The old fishing village of Palheiros da Tocha has one of the most genuine beaches in central Portugal.
The Palheiros were originally temporary residences and stores for material used every day by fishermen.
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The wooden Palheiros are built on piles to allow sand and water during high tides to circulate beneath them. Their walls were normally clad with horizontal, overlapping boards painted with pitch.
Revealing a concern with its identity, Praia da Tocha has today an esplanade where we can still find the traditional Palheiros, even if with certain adaptations such as tiled roofs. Furthermore, at the entrance to the village is a harmonious new neighbourhood that has maintained the style of its original constructions.
At Praia da Tocha, life is dominated by the sea:
- Holidaymakers and sports lovers enjoy the large golden beach and waves that are ideal for surfing and bodyboard;
- The fishermen continue to face the particularly heavy swell along this coast with the courage of those who were born and grew up with the hard art of xávega fishing.
Arte Xávega is an artisanal type of inshore trawling, dating from the 19th century.
The boats used are wooden and their shape is adapted to this type of fishery and to the strength of the waves that characterise this coast. Their flat keel allows them to enter the sea directly from the beach, while their particularly high bow and stern make it easier for them to climb the waves.
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The nets and boats were originally pulled by oxen, assisted by those who would come to help when the fishermen reached the beach. The oxen have now been replaced by tractors, but people continue to gather around the nets and this fishery has become one of the most important local tourist attractions.
Once the net has been hauled in, it is opened and the fish is selected and taken in baskets to the fish auction.
With any luck, the fish is plentiful and includes the highly desired sea bass, which are delicious grilled.
Nowadays the fishing season runs from April to October. During the other months, the fishermen remain on land preparing their nets.
The local gastronomy is rich and varied. Throughout the municipality of Cantanhede we can find delicious dishes such as Fish Stew, Baked or Grilled Sea Bass, Sardines Grilled on a Tile, Potatoes Roast in Sand with Salt Cod, Suckling Pig from Bairrada, Suckling Pig stew, among many others.
For a snack, there are cured sausages, corn bread and lupin seeds from Cadima.
And finally the sweets: Ançã Cake, Tigelada, Pumpkin Cream, and Pumpkin Fritters.