Porto is a city in the north of Portugal near the ocean. There is a huge selection of sandy beaches for summer vacation. But in contrast to the beaches of Lisbon and the coastline of the Algarve – the water here does not warm up too much. Therefore, even in the hot summer, even though you can see a lot of people on the beaches, there are not so many people who go swimming.
As for the water temperature, the water here is generally cool even in summer, which makes swimming in the ocean quite refreshing. The air temperature in August can reach +35 C, while the water will be no higher than +18-20 C.
But beach vacations near Porto certainly exist. Because the ocean is very inviting, and in the heat there is a desire to cool off even in cool water. I tell you about the beaches in Porto and the nearest towns that can be reached by bus or car.
Beaches in the city of Porto
Locals and tourists alike vacation in the suburb of Foz do Doro, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. The coast near Porto is not as rocky as near Lisbon – there are huge empty beaches, most of which are very dangerous to swim on because of the current and waves. Therefore, choose those with rescue services to avoid getting into trouble.
Gondarem Beach, Fosch (8 km)
By car: 17 min.
By bus: 20 minutes from the center of Porto, or by old tram to the final stop and walk 15 minutes on foot
The beaches of Foz are located along the picturesque promenade leading from the Farolim de Felgueiras lighthouse to the beaches of Motusinhos. This is a chain of beaches that do not have white sand (they are rather yellowish). But this makes them no less beautiful. Safety on the beach is marked by a blue flag, which signals that it is safe to swim in the ocean that day.
If you get tired of splashing in the Atlantic, swim in the rocky natural pools and numerous small lagoons. Then go to one of the open cafes and restaurants – order a coffee or a glass of Portuguese wine (it’s not just port) – and get a real pleasure from rest and life.
Getting here is another nice part of the experience, especially if you take the tram #1 from Ribeira. The vintage tram rides along the riverfront, offering great views of the Douro and the Arrabida Bridge. After disembarking at the last stop, take a walk through the green gardens of Paseo Alegre.
Praia dos Ingleses Beach, Foz (9 km)
By car: 20 min.
By bus: 20 minutes from the center of Porto, or by old tram to the final stop and walk 15 minutes on foot
Praia dos Ingleses is also one of the closest to the city center, ideal for a quick escape to the ocean. Golden sands stretching among rocky outcrops, a picturesque pergola with columns create a picturesque spot to watch the waves crashing on the shore.
Although it’s often too rough for swimming, it’s a great place to stroll along the promenade, which stretches for over 2.5 km to Matosinhos. Praia dos Ingleses is also a famous place to watch the sunset. There are several well-located cafes above the sands where you can enjoy drinks and snacks both at sunset and at any other time (most are open from 10:00 to midnight).
Matosinhos Beach (10 km)
45 minutes by metro (take line A to Matosinhos Sul station)
Praia de Matosinhos is a huge beach in the eponymous district of Porto. Easily accessible from the city, Matosinhos is the largest beach, with a wide expanse of fine golden sand, where you can see not only young people and surfers, but also elderly couples, dog walkers, children playing ball, people walking hand in hand, and young families splashing in the water. Lifeguards monitor the beach in summer, making it a great choice for children of all ages.
Several surf schools offer lessons and rent surfboards and stand-up paddleboards. In particular Onda Pura: one group lesson costs 30 euros, which is inexpensive to try to get on the board.
Restaurants and cafes with ocean views are located near the beach. If you walk a little towards the port, you can also visit the lively Matosinhos Municipal Market and the fish restaurants near the fish market. The only drawback of Matosinjus, if I may say so myself, is the industrial zone of the container port on the horizon, which slightly distorts the coastal views.
Praia do Homem do Leme Beach (at a distance of 7 km)
By car: 17 min.
By bus: 34 min
A trip to Foz is a must for anyone visiting Porto, and so it’s worth throwing down the towel on Praia do Homem do Leme. Like all the beaches in the area, it has a Blue Flag and is beautifully located among the cliffs. There is a boat-shaped play area for kids; for adults, there are two (two!) tactics.
Praia de Leça da Palmeira Beach (13 km)
By car: 16 min.
By bus: 40 min
Lesa da Palmeira beach is the most crowded in Matosinhos. There are fewer rocks on the south side of the beach and it is popular with surfers and kitesurfers – it is an ideal beach for surfers due to its strong waves.
