Esposende lies on the northern side of Rio Cavado as you head north into Minho proper. It combines the usual charms of an old town centre and a good beach on the northern side with a fort and lighthouse, Forte de Sao Joao Baptista.

Esposende (photo: Vitor Oliveira)

The beach is near-enough deserted most of the year until you reach Sao Bartolomeu do Mar, a little fishing village which is also home to one of the most peculiar rituals. Every year at the end of Festas de Sao Bartolomeu on August 24th, families bring sick children to be "cured" by taking the Banho Santo.

Igreja Matriz, Esposende (photo: Jose Goncalves)

This is not quite the simple immersion in holy water you might expect. Apparently the participants have a black cockerel tied to their heads, are walked around the church three times and then ducked in the sea a similar amount by an obliging celebrant. Of such things are miracles made ...

Esposende Museum (photo: Jose Goncalves)

The local cuisine is quite interesting, too. Try the arroz de lampreia (lamprey cooked with rice and a delicious combination of meat, wine and seasoned vegetables), followed by clarinhas de Fao (pastries stuffed with sweet marrow).

Ponte de Fao (photo: Jose Goncalves)

For your accommodation we offer Adelaide, a villa for 6 people with private pool at Fonte Boa, about 7km from Esposende, and Parque do Rio hotel near the beach at Ofir, just across the Fao bridge on the southern side of Rio Cavado. Do please Contact Us with any queries.