Barcelos is most well-known for its colourful market held each Thursday, although it is also a centre for pottery, lace and embroidered linen. It is famed for its connection with the Rooster of Barcelos, known as a symbol for Portugal. The surrounding countryside is dotted with hills with panoramic terraces past which the Cávado river flows.
Beaches are within easy reach. Esposende has an excellent beach situated at the mouth of the Cávado river. It is backed by dunes and, although popular, it is a relaxed town with activities including water sports and nature walks or bird watching. On the other side of the Cávado river the beach at Ofir lies in the North Coast Natural Park. It’s a long, sandy Blue Flag beach with a surf school. To the south is Apulia, another sandy beach with an abundance of simple local restaurants backing it which offer great food at excellent prices.
The mixture of coastal towns for fresh fish and seafood and traditional local cuisine combine to offer a wide range of dishes. Cozido a Portuguesa is a stew with all sorts of vegetables together with pork, chicken and chorizo sausage. Along the coast search out the catch of the day which will have been brought in by local fishermen that morning. Also popular are sea bass and an octopus dish known as ‘Polvo da Pedra’, a tomato sauce base served with potatoes and vegetables. All suit the accompaniment of the local Vinho Verde wine.
