The beaches of Porto are often not considered as a tourist destination, but they are located in the heart of Costa Verde, where there are golden sandy beaches, rocky coves, cold waters of the Atlantic, and natural landscapes of great beauty.
The proximity of these wonderful beaches to the city of Porto is generally not advertised, so many tourists and visitors do not know that a trip to Porto in the summer can also include days on its beaches.
Despite being located near the Douro River, the humidity level in Porto is not as unpleasant as in other coastal cities, making a trip to Porto in the summer an excellent option to escape crowded beaches and enjoy a cool and pleasant climate.
Do not miss the opportunity to explore them and live unforgettable vacations on the best beaches of Porto!
The area known as Foz do Douro (or simply Foz) is where the beaches of Porto are located, while the other nearby beaches belong to Matosinhos and Vila Nova de Gaia, the two neighboring municipalities. Getting to them from the center of Porto is easy, either by car or public transport.
Among the best beaches near Porto that you must visit are: Praia de Matosinhos, Praia Senhor da Pedra, and Praia Canide Sul. All offer a peaceful atmosphere to relax and experience the beauty of the sea, nature, and soft white sand.
In summary, Porto has beaches that go unnoticed for those who do not know them. If you are looking for peace and tranquility, these beaches will give you the perfect escape in the summer.
Beaches of Porto
Praia da Luz
Praia da Luz is a popular beach located near the place where the Douro River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. It offers a beautiful stretch of sand and a hidden restaurant and terrace that are worth visiting.
The beach is named after the patron saint of a chapel that was already there, known as Our Lady of Light. In addition, it received the Golden Beach Award for its excellence. When visiting it during low tide, it is possible to see the two 14th-century stone piers.
Praia dos Ingleses
Praia dos Ingleses is another popular beach in Porto, for those who want to enjoy a drink and the sun, known for its cafes and terraces. It is right next to Praia do Ourigo, offering 86 meters of clear sand and safety, making it an excellent option for families.
Despite being quite crowded, it is a quiet place where you can relax.
Praia Homem do Leme
Praia do Homem do Leme is known for its popular Portuguese song and is considered one of the best beaches in Porto, it is a rocky beach with great accessibility. It was the first to receive the Blue Flag, a symbol of quality and safety.
The beach has good access for bathing, includes facilities adapted for wheelchair users and an accessible first aid station.
It is an excellent option for families with children, as it has a small playground in a nearby garden.
To get there, you can use one of the buses 200, 202, 203, and 500 and get off at the Homem do Leme stop.
Do not forget to take a photo next to the bronze statue that pays homage to the fishermen who used it to go to the sea.
Praia do Carneiro
Praia do Carneiro, although not considered one of the best beaches in Porto for sunbathing, is known for its picturesque beauty and features such as a lighthouse and a 16th-century fortification of San Juan de la Foz.
Praia do Molhe
The Molhe Beach is located between Praia da Luz and Praia de Matosinhos and is known for its famous Foz Pergola (which is a star on several postcards of the city of Porto).
It also has a pier that partially protects from the waves, and a wide variety of cafes and restaurants nearby, perfect for enjoying a meal or drink after a day at the beach.
Praia do Ourigo
Arriving by tram on line 1, recommended for exploring the riverside area of Porto, you will find this small beach.
Enjoy a relaxing day at Ourigo Beach, with one of its ideal terraces for sunbathing or enjoying a refreshing drink.
Praia Gondarém
This beach is recognized for its excellence and quality. In addition to its crystal clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches, what really attracts visitors are its modern terraces.
Beaches in Porto to enjoy with children
If you want to take the kids to the beach for a quieter and more family-friendly time, and don’t want to travel too far, the ideal is to take them to the city’s beaches located in the Foz do Douro area.
There, they can find accessible and comfortable beaches to spend a morning or afternoon.
In addition, in this area, you can also visit fun places such as the SeaLife Porto aquarium, City Park, Forte São Francisco, and much more.
Other nearby beaches in Porto
We cannot fail to mention some beaches near Porto (which are very different from the beaches in Porto), they are beaches with large sand areas, with restaurants and an excellent place to spend a relaxing day in the sun. These beaches near Porto are in the neighboring municipalities of Vila Nova de Gaia and Matosinhos, belonging to the metropolitan area of Porto and therefore 15/20 minutes by car.
