About Póvoa de Varzim

Póvoa de Varzim is a municipality and a seaside resort and fishing town in the Norte Region of Portugal. It is located 18 kilometres (11 miles) northwest of the city of Porto on the Portuguese Riviera. The population in 2011 was 79,464, in an area of 69.42 square kilometres (26.78 square miles). The town of Póvoa de Varzim has existed since the late Middle Ages, although the first written evidence dates only to the year 1318. It was a place of strategic importance during the Napoleonic Wars, and was occupied by the French in 1809. The town has a long tradition of fishing and the production of salt, which have declined in recent years. The economy is now based mainly on tourism and gambling, with the latter being the municipality's main source of revenue. Póvoa de Varzim is known for its unique Carnival celebrations, which take place in February. The town also has a large number of Romani people, who have their own distinct culture. Póvoa de Varzim is a municipality in Portugal, located in the Norte Region. The town is situated on the Portuguese Riviera, 18 kilometres (11 miles) northwest of the city of Porto. In 2011, the population of Póvoa de Varzim was 79,464, spread over 69.42 square kilometres (26.78 square miles). The town has a long history, dating back to the late Middle Ages. However, the first written evidence of the town's existence only dates to the year 1318. Póvoa de Varzim was a place of strategic importance during the Napoleonic Wars, and was occupied by the French in 1809. The town has a long tradition of fishing and the production of salt, which have declined in recent years. The economy is now based mainly on tourism and gambling, with the latter being the municipality's main source of revenue. Póvoa de Varzim is known for its unique Carnival celebrations, which take place in February. The town also has a large number of Romani people, who have their own distinct culture.