It is probably one of the most famous beaches in the area, as it also has a man-made area of natural pools. They are great for families with children, as the ocean is safer here. However, in summer, this area becomes incredibly busy with a lot of people.
Beaches to the south of Porto
If you move away from the historic center toward the suburb of Vila Nova de Gaia, you will see rocky shores, coastal promenades, and wide expanses of golden sands.
Senhor da Pedra Beach (15 km)
By car: 17 min.
By bus: 29 min.
In 2015, this beach was named one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. All this thanks to the famous chapel – Senhor da Pedra (Lord of the Rock). It is located in the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia, on the southern bank of the Douro River. This beach is one of the best for children, with a special play area, a large sandy area that is great for ball games. There is also a nice cafe-bar where you can enjoy light snacks and ice cream.
Praia da Aguda Beach, Vila Nova de Gaia (17 km)
By car: 20 min.
By bus: 32 min
Near Vila Nova de Gaia and Espinho, Praia da Aguda stretches from Miramar in the north and Granha in the south. This beach has strong waves, making it suitable for surfing. The beach is located in a fishing village filled with seafood restaurants. It is very beautiful here: large dunes, natural vegetation and a fairly large strip of golden sand – ideal for sunset walks.
On the way, you can see traditional fishermen with their colorful boats and nets. On your way back, take advantage of the wooden promenade above the dunes – it’s convenient to walk along, and it’s also just beautiful, especially with the ocean view.
Sereias Beach, Espinho (19 km)
By car: 20 min.
By bus: 30 min
“Praia das Sereias” means “Mermaid Beach”. This beach is located in Vila Nova de Gaia and has a long strip of golden sand. The size of this beach is ideal for vacationing in July or August, when other beaches are very crowded. There are also wooden paths leading through the sand dunes. Amenities include showers, toilets, and a beach bar.
In the summer, there are many families and large groups of friends who tend to gather at the foot of a massive boulder, where they are protected from the wind. To get peace and quiet, go to the top of the cliff: there are usually few people there. It is also a popular surfing beach.
Beaches to the north of Porto
Or you can travel north of the city to see capes surrounded by nature reserves, pristine oceanfront, and remote white sand beaches. The beaches stretch all the way to the border with Spain – the farther away from Porto, the wilder the nature and beaches become.
When you decide which beach to visit, we recommend hire a car for convenience. Most of the beaches located north of Porto can be reached, usually no longer than 20 minutes by car.
Moreiro Beach, Vila do Condi (at a distance of 19 km)
By car: 30 min.
By bus: 1 h 15 min
Perhaps the quietest beach on this list – it doesn’t even have massive construction sites! Moreiro Beach is a typical family-friendly place to relax on a calm, sunny day. There is also a bar with refreshing drinks and cocktails.
Labruge Beach, Vila do Condi (at a distance of 24 km)
By car: 30 min.
By bus: 1 h 20 min
The sand here is also white and fine. There are also beach houses and a nudist area. The northern part is rocky, so swimmers gather in the central and southern parts, near the mouth of the Onda River. Relax and watch the fishing boats that constantly come and go from the shore.
Pedras do Corgo Beach, Lavra (20 km)
By car: 20 min.
By bus: 51 min
Approach this beach in a dramatic way, through a wooden gangway. When you finally set foot on it, you’ll realize there’s plenty to do: soft sand to stroll on, an outdoor cafe to cool off in, and an area for sports like beach volleyball. When you get fed up with all this activity, cabins are available.
Memorial Beach (18 km)
By car: 18 min.
By bus: 1 h 13 min
Bring your friends and come here in the morning, before families with small children gather. It’s quiet in the afternoon, without little babies shooting at everyone with water pistols. This beach has lifeguards, umbrellas for rent, a bar by the sand, and a piece of history: the iconic Obelisco da Praia da Memória (or Obelisco da Memória – Obelisk of Memory), a symbol of the beach, has been standing here for 150 years.
Useful articles and links:
- Algarve – the best beaches in Portugal
- Nazare – the biggest waves and beaches in Portugal
- Sintra – a great guide to the city and beaches
- Beaches near Lisbon – where to relax, walk and play sports
- Cascais – a beach resort near Lisbon
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Rent a car – Rentalcars.com
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