Designated in 1987 (Protected Landscape) 2005 (Nature Park)

This Nature Park runs along the 16 km coast of Esposende municipality between the river Neiva and the region of Apúlia, most of which is less than 10 m above sea level. Only a small area in the north, including Guilheta, and some dunes in the south are between 10 m and 20 m above sea level. The environment of the Esposende coast is also determined by a large number of creeks running directly to the sea, and particularly by the main waterways, the Cávado and Neiva rivers. This area has fluvial beaches (in Neiva and Cávado), primary and secondary dunes, a small wooded area and farmland on the northern and southern boundaries of the municipality. As this is a densely populated area, the flora associated with the dunes has changed and exotic species can also be found, such as the sea fig Carpobrotus edulis and golden wattle Acacia longifolia. In terms of fauna, this area is important for a group of migratory birds and species of fish with legal conservation status, notably the grey heron Ardea cinerea, shag Plalacrocorax aristotelis, cormorant Plalacrocorax carbo and sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus.

Most of the villages in this municipality, where people first settled in prehistoric times, have archaeological remains (burial sites and fortified villages) and were originally bases for agriculture, fishing and collecting sea plants, given the characteristics of the area. In the parishes of Fão, Apúlia and Esposende there is still evidence of the Roman presence, while signs of medieval salt-works have been found in the mouth of the river Neiva and in S. Bartolomeu do Mar. The protected area supports activities such as traditional fishing, agriculture and tourism. The aim of this area is to make such activities compatible with the objectives of preserving nature.