Things To Do in Espinho

The three most interesting products produced in the surrounding region are carved-wood models of Portuguese fishing boats painted in bright colors, woven baskets, and dolls in regional dress whose bodies are carved from wood or fashioned from clay. Some shops operate only seasonally. Many sell items like suntan oil, sunglasses, and cheap souvenirs. The town's main shopping street is Rua 19.

The best spot for authentic handicrafts is Casa Ramos, Rua 23, no. 49 (tel. 22/734-00-24). If you happen to be in town on a Monday, Espinho is home to one of the largest outdoor markets in the region. Known as the Feira de Espinho, it takes place every Monday from 7am to 8pm along the entire length of Rua 24, Rua 23, and Rua 22. Look for carloads of produce and meats, plus some clothing and other trinkets you'd expect at a flea market.

If you want to gamble, you're in luck. The big gray Casino Espinho, Rua 19 no. 85, 4501-858 Espinho (tel. 22/733-55-00), offers roulette, French banque, baccarat, and slot machines. Open all year, it has a restaurant and nightclub in addition to the gaming tables. Admission is free for bingo and slot machines; to gain access to the gaming tables, you must show proper ID (such as a passport). The nightclub stages international cabaret. Dinner and the show cost between 30€ and 50€ without drinks; the show alone is 20€, which includes one drink. The casino is open year-round (except Christmas Day) Sunday to Thursday from 3pm to 3am; Friday and Saturday, it's open from 4pm to 4am.

Espinho doesn't have any conventional dance clubs. The town does have eight or nine bars where somebody might actually get up and dance to recorded music, which includes healthy doses of Brazilian samba and whatever happens to be prevalent in London and Lisbon. If you're into nighttime prowling, head to the beachfront bars near the southern perimeter of the historic center and take your pick. Our favorites, each on Rua 2 and each immediately adjacent to the beach, include Bombar, Bar Pasha, Surfing Bar, and Double "O" Bar. Their busiest and most animated seasons are during the summer, with a breezy indoor-outdoor ambience that's conducive to chitchat. None of these has a listed phone number, and each has a terrace and a character that varies according to who's in town at the time of your visit.