North Portugal Tourism Guide - Ancora

Ancora & Vila Praia da Ancora

The archaeological history flavours the tourist sights, interestingly, according to geologist Serpa Pinto in 1925, the Ancorense hills were actually created by the first inhabitants of the area as they are made up of their discarded mollusc shells on which they survived. The history of the area is exhibited in the various examples of megaliths dotted around such as the Dolmen da Barrosa in the town itself which dates from the late Neolithic period and is classified as national monument. During the Roman occupation the town was wealthy thanks to the extraction of precious metals including gold and tin.

The origin of the name Ancora is attributed to the assassination of the queen Dona Urraca who was drowned in the river with an anchor round her neck by king Ramiro II as a punishment for her adultery - Ancora means anchor. Ancora is also mentioned in the church registers of 1258 as the Santa Marinha de Gontinhaes parish. At that time it was not on the coast but well hidden from the ocean view to avoid being attacked by Scandinavian ships that were exploring the Iberian coast.

Historic sights include medieval Forte da Lagarteira which stands at the edge of the old harbour and has an impressive range of artillery. Tourist Information Office: Avenisa Dr Ramos Pereira - 4910-016 Vila Praia de Ancora. Tel: 351 258 911 384. Fax: 351 258 911 338. Email: info@rtam.pt.

Ancora Beach

The beach of Vila Praia da Ancora is great for surfing.

It tends to be better for bathers on the beach joining the Avenida Marginal coast road, where the waters are calmer and access is easier.

If you want to get away from everyone, the southern area surrounded by the protected sand dunes, is accessible to walkers only over a wooden walkway and is almost always deserted.