Category: Nature > Beach
District: Braga > Esposende > Fão > Ofir
Fão-Ofir Beach is located in the parish of Fão, integrated into the municipality of Esposende, Braga district. It stretches alongside the Ofir urbanization, on the south bank of the Cávado River's mouth. This position grants it a direct connection to the Atlantic, while its natural surroundings, an integral part of the North Coast Natural Park, offer a distinctive landscape.
This beach features an extensive stretch of white sand, delimited to the north by the Cávado River estuary and to the south by a breakwater. To the east, a system of imposing dunes, sometimes complemented by a pine forest, shapes the landscape, creating an environment where the scent of pine blends with the sea air. One of its most recognizable elements are the cavalos de Fão (Fão horses), rock formations that emerge from the ocean at low tide, lending a unique beauty to the spot.
The name Ofir, which accompanies this beach, evokes a distant and legendary past. Biblical references point to Ofir as a land from which gold was brought, and an ancient local legend, known as the "legend of the Fão horses," links the beach itself to this ancestral narrative. This legend suggests a possible connection with Phoenician maritime expeditions, lending a touch of mystery and a symbolic dimension to its history.
With well-structured access, including paved areas and inviting Portuguese cobblestone pavement, Fão-Ofir Beach is a highly sought-after coastal destination. The sandy area is distributed to accommodate different preferences: while the central zone is ideal for those looking to enjoy sunbathing and swimming, the southern area, characterized by stronger waves, attracts surfers. The natural beauty of the beach, combined with its spaciousness, makes it a spot appreciated by many visitors.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.5172199,-8.7878447
Coordinates DMS: 41°31'2.0"N 08°47'16.2"W