Buarcos e São Julião

Buarcos is a freguesia (civil parish) in Figueira da Foz Municipality, Portugal. The population in 2011 was 18,454, in an area of 15.53 km².During the 1600s, the people of Buarcos were harassed by pirates and built the long fortification that stands to this day. It is a traditional fishing town that has grown also as a noted beach resort, likely the most beautiful of Portugal, due to its wonderful landscape namely the beach which is protected by the Boa Viagem small mountain range (Serra da Boa Viagem). Many of its inhabitants still work in the fishing industry but tourism is also an important activity. It has many hotels, seafood restaurants and bars with view over the bay and the extensive beach. Buarcos is now considered one of the best tourism destinations within Europe.