Many tourists come to Porto each year also thanks to its seaside (or rather “oceanside” 🙂 ) location. There are perfect conditions for surfing in Portugal, as the waves can reach enormous heights. Although the water in northern Portugal does not usually reach very warm temperatures, during hot days an ocean bath is definitely a good and refreshing idea. If you search for the best beaches in and around Porto, read further as below I have gathered my favorite beaches ordered from north to south. Enjoy and comment with your suggestions.
- Praia Redonda (Póvoa de Varzim) – The Porto beaches excursion starts on the north in the urban area Póvoa de Varzim, being accessible by metro. There are many things to do and this part is also famous for a good nightlife being the home to Casino and many clubs, bars and restaurants.
- Praia da Azurara (Vila do Conde) – We move southern to Vila do Conde to Praia da Azurara being also accessible by metro. This beach is also a wedding place.
- Praia de Mindelo (Vila do Conde) – Praia de Mindelo offers nice views not only to the ocean, but also to protected sand dunes. Thanks to its good infrastructure, Mindelo Beach is a popular family holiday destination.
- Praia de Vila Chã (Vila do Conde) – Praia de Vila Chã depicts Portuguese fishing tradition as it is situated in the heart of a fisherman village. You can see there many colorful fishing boats as well as other fishing tools. On the other side of the beach there are cute charming colorful traditional fisherman houses preserving the historic style.
- Praia Castro de São Paio (Vila do Conde) – Praia Castro de São Paio is a small picturesque beach surrounded by rocks on one side and agricultural fields on the other. The main dominant of this beach is a little chapel built in 1885 (btw one year before the Luís I Bridge was opened). At the same time it is an archeological site and it is the only national example in which the sea touches the defenses.
- Praia de Labruge (Vila do Conde) – Labruge beach offers beautiful sceneries, lovely cafés and bars and during the summer there is also a beach library lending the books for free!
- Praia de Angeiras (Matosinhos)– Angeiras is a famous fisherman village where you can still find the traditional fishing boats and houses and other fishing equipment. Further, there are many restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood. There is also a fish market recently renovated where you can buy fresh fish and other products each morning.
- Praia da Agudela (Matosinhos)– Surrounded by sand dunes and wooden boardwalks, Agudela Beach is very popular with the residents of the Porto region.
- Praia de Leça da Palmeira (Matosinhos)– With its extensive sands surrounded by strong waves, Leça da Palmeira Beach offers excellent conditions for surfing and kitesurfing. This area is especially popular among young people, as there are many restaurants, bars and night clubs around it. Further, there is also the most beautiful outdoor swimming pool in Porto, Piscina das Marés, combining both salty ocean and sweet pool water.
- Praia de Matosinhos (Matosinhos)– If you are visiting or living in Porto, you certainly heard about Matosinhos Beach, being the most well-known and popular beach in Porto by both locals and tourists. And there are many reasons – there are no rocks, good waves for surfing, huge sand area, many bars and fish restaurants and much more to do. Check our article for what to do around Matosinhos beach. Another advantage of Matosinhos Beach is that it is also accessible by metro.
- Praia dos Ingleses (Foz do Douro) – We move from Matosinhos to Foz do Douro to Praia dos Ingleses being an urban beach. The cafes around the beach stay open until late and Praia dos Ingleses is often still buzzing long after dark. The name of this beach originated in the 19th century due to the fact that it was frequented by foreigners, mainly by the large British community, therefore “Ingleses” meaning “Englishmen”.
- Praia de Canide Norte (Vila Nova de Gaia) – Now we move from Foz do Douro to Vila Nova de Gaia. Praia de Canide Norte is popular especially with locals with families. During the summer there is also a public free swimming pool built right on the sand of Praia de Canide Norte.
- Praia da Madalena (Vila Nova de Gaia) – Praia da Madalena has an immense stretch of sand and in its waters we can find rocky areas that meander through the waves. The wooden walkways that protect the dunes and the small stream that runs there are an invitation for long walks to enjoy the whole landscape of the beach.
- Praia de Miramar (Vila Nova de Gaia) – Praia de Miramar is famous for its small chapel Senhor da Pedra built in 1763 located right on the beach offering a unique view. It is believed that the chapel may have its origin in an ancient pagan cult of a naturalistic nature having later been converted to Christianity.
- Praia da Aguda (Vila Nova de Gaia) – Praia da Aguda is another popular beach located in Vila Nova de Gaia visited mainly by locals. It is a partway between Porto and Espinho. There is also a small harbor and protective sea wall. When in Aguda, you should definitely visit also a nearby town remaining untouched by mass tourism with traditional fishermen houses, cafés and elegant holiday houses. Another benefit is its easy train accessibility as it lies on the main Porto-Aveiro railway.
- Praia de Espinho (Espinho) – The southernmost beach we will introduce is the popular Praia de Espinho located in the vivid Espinho area. It is a popular holiday and surfing destination, especially liked by young people. It is accessible by the train, similarly as Praia da Aguda, lying on the main Porto-Aveiro route. When in Espinho, visit also the town and its Casino being the largest casino of northern Portugal. If having a chance, go to Espinho on Monday as each Monday morning there is held a famous market “Feira de Espinho” being the largest market of northern Portugal.
