The beachfront area was the location of a Roman fish factory complex, one of the buildings dated to the 1st century, the district only developed in the 20th century with the northwards expansion of Avenida dos Banhos and opening of Avenida Vasco da Gama. Early attractions include the horse track Velódromo in 1925, which later became Gomes de Amorim stadium, home of Sporting Club da Póvoa (1916-1940s), Varzim S.C. stadium in 1932, and the Póvoa de Varzim Bullfighting Arena in 1949. It became the sports center of Póvoa de Varzim for much of the 20th century.