Porto is bathed by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and beautiful wide sandy beaches interspersed with photogenic cliffs run practically the entire length of the city's coastline.
The closest to the centre is Praia do Carneiro, near the fortress of São João da Foz. But don't expect to be splashing around in the sea, as the water temperature rarely exceeds 20°C. Large waves often prevent calm swimming.
Swimming and beach facilities
Praia do Carneiro is covered with fine sand mixed with wide strips of pebbles. The beach is spacious and even in summer you will find a place for yourself. There are free changing rooms and toilets in the summer season.
The ocean can be rough and there are often red or even black warning flags. Even during the holiday months, the water temperature is only around 17°C, making Praia do Carneiro more of a sunbathing beach than a swimming beach.
It is particularly popular in the evening, when locals and tourists alike head here for romantic sunsets.
How to get to the beach?
The beach is reached by buses 202 and 500, which take you to the centre of Porto. The 500 bus then runs along the coast to Matosinhos.
What to see around
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