Póvoa de Varzim has a long stretch of Atlantic coast — about seven kilometres of sand from the south end of town to the dunes north of Aguçadoura. The water is cold even in August, with strong currents and good surf; check the flags before swimming. The main town beach south of the harbour is wide, gently shelving, and lined with cafes and bars.
To the north, the coast turns wilder. Salgueira and Aguçadoura are the surf beaches; further on, Rio Alto sits in dune country near the Estela golf course and includes one of the few naturist beaches in northern Portugal. To the south of the harbour, the small Redonda Beach hugs the casino end of the seafront.