Porto and the North

Praia do Molhe is another of Porto's beaches along the Foz district of the city. Like neighbouring beaches, Molhe is a mixture of coarse sand and rocks with its own beachfront cafe. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the beach (and where it gets its name) is the stone jetty which runs out from the beach. This was built to protect the bathing waters here from the northerly swells.

Praia do Carneiro is the closest of Porto's beaches to the mouth of the River Douro. In fact the old breakwater and lighthouse (Farol de Felgueiras) here mark the southern end of the beach and the entrance to the river. Behind the beach is the impressive Fortaleza de São João da Foz, a 16th century fortress built to defend the mouth of the Douro.

Just along from the beach of Leça da Palmeira, past the Piscina das Marés tidal swimming pool is another stretch of sand - Praia de Fuzelhas.

Whilst much of the shoreline here is rocky, above the tide line is fine golden sand. When the tide does go out lots of rock pools are revealed making this a good spot for kids, with plenty of exploring to be done.

As a Blue Flag beach there are plenty of facilities and the water quality is good. There are a cafes at each end of the beach here and a lifeguard service during the summer.

Nossa Senhora da Guia Beach is located just north of the mouth of the river Ave in Vila do Conde. This little sandy beach is bordered by the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia and the Forte de São João.

Despite its size the beach here is quite popular, partly owing to the fact it is sheltered from the northerly winds.

As is common to this part of the coast, there are quite a few rocky outcrops. At low tide these form rock pools which are always popular with small children. For the grown ups there is also a beach bar with a terrace that is open all year.

The Praia do Cabedelo is located just across the mouth of the river Lima from the northern city of Viana do Castelo. Cabedelo and neighbouring Praia de Luzia Mar are some of the finest beaches in the Minho region with their fine white sand backed by low dunes and extensive pine forests. From here there are views across the river to the medieval city and the stunning Santuário de Santa Luzia, perched high above.

Praia do Cabedelo is a great spot for relaxing and feeling at one with nature. It is also a popular surf spot.

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.

The most northerly beach in Portugal, Praia da Foz do Minho sits on the very river that separates the country from Spain. The beach at Caminha wraps around the coast and alongside the river giving beachgoers two options; the fine sandy beach facing into the powerful waves of the Atlantic or the river with coarser sand but calm waters.

Around 200 metres off the coast here is the imposing 17th century Forte de Insua. Originally the site of a chapel, the island was later commandeered for its strategic importance at the mouth of the River Minho and on the Spanish border.

Located a few kilometres south of Esposende, on the far side of the river Cavado is the long sandy beach of Apúlia. Backed by a low promenade and small village there are plenty of facilities at Apúlia - which is what you would expect of a Blue Flag beach. During the summer season the beach is patrolled by lifeguards making it a good family choice.

Apúlia's most iconic feature are a number of old windmills set in the dunes at the northern end of the beach. These no longer have their sails and have been converted into accommodation.

The Farol de Esposende (Esposende Lighthouse) set in front of the Forte de São João Baptista de Esposende. The 15 metre tall lighthouse dates back to 1922 is unusual in that it is made of metal.

The fort dates back to the late 17th century and was built to guard the mouth of the river

Both buildings sit on the northern banks of the river Cávado just behind Esposende's beach

The town of Esposende is firmly off the international tourist trail and you will find barely a mention of it in any guide book. Despite this Esposende is well worth a visit if you are passing, which you may well be if you are visiting the medieval town of Barcelos or heading to the coast from Braga.