Praia de Pontes

Povoa de Varzim, Portugal, Portugal

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Praia de Pontes is a small coastal beach located in Aver-o-Mar within the urban area of Póvoa de Varzim, in Porto District of northern Portugal.

This modest-sized beach features a sandy stretch of approximately 63 meters in frontage and 43 meters in depth, with a significant abundance of rocks in its northern section. Much of the beach area is occupied by beach bars and huts (called "barracas"), which are iconic wooden structures that create lively beachside atmosphere and serve as venues for nighttime entertainment and social gatherings in the city.

Praia de Pontes is part of the larger Lagoa bathing zone, which includes neighboring beaches like Praia da Lagoa and Praia de Fragosinho forming a connected coastal area. The beach is patrolled with lifeguard surveillance from June 15 to September 15, 2026, making it safe for swimming during the summer season.

It offers convenient urban access with paved roads and pedestrian walkways along the entire beach length, and is situated near the city's famous Avenida dos Banhos, the oceanfront promenade lined with hotels, bars, cafes, and the prestigious Casino of Póvoa de Varzim. The beach is beach-accessible and experiences typical northern Portugal summer winds known as "nortadas" from the north, with average summer water temperatures around 16°C.