Figueira da Foz: Portugal’s Coastal Secret Worth Discovering
When we (Two Guys Abroad) first moved to Portugal on a D7 visa, we weren’t looking for the obvious. Lisbon had the glitz, Porto had the wine, but we wanted somewhere a little more… us. That’s how we ended up in Figueira da Foz, a seaside town with golden sands, a quirky personality, and just the right amount of chaos in summer to keep things interesting.
Two years later, we can confidently say: Figueira da Foz is one of Portugal’s most underrated destinations. It’s where locals come to holiday, where surfers chase their dreams, and where expats like us trade spreadsheets for sunsets.
So, here’s our introduction to Figueira da Foz and why you should add it to your Portugal itinerary.
Why Visit Figueira da Foz?
Figueira da Foz isn’t just another coastal stop—it’s a destination that mixes laid-back charm with plenty to see and do. Known as the Rainha das Praias (“Queen of the Beaches”), this town is famous for:
One of the widest urban beaches in Europe – Praia da Claridade is so vast you’ll need a packed lunch just to cross it.
Surfing at Cabedelo Beach – A hotspot for surfers and home to international competitions.
Casino Figueira – The first casino in Europe, still dazzling visitors today.
Fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese food – Sardines, arroz de marisco, and local sweets like pastéis de Tentúgal.
Festivals & nightlife – From summer beach parties to carnival parades.
And the best part? It’s perfectly placed for day trips to Nazaré, Coimbra, and Aveiro.
Beaches: The Queen of the Coast
If you love the sea, Figueira da Foz delivers in spades.
Praia da Claridade – A golden stretch of sand so wide it feels endless. Perfect for sunbathing, walking, or simply staring at the horizon.
Praia do Cabedelo – Across the Mondego River, this is the surfer’s paradise. With consistent waves and a cool surf vibe, it’s ideal whether you’re catching waves or sipping a drink while others do the hard work.
Praia da Buarcos – A little more sheltered, with calm waters and a charming old fishing village vibe. Great for families or a relaxed swim.
Casino Figueira: Europe’s First
One of Figueira da Foz’s claims to fame is its historic casino, the first of its kind in Europe.
Dating back to the 19th century, Casino Figueira still brings glitz and glamour to town. Whether you’re into poker, roulette, or just want to soak in the atmosphere, it’s worth stepping inside. We’re not exactly big gamblers, but let’s just say the casino has seen us dramatically lose (and win) more euros than we’d like to admit—all in the name of fun, of course.
The theater also offers regular shows, and there are two great restaurants to dine in.
Festivals & Events in Figueira da Foz
This is a town that knows how to celebrate. The calendar is full of lively events that draw visitors from all over Portugal:
Carnival – Parades, costumes, music, and dancing in the streets. Not quite Rio, but packed with energy. It’s an annual event we never miss!
RFM Somnii Festival – Europe’s biggest beach party, with international DJs performing right on Praia da Claridade.
Sardine Season – More of a tradition than a festival, but worth mentioning. In summer, the smoky scent of sardines grilling fills the air—it’s basically a street party with food as the main event.
Food & Drink: A Taste of the Atlantic
You can’t live by the sea and not eat well. Figueira da Foz is a seafood lover’s dream, but there’s plenty more on the menu too.
Grilled Sardines – Best eaten with your hands, outdoors, and with a glass of vinho verde.
Arroz de Marisco – Rich seafood rice, the perfect dish to share.
Caldeirada – Traditional fish stew, hearty and flavorful.
Pastéis de Tentúgal – A local pastry delicacy filled with sweet egg yolk cream.
And the prices? Let’s just say your wallet won’t cry. Compared to Lisbon or Porto, dining out here feels delightfully affordable.
Things to Do in Figueira da Foz
When you’re not lounging on the sand, Figueira has plenty of ways to keep you busy:
Mercado Engenheiro Silva – The town’s bustling market with fresh fish, local cheeses, fruits, and veggies. A paradise for home cooks, open daily.
Santa Catarina Fort – A small 16th-century fort by the marina with pretty views, especially at sunset, great tapas and cocktails.
The Esplanade – A wide promenade along the beach, perfect for walks, bike rides, or people-watching with gelato in hand.
- The Casino Area – not only can you catch a show or try your luck at the slots, but the entire casino area comes alive at night with street vendors, nights clubs, bars and restaurants.
- Sotto Mayor Palace – for only five euros, join a tour in your language to view this neoclassical palace with amazing architecture and rich historical narratives.
- Promenade Antiques Market – the 1st Saturday of every month. Take a leisurely stroll down the marina while perusing antique bric-a-brac.
Where to Stay in Figueira da Foz
Staying along the beach would be ideal as it’s close to restaurants, shops and the casino area, not to mention getting great sunset views.
Here’s what I can recommend…
Dona Maria Hotel – an intimate boutique hotel right on the marina and close to everything.
For a little more luxury, while still located on the beach and offering amazing view, try the Eurostar Oasis Plaza Hotel
If you prefer a cozy modern self-catering apartment that’s walking distance to everything, why not stay with us at Casinha Amarela.
Living the Figueira da Foz Lifestyle
For us, Figueira isn’t just a place to visit—it’s home. Life here is about rhythm, not rush:
Morning coffees in cafés where the staff know your order by heart.
Lazy market strolls deciding which fish looks the freshest.
Evening beach walks as the sun dips into the Atlantic.
Festivals that pull the whole community into the streets.
Whether you’re an expat like us, a traveler passing through, or someone planning a longer Portuguese adventure, Figueira da Foz is the kind of place that surprises you—and maybe convinces you to stay longer than planned.
So, why should you visit Figueira da Foz? Because it’s the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, history, and food. It’s got the biggest beach in Portugal, surfing that draws the best in the world, festivals that bring the town alive, and a location that makes day trips to Nazaré, Coimbra, and Aveiro a breeze.
We came here looking for a quieter corner of Portugal—and we found so much more. Figueira da Foz isn’t just our home; it’s a destination worth adding to yours.
