Praia da Figueira
One of the widest urban beaches in Europe — three kilometres of fine golden sand, lifeguards in season and a long boardwalk. From the building, it's a two-minute walk.
Things to do in Figueira da Foz
Figueira da Foz is one of Portugal's best-loved seaside resorts — wide Atlantic beaches, a working fishing port at the mouth of the Mondego, and the Belle-Époque elegance of the Bairro Novo. Here's how to spend your time, all within walking distance of 7 Rua Vasco da Gama.
Buarcos and the headland
Walk or cycle north along the bay to the old fishing village of Buarcos, then up to Cabo Mondego for sunset over the Atlantic. The seafront promenade runs the whole way.
Surf, windsurf and sailing
Cabedelo beach, across the river, is one of Portugal's most reliable surf spots. The marina hosts sailing, kayaking and rowing schools; windsurfers and kitesurfers gather at Praia da Cova.
The Casino and Bairro Novo
The Casino opened in 1884 and still anchors the Bairro Novo, the late-19th-century resort district planned for visitors arriving by train. Its streets are lined with Art Nouveau and Art-Déco façades, including Vasco da Gama 7.
Museums and heritage
Visit the Casa do Paço (a 17th-century palace lined with seventeen thousand Delft tiles) and the Museu Municipal Santos Rocha for archaeology and decorative arts from the region.
Mondego estuary and salt marshes
Birdwatching, kayaking and the saltpans of the Mondego — a quieter side of the city, ten minutes by car or bike along the river.
Food and drink
Fresh fish at the fishing-port restaurants, caldeirada (fishermen's stew), arroz de marisco, and the local sweet brisas do Mondego. The Bairro Novo is the place for evening drinks.
Vasco da Gama 7 sits at the heart of all this — two minutes from the beach, in the middle of the Bairro Novo, with the marina and historic centre on either side.