Maia is a municipality located 11 km north of central Porto and it is considered as one of the greenest urban areas of Porto. It is also famous for being highly industrialized and a seat of several companies, such as Sonae, CIN, Frulact, Cerealis, or Prozis. Living in Maia is a good compromise between the hustle and high prices of central Porto and calm and cheaper suburban areas. Btw, you will for sure have a smile on your face while visiting Maia, as the city motto is “Sorria, está na Maia”, meaning “Smile, you’re in Maia” :). Below I have gathered the activities what to do in Maia. Feel free to comment with your suggestions.
- Torre do Lidador – The 92 meter tall tower resembling a firelighter is considered as a symbol of Maia. It is a seat of Maia municipal services and also a 5th tallest building in the whole Portugal and the tallest building outside of metropolitan area of Lisbon. The tower is opened to public each Saturday in the evening.
- Parks – Maia is one of the greenest urban areas of Porto having also several parks. They serve for walking with family, or dogs, doing sports or as a family reunion place to have a picnic. You can visit for example Parque Urbano de Moutidos, or Parque de Avioso.
- Quinta dos Cónegos – This garden with the beautiful baroque house built in 18th century is opened to public each Saturday with a free entry.
- Piscinas da Quinta da Gruta – If you visit Maia in the summer, refresh yourself in the public outdoor swimming pools located in a beautiful garden “Quinta da Gruta”. The ticket has to be paid online in advance.
- Zoo da Maia – Maia Zoo is smallish compared to regular zoos, but if you come with children, they will for sure love it. Btw there are only two zoos around Porto, the second one is Zoo Santo Inácio.
- Ecocaminho da Maia – “Ecocaminho” is a hiking area built of wooden pathways serving mainly for walking, running, or a dog walking. It is around 3.3 km long and connects the metro station “Mandim” with Quinta dos Cónegos. You can see a lot of local fauna and flora along the way, among others also a typical cork oak called in Portuguese “sobreiro”, eucalyptus trees, lemon trees, etc.
- Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Bom Despacho – As Portuguese are mainly of a catholic religion, a catholic church cannot miss in Maia.
- Castelbel factory – Castelbel is a Portuguese brand producing home and body products and its factory is located in Maia. You can, after a prior arrangement, agree on a guided tour of a factory, or buy a discounted products in the factory shop.
- Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport – Maia is also a home to the Porto airport, being regularly elected as one of the best in the country and also in Europe. For our recommendation of the best direct flight from Porto, check this article.
- Restaurants – Last but not least, I will mention some of the best restaurants you can visit while in Maia. If you would like to try francesinha, some people claim that Café Turista serves the best francesinhas in whole Porto. In O Fernando you try a local dish “Cabrito à maiata” – roasted goatling. On Ecocaminho, there is a beautiful restaurant Restaurante Estação located in a former train station. Other iconic restaurant include Steak House Portuguesa da Maia, Reis da Maia, La Costa Brava, or Coreto. If you wanna try traditional Portuguese barbecue called “churrasco“, you might visit Mister Churrasco Maia, Churrasqueira Da Pinta, O Simão Churrasqueira. Still not enough? 🙂 Mr. Joey – Burger and Tio Fafá Hamburgueria – Maia serve excellent burgers. If you wanna try an Indian restaurant, visit Paladares de Goa and if you wish to have a good brunch, check O Porteiro.
