Leca da Palmeira is a bustling seaside resort located a short drive north of Oporto, Portugal’s second largest city. Traditionally a fishing town, the population swells during the summer months on account of its long sandy beach.The town is also popular for its numerous high-quality fish and seafood restaurant dotted along the coast road.

Bordering the south side of the town, the large port of Leixoes was first constructed in 1884 to the plans of Nogueira Soares and greatly enlarged in 1932. Today it is one of the busiest ports in Portugal.

The star-shaped Leça da Palmeira Fortress is a 16th century fortified monument situated close to the seafront. Nearby, the Piscina das Mares is a family-friendly swimming pool carved out of the beach rocks and refilled with seawater during high tide. A short drive away stands the gothic church of Leca do Balio, which was founded as a monastery for both men and women in 986. In 1115, after the first crusade, it became the headquarters of the Knights Hospitallers. The interior features a baptismal font carved by Diogo Pires the Younger in 1514.