The Port of Póvoa de Varzim is a seaport built in Enseada da Póvoa Bay in the city of Póvoa de Varzim in Portugal. During the Middle Ages, it was known as Port of Varzim (Porto de Veracim in Old Portuguese).
Once used for trade and shipbuilding, it is currently used for fishing and recreation, with a marina located within its breakwaters. The port was fundamental to the establishment of Póvoa de Varzim as a municipality in 1308 and the development of the town. During the Middle Ages, its profitability attracted knights, kings and the Church. In this small bay the local fishermen developed the Poveiro boats and Povoan knowledge of the seas and shipbuilding were substantial during the Age of Discovery. After 1000 years of recorded history and continuous use, the port of Póvoa de Varzim became a notable and prosperous fishing port in the 18th century due to its fishermen's seafaring and fishing expertise, considered the best in Portugal.The north breakwater, the main one, is known as "Paredão" (Portuguese for "Big Wall"). It was first built in 1795 and rebuilt in the following centuries. The most important works on the port were made during the Salazar regime in the early 20th century; the current configuration of the port corresponds to that New State project. The port is protected by the north breakwater, heading south-southwest, which has a lighthouse with a red flashing light and a siren. The south breakwater heads north-northwest; it has a long-flashing green light.
Continue reading on Wikipedia 
