[3] Arcozelo is a progressive parish of the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia, losing many of its origins over time; it is assumed that in 1113, before the founding of the nation, there were references to a settlement of Arcuzello.

The beach of Praia da Aguda is one of the areas most important features, traditionally used by the artesanal fishing fleet, using techniques commonly used during older generations.

[3] In order to conserve these older traditions and protect the local marine flora and fauna, the municipal council of Vila Nova de Gaia realized project unheard of in the north: the creation of a Estação Litoral da Aguda (Aguda Coastal Station), that included a Museu das Pescas (Fishing Museum), a public aquarium and departmente responsible for research into marine ecology, aquaculture and fishing (Departamento de Educação e Investigação).

[3] In addition to the civil parish seat, the parish includes several other towns and villages, specifically: Aguda, Aldeia, Boavista, Boavista da Estrada, Chão Velhos, Corga, Corvo, Eirado, Enxomil, Espírito Santo, Fartinha, Fonte, Granja, Igreja, Marinha, Mergunhos, Mira, Miramar, Morangal, Pedra Alva, Pedrinhas Brancas, Porril, Sá, Sobreiro, Vale, Vila Chã e Vila Nova da Telha.

With an eye for patrimony, many of the reasons older buildings have been maintained in order to provide a link to the parish's past and/or used as tourist points: the Igreja Matriz (parochial church), constructed in the 17th century; the chapels dedicated to the Holy Spirit and Nossa Senhora da Nazaré, the buildings of Vila Chã and Miramar and the neo-Roman/Byzantine vault of the Santinha, in addition to the estates and burghers homes.