11 Best Beaches in Porto, Portugal That You’ll Love

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to explore the best beaches in Porto, Portugal.

As a beach enthusiast, I couldn’t resist venturing to some of the renowned beaches in the area, and I must say, I was not disappointed.

Porto boasts an impressive array of sandy shores, each with its own unique charm and allure.

From the crashing waves of Matosinhos Beach to the tranquil beauty of Praia do Carneiro, the beaches in Porto offer a delightful escape for sunseekers and nature lovers alike.

Join me as I take you on a journey through the 11 best beaches in Porto, sharing my personal experiences and capturing the essence of their simple yet breathtaking beauty.

Best Beaches in Porto, Portugal

Matosinhos Beach

Located in the neighboring town of Matosinhos, this beach is known for its extensive sandy shoreline and excellent surfing conditions.

How to get to Matosinhos Beach:

Matosinhos Beach is easily accessible from Porto city center.

You can take the Metro Line A (Blue Line) to the Matosinhos Sul station. From there, it’s just a short walk to the beach.

Praia do Carneiro

Situated near Foz do Douro, this beach offers beautiful views and a relaxed atmosphere.

It is a popular spot for sunbathing and beach walks.

How to get to Praia do Carneiro:

To reach Praia do Carneiro, you can take the bus or tram to Foz do Douro, a neighborhood in Porto.

From the city center, you can take bus number 500 or 200 or tram line 1.

Once in Foz do Douro, the beach is within walking distance.

Praia da Luz

Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, this beach is known for its calm waters and scenic surroundings.

It is a family-friendly destination with good facilities.

How to get to Praia da Luz:

Praia da Luz is located in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from Porto.

You can take the Metro Line D (Yellow Line) to General Torres station and then transfer to bus number 901 to Praia da Luz.

Praia do Homem do Leme

Situated in Foz do Douro, this beach is popular among surfers and bodyboarders.

It also offers a great view of the iconic Homem do Leme statue.

How to get to Praia do Homem do Leme:

This beach is also situated in Foz do Douro.

You can reach it by taking the bus or tram to Foz do Douro and then walking along Avenida do Brasil until you reach the beach.

Praia de Matosinhos-Sul

Another beach in Matosinhos, it is known for its vibrant atmosphere and a wide range of water sports activities.

It has a lively promenade with various bars and restaurants.

How to get to Praia de Matosinhos-Sul:

As mentioned earlier, Matosinhos Beach is easily accessible from Porto city center.

You can take the Metro Line A (Blue Line) to Matosinhos Sul station, and the beach is a short walk away.

Praia de Salgueiros

Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, this beach is known for its rocky formations and natural pools.

It offers a peaceful and secluded environment.

How to get to Praia de Salgueiros:

To get to Praia de Salgueiros, located in Vila Nova de Gaia, you can take the Metro Line D (Yellow Line) to the Francelos station.

From there, it’s a walk of about 15 minutes to reach the beach.

Praia de Lavadores

Situated in Vila Nova de Gaia, this beach features golden sands and is popular among families and sunbathers.

It has good amenities and a relaxed ambiance.

How to get to Praia de Lavadores:

Lavadores Beach is also situated in Vila Nova de Gaia.

You can take the Metro Line D (Yellow Line) to the General Torres station, and then transfer to bus number 902 or 906, which will take you directly to Praia de Lavadores.

Praia do Aterro

Located in Leça da Palmeira, this beach offers a mix of sand and rocks, making it a picturesque destination.

It has good infrastructure and is suitable for various beach activities.

How to get to Praia do Aterro:

Praia do Aterro is located in Leça da Palmeira.

To get there, you can take the Metro Line A (Blue Line) to the Mercado station. From there, it’s a walk of about 10 minutes to reach the beach.

Praia de Canidelo

Situated in Vila Nova de Gaia, this beach is known for its extensive sandy shoreline and beautiful dunes.

It is a quieter beach, perfect for relaxation.

How to get to Praia de Canidelo:

To reach Praia de Canidelo in Vila Nova de Gaia, you can take the Metro Line D (Yellow Line) to the Santo Ovídio station.

