24 Hours In Esposende On The Portuguese Camino De Santiago.

Esposende is a small town located on the Atlantic Coast of Portugal and a stopping point on the Portuguese Coastal Camino De Santiago.

Despite being home to numerous blue-flag white sand beaches, Esposende has yet to become known as the international tourist destination.

Esposende is situated next to the Cávado River which empties into the Atlantic Ocean. While the town has strong links to the fishing industry, Esposende’s history goes back to the Bronze Age. Within a few kilometres of the town are a number of well preserved and fascinating archaeological sites.

So, let’s take a look at things to do and see in 24 hours in Esposende.

Beach Life

With so many beautiful and wild beaches in this area, free from mass tourism, pilgrims are spoilt for choice when looking for a place to enjoy a spot of sun-worshipping. The main beaches close to Esposende are Praia de Ofir and Praia Suave Mar, both of which are part of the Litoral de Esposende protected landscape.

The beaches of Esponsede are the perfect place to try out surfing and kite-surfing with three surf camps in the area and paddleboards are available to explore the estuary waters.

Photo Credit Wikipedia

Castro de São Lourenço

Castro de São Lourenço is located a couple of kilometres from Esposende around two hundred metres above sea level. Dating back to the 4th century BC, many believe the village was occupied before medieval times.

Due to the vantage point high above the Cavado River, the site was part of a series of hill forts which controlled the region’s coastal shipping route.

Set among the pine forests on the hillside of São Lourenço. the village consists of granite houses and the remains of the three defensive ramparts.

Other sites of archaeological interest in the area include several dolmen type burial chambers, standing stones, and the medieval cemetery of Barreiras in nearby Fão.

Igreja da Misericórdia de Esposende

Located in the historical centre, the Igreja de Misericordia de Esposende is a Portuguese national monument.

Built in the 17th century, the Baroque church is charming, if a little understated, with granite portals and the town’s coat of arms on the gable.

Inside, the Crucifixion shrine in the Capala do Senhor dos Mareantes is the main attraction which includes sculptures of Mary, Joseph, gilded sun rays and the heads of angels.

Museu Municipal de Esposende & Museu Marítimo de Esposende

There are two museums in Esponsende: Museu Municipal and Museu Maritimo.

The Museu Municipal includes exhibits dating back to the upper Palaeolithic through to medieval times. There are finds from the Castro de São Lourenço, such as buckles, hairpins, coins, knives, spearheads and glassware.

There’s also material from the medieval cemetery in Fão, a Roman villa unearthed in Apúlia, and three Megalithic dolmens close to the town.

The Museu Maritimo shares Esposende’s extensive maritime history with models, photographs and equipment salvaged from ships.

Photo Credit Wikipedia

Santuário da Senhora da Guia

The Santuario de Senhora sits on a hill high above the Atlantic Ocean. Rebuilt in 1970, the climb is worth the while to enjoy views from the chapel including a garden, fountain, monumental cross, and statutes of people of importance to the area.

If you plan to walk the Camino de Santiago and need a little helping hand preparing for your journey, why not let me take care of the mundane, leaving you to enjoy the magic? I offer Camino Itinerary Planning on the Portuguese Camino and Camino Finisterre y Muxia.

If you plan to walk the Camino de Santiago, check out my book, A Wild Woman’s Guide To The Camino de Santiago. I share everything you need to know before you begin your Camino. Read at A Wild Woman’s Guide To The Camino De Santiago or click the link below.

(c) Samantha Wilson 2019.  All Rights Reserved.

I’m a Camino de Santiago Guide who inspires people from all over the world to live a more adventurous life.
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