Stage 2. Póvoa de Varzim – Esposende (21 km)

Today we enter a stage of contrasts, in which besides having the ocean and the beaches as companions, we will alternate some stretches with asphalted areas. Of course, the natural sections that we will cross in the 21 kilometres that go from Póvoa de Varzim to Esposende are of great ecological value. Among others, we will cross the Litoral Norte Natural Park a protected natural area consisting of diverse habitats: majestic beaches of fine white sand with imposing dunes, vegetated back dunes, interesting tree formations, wetlands and estuaries, an important fauna; and traditional crops located very close to the coastline because they are fertilized with the seaweed "algae".sargassum".

This stage is part of the Portuguese Way along the coast. Would you like to walk it with your accommodation already booked? These organised trips include it: Portuguese Way along the coast from Oporto to Santiago and Portuguese Way along the coast from Porto to A Guarda.

You leave Póvoa de Varzim along its seafront, with beaches as the connecting thread: Fragosinho, Aguçadoura, Apúlia… The path alternates sand, cobblestones and lovely trails until crossing the river Cávado by its iron bridge and reaching Esposende, right at the river mouth. Enjoy its protected coastline and, if heritage tempts you, head to the Castro de São Lourenço. (Watch your step, the ground can be slippery on rainy days.)