Póvoa de Varzim grew from an older settlement farther inland, while a fishing district expanded along the bay during the 18th century. Fishing families became concentrated in the Bairro Sul, laid out on former sandy ground with its main streets parallel to the sea and narrow lanes leading to the shore. By the 18th and 19th centuries, Póvoa was one of Portugal's largest fish markets.
From the 19th century, Póvoa also developed as a seaside resort, an identity still visible in its beachfront avenues and casino. The fishing community used siglas poveiras (Póvoa family marks) to identify boats, nets, tools and other possessions, and the symbols still appear around the town today.
What to see in Póvoa de Varzim
Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Conceição
The Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Conceição was built between 1701 and 1740 to protect Póvoa's harbour, fishing fleet and shipbuilding from corsairs and pirates. Construction stopped for more than thirty years because of a lack of funds before João V ordered the work resumed in 1738. Inside the four-bastioned fortress is a small 18th-century chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Conceição.
Painéis de Azulejos
Created by local artist Fernando Gonçalves in 2004, these 40 azulejo panels depict Póvoa's fishing community, old streets and notable local figures. Look for the siglas poveiras (Póvoa family marks), the geometric symbols traditionally used by fishing families to identify boats, nets and other possessions.
Where to stay in Póvoa de Varzim
Albergue de peregrinos São José de Ribamar
Sardines and Friends Hostel
