Seventh Art Beach

Category: Nature > Beach

District: Porto > Vila Nova de Gaia > Arcozelo

Location:

Located in Arcozelo, in the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia, Praia da Sétima Arte lies between Granja and Aguda, embracing a stretch of coast that extends to Espinho. Encircled by a fragile dune system and low cliffs, this sandy strip offers a smooth transition between the bustling urban centers and the vast Atlantic horizon.

The beach blends with rocky areas, creating small coves of fine, secluded sand, where the sea forms natural pools at high tide. The landscape reveals a balance between the sea breeze and coastal vegetation, giving the place a unique character.

Natural Environment

The rocky platforms, polished by the force of the waves, display light veins that contrast with the dark tone of the stones, creating patches dotted with barnacles, mussels, and periwinkles. These formations allow for close observation of the marine life that settles there and offer refuge to small fish when the tide goes out.

In the wider sandy areas, the gentle surf invites leisurely walks and exploration of the beach, while the wind shapes the low sand mounds. During the summer, a fine film of foam forms along the shore, softening the rhythmic sound of the waves.

Scenic Element

The wooden boardwalk, an integral part of the route that follows Gaia's coastline to Espinho, crosses the dune system and offers several viewpoints. From one of these points, one can see the distant lighthouse and the fishing boats returning to port at dusk.

As the sun sets on the horizon, the sky takes on warm reflections that are mirrored on the damp sand and in the pools formed among the rocks. This moment lends a serene atmosphere, conducive to contemplation and the capture of striking silhouettes for photographs.

Cultural Value

The name "Sétima Arte" (Seventh Art) honors the open-air cinema sessions that were once organized by the shore, transforming the coastline into an improvised stage for screenings of Portuguese and international films. This artistic tradition marked the collective memory of the local inhabitants.

Fishing activity remains vibrant in the vicinity: small xávega fishing boats harken back to the ancestral tradition of Gaia's coast, revealing the enduring connection between the community and the sea. The traces of this practice lend the beach an additional charm, felt in the murmur of nets drying in the sun.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt