Vila Nova de Gaia

Vila Nova de Gaia, or simply Gaia, is in the south of Porto (Oporto), split only by the River Douro, where the competition will take place.

Gaia has a population of 178,255 and the municipality contains 24 parishes with a total population of 288,749 inhabitants, being the most populated municipality in North region of Portugal.

It is also well known for its “lodges” (locally known as “caves”) where the world famous Port wine is stored and aged. The lodges have become a major tourist attraction.

The Villa of Crestuma is a parish in the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia. It has a population of 2,962 and an area of 4.93 km². It is located 15 kilometres far from the centre of the most important met­ropolitan area of the North of Portugal and close to the Atlantic Ocean. The Nautical Club of Crestuma is situated in the left river side of Douro, which offer an excellent course for the accomplishment of canoeing marathons, like the International Crestuma Marathon held in this place, since 1981.

Vila Nova de Gaia is ideally served by the Porto international airport, and has three major railway sta­tions, metropolitan, motorways and up-to-date facilities.