Vila do Conde's beach is a long, broad Atlantic strand with clean sand and reliable surf. The beachfront esplanade (Avenida do Brasil) runs parallel to the beach for most of its length, backed by cafes and restaurants that open in summer. The beach is popular with families in July and August and is well-served with lifeguards and facilities during the season.
At the southern end, the beach narrows where the River Ave meets the sea, with the old fort on one side and the fishing boats moored on the river's edge on the other. This corner, where river, sea, fort, and town all converge, is worth a particular look in the late afternoon when the light turns gold and the fishing boats come in.