Matosinhos
❯ Póvoa de Varzim
Stage 1 · Portuguese way
Information
The stage between Matosinhos and Póvoa de Varzim is one of the best ways to begin the Portuguese Way by the Coast. From the earliest kilometers, the Atlantic Ocean becomes the day’s main protagonist: open beaches, dune zones, small fishing nuclei, and long stretches of wooden walkways accompany the pilgrim during much of the route.
According to the coastal route from Matosinhos, the stage is approximately 27 kilometers, although the distance can vary slightly depending on the exact starting point and the variant used when crossing Vila do Conde. Recent route records place the positive elevation at around 60 meters, so we are dealing with a practically flat day. The difficulty lies not in the gradients, but in the distance and the continuous exposure to sun and Atlantic wind.
This part of the Way allows you to understand from the first day the character of the Portuguese Way by the Coast. The maritime route acquired special importance during the Modern Era and, especially from the eighteenth century onward, was used both by coastal populations and by travelers and pilgrims arriving at Portuguese ports. The current itinerary continues crossing the Atlantic municipalities of Matosinhos, Vila do Conde, and Póvoa de Varzim before continuing northward.
The departure leaves behind the urban environment of Matosinhos to cross toward Leça da Palmeira, where some of the stage’s most recognizable landscapes begin to follow one another. Later appear the beaches of Lavra and Angeiras, the Onda River, Labruge, Vila Chã, and the natural area of Mindelo. Further on, the Way approaches the mouth of the Ave River and enters Vila do Conde, one of the cities with the greatest heritage of this first part of the route.
The final part leads to Póvoa de Varzim, a city very closely linked to the sea and fishing. Its port, its long beaches, and buildings such as the Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Conceição or the Igreja da Lapa keep alive that maritime identity that has defined the locality for centuries.
Route map
Recommendation from The Way
Recommendation for Stage 1: Matosinhos – Póvoa de Varzim
Although the stage is practically flat, it is wise not to underestimate it. Covering more than 25 kilometers on the first day can be demanding for someone arriving at the Way without having previously undertaken long walks. The terrain greatly facilitates progress, but the accumulation of kilometers ultimately makes itself felt especially in the feet.
One of the most important factors is exposure to sun and wind. Many kilometers are completed beside the ocean or across walkways traversing the dunes, with very few shaded areas. In summer it is recommended to start early, use sun protection, and carry sufficient water, although during the day you will cross different localities where it is possible to stop.
It is also wise to pay attention to the wooden walkways. They are one of this stage’s main attractions and allow you to advance comfortably without walking directly on the sand, but can be slippery after rain. Walking on the beach is possible at some points, although doing so for many kilometers greatly increases the effort.
A good strategy is to reserve the longer stops for Angeiras, Vila Chã, or Vila do Conde. The latter is already in the final part of the day and merits a stop to explore its historic center before continuing toward Póvoa de Varzim.
For those doing the Way by bicycle, some walkway sections are not the most comfortable for riding. At certain points there are sidewalks or paved routes parallel to the main route that are more suitable, especially in the area of Leça da Palmeira and the beaches situated north of Matosinhos.
On the coastal route, the stage has an approximate distance of 27.1 km and can be completed in about 6–7 hours of effective walking, depending on pace and stops. The elevation is very reduced, with approximately 60 meters of accumulated ascent, which makes the profile one of the smoothest of this part of the Way.
The profile may appear easier than it is. On paper it seems a simple stage because climbs practically do not exist, but the succession of walkways, cobblestones, promenades, and small urban sections means the kilometers end up accumulating. It is a day for walking at a constant pace and enjoying the coast, not for trying to advance too quickly.
Stage profile
A stage of approximately 27.1 km, with approximately 60 m of accumulated ascent. The profile is almost completely flat, with no significant elevation changes throughout the entire route.
The route alternates beaches and coastal promenades, wooden walkways across dunes, urban sections, and small stretches of road near the municipalities as you approach Póvoa de Varzim.
