When we talk about a beach vacation in Portugal most people immediately think about Algarve and its iconic beaches. Some may even talk about the beaches in Lisbon and Porto. Few mention Espinho unless you are a local that is.
After our visit to Porto last year, we felt like we had most of the sights covered. We still loved the vibe in the general area so I started scouting for a beach just a little south of the city. That way Shawn and the girls would get some laid back time at the beach while I read my book. If we were bored then we could head to Porto to break the monotony.
Espinho turned out to be a one of the coolest locations in the north. It was very laid back and had the full beach vibe. It was also popular with day trippers who wanted a quieter beach to enjoy. Despite that it was still pretty laid back and non crowded.
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Table of Contents
Where Is Espinho?
Despite the fact that Espinho is a day trip from Porto, the city lies in the Aveiro district of Portugal. It is well connected to Porto via the public transport system which is why it is so popular as a day trip. Staying in the area is even better. I should know because that’s exactly what we did. If you play your cards right, you will find that the accommodation and expenses also reduce significantly.
Where To Stay In Espinho?
There are loads of choices in Espinho and I have to warn you that if you book the accommodation just before your vacation, you will find that the prices rise considerably. We booked our accommodation about six months in advance and got a pretty nice place for four of us with free parking. All we had to do was walk 500m to the beach.
Green Coast Surf House (Budget)
⭐️ Rating: 8.7/10 (304 Reviews) Price: $66 per night 📍Location: Avenida 8, 1156, Espinho
Details: Read more on booking.com now!
Green Coast Surf house is located very close to the beach so much so the walk hardly counts at all. It is cheap so if you are looking for a nice comfortable accommodation that does not break the bank, then this is it. It’s also family friendly which is great if you are traveling with kids.
Did I mention that breakfast is included in the price? I count that as a bonus because the price was good even without it. Anyways, the accommodation also provides the guests with free cycles so you can get about pretty easily.
“This was the perfect combination of luxury and value for money – super close to the beach with amazing host”
Charl (read more reviews…)
Another bonus is that there are terraces and a garden where you can chill at when you are at home. There is also free parking which is something that helps keep the budget down. The only downside is that there is no air-conditioning. But given the price I think its okay.
Exe Praia Golfe (Mid Range)
⭐️ Rating: 8/10 (3,917 Reviews) Price: $89 per night 📍Location: Rua 6, Espinho Details: Read more on booking.com now!
This is a slightly more expensive place to stay in but it comes with a lot of luxury for the price. It has its own spa facilities so you can easily pamper yourself on your vacation without searching for a nearby spa. The location is pretty unbeatable because it is located right at the beach which means that you will have some awesome views while you are there. Too hot? No worries, just stay indoors with the same view.
For those of you who are commuting by train, you will find that the train station is just 500m away which makes getting to the accommodation remarkably easy. Add in the indoor swimming pool which gives you a chance to enjoy the water even when the weather is not so favorable.
If you opt to dine in the hotel restaurant, you still get to enjoy the views. Oh and yes air conditioning which is pretty awesome when the temperatures push to wards the high 30s or 40C.
“Excellent location: right on the beach. Just a few minutes walk from Espinho station with direct route to Porto Sao Bento and Porto Campanhã. We enjoyed the sauna, pool and sun lounge areas. Away from the hustle & bustle of the city. Lots of places to eat. Very good massage. Great sea view. Very relaxing. Modern bar area. Spacious room. Comfortable bed.”
Marjorie (read more reviews… )
The Beaches In Espinho
The beaches in Espinho are the main attraction of this city because it has a long coast with nice white sand beaches. Once the weather starts to warm up, you will find that people head here to chill. Now there is a difference between Espinho and the southern coast of Portugal and the difference lies in the temperature of water. Algarve has warm water so you can easily head out for a swim. Espinho however has water that will freeze your bones.
I did not even get in the water. Not even to touch my toes. Shawn bounced about on the beach, ran in and then ran out at a remarkable speed. Hahahaha… He wasn’t the only person. Many of the people around us did the same.
The sun is very hot in summer and the UV index is high so carry your own parasol and sunscreen. This will definitely help because there is no shade at the beach.
Which Beach In Espinho Is The Best?
This one is rather hard because they were all great. Each part of the beach is just slightly different. We liked Praia Azul Espinho and Praia de Sereias. Partly because they were the easiest to walk to and because they were next to the main city. That way we could head out for a snack in between or just sit and chill at one of the coffee shops whenever we wanted.
There were also toilets which was nice because we did not have to worry about that at all. We could also easily head to a grocery store for picnic supplies.
If you love football, volleyball or other beach sports then Praia 37 is a better bet. There are many courts to choose from and you can join in with the locals.
Where To Eat In Espinho?
Espinho has plenty of great places to eat. After spending a number of days in the mountains, we were glad to swap out the red meat for fish. It is worth noting that even in Espinho many places serve up beef and pork as the main course. So if you want something different make sure you browse through the menu at the start.
