“Lifeguarded Beach from to days for the start of bathing season.” Does that sound appealing? Welcome to Praia 37 in Espinho. It is an oceanic beach. Praia 37 lies in the northern hemisphere. It is bathed by the Atlantic Ocean. You are standing on the coast of Portugal. More precisely you are in the municipality of Espinho.
Praia 37 is conveniently located. It sits in front of the Espinho Municipal Museum. It is also near the Espinho football stadium. As you head south, the long stretch of sand begins to widen, inviting you for a stroll. To the north, the beach is defined by a pier. Further south, another pier extends about 300 meters, marking the end of Espinho Bay.
The best access to Praia 37 is via Rua 33. Keep that in mind for later.
Espinho beach, including Praia 37, is considered the finest beach near Porto. This vast beach is close to the laid-back town of Espinho. It is an easy train ride from central Porto. Espinho makes a great day trip for those wanting a relaxing beach day during their Porto holiday.
Espinho beach is part of a 17km stretch of sand. It extends south from the Douro estuary. During peak season, the central part of the beach can get crowded. But don’t worry. Its length ensures there’s always space for everyone.
Facing west, Praia 37 is exposed to the powerful Atlantic Ocean. The waves are good for surfing. Be warned. The sea temperature can be surprisingly cold, even in summer. Espinho town is the largest resort in the area. It has many hotels, restaurants, and bars for your convenience.
To get here from Porto, take the train from São Bento station. It passes through Campanhã station. A return ticket costs about €3.90. The journey takes 30-40 minutes. Trains run at least hourly during the day. At peak times, there are up to three departures per hour. Espinho train station is central. It is less than a minute’s walk to the beach.
Espinho is known as a traditional fishing beach. The waves at Praia 37 are large and powerful. They are perfect for surfing. Surfboards and wetsuits can be hired for around €15 for two hours. Lifeguards supervise the beach during summer. Surfing is only allowed between designated flags. You can also rent parasols and sun loungers for about €10 a day.
Espinho is famous for its casino. It is the largest in northern Portugal. The casino has gambling rooms and daily cabaret shows. The main shopping street starts from the casino. It is filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Espinho is a popular Portuguese holiday spot. It offers great value for money, especially for food and drink. Many dishes feature fresh fish. A local specialty is caldeirada, a hearty fish stew.
Espinho has a small fishing fleet. Colourful boats are pulled onto the beach. Fresh fish is sold each morning by the fishermen’s wives. This open-air fish market is lively. It is usually over by 9 am.
Every Monday morning, the Feira de Espinho market takes place. It is the largest market in northern Portugal. The market covers three town blocks. You can buy almost anything here. That includes local handicrafts and farmers’ produce. The market can get very busy. So be careful of pickpockets.
In conclusion, Praia 37 offers a rich experience. It combines natural beauty with cultural charm. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Praia 37 has something for everyone.