Vila do Conde

At the mouth of the River Ave, Vila do Conde is a town of narrow streets, old convents and a long sandy beach. Once an important port for shipbuilding and trade, it is now a relaxed seaside town within easy reach of Porto, with a historic centre well worth exploring.

History and identity

Vila do Conde grew rich in the Middle Ages as a port and shipyard, and its wealth is still visible in the convent of Santa Clara and the town’s old houses. Its long tradition of needlework, still practised today, gave the town an international reputation.

What to see and do

• The historic centre, with its riverside streets and old houses.
• The convent of Santa Clara and its church.
• The aqueduct and the old port area.
• The beach and the coastal path towards the Ave estuary.

Gastronomy and traditions

The town is known for its needlework and for the seafood of the northern coast, as well as for the local cakes and convent sweets. Its festivals and processions, including the São João celebrations, are part of the traditional calendar of the Minho.

Visiting Vila do Conde

Vila do Conde is about 30 kilometres north of Porto, reached by road and metro. For museums, events and local conditions, check the official website before your visit.

Visitor information: cm-viladoconde.pt.

Image credit: Vila do Conde, Portugal, by Vitor Oliveira, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.