Beautiful Beaches Near Porto, Portugal
A city of medieval lanes, hilltop neighborhoods, and wine lodges along the Douro, Porto isn’t well known for its beaches. However, if you zoom out from the historic center, you’ll find craggy wave-kissed shores, dramatic coastal promenades, and wide expanses of inviting golden sands.
The suburb of Foz do Douro, which faces the Atlantic, draws visitors and locals alike for a speedy seaside escape. Moreover, farther out, you’ll find headlands backed by nature reserves, pristine oceanfront near the Spanish border, and remote white-sand beaches reminiscent of Caribbean getaways. In general, the waters are chilly here even in the summer, which enhances ocean swims, particularly when August temperatures can top 35°C (95°F).
Praia dos Ingleses
Best Beach for Sunset Drinks
One of the closest strands to the city center, Praia dos Ingleses is perfect for a quick beachside escape. The golden sands stretching among rocky outcroppings provide a scenic vantage point for watching the waves crashing against the shore.
While it can often be too rough for swimming, this beach is a great spot for walks along the waterfront promenade, which extends for more than 2.5 km (1.5 miles) up to Matosinhos. Additionally, Praia dos Ingleses is a famous destination for watching sunsets. There are several well-placed terrace cafés just above the sands where you can enjoy drinks and snacks during sunset and just about any other time (most keep hours from 10 am to past midnight). Getting here is a rewarding part of the experience, especially if you travel aboard the No 1 tram from Ribeira, which offers breezy views over the Douro and the Arrábida Bridge. After disembarking at the last stop, a stroll through the leafy gardens of Passeio Alegre brings you to the beach, approximately a 1 km (0.6 miles) walk from the tram stop.
Praia de Matosinhos
Best Beach for Families
The largest beach within easy reach of the city, Matosinhos has a wide expanse of fine golden sand, attracting a broad cross-section of Porto society. You’ll find surfers, paddle-boarders, teenagers kicking a ball around, couples walking hand in hand, and families splashing in the water. Lifeguards monitor the beach in the summer, making it an excellent choice for kids of all ages. Several surf schools offer lessons and rent out surfboards and stand-up paddleboards, including Onda Pura.
Restaurants and cafés facing the beach provide delicious options, while the vibrant Matosinhos municipal market nearby is great for picnic fare. One downside to Matosinhos is the industrial presence of the container port on the horizon, which somewhat mars the coastal views. It’s a 45-minute metro ride to the beach (take the A line to Matosinhos Sul station).
Praia de Moledo
Best Beach for DIY Island Adventures
For a unique experience, head to Praia de Moledo, located just south of the Spanish border. This lovely beachfront stretches for over 2.5 km (1.6 miles), with the more pristine northern section backed by the Camarido National Forest and far-off views of conical Monte de Santa Trega (in Spain).
A stone’s throw from the mainland is a tiny island topped with the Fortress of Ínsua, ringed by a lovely beach. You can hire a boat to take you across; just ensure you inform them what time to pick you up. Praia de Moledo is about an hour’s drive from Porto, though you can also reach it via a direct IR train, taking a little over 90 minutes.
Praia do Cabedelo do Douro
Best Beach for Birdwatching
On the south side of the Douro River, Praia do Cabedelo do Douro occupies a peninsula at the mouth of the river. The sandy beach on its west side faces the Atlantic and stretches for about 1 km (0.6 miles). Despite its proximity to Porto, this crescent-shaped shore feels delightfully secluded and attracts far fewer beachgoers than on the opposite side of the river, mainly because it’s challenging to reach by public transportation. It’s perfect for those seeking quiet nature time with views of the city skyline in the distance.
On the east side of the Cabedelo is the Reserva Natural Local do Estuário do Douro, a protected area with boardwalks winding past salt marsh, dune vegetation, and tidal flats. This is one of the best areas for birdwatching near Porto, particularly during the spring and fall migrations. You might spot species such as squacco herons, kingfishers, and black-tailed godwits among the 100 species present here.
Praia de São Jacinto
Best Beach for a Remote Escape
Lovely white sands backed by dunes await travelers making the 60 km (37 miles) journey south from Porto to this pristine stretch of coastline. Located at the southern end of a peninsula, Praia de São Jacinto offers endless beach strolls. The peninsula, stretching for 25 km (15.5 miles), features one long, wide beach along its western side. Nature enthusiasts can explore trails through woodlands and past dunes in the Reserva Natural das Dunas de São Jacinto.
Accessing this beach via public transportation may be somewhat adventurous but is certainly feasible (train to Aveiro, bus to Forte da Barra, ferry to São Jacinto). For those driving, it’s a straightforward one-hour (or so) drive from Porto, providing beautiful views along the N327 over the Aveiro Lagoon.
