Your Ultimate Guide To Matosinhos Beach​

From fresh seafood to perfect surf, I’m here to tell you all the reasons why you should visit Matosinhos Beach. 

A lone surfer walks along Matosinhos Beach in Portugal

Everything You Need To Know About Praia de Matosinhos

If there’s one thing Porto has no shortage of, it’s beaches. In fact, one of the best things about living here is how many beautiful beaches are just a short drive from the city. It’s one of the main reasons I made Porto my home.

My go-to beach has always been Praia de Matosinhos. I’ve spent countless afternoons there, either enjoying the sun or taking a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.

Now, while there’s plenty to see and do in Porto’s city centre, I’m here to convince you to take a trip to Praia de Matosinhos. I might be a bit biased, but honestly, the beaches in Porto just hit different. 

How To Get To Matosinhos Beach

Getting to Matosinhos couldn’t be easier. If you’re staying in central Porto, you have a few options: 

Porto to Matosinhos By Bus

Several bus lines also go to Matosinhos. You can catch either bus lines 500, 502 or 501. If you’re not in any rush, I recommend taking line 500; though the trip does take about 40 minutes, it does offer a more scenic route. The 500 bus departs from Aliados in central Porto and stops at key points like Castelo do Queijo, the Edifício Transparente, Matosinhos Beach, and finally, the Matosinhos Market.

Porto to Matosinhos By Metro 

Taking the metro is the quickest way to Matosinhos Beach from Porto. The Linha Azul (Blue Line, Line A) runs directly to Matosinhos. If you’re heading to the centre of Matosinhos, take the metro to Senhor de Matosinhos. However, if you’re going for the restaurant district, Brito Capelo or Mercado (Market) are better stops. For the beach, the best option is Matosinhos Sul. 

Porto to Matosinhos By Car

If you’re driving to Matosinhos, you’ll be able to finding parking spots along the beach. But on sunny weekends, it fills up fast.

Read Next… 4 Of The Best Beaches Near Porto

Swimming at Matosinhos ​

While Matosinhos is a fantastic beach for swimming, keep in mind you will be swimming in the Atlantic ocean. Meaning that the water will be quite cold, even in summer.

On calm days, it’s perfect for a dip, but when the waves pick up, it’s better suited for surfers than swimmers. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months, so it’s a safe option for families. If you’re not a fan of the waves, lounging on the sand is always an option.

The beach is wide and spacious, meaning even on busier days, you’ll still find a good spot to stretch out and enjoy the sun.

Surfing in Matosinhos​

Now, if you’ve ever wanted to try surfing, Matosinhos is the place to start. Thanks to its consistent waves and sandy bottom, it’s one of the best beginner friendly surf spots in northern Portugal. There are plenty of surf schools lining the beach offering lessons and board rentals.

Here are a few great Matosinhos surf school options to get you started:
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GOOD TO  KNOW: The best time to surf in Matosinhos Beach is during Autumn and Spring when the waves are consistent, and the beach is less crowded.

Matosinhos Beach Restaurants

Matosinhos isn’t just famous for its beach—it’s a seafood lover’s paradise. But if you’re after something heartier, there’s one place you must visit: Cufra Edifício.

This legendary spot serves and amazing Francesinha, Porto’s famous sandwich layered with cured meats, steak, and sausage, all smothered in a rich, beer sauce. It’s indulgent, it’s messy, and it’s completely worth it.

If its seafood that you’re after I recommend having stroll along Rua Heróis de França, where you’ll find some of the best seafood restaurants in Portugal. From grilled sardines, giant prawns, and freshly shucked oysters—this is as fresh as it gets.

Find more restaurant recommendations in my Matosinhos Restaurants Guide

Matosinhos Beach Bars

After a day in the sun, you’ll want a good drink. Matosinhos has plenty of bars, each with its own personality. Here are a few I recommend checking out:

🍹 LAIS DE GUIA

If you want a drink with a front row seat to the ocean, Lais de Guia is the place. This beachfront bar has that effortlessly cool, slightly rustic vibe—think wooden deck, good music, and a relaxed crowd. 

🍹 BAR DO TITAN 

This bar sits right on the beach, which means you can sip on a cocktail while listening to the waves roll in. If you’re the type who loves to just sit, chat, and people watch, this is your place.

🍹  HOPTRIP CRAFT BEER MATOSINHOS  

If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, this is your spot. With an impressive selection of local and international craft brews, friendly bartenders, and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere, HopTrip is the perfect place to unwind after a beach day.

 

There’s no doubt about it, Matosinhos Beach offers a year round charm that just makes you keep coming back for more. 

Whether you’re here to stretch out on the sand, walk along the promenade with an ice cream in hand, or settle in for a long seafood lunch, there’s always something to enjoy. And with the metro making it so easy to get here, there’s no reason not to spend a day by the sea!

So come, breathe in the salty air and see why Matosinhos is a favourite beach spot for both locals and visitors alike.

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Written By
Ysabelle Alesna

Ysabelle is the voice behind Oh My Porto, a blog that peels back the glossy pages of travel brochures to reveal the heartbeat of the city. Through Oh My Porto, Ysabelle shares everything you need to make your time in Portugal unforgettable, from cultural deep dives to travel tips you won’t get anywhere else.

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Oh, My Porto is a Porto & North Portugal-focused travel, food & lifestyle blog by writer Ysabelle Alesna.

Ysabelle shares her guides and recommendations to help travellers discover the heart of Porto and fall in love with the city just as she has.

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