My personal recommendations for an excellent meal are:
1. Restaurante O Peixeiro
This is my absolute favorite restaurant in Espinho. They have the freshest fish served up in different ways and everything is delicious. They also serve salads and steamed veggies at the side. Let’s not forget the bacalhau. It is a small family run restaurant with about 6 to 8 tables so it fills up quickly. If you are on the look out for a fancy vibe then this isn’t it. It’s more rustic and cozy.
The restaurant is very popular so make a reservation. We came by thinking we could walk in and could only get a reservation for much later at night. The owners were super sweet and they allowed the kids to check out the food section and kept chatting with them while we were there. Despite the buzz around you, the meal was unrushed. If you get a chance to choose only one restaurant in Espinho then this should be it!
2. Maria Barraca
Maria Barraca is a great spot to head to if you are in the city.
Mind you this restaurant only opens at lunch time so if you want a meal here you need to head there around 12pm. No reservations prior because its all walk in.
The place has a lot of seating and a nice terrace at the back where you can enjoy the ambiance. What its known for is its Portuguese food.
Maria Barraca serves up all kinds of Portuguese delicacies that feel like they’ve been made by your grandmother. Considering that it is a family run business, I wouldn’t be surprised if grandmother’s recipes were involved.
This restaurant in Espinho is great for its ambiance, easily accessible from the beach or the city and is well loved.
Things To Do In Espinho
Just because the vibe at Espinho is very laid back, doesn’t mean that there is nothing to do. In fact, there are tons of activities. Most of them are centered around the beach.
1. Chill At The Beach
It goes without saying that the top activity in Espinho is to literally just chill at the beach. The kids have plenty of fun, the adults get to chill. You head home with a lot of sand and happy hearts. Since the beaches are numerous, you can even choose one that is the closest to your accommodation. That way you don’t even need transport.
My advice is to carry a parasol because its hot and without shade. Also carry your own water and sunscreen. The afternoons are the hottest and most people choose to come earlier in the morning or in the evening. Another thing to know that is specific to beaches in the area is that despite the temperatures being high, you will find that often the breeze is cold so in the nights you may need a light sweater.
2. Beach Sports Are Awesome
The youngsters that use the beach love the beach sports. There’s a designated place for football and volleyball but they set up shop in many parts of the beach. People just join in and have fun. It’s pretty awesome to watch.
3. Watersports Too
Surfing is a big thing in Espinho but it is important to know that the water is cold so you need a dry suit. There are even some surfing schools around. I would advocate doing your research in advance because you can check out their reviews online.
4. Walk Along The Promenade
I loved walking along the promenade at night after we were done with a day at the beach. It was calm and peaceful. There is even an ice-cream stall you can get an ice-cream at. The views are incredible, its not very crowded and its the perfect way to start or end a day. Its also a great place to watch the sun set on the horizon. It reminded me so much of home.
5. Chill At One Of The Local Cafes
There are a number of pastelarias and cafes in the area. Honestly if you have a sweet tooth or even if you want a savory snack then this is the place to be.
You will find that one of the popular things to do in Espinho among the locals is to sit down for a hot cup of coffee and a small snack.
We did this for every breakfast and the girls loved it. It’s all a great way to beat the afternoon heat. We often sat with a couple of coloring books for the kids and our kindles.
6. Go Shopping
Espinho is not well known for its shopping culture but it has a number of small stores that have cute stuff in them. Especially when it comes to beachwear and clothes. I found myself browsing through these and bought a couple of nice outfits. Just note that people take a lunch break so most of the shops are closed in the afternoons.
7. Indulge In The Local Cuisine
People talk about the food scene in Lisbon and Porto. Few people realize that there are loads of good places to eat in the other parts of Portugal. Espinho though a quiet town has a number of cool restaurants which I have talked about in the beginning. Food here is not a rushed affair which is quiet a contrast to the Dutch way of life that we are currently used to. It was a reminder of live back at home.
Food is an occasion to socialize. It’s not uncommon for families or friends together and spend a couple of hours chatting over a meal. So take it slow and relax.
8. Visit The Casino
Espinho also has its own casino in the city. It wasn’t something we visited but we noticed it while we were headed to the beach so I thought I would just drop it in here. It had several shows playing too.
9. Take A Day Trip
It is quite common to make Lisbon and Porto the base for your stay in Portugal and head out on day trips from there. Places like Espinho are also great alternatives if you have a mode of transport. They are less expensive, parking is easier and so is entering and exiting the city.
There are so many great places that you can visit from Espinho. Some good examples are:
My list is a bit short because we really did not leave the beach much during our stay but these were all the places I bookmarked.
Espinho is one of those places in Portugal that is perfect if you want to unwind. For us it was a break from the chaotic life that we had been living in for months. There was always something to do back home. Here we could chill and forget everything, embrace a slower pace, connect with ourselves and each other. The best part is that even when we wanted to do something different, there were things to do in Espinho and around.
So if that’s the kind of break you are looking for then bookmark this quaint sea side town. Espinho definitely ticks all the boxes for a beachside vacation.