Summary
A few kilometers from the center of Porto, Matosinhos serves as a popular destination for local residents to relax and dine. Historically, it has been the city’s source for fish and seafood, and the market along with numerous seafood restaurants remain as a testament to this tradition.
Matosinhos also boasts one of the finest beaches in the Porto area, characterized by surf-friendly waves throughout the year under suitable conditions. The coastline is further enhanced by 17th-century forts, along with Baroque and medieval churches, making it an excellent locale for family outings, including visits to the Sea Life aquarium.
Let’s explore the best attractions in Matosinhos:
1. Igreja do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos
This church dates back to the mid-16th century, though most of the visible structure is a lavishly designed Baroque style from the 18th century.
This renovation was executed by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni and financed by emigrants who prospered in Brazil.
The facade showcases a masterful display of windows and pilasters featuring sinuous curves.
Three portals and a substantial assembly of sculpted granite are complemented by pediments and alcoves, each adorned with statues of St. Peter and St. Paul.
Inside, the space shines with intricate gilded woodwork, present both in the side chapels and at the main altar.
Make sure to admire the organ, crafted in 1685 in the Hamburg style by the Dutch craftsman Michael Hensberg.
2. Matosinhos Beach
As the largest sandy beach in the Porto region, it features an inviting curve of fine sand.
Historically, the industrial activities along the coast hindered Matosinhos from achieving the Blue Flag designation; however, it has earned this accolade in recent years.
As an Atlantic beach, the water tends to be invigorating, and currents may be challenging for inexperienced swimmers.
Nonetheless, the expansive sands, wide promenade, and variety of bars and dining options compensate for this factor.
3. She Changes
Suspended above the roundabout behind the beach is an intriguing public sculpture.
This piece, created by American artist Janet Echelman in 2005, was her inaugural permanent public installation. Echelman has since crafted sculptures for various cities across Canada and the United States. True to her established style, “She Changes” is a delicate assembly of circular nets measuring 45 meters in diameter, reflecting Matosinhos’ fishing heritage.
The netting employs a spectrum of colors and densities, resulting in varied appearances depending on the time of day or viewing angle.
4. Sea Life Porto
Northern Portugal’s largest aquarium is located in Matosinhos, merely a few hundred meters from the beach.
Housing 5,800 inhabitants across more than 100 species in over 30 tanks, this aquarium offers a comprehensive marine experience.
The most expansive exhibit, “Reino do Neptuno,” features an underwater tunnel that allows for an immersive experience.
Sharks often take center stage here at Sea Life Porto, which showcases blacktip sharks, nurse sharks, and the unique zebra sharks.
The aquarium also displays both local and exotic species, including octopuses, rays, seahorses, jellyfish, and freshwater fish like carp and trout from the Douro River.
5. Porto
Matosinhos exhibits characteristics of a self-contained environment, often leading visitors to overlook that it is just a 15-minute Metro ride from the heart of Porto.
A highly regarded starting point is the Ribeira district, located on the north bank of the Douro River.
Set beneath the Dom Luís I Bridge—an iconic landmark constructed by a founder of the Eiffel Company—this area offers numerous sites of interest.
On the south bank in Gaia, one can find the storied port lodges. Ascending the hill leads to monuments such as the Cathedral, Torre dos Clérigos, and the stunning Palácio da Bolsa.
Even after exploring these sights, merely scratching the surface of Porto’s extensive attractions remains.
6. Mosteiro de Leça do Balio
A church has stood at this location by the Leça River since the 900s, with indications suggesting the presence of a Roman temple on this ancient Roman road connecting Porto to Braga.
When the church came under the stewardship of the Knights Hospitaller in the 13th century, its design took on a fortified appearance, characterized by a robust square tower adorned with crