The most popular beach among the locals is in the Matosihnos district. This beach is by far the widest in Porto, without rocky cliffs and protected on one side by a harbour pier, which causes smaller waves.
Praia de Matosinhos is the liveliest beach in town, with several bars and restaurants, and in summer it acts as a major tourist magnet by the Atlantic.
Swimming and beach facilities
The entire beach is covered in fine golden sand, which is firmly choked by the tide in a wide band around the water and is great to walk on.
The entrance to the water is gradual and, thanks to the jetty protecting the adjacent harbour, Praia Matosinhos is the only one in Porto where there are no big waves. Especially at the northern end of the beach by the marina, the water is very calm.
During the summer, Praia de Matosinhos is crowded with people and surrounded by many fast food stalls, bars and restaurants. For a half-day relaxation under the sun, the beach will be absolutely ideal.
It's safe to swim here, but like everywhere else in Portugal you have to take into account that the highest summer water temperature is only about 18 to 19°C.
Rotunda de Anémona
In the middle of the roundabout near the southern end of Matosinhos beach you can admire a monumental sculpture called "She changes"known locally as "anémona", which means "sea anemone" in Portuguese.
The installation consists of three steel columns and a massive ring filled with red netting. Artist Janet Echelman uses the sculpture to express Porto's changing character from a maritime and industrial city to a centre of tourism.
SEA LIFE Aquarium
At the very southern end of the beach, discover the underwater world from the comfort of the SEA LIFE Porto indoor aquarium. Relatively small by European standards, the aquarium offers several themed tanks, the most popular of which are Ocean Cave with sea turtles, Seahorse Temple with seahorses and Ray bay with stingrays.
It is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00, and until 19:00 on weekends.
The basic ticket price is 16,50 eur, for up-to-date information visit the official website: visitsealife.com.
Accommodation in Matosinhos
Matosinhos is a very pleasant neighborhood that mixes low-rise historic buildings with a modern area where former industrial buildings have been converted into housing.
In Matosinhos you will find full facilities from supermarkets to many restaurants and bars. Thus, if you want to live close to the sea in Porto, Matosinhos will definitely be the best choice.
Prices here are noticeably lower than in the centre of Porto and start at 55 eur per night.
- O Valentim *** - A nice budget hotel in the historic part of Matosinhos right by the port.
- Porto Sea Apartments - rentals of entire apartments for up to 5 people right on the beach with sea views
- Four Points by Sheraton Matosinhos **** - classic multinational chain in the modern part of Matosinhos only about 50 metres from the beach
Transportation to Matosinhos beach
The beach is the fastest accessible from the centre of Porto by metro/speed tram in 20 to 25 minutes. Every 8-10 minutes the A line runs here. The nearest station to the beach is called "Matosinhos Sul".
Bus lines 111, 500 and 502 stop right on the beach by the She changes sculpture, with the 500 running along the whole coast to the centre and the 502 going directly to the centre.
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Oporto.
