Located on the south bank of the Mondego River, near its mouth, nestled between the sea, river, and pine forest, it is five kilometers from the center of Figueira da Foz, to which it belongs as an urban area. Its fishing origins date back to the 18th century, its main activity until the 1980s. In recent years, it has undergone significant industrial development, allowing its inhabitants to find employment outside the fishing sector.
Its natural potential, such as its five kilometers of beaches to the west, with fine white sand and clear, good-quality water, the sea with excellent conditions for extreme sports, and the Mondego River, which borders it to the north and east, allows for sport fishing, various water sports, as well as other recreational and leisure activities. The pine forest to the south, with its magnificent picnic park, has contributed to a huge increase in tourism in the area.
With a population of gentle, cheerful, and hospitable people, and a typical and varied cuisine rich in flavors, the parish of São Pedro has everything to offer you a pleasant vacation, a restful break from the hectic pace of modern life.
To satisfy its visitors' thirst for culture, this parish offers the Mother Church, the Barco da Arte (Art Boat) and Raízes (Roots) in Praia da Cova square, the Âncora (Anchor) in Praia do Hospital, the Âncora in Alminhas square, the Farol (Lighthouse) in Junta de Freguesia square, and the Bote (Boat) at the northern entrance to the parish.
In terms of tourism, São Pedro offers excellent conditions for beach tourism, thanks to its five kilometers of fine white sand beaches, clear sea with excellent water quality, and the conditions provided by the southern branch of the Mondego River, which borders the parish to the east, allowing for sport fishing, sailing, canoeing, and rowing.
During the summer season, the resident population doubles, due to the return of emigrants from their holidays and the increasing number of tourists who spend their holidays here, enjoying the magnificent conditions of the beaches, resorting to rural tourism, the two guesthouses, and the two existing campsites.
The beaches of Cabedelo, Hospital, and Cova are three stretches of fine, warm sand that, in the summer, are flooded with people enjoying the delights of the sun and sea. It is not uncommon to add to sunbathing and swimming the pleasure of watching water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, and surfing, with the World Surfing Championship, which usually takes place on Cabedelo beach, being a highlight.
Various sports are practiced on the river, such as sailing, rowing, fishing, or boat trips, provided by fishermen, to the crown near the arched bridge, where shellfish are often harvested.
In the evening, especially on weekends, there is always a good entertainment program, highlighting the now famous dances organized in the amphitheater of the Cova beach square.
Source: spcovagala