The Best Beaches Near Porto

Porto sits right on the Atlantic, with sandy beaches a short tram, bus or metro ride from the centre, and more along the coast to the north and south. The water is cold and the waves can be strong, but the beaches are great for walks, surfing and seafood. Here are the best beaches near Porto.

Quick answer: the closest beaches are in Foz do Douro (tram 1 or bus 500). Matosinhos has a big sandy beach, surf schools and fish restaurants (metro line A). Leça da Palmeira has Siza’s ocean pools. To the south, Miramar has a chapel on the rocks, and Espinho is a classic resort. To the north, try Vila do Conde and Póvoa de Varzim.

In the city

• Foz do Douro: small beaches among rocks, with seafront cafés. See Foz do Douro.
• Matosinhos: a wide sandy beach that is popular for surf lessons. See surf lessons. See Matosinhos.
• Leça da Palmeira: beaches and the Leça ocean pools, open in summer.

South of Porto

• Praia da Aguda: a fishing beach with a small aquarium.
• Praia de Miramar: famous for the Senhor da Pedra chapel standing on the rocks on the beach.
• Espinho: a traditional resort town with a long beach, reachable by train.

North of Porto

• Vila do Conde: a historic town with long beaches.
• Póvoa de Varzim: a lively resort town, reached by metro.

Tips

• Cold water: the Atlantic here is chilly even in August.
• Waves and currents: swim only at guarded beaches and follow the flags.
• Wind: afternoons can be windy, so mornings are often best.
• Further afield: Costa Nova and the beaches near Aveiro. See Costa Nova.

More: the best beaches in Portugal and things to do in Porto.

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