Vila Nova de Gaia: A Hidden Gem

Uncovering the hidden gem

Both margins of Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto provide a fantastic region, with plenty of breathtaking views, awesome gastronomy, and the most gentle people around.

We would like to emphasize to you Vila Nova de Gaia, the "other town," a hidden gem in plain sight ready to be discovered.

There is plenty to see on the other side of the Douro River!

This guide is just a collection of recommendations, including viewpoints, restaurants, bars, monuments, and our preferred routes.

CAIS DE GAIA

Just a few seconds from CICLO, you can find the Cais de Gaia, which is a famous area where all Port Wine Cellars are located.

Plenty of options, but all amazing. Besides learning a bit of Porto wine history, you’ll also have the opportunity to taste fancy wines, which are simply a delight.

Alongside the river, the Rabelo boats stationed here - used when Porto wine used to be transport down the river by man power - add classy style to an already rustic site.

You'll also discover tourist restaurants specializing in local delicacies, making it the perfect spot to enjoy your meal with a view. And if you're up for a boat ride, the Cais de Gaia is your top choice.

AFURADA

S. Pedro da Afurada is a a very tradicional fishing village.

This fishermen's neighborhood stands out thanks to the best seafood gastronomy in the region: rustic plates, full of delicious ingredients that are fresh out of the local market!

Douro Natural Reserve

The way to Vila Nova de Gaia coastline is just starting: from here on out, pedalling straight forward will lead you to the Douro’s river-mouth natural reserve, which highlights the start of the beach.

This marks the first beach in Gaia coastline. The highlight here is the Estuary Douro Viewpoint, that has a fantastic sight to where the Douro river ends and the ocean starts.

GAIA COASTLINE

Arguably, Vila Nova de Gaia has the best coastline around.

From the Douro’s sandbank to Espinho, a city that’s part of the next district, it takes around 20km perfectly ridable on bicycle paths (colored in a red-ish track) side by side with the Atlantic Ocean!

It’s a marvelous route full of interesting activities, provided by bars/restaurants, several beaches, a golf field, volleyball courts, and fishing villages.

MADALENA

Another fantastic beach, situated in the middle of the coastline.

We recommend stopping by Daikiri bar for a drink while admiring the sights, especially the marvelous sunset!

MIRAMAR

Miramar beach is one of the largest sand areas.

The main attraction here is the Church of Senhor da Pedra, which has a fantastic park that leads to the beach, an out-of-the-box example of a literal building constructed between the sand and the ocean.

AGUDA

The largest bay in Gaia.

It’s a traditional fishing village, so if you’re into trying local gastronomy here is a fantastic place to do so. Take your time to lay down here and enjoy the sun!

ESPINHO

A city built on the beach.

Designed to the detail, with plain streets all around and a somewhat traditional heart.

For a more modernized sightsee with the ocean, with bars and restaurants, Espinho is the place to visit.

Esmoriz

Continuing even further, by passing the Espinho traditional fishermen “barrio”, you’ll find yourself in Esmoriz and its wooden paths.

They take you inside Nature, to enjoy the local flora.

This wonderful maze is a hidden delight, so you’ve the time to visit, it’s a must see.

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AROUND 30 KM OF PURE FUN!

The coastline from “this side” of the river is amazing.

Full of delicious details, it’s begging you to discover them all.

Natural landscapes are just a small treat, when you take into account all the personalised experiences you can plan.

Feel free to check the map on the right that has all the places mentioned before (ridable of course on a bicycle).

Of course that any of you can always get in touch with us!