MIRAMAR

There are three beaches in Miramar. Bordering the village of Francelos, in the north, is the Praia da Sãozinha which flows seamlessly into the Praia do Senhor da Pedra surrounding the chapel and joins on the Praia de Miramar on the southern end.

Praia da Sãozinha

A long narrow beach is accessed via two wooden boardwalks traversing the dunes and the delicate coastal vegetation. Off from the beach, there's ample parking and a couple of cafés and a mini supermarket.
41° 04' 21.7" N | 08° 39' 28.8" W

Praia do Senhor da Pedra

The beach surrounding the chapel is known as the Praia do Senhor da Pedra. The dunes are thinner here. The beach is closer to the town and amenities, including several eateries. Look out for the Farturas Vitórias bakery that specialises in a traditional Portuguese pastry similar to churros and is very popular in Portugal. Swimming here is better at the southern beach, away from the chapel and the bed of rocks it sits on. The expanse of sand widens here. The water is tame and good for bathing during the summer months. In winter, the swell which appears here attracts surfers. Although popular with the local populace from the neighbouring areas Praia do Senhor da Pedra is not yet an international tourist destination and never gets crowded.
41° 04' 09.8" N | 08° 39' 27.8" W

Praia de Miramar

The Praia de Miramar continues south from the Praia do Senhor da Pedra varying in width along the way. It passes the Miramar Gold Club at the southern end. On the northern end, two beach bars where a wooden walkway begins and allows access along the length of the beach and protects the dunes which flank the sands here.
41° 03' 59.97" N | 08° 39' 24.5" W

The marvellous 17th-century Capela do Senhora Pedra chapel is perched precariously on a wave-beaten rock formation that juts into the Atlantic. These rocks have been sacred for millennia. Two azulejo panels which frame the portal attest to the existence of a pagan temple. What rituals were carried out here and what deity the temple was dedicated is subject to conjecture. Today the chapel is a subject of an annual pilgrimage by Neo-pagans.

The chapel was built in 1686 adopting a baroque/rococo style. Sitting on its pedestal, this cute hexagonal chapel has survived battering waves for over three centuries. Steps lead up to the main entrance and up a second tier which takes you around the back of the shrine. Inside there are three ornate guilted alters with a scene of the crucifixion in the centre.

Alameda do Sr. da Pedra, 4410 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. | 41° 03' 59.97" N | 08° 39' 24.5" W

Travelling To Miramar

Established in 1932, Club de Golfe de Miramar is one of Portugal's oldest courses. When opened it was targeted towards the home market. Located in the famous resort of Miramar, Arcozelo, in Vila Nova de Gaia, 10 km south of Porto. It is built on sandy soil close to the “Senhor da Pedra” chapel. The par 35 course is a traditional link with nine holes, allowing for short games or full rounds. It is one of the finest executive courses in the Iberian Peninsula, with views over the Atlantic Ocean and a tricky layout.
Minimum handicap requirements: men: 36, women: 36

Daily: 08h30 – 20h00

Contact Details
Avenida Sacadura Cabral, 4405-013 Arcozelo, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
41º 03' 44.73" N | 08º 39' 13.03" W
+351 227 622 067 | cgm@cgm.pt |  Website

The Course

Amenities