Itinerary
Km 0
· Matosinhos
The stage begins in Matosinhos, one of the localities most closely linked to the Atlantic in the Porto metropolitan area. For many pilgrims this is the true beginning of their Portuguese Way by the Coast, as it allows avoiding the urban kilometers of departure from downtown Porto and beginning directly beside the sea.
From the Matosinhos area, the itinerary heads toward the Mobile Bridge of Leixões, which allows crossing the port and the Leça River. Yellow arrows lead the pilgrim toward Leça da Palmeira, where the day quickly changes character and the coastal route begins.
Km 1,3
· Leça da Palmeira
After crossing the bridge one enters Leça da Palmeira. The Way approaches the promenade and begins advancing beside the Atlantic, passing through Leça Beach and later beside some of the best-known places in this coastal sector.
Among them are the Tide Pools, integrated directly among the rocks of the coast and designed by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira. Shortly after appears the Boa Nova Lighthouse, inaugurated in 1926. Municipal information notes that it reaches 46 meters in height and is the second tallest lighthouse on the Portuguese coast.
It is an especially pleasant beginning because the urban environment starts to open up and the ocean definitively becomes the landscape’s dominant feature.
Km 3-6
· Boa Nova and Perafita Coastal Area
After Leça da Palmeira, the stage begins alternating seaside promenades with wooden walkways built over the dunes. In this sector beaches such as Fuzelhas, Aterro, Cabo do Mundo, or Paraíso follow one another.
The landscape is not completely natural: there are also industrial installations visible from the Way. However, as you advance northward these fall away and the coast regains prominence.
Around km 6 appears the Monument of Memory, situated beside the beach of the same name. The monument recalls the landing of the so-called Liberating Army on this coast and has become a characteristic reference point of Matosinhos’ coast.
Km 9,8
· Angeiras
Arrival at Angeiras returns the pilgrim to a clearly maritime environment. The beach and small fishing nucleus form one of the most pleasant places to make a first long stop.
In addition to its coastal atmosphere, Angeiras preserves archaeological remains related to Roman occupation, including old structures linked to the exploitation and preservation of sea products. Matosinhos tourism documentation includes the archaeological remains of Angeiras Beach among the municipality’s highlighted heritage points.
From here, the Way continues practically hugging the Atlantic until reaching the Onda River.
Km 10,9
· Onda River
A walkway allows crossing the Onda River, a point that also marks the passage from Matosinhos municipality to Vila do Conde.
From here begins one of the most beautiful sectors of the entire day. Urbanization loses presence and the route combines beaches, small watercourses, dunes, and wooden walkways.
Km 11,4
· Labruge and Castro de São Paio
Shortly after Labruge appears. The main nucleus remains somewhat more inland, while the Way continues beside the coast.
Very close is one of the most interesting archaeological sites of the stage: the Castro de São Paio. Official Vila do Conde tourism documentation identifies it as the only maritime castro settlement of this type existing in Portuguese territory, with remains related to Iron Age castro culture. On the promontory is also found the small Chapel of São Paio.
It is recommended to take a few minutes to approach the promontory to better understand this place.
Km 13,1
· Vila Chã
The next great reference point is Vila Chã, a small locality where fishing tradition remains very visible.
Its port, vessels, and fishermen’s neighborhood contrast with the natural spaces crossed during the previous kilometers. The Vila do Conde heritage route recommends walking the fishing port and the Fishermen’s Neighborhood as part of visiting this coastal strip.
It is also a good locality to stop before facing the second half of the stage.
Km 15,5
· Mindelo
After Vila Chã, the Way returns to the walkways and reaches Mindelo.
Here begins one of the day’s most interesting natural sectors. The pilgrim advances beside the Protected Regional Landscape of Vila do Conde Coast and the Mindelo Ornithological Reserve, a vast space of dunes, wetlands, pine groves, and agricultural lands.
The municipality notes that this area extends along approximately 8.5 kilometers of coast and is linked to the creation of the Mindelo Ornithological Reserve, pioneering in nature conservation in Portugal.
