do Conde’s Carnival celebrations are one of the city’s most well-known and colorful events, usually at the beginning of March, the festival features lively parades throughout the city and music and dance performances. Sao Joao, Saint John is celebrated in late June and it’s a huge celebration throughout Portugal, with concerts, lots of food and wine, and fireworks in the evening.

Corpus Christi Day

Carpets of Flowers for Corpus Christi Day, my first time seeing it in 2022 and it was indeed impressive, with hundreds of volunteers working tirelessly to make sure the carpets of petals are ready on time for the Corpo de Deus, Corpus Christi Day. This unique religious celebration happens every 4 years, where the roads are decorated with intricate designs in flower petals. The Senhor dos Navegantes Festivities bring together the people from all the surrounding districts in August, and the Procession of Our Lady of Guia a patron Saint of the fisherman, an amazing procession made up of 8 wooden platforms, which travels through some of the city’s streets towards the Chapel, next to the mouth of the River Ave.

It’s in the summer months that the main events take place here, such as the International Short Film Festival, the National Handicraft Fair, the Gastronomy Fair, and the “Memories” at the Festa Center, not forgetting the other various events promoted by the local associative movements such as Queima do Judas, the “Circular” Performing Arts Festival and the International Meeting of Clowns.

Tradition of Lace Bobbin

This small coastal city, Vila do Conde, has a rich tradition when it comes to historical crafts. One of their most famous crafts is their traditional bobbin lace, which has been passed down through the generations since the 1500s. The intricate patterns created by this technique are breathtaking and are often used to embellish clothing, tablecloths, and even church vestments. During many festivals throughout the year, the locals proudly wear clothing articles made of this lace, and they are indeed pieces of wearable art.

The traditional fisherman’s sweaters of Vila do Conde are also a sight to behold. These sweaters are knitted from fine wool and feature intricate patterns in various colors. The patterns are believed to be inspired by the various sea creatures that the local fishermen would see out on the water.

These sweaters have been around for centuries, and were once a staple of the traditional garb of the town’s fishermen. The traditional crafts of Vila do Conde are a testament to the town’s long and varied history. The meticulous craftsmanship required to create these pieces of art is a reminder of the skill and dedication that the locals have put into preserving their traditional crafts. The traditional historical crafts of Vila do Conde are an important part of the town’s culture and heritage, and it is important to remember them and celebrate them.

Markets

Vila do Conde’s lively culture and rich history is reflected in its many vibrant markets and shops. Here are a few of the top places you can visit while you’re in the area. Mercado da Vila do Conde, Vila do Conde’s main market is a vibrant place where you can find a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, traditional sausages, salpicão a local delicacy of cured smoked pork meat, Cod fish dried and salted as well as regular fish can also be found.

You’ll also find plenty of traditional Portuguese crafts and artwork at the market and it’s every Friday. – Museu do Mar: If you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich maritime history, make sure to pay a visit to the Museu do Mar. The museum features several maritime artifacts and exhibitions about life at sea. Click on the images below for more information regarding each.

Beaches and Outdoor Activities

Vila do Conde’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in all of Portugal. The beaches are also popular places for outdoor activities like swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. If you’re visiting the city in the summer and want to escape the heat of the city and the hustle and bustle, its beaches are a great place to visit. The population of this small city seems to double in the summer with locals and tourists from Europe and North America enjoying this piece of paradise.

Restaurants and Nightlife

There are plenty of great restaurants and nightlife options in Vila do Conde. There are many great places to enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal and a drink or two all along the beach near Fort St John and we’ve got you covered as well as there are many vegan options. Here are a few of my personal favorites: Praia Mar, Farol Vila do Conde, Os Eusebios, Restaurante Adega da Vila, Garfo Torto, Romando Sushi Cafe, Restaurant O Cangalho, Restaurante Alfandega.

• Adega do Monte
• Adega do Testas
• Aloha Restaurante & Lounge
• Bastardos
• Bifeiros Steakhouse
• Casa d’Aldeia
• Portuguesia Restaurante
• Quinta D. Curado
• Recanto do Luís
• Restaurante Alfãndega
• Restaurante A Rendilheira
• Restaurante Cais da Vila
• Restaurante Costa Verde
• Restaurante O Cangalho
• Restaurante S. João
• Restaurante Villa do Conde
• Saura Cool
• Villazur Restaurante & Tapas

Accommodation

There are plenty of great places to stay in Vila do Conde. Here are a few of the top options. Casa do Rio charm suites is a great option for those looking for a central and modern place to stay. The hotel is located in the heart of the city and is the only hotel in Vila do Conde to boast a rooftop bar. – Hotel Brazao is located 900 meters from the beach. Villa C Boutique Hotel is located on River Ave’s south bank, the perfect place to stay if you want to experience the city’s most popular sites. Santana Hotel & SPA is located next to Ave River in Vila do Conde, this spa hotel features an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a sauna.

The rooftop terrace features panoramic city and beach views. Restaurant Santa Clara serves traditional Portuguese food with a view over the Ave river and the Santa Clara monastery. Venceslau Wine Boutique Hostel is located in the heart of Vila do Conde. Completely renovated, this B&B is a 10-minute walk from the beach and 100 m from the train station.  Venceslau hostel includes an à la carte restaurant serving traditional Portuguese cuisine In addition guests will find bars and cafés within 200 m.

Transport and Accessibility

If you’re visiting Vila do Conde, you’ll likely fly into Porto International Airport, which is about an half hour away from the city. The best and cheapest way is to take the metro train from Porto Airport to Vila do Conde for about 3.5 euros. You can also take a taxi, which will take around half hour and will cost around €25. Vila do Conde is a very walkable city with wheelchair accessibility for most shops and restaurants. Always keep in mind that many of the streets are made of cobblestone, so high heels are not recommended.

Because of its proximity to the ocean, the temperatures in the summer are rarely extreme, in many cases, there is a difference of 10 degrees or more from the temperatures in Porto. One of the most enjoyable walks is along the beach, the wide sidewalks are designed on one side for pedestrians and the other half for bicycles, which makes for a perfect way to exercise and take in the beautiful views of the beaches. For a more relaxed walk along River Ave with shady trees and great views across the river of Azurara.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing getaway, Vila do Conde is definitely for you. This city offers plenty of culture, history, and adventure for the adventurous traveler as well as for the laid-back traveller. There is a large ex-pat community in Vila do Conde, and you can find them having breakfast and enjoying the local market every Saturday morning. Offering a unique experience, Vila do Conde is a great place to explore Portugal’s northern coast where the people, culture, and traditions make you fall in love and want to visit this gem time and time again.

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