Laundos can be explored through a range of local themes: windmills and prehistoric finds, religious events and a long cycling route. When planning your trip, it helps to distinguish between these highlights: some are permanently linked to the history of the area, while others take place on specific dates each year.

Windmills, monument and finds

Five windmills remain on Monte de S. Félix. Most have been converted into holiday homes; two retain their original size, and only one of them can still grind grain. You will find windmills in different states and uses here, rather than a fully preserved working group.

Also on Monte de S. Félix stands the Monumento ao Emigrante. It was inaugurated on September 5, 1998, at the top of a flight of steps. The prehistoric Castro on the hill is also associated with the discovery of the protohistoric earrings known as the “Arrecadas de Laúndos.” The pieces are on display at the Museu de Soares dos Reis in Porto.

The craft tradition is also part of Laundos’ history: linen was processed and woven here until the end of the 20th century, and used to make items including blankets. Visitors can also look out over the ocean from Monte de S. Félix. The windmills, archaeological finds, memorial and views offer different ways to explore local history and landscape.

Pilgrimages and routes

The pilgrimage to Senhora da Saúde takes place on the first Sunday in August and lasts for three days of festivities. In addition, the annual Peregrinação a Nossa Senhora da Saúde follows a seven-kilometre walking route to Laundos and the church of Nossa Senhora da Saúde on the last Sunday in May. The exact calendar dates change from year to year; if you want to plan your trip around either event, check the date for the year in question.

These are two different religious events: the August pilgrimage lasts for three days of festivities, while the May Peregrinação includes the seven-kilometre walk to the church. You can choose your travel dates according to the event you want to attend, without planning for both as a single celebration.

Ecopista and events

The Ecopista de Famalicão passes through Laundos and runs between Póvoa de Varzim and Vila Nova de Famalicão. Its total length is 28.558 kilometres. Rural and wooded areas, relatively far from roads carrying car traffic, shape the route and its peaceful surroundings. The Ecopista also provides a direct connection to Famalicão railway station and Póvoa de Varzim metro station.

When planning, it helps to distinguish between the route lengths: the seven kilometres refer to the walking route of the May Peregrinação to Laundos, while 28.558 kilometres is the full length of the Ecopista between its two endpoints. These figures refer to different routes and scales.

The “Laúndos em Movimento” programme includes three days of events featuring stand-up comedy, a three-hour night-time endurance mountain bike event and the “Grande Descida de Carros Artesanais.” The annual programme may vary, so check the dates for the relevant edition if you plan to travel for an event.

Plan your travel dates and accommodation

If you are not planning around a specific event date, the local history and the Ecopista offer other highlights for your stay.

For a broader travel overview: Laundos.