Here the landscape changes completely: urban references disappear for some sections and the pilgrim walks accompanied mainly by dune vegetation and the sound of the ocean.
Km 17,8
· Árvore
The route continues toward Árvore, still within the protected coastal area.
Some buildings and residential zones appear, but the walkways quickly lead the pilgrim back among the dunes. In the distance Vila do Conde begins to distinguish itself, serving as the first clear reference that you are entering the day’s final part.
Km 19,6
· Azurara
As you approach Azurara, the Way begins to momentarily separate from the ocean to seek passage over the Ave River.
This point represents an important change in the stage. After nearly twenty kilometers dominated by beaches and walkways, the pilgrim enters a more urban and historic environment.
Before crossing the river you pass through the Azurara area, where you will find different heritage elements, including the Church of Santa Maria de Azurara, a temple of sixteenth-century origin with Manueline elements.
Km 20,1
· Bridge over the Ave River
Crossing the Ave River offers one of this stage’s most well-known images.
On the other side Vila do Conde appears and, rising above the city, the ancient Monastery of Santa Clara. Its church began to be constructed in 1318 and preserves Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, and Rococo elements.
After so many kilometers beside the ocean, Vila do Conde offers a clear change of landscape, with a more urban and monumental environment.
Km 20,8
· Vila do Conde
The Way enters Vila do Conde’s historic center, a locality to which it is recommended to dedicate some time.
One of its main monuments is the Parish Church, built at the beginning of the sixteenth century and considered one of the city’s most outstanding Manueline examples. Its construction received decisive momentum after King Manuel I’s passage through Vila do Conde in 1502.
Very close are the Monastery of Santa Clara and the great aqueduct that for centuries formed part of the city’s landscape. Vila do Conde’s maritime, religious, and urban heritage makes this point one of the most important cultural stops of the entire stage.
From here you must pay attention to the signage, as connections and references appear to other Portuguese Way routes. The itinerary toward Póvoa de Varzim continues northward.
Final Section
· Vila do Conde – Póvoa de Varzim
The final kilometers gradually leave Vila do Conde’s historic center behind and cross the urban continuum situated north of the city.
The route passes through the Caxinas area, a zone very related to fishing activity, before entering the municipality of Póvoa de Varzim.
After the long natural sector of the first half of the day, this final section is more urban and the landscape changes: houses, streets, and commercial zones appear until reaching Póvoa’s center.
Km 27,1
· Póvoa de Varzim
Arrival at Póvoa de Varzim ends a first long but very varied stage.
The city is very closely related to the ocean. Its natural bay favored for centuries the development of navigation and fishing, an activity that reached great importance during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. That tradition continues to be visible around the port and maritime neighborhood.
After the day’s journey, the pilgrim can approach the promenade, explore the port area, or visit the Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, situated facing the sea. It is a very different ending from the starting point, but completely coherent with the entire stage’s Atlantic character.
What to See
Boa Nova Lighthouse
The lighthouse of Leça da Palmeira is one of the main visual references of the day’s beginning. It was inaugurated in 1926, reaches 46 meters in height, and is the second tallest on the Portuguese coast. Its position facing a historically dangerous coastal area for navigation explains the importance it had for ships traveling this Atlantic zone.
Monument of Memory
Located practically beside the sea, the Monument of Memory breaks the landscape of beaches and dunes in the first part of the stage. It is associated with the landing of liberal forces on this coast during the nineteenth century and eventually gave its name to the beach itself.
Castro and Chapel of São Paio
The Castro de São Paio is probably the day’s most singular archaeological point. It is located directly beside the Atlantic and preserves remains of an ancient fortified settlement related to Iron Age castro culture.
The promontory is crowned moreover by the Chapel of São Paio, so the place brings together landscape, archaeology, and religious heritage in just a few meters.
Mindelo Ornithological Reserve
The section situated between Vila Chã, Mindelo, and Árvore allows knowing one of this coastal area’s most important natural spaces.