From there, you can transfer to bus number 902 or 906, which will take you directly to the beach.

Praia do Molhe

Located in Foz do Douro, this beach is known for its large rock formations and strong waves, making it a popular spot for surfing and bodyboarding.

How to get to Praia do Molhe:

To get to Praia do Molhe in Foz do Douro, you can take the bus or tram to Foz do Douro.

Once you reach Foz do Douro, you can walk along Avenida do Brasil until you reach the beach.

Praia de Valadares

Situated in Vila Nova de Gaia, this beach is known for its wild and rugged beauty.

It is less crowded and offers a tranquil environment for beachgoers.

How to get to Praia de Valadares:

Praia de Valadares is located in Vila Nova de Gaia.

You can take the Metro Line D (Yellow Line) to the Valadares station. From there, it’s a walk of about 10 minutes to reach the beach.

Where to Stay in Porto, Portugal

Best budget- freindly stay in porto, portugal: Selina Porto

Selina Porto is a trendy hostel located in the heart of Porto’s city center, offering a vibrant and social atmosphere for budget travelers.

The hostel provides a range of accommodation options, including dormitory rooms and private rooms, all designed with a stylish and modern touch.

The communal spaces are thoughtfully designed with amenities such as a shared kitchen, common areas, co-working spaces, and even an on-site bar and restaurant.

Selina Porto often hosts events and activities for guests, creating a lively and engaging environment.

It’s an excellent choice for budget travelers looking for affordability, social interaction, and a unique atmosphere.

Best Mid-Range Stay in Porto, Portugal: Vincci Porto

Vincci Porto is a stylish and contemporary hotel situated in the historic district of Porto.

It features elegant rooms with a blend of modern design and traditional Portuguese elements.

The hotel offers amenities such as a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, an on-site restaurant serving Portuguese cuisine, and a fitness center.

Its prime location allows easy access to attractions like Clérigos Tower, Livraria Lello, and Aliados Avenue.

Vincci Porto provides a comfortable and upscale experience at a reasonable price.

Best Luxury Stay in Porto, Portugal: The Yeatman

The Yeatman is a luxurious wine hotel located in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river from Porto.

This five-star hotel offers stunning views of the city and the Douro River.

It features spacious and tastefully decorated rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, an extensive wine cellar, and a luxurious spa.

The Yeatman is renowned for its wine-focused experiences and its association with the world of Port wine.

It’s an exceptional choice for those seeking a lavish and unforgettable stay in Porto.

Best Beaches in Porto, Portugal FAQ

Does Porto have good beaches?

Yes, Porto has good beaches, with options like Matosinhos Beach and Foz do Douro offering sandy shores and enjoyable seaside experiences.

Is it easy to get to the beach from Porto?

Yes, it is easy to get to the beach from Porto.

The city has excellent public transportation options, including metro, buses, and trams, which provide convenient access to nearby beaches.

Which part of Portugal has the best beaches?

Portugal is known for its beautiful coastline, and different regions offer stunning beaches.

The Algarve region in southern Portugal is often considered to have some of the country’s best beaches, with its golden sands, clear waters, and picturesque cliffs.

Can you walk from Porto to the beach?

Yes, you can walk from certain parts of Porto to the beach.

Foz do Douro, for example, is a neighborhood in Porto that is within walking distance of the beach.

However, the distance may vary depending on where you are in the city.

Which has better beaches Lisbon or Porto?

Both Lisbon and Porto have their own beautiful beaches.

The Lisbon region has stunning beaches along the nearby Cascais and Estoril coastlines.

Porto, on the other hand, offers beaches such as Matosinhos and Foz do Douro.

The choice of which has better beaches ultimately depends on personal preferences.

How many days is ideal in Porto?

An ideal duration to explore Porto would be around 3 to 4 days.

This allows you to visit the main attractions such as the historic Ribeira district, Dom Luís I Bridge, Livraria Lello, and explore the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Additionally, it provides time to savor the local cuisine, take a river cruise, and perhaps venture to nearby attractions like Guimarães or the Douro Valley.