Beaches of Vila Nova de Gaia
Crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge, you reach Vila Nova de Gaia, a neighboring municipality of Porto, famous for its Port wine cellars.
However, it also has several large sandy beaches and a boardwalk full of options, cafes, restaurants, and terraces to enjoy all year round.
Praia do Senhor da Pedra
Praia do Senhor da Pedra is an impressive beach, famous for its hexagonal chapel built directly on the sand.
This beach was considered one of the best in Europe in 2015 and is one of the most photographed in the country.
The chapel, known as the Capela do Senhor da Pedra, is a popular tourist attraction and when the tide rises, the waves surround it completely, creating an impressive effect.
Nothing compares to the peace and tranquility you can find on the beaches of Porto during the summer. A hidden gem that you cannot miss.
In addition to the chapel, the beach has a café and a playground at the entrance, as well as several services such as restaurants and bars.
It is easy to reach the beach, either by train or by car, and there is also an annual celebration in honor of Senhor da Pedra in June.
Praia de Miramar
Praia de Miramar is located next to Praia do Senhor da Pedra. It is a place where you can enjoy the tranquility of nature thanks to its large extension of 250 meters.
There is a pedestrian walkway that runs along the beaches of this town, which you can enjoy.
In addition, you will not have problems parking nearby, as parking is free and there is also a train station quite close.
Madalena Beach
Madalena Beach is a popular beach in Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto due to its easy access by public transportation.
With an extensive stretch of sand and a wooden walkway that connects Salgueiros Beach to Senhor da Pedra Beach, the beach offers an opportunity to walk and enjoy the beauty of the coastline.
To reach the beach, take bus 906 from the São Bento or Trindade train station and get off at the Moinho de Vento stop.
Canide Beach
Canide Beach is another stunning beach, with a large stretch of sand that is divided into two areas, Canide Norte and Canide Sur.
Both areas are similar and feature useful amenities such as bars, restaurants, showers, and parking.
Canide Sur Beach is an excellent choice for those who wish to enjoy the sun due to the “wall” that provides a protected area from the waves and north winds.
Aguda Beach
With a large stretch of sand, this beach is a perfect place to enjoy the natural beauty of the coastline.
The small fishing village of Aguda is home to this beach, which means that it is common to see local fishermen returning from the sea with fresh fish that can be bought at the local market.
Matosinhos Beaches
Matosinhos Beach
Matosinhos Beach is a very popular urban beach in Porto, located in front of the Anémona Roundabout, a large red sculpture in the shape of a net.
It is the endpoint of the Parque da Cidade and is protected by the Leixões port wall. It is a popular spot for surfing and has surf schools and equipment rentals.
In addition, it has an avenue with restaurants and shops nearby and is ideal for skateboarding or cycling.
The best surf beach in Porto: Matosinhos Beach is considered the best surf beach in Porto. It is a windy beach, which makes it ideal for water sports lovers such as surfing and windsurfing. Would you like to try a surf lesson? You can book here.
You can reach Matosinhos Beach by metro from the center of Porto on the A line, with a travel time of 27 minutes from the “Trindade” station to “Matosinhos Sul”.
Leça da Palmeira Beach
Leça da Palmeira is a parish belonging to the Municipality of Matosinhos, known for its beaches and the impressive natural saltwater pool, known as Piscinas das Marés, which is considered a National Monument and attracts many tourists, being an ideal option for those who prefer a safer environment to swim.
Leça da Palmeira Beach is known for its large size, making it ideal for families with children. To reach Leça da Palmeira from Porto, you can take bus number 507 from the Cordoaria station.
Piscinas das Marés: Piscinas das Marés in Leça da Palmeira is a unique attraction in Porto. Designed by the famous Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza, this saltwater pool offers a relaxing and beautiful environment.
The pool has an area for children and a small terrace to enjoy the sun. Its modern design and perfect integration with the ocean landscape make it an ideal place to visit with friends and family, especially with young children.
Visitors can enjoy the pools from 09:00-19:00 in the summer, with entrance prices of €6 for adults and €3.5 for children under 14 from Monday to Friday, and €8 and €4 respectively on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
Undoubtedly, Piscina das Marés is a unique experience on the Portuguese coast.
FAQ’s
Useful links to plan your trip to the beaches in Porto and surroundings:
- Porto Metro
- Porto buses (STCP)
