Laundos: Discover windmills, pilgrimage and the Ecopista

Local highlights range from windmills and a prehistoric Castro to religious events and the Ecopista de Famalicão. You can discover Laundos through its cultural history, festival calendar or a route. When looking for a hotel in Laundos, it helps to consider which of these highlights best suits the reason for your trip.

Windmills and history on Monte de S. Félix

Five windmills have been preserved on Monte de S. Félix. Most have been converted into holiday homes; two are still their original size, and only one of them can still grind grain. Together, these differences show both how the buildings have changed and how one mill has retained its function. Visitors can also look out over the ocean from the mountain.

At the top of a flight of steps on Monte de S. Félix stands the Monumento ao Emigrante. It was inaugurated on 5 September 1998. The mountain is also linked to the area’s prehistoric past: the discovery of the protohistoric earrings known as “Arrecadas de Laúndos” is associated with the Castro there. The earrings are on display at the Museu de Soares dos Reis in Porto. The discovery site and the exhibition venue are therefore two distinct points of reference for anyone interested in the area’s archaeological history.

Crafts and religious events

The history of everyday life includes linen production: flax was prepared and linen woven in Laundos until the end of the 20th century. The work produced items such as blankets. This tradition complements the archaeological and architectural themes with a craft practiced in local households.

Religious events also provide specific points of reference throughout the year. The pilgrimage to Senhora da Saúde takes place on the first Sunday in August and includes three days of festivities. This is distinct from the annual Peregrinação a Nossa Senhora da Saúde, held on the last Sunday in May. It includes a seven-kilometre walk to Laundos and the church of Nossa Senhora da Saúde. The dates and formats differ; if you want to plan your trip around one of these occasions, check the date on that year’s calendar.

Ecopista and events

The Ecopista de Famalicão passes through Laundos and runs between Póvoa de Varzim and Vila Nova de Famalicão. It has a total length of 28.558 kilometres. Rural and wooded sections are relatively far from roads used by motor vehicles, giving the route a peaceful setting. It also provides a direct connection to Famalicão railway station and Póvoa de Varzim metro station. These details help you consider the route and transport connections together when planning your trip. If travelling by train or metro, you can check the relevant timetables in advance.

The “Laúndos em Movimento” programme includes three days of events featuring stand-up comedy, a three-hour night-time BTT endurance event and the “Grande Descida de Carros Artesanais”. The annual programme may vary. This offers another highlight alongside the area’s permanent attractions and routes.

For the broader travel overview: Laundos.