Active Pursuits

Sports-related activities in Espinho tend to revolve around the beach. At least four beaches are within an easy walk from the town center. Closest and most crowded is Praia Baía; most distant (though only .5km, or 1/3 mile, east of the center) and least crowded is Praia do Costa Verde. Between the two stretch the beige sands of Praia Azula and Praia Pop, both of which boast clean sunbathing areas and access to not particularly dangerous surf. If you prefer calmer waters, head for the town's largest swimming-pool complex, Solar Atlântico, adjacent to Praia Baía (tel. 22/734-41-79). Fed with seawater, it has separate pools for diving and swimming, hundreds of devoted aficionados (only some of whom actually swim), and lots of options for voyeuristic intrigue. It's open from June to September.

Grass and hard tennis courts, soccer fields, and volleyball courts are in the Nave Sportiva, Rua 33 (tel. 22/731-00-59). The cluster of outdoor playing fields on the eastern outskirts of town opened in 1996.

The Oporto Golf Club is on Rua do Golf (tel. 22/734-20-08), about 2.5km (1 1/2 miles) south of Espinho. The 18-hole course is the second oldest in continental Europe. Greens fees are 70€ per person.