Dunes, wetland zones, pine groves, and agricultural lands form a protected mosaic of habitats. The Way’s passage through this environment is one of the stage’s most tranquil and natural moments.
Monastery of Santa Clara of Vila do Conde
The old monastery’s profile appears before even completely entering Vila do Conde.
The church began to be constructed in 1318 and preserves a combination of Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, and Rococo elements. Its elevated position over the Ave River makes it moreover one of the city’s main visual symbols.
Parish Church of Vila do Conde
The Parish Church is one of the stage’s must-see monuments.
It is a building from the early sixteenth century with important Manueline, Gothic, and Renaissance elements. Its doorway and tower help understand the historical importance Vila do Conde had within the northern Portugal routes.
Historic Center of Vila do Conde
Beyond any specific monument, it is recommended to slowly explore the urban ensemble.
The Ave River, Santa Clara, the Parish Church, traditional streets, and the enormous presence of maritime history make Vila do Conde much more than a simple stopping point. It is probably the locality with the greatest concentration of heritage of this entire first stage.
Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Already in Póvoa de Varzim, the fortress is one of the city’s main symbols.
It was built in the eighteenth century facing the bay, at a time when it was essential to protect a population closely dependent on fishing activity. Inside is found a small chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Conceição.
Localities
District: Porto
Matosinhos
Matosinhos forms part of the Porto metropolitan area and is one of the main starting points of the Portuguese Way by the Coast. Its relationship with the ocean, the Port of Leixões, and its fishing tradition completely mark the locality’s personality.
Starting here allows quickly entering the Atlantic landscape and avoiding a long urban departure from downtown Porto.
District: Porto
Leça da Palmeira
Leça da Palmeira occupies the first part of the stage and concentrates several of its most recognizable places. The rocky coast, the Tide Pools, the Boa Nova Lighthouse, and architecture linked to Álvaro Siza make this sector much more than a simple seafront promenade.
District: Porto
Angeiras
Angeiras preserves an eminently maritime atmosphere. Its beach, small port, and presence of archaeological remains related to marine exploitation make this locality a good place to stop during the first half of the day.
District: Porto
Labruge
Labruge marks entry into Vila do Conde municipality and is a regular reference within the Portuguese Way by the Coast. Its nucleus is slightly separated from the coast, while the route used by many pilgrims continues beside beaches and walkways.
The Castro de São Paio, one of the day’s main archaeological points, is located in its surroundings.
District: Porto
Vila Chã
Vila Chã is a small locality of strong fishing tradition where the relationship between population and ocean is still easily recognized.
Its port and fishermen’s neighborhood offer one of the most authentically maritime atmospheres of this first stage.
District: Porto
Mindelo
District: Porto
Azurara
Azurara is found immediately before the Ave River crossing. The Way temporarily leaves the direct beach line and heads toward the bridge allowing entry into Vila do Conde.
Its heritage, traditional streets, and proximity to the estuary make this small locality the transition between the day’s great natural section and the urban arrival in Vila do Conde.
District: Porto
Vila do Conde
Vila do Conde is one of the great stops of the Portuguese Way by the Coast. The Monastery of Santa Clara, the Parish Church, the aqueduct, the Ave River, and its maritime tradition form a heritage ensemble that justifies stopping and exploring the city at leisure.
Furthermore, Vila do Conde is strongly linked to the Way: the municipality itself indicates the annual passage of thousands of pilgrims and the existence of different reception points distributed throughout the municipality.
District: Porto
Póvoa de Varzim
Póvoa de Varzim is the goal of this first day and one of the most important coastal cities in northern Portugal.
Its history is very closely linked to fishing. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries it became one of the great Portuguese fishing centers and that heritage continues to be visible in its port, traditional neighborhoods, and gastronomy.
The Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, the Igreja da Lapa, the Parish Church, the port, and extensive beaches complete a particularly pleasant arrival after more than twenty kilometers walking beside the Atlantic.
Route map
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