Leisure in Póvoa de Varzim

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Passeio Alegre district.

Casino da Póvoa.

Used by locals and visitors to take a walk along the beaches of the city, Passeio Alegre is a nightlife area, with nightclubs, bars, and cafés along the way. In the south end, the Passeio Alegre Square, is an esplanade and bar area where younger Poveiros meet, before going on to the nightclubs, located in the two extremities of Passeio Alegre, very late at night. Nearby, Casino da Póvoa is a central gaming and entertainment location in the North since the 1930s, where gaming and shows take place throughout the year. In 2006, it was the second casino in revenues, with 54 million euros and the third most popular with 1.2 million costumers.^[1]

Póvoa de Varzim's beach is a 12 km, or 7.5 mi, stretch of golden sands, forming small coves and divided by rocks, renowned for being rich in iodine. Most beaches in the city are family-oriented such as Redonda, Salgueira or Lagoa Beach and during the summer period it can get crowded while those away from the city core, such as Santo André, have hassle-free surroundings. Salgueira and Aguçadoura are surfing beaches, while others such as Verde and Quião Beach are gay-flirting areas. Located near a camping park, Rio Alto Beach is frequently chosen by naturists given its difficult access and the privacy offered by the sand dunes.^[2]

Rio Alto is a tourist area attracting golfers, naturists, and campers.

Póvoa de Varzim's busiest shopping district is Junqueira, whose central street has been solely pedestrian since 1955 and renowned, nationwide, for its jewellery. It is rich in 19th century and early 20th century buildings. Some of the nearby streets have also become pedestrian. Restaurants specialized in Portuguese barbecued chicken, seafood, francesinha, bacalhau, even striptease, can be found along the Estrada Nacional 13 road.

The Ecomuseu de Rates (8 km or 5 mi) is a green, historical and countryside route, with various stations starting on the Praça (the Square) with the Senhor da Praça baroque chapel, the Rates pillory and the old Rates township house, and going along primordial springs, wind and water mills, rustic ways and houses.^[3]

São Félix Hill possesses windmills converted into tourist accommodation with panoramic views over the city and the countryside, the hilltop is reached using the São Félix stairs. Póvoa de Varzim has varied hotels, some of which include the Grand Hotel (Mercure Hotel), built in the 1930s, near the casino; and the inns installed in the Santo André Beach, on the top of the São Félix hill and near the golf course.