Porto meets the Atlantic Ocean along a string of sandy beaches running from Foz do Douro north to Matosinhos. The Foz beaches, such as Carneiro, Ingleses or Homem do Leme, are close to landscaped promenades and cafés; Matosinhos, further west, is a long urban beach that surfers use all year round. The water stays cool even in summer, and the wind can blow hard: people come for the walk, the sunset and Matosinhos's grilled fish as much as for the swimming.
Highlights
Homem do Leme beach
About 600 metres of sand, partly sheltered from the north-westerly swell, which makes the sea calmer than elsewhere. It is supervised in summer. North winds are common here.
Matosinhos
A long urban beach and the best-known surf spot in the region: the waves are regular, and the fish restaurants on the street that runs along the beach are the other reason to come.
The Foz beaches
Carneiro, Ingleses and Gondarém are close to the seafront at Foz do Douro. Some Foz bathing areas have received the Blue Flag; the award changes every year, so check on site.
Practical info
Tips
- The Atlantic stays cold even in August: a wetsuit is advised for surfing. Swim only in the areas marked by flags and supervised during the bathing season. Currents can be strong: follow the lifeguards' instructions. For Foz, tram 1 goes to Passeio Alegre; for Matosinhos, take the metro (line A, blue) to Matosinhos Sul. For the promenade and other addresses, see our guide to Foz do Douro.
How to get there
Foz: tram 1 to the Passeio Alegre terminus. Matosinhos: metro, line A (blue), Matosinhos Sul station. Bus: several lines also link central Porto to the seafront.
Opening hours
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Nearby
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