Portugal

348
PORTO & ENVIRONS
13
ESPINHO
RELAXING IN ESPINHO
DAYTIME ACTIVITIES Sports-related activities in Espinho tend to revolve around the
beach. At least four beaches are within an easy walk from the town center. Closest and
most crowded is Praia Baía; most distant (though only .5km, or 1 ⁄3 mile, east of the
center) and least crowded is Praia do Costa Verde. Between the two stretch the beige
sands of Praia Azula and Praia Pop, both of which boast clean sunbathing areas and
access to not particularly dangerous surf. If you prefer calmer waters, head for the town’s
largest swimming-pool complex, Solar Atlântico, adjacent to Praia Baía (& 22/734-41-
79). Fed with seawater, it has separate pools for diving and swimming, hundreds of
devoted aficionados (only some of whom actually swim), and lots of options for voyeuristic
intrigue. It’s open from June to September.
Grass and hard tennis courts, soccer fields, and volleyball courts are in the Nave
Sportiva, Rua 33 (& 22/731-00-59). The cluster of outdoor playing fields on the eastern
outskirts of town opened in 1996.
The Oporto Golf Club is on Rua do Golf (& 22/734-20-08), about 2.5km (11 ⁄2 miles)
south of Espinho. The 18-hole course is the second oldest in continental Europe. Greens
fees are 70€ per person.
SHOPPING The three most interesting products produced in the surrounding region
are carved-wood models of Portuguese fishing boats painted in bright colors, woven
baskets, and dolls in regional dress whose bodies are carved from wood or fashioned from
clay. Some shops operate only seasonally. Many sell items like suntan oil, sunglasses, and
cheap souvenirs. The town’s main shopping street is Rua 19.
The best spot for authentic handicrafts is Casa Ramos, Rua 23, no. 49 (& 22/734-
00-24). If you happen to be in town on a Monday, Espinho is home to one of the largest
outdoor markets in the region. Known as the Feira de Espinho, it takes place every
Monday from 7am to 8pm along the entire length of Rua 24, Rua 23, and Rua 22. Look
for carloads of produce and meats, plus some clothing and other trinkets you’d expect at
a flea market.
WHERE TO STAY & DINE
PraiaGolfe Hotel Espinho’s accommodations are a generally unimpressive lot.
The best place to stay is the PraiaGolfe, a totally renovated hotel originally opened in
1972, offering many modern comforts. The rooms are comfortable, with neatly kept
bathrooms. The streamlined hotel overlooks the sea, about 50m (164 ft.) from the railway
station. Tennis courts and golf courses are nearby. In summer, the hotel is almost
always booked, so reservations are imperative.
Rua 6, 4500-357 Espinho. & 22/733-10-00. Fax 22/733-10-01. www.praiagolfe.com. 133 units. 118€–
140€ double; 142€–160€ suite. Rates include continental or buffet breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking.
Amenities: 2 restaurants; 2 bars; babysitting; health club with Jacuzzi and sauna; indoor pool; room
service. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, minibar.
WHERE TO STAY & DINE NEARBY
Hotel Solverde Solverde is one of the most luxurious hotels in the north.
Opened in 1989, it stands on the beach of Granja, about 16km (10 miles) south of Porto,
less than 2km (11 ⁄4 miles) north of Espinho, and about 32km (20 miles) from the Porto
airport. The rates are among the lowest in Portugal for a government-rated five-star hotel.
The generally spacious guest rooms are well furnished, with excellent roomy bathrooms.
Av. de Liberdade, 4410-154 San Felix de Marinha. & 22/731-31-62. Fax 22/731-32-00. www.solverde.pt.
171 units. 135€–250€ double; 325€–450€ suite. Rates include continental breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Free