Estela

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Estela
Coat of arms of Estela
Parish coat of arms
Municipality Póvoa de Varzim
Area 11.73 km²
Population
 - Total 2,596 (2001)
 - Density 221.3/km²
Website: none
Rio Alto Beach.
Rio Alto Beach.

Estela is a Portuguese parish, located in the municipality of Póvoa de Varzim. In the census of 2001, it had a population of 2,596 inhabitants and a total area of 11.73 km².

Estela is known by its masseira farm practice and its name derives from Latin Stella (star).

[edit] History

Estela Parish is known since at least the 11th century. The "Couto" letter of the parish of Estela and Villa Mendo dates from 1140 and was given by king Afonso I, the first king of Portugal to the monks of Tibães. It is said, that in this document, King Afonso declares himself by the first time as King of Portugal.

[edit] Geography

Estela is located 7 km from the north of downtown Póvoa de Varzim. The north has border with the municipality of Esposende, at east by Laúndos, the south with the parishes of Aguçadoura, Navais, and Terroso and it as a shoreline in the Atlantic Ocean by the west. With the city, Estela is the one of the zones most dynamic at tourist level of municipality, there’s a golf course, considered one of the best link courses in Portugal, the camping park and hotels.

In 18th century, the monks of Tibães planted pinewood, which today characterizes the civil parish of Estela.

[edit] Hamlets

Contriz, Teso, Urzes, Carrascos, Baldoia, Barros, Frinjo, Fontainha, Carregosa, Igreja, Outeiro, Estrada, and Pedrinha.