4 Best Best Beaches in Espinho

With the name Espinho translating to 'thorn', it is perhaps no surprise that this crumbling beach resort less than 20km south of Porto features the ubiquitous ugly high-rise buildings and polluted water that are the less attractive side-effects of tourism.

There is a long stretch of golden sandy beach, but it tends to be hot and overcrowded in summer and deserted and exposed to the prevailing northerly winds in winter, with the cleanest section, the Praia da Baia, right opposite the glitzy, neon-lit Casino Solverde.

Although Praia da Granja is often described as being in Vila Nova de Gaia it is actually right next door to Espinho, in the town of São Félix da Marinha. From Porto it is about 45 minutes drive to Praia da Granja.

The beach here is a fine stretch of sand, although the foreshore becomes rocky as the tide goes out. During the summer months there is a lifeguard patrol at Granja. Also, being a Blue Flag beach there are plenty of facilities and good disabled access.

Just 10 kilometres south of Porto, Miramar is a small seaside town famous for the Capela do Senhora Pedra, a 17th century chapel strikingly situated on a rocky, wave-beaten headland jutting out from the beach.

In many ways the town is an upmarket residential suburb of Porto, boasting a famous 9-hole golf course and a number of large houses and mansions.

The small resort of Furadoura just 5km from the town of Ovar boasts an extensive sandy beach backed by a long stretch of pine-fringed dunes. Like most Silver Coast resorts, although it can get crowded in summer, Furadouro is relatively unspoilt. The water quality is good- the beach has a European Blue Flag award – and the water’s edge is patrolled by Lifeguards in season. Good facilities for the disabled, easy parking and numerous bars, cafes and restaurants make this a relaxing choice for people of all ages.