Espinho is one of the smallest municipalities in Portugal, located just 16 km from Porto. It’s an understatement to say that I am enchanted by this place and the beauty of the simple life it offers. Situated on the Atlantic Ocean, it boasts endlessly long sandy beaches that have not been commercialized, allowing you to enjoy their simplicity. The promenade is wide and spacious, but unlike most coastal towns, it is not crowded with shops and restaurants. At the end of the promenade, there’s a long path designed for walkers to stroll through the dunes.
For walking and running enthusiasts, this is the perfect place to enjoy these activities by the ocean in the early morning or evening, as the temperatures are much cooler compared to daytime. The sunrises and sunsets over the ocean are truly magnificent. The beaches are also well-equipped for sand sports, so you can play tennis, football, or volleyball. For those interested in learning to surf, there’s a surfing school right on the beach. Espinho is renowned for its volleyball clubs and is considered the volleyball capital of Portugal.
If you wake up early, you’ll have the chance to see fresh fish being brought in from the shore, caught that very morning, and immediately delivered to an improvised market on the promenade. There, you’ll also find the fishermen’s house, where local fishermen gather. For me, this was a unique experience, having the opportunity to witness this firsthand.
I was in Espinho in August, and the ocean was freezing—very few people were brave enough to swim. The wind could be quite strong, and while I was lying on the beach, I didn’t even notice how intense the sun was because of the wind, so I ended up getting sunburned on the very first day. The temperatures were around 28°C, which was perfect, especially since the mornings and evenings were noticeably cooler.
Restaurants aren’t open all day; they only operate during lunch and dinner hours.
Espinho has a train station that is well-connected to the rest of the country, which allowed me to visit Porto, Lisbon, Braga, and Aveiro by train, and I can say it was a fantastic experience. The trains are frequent and affordable.
The city is known for its legal gambling and Casino Solverde. The Feira de Espinho is famous throughout Portugal.
If you’re looking for nightlife, you won’t find much in this small town. A few bars stay open until the early morning hours, but there are no nightclubs or discos. This is the perfect place for anyone who wants to slow down and reconnect with themselves. What left the biggest impression on me were the people, who have managed to preserve the soul and beauty of a simple life.
