Vila do Conde

Bobbin lace

The manufacture of bobbin lace in Vila do Conde dates back to at least the 16th century, and over the years it has become one of the city's most significant ex-libris.

Fisherman's wool

The manufacture of wool sweaters and other garments (hats, socks, gloves), especially in Azurara, is a centuries-old activity that sought to meet the needs of sailors and fishermen, producing thick sweaters, hats and socks - suitable for cold nights at sea - and single-fingered gloves (adapted to make fishing easier).

The "Curtas de Vila do Conde" International Film Festival was first held in 1993. It is dedicated to national and international short film competitions.

Every year, the Festival presents the best of contemporary international and national cinema, including fiction, animation and documentaries, as well as a series of non-competitive program blocks that include retrospectives, special events such as concert films, performances and various activities especially dedicated to young people.

Vila do Conde's gastronomy reflects its geographical location in relation to the sea and the rich agricultural region.

Currently, petinga "à moda das Caxinas", octopus rice and all the variety of fish and shellfish from our coast are particularly popular.

In turn, roast kid at Easter and grilled sardines at St. John's are the most popular dishes and these religious dates would not be the same without these fundamental ingredients.

Two pilgrimage routes to Santiago cross through the municipality of Vila do Conde. Both have different histories, different landscapes and different chronological affiliations.

The relationship between Vila do Conde and the Camino de Santiago is a long one. While the Central Way is linked to the first pilgrimages and has remained the main pilgrimage route in Portugal to this day, the Coastal Way came to life at the beginning of the Modern Age, as a result of the growth and consolidation of the urban centers near the Atlantic Ocean.

The Nautical Station aims to establish itself as a platform for cooperation between identified players in the area, providing a tourist product that is intended to be of high quality, as well as boosting local interest and motivations for better use, both by the resident community and by visitors and tourists. The aim is to make its natural and maritime resources known in a sustainable way, making the most of them and transforming them into a fundamental lever for the local economies of each of the municipalities.

Every four years, Vila do Conde waits for you on Corpus Christi to share with you one of the most important traditions of the municipality and its people.

The Flower Carpets are an unusual event, the result of a great effort by the community, which reinforces Vila do Conde's identity in the country and in the world. On this day, Vila do Conde is enveloped by an unforgettable color and a fresh scent that awakens unique sensations!

The result of a collective effort, a tradition passed down from generation to generation, the Flower Carpets are an ancient art, resulting from the joining of many hands, the transmission and improvement of knowledge within a community over centuries.

From the time it was built until José Régio took possession of it, the house always belonged to his paternal family. On the death of "Godmother" Libânia in 1928, the property came into the possession of José Régio's father by inheritance, giving rise to a new cycle in the use of the house. This phase ended with the death of the poet's father, who succeeded him as sole owner of the property.
In the 1960s, the house underwent its last major alteration, the result of an intervention carried out by José Régio, when he definitively adapted the house to his tastes and according to the desired functionality.

A journey of history and timeless luxury.
An authentic destination.
A contemporary hotel with a fascinating past.

Situated in the heart of Vila do Conde, at the intersection of the serene waters of the River Ave and the grandeur of the ocean, stands the hotel that inhabits the historic Santa Clara Monastery.

Its uniqueness lies not only in its remarkable architecture, but also in its ability to combine historical legacy with contemporary comfort and sophistication. This magnificent building, with its neoclassical features and exquisite symmetry, is a testament to the passage of time and radiates an imposing presence. Its origins date back to 1318, the result of a dream by its founders, but the Monastery as we know it today is the result of several renovations that took place in the 18th century.

Convent sweets are a centuries-old tradition in Vila do Conde. The Convents and Monasteries were the great driving forces behind these traditions from an early age, and Vila do Conde is a prime example of this, with the Monasteries of Santa Clara and Vairão. The Convent of Santa Clara, where the art of confectionery reached the utmost care and perfection, was a true school. Among its many specialties, the most noteworthy are the Beijos de Freira, the Melindres de Vila do Conde, the Pastéis de Santa Clara, the Rebuçados de Ovos, the Rosquinhas, the Sapatetas and the Sopa Dourada das Freiras de Santa Clara.

Originally built by Comendador Joaquim Moreira de Melo in 1833, Palacete Melo is part of an urban complex (Rua Artur da Cunha Araújo, Rua Júlio Graça, Rua Bento Freitas and Rua Sacadura Cabral) that exemplifies the romantic idea of a seaside resort at the end of the 19th century. After his death, his exotic palace passed through several owners, including other "Brazilians" such as Francisco Marques Rodrigues and Bento Luíz de Aguiar, who named it Vila Josefina after his wife.

With traditional shops that are still very much present in the daily lives of Vila do Conde residents, you'll find a bit of everything in this city where peace and quiet reigns and quality of life is synonymous with living in Vila do Conde.

If you're looking for big brand stores, then Vila do Conde Porto Fashion Outlet offers exclusive services for the whole family, leisure and relaxation areas and restaurants to provide you with a unique shopping experience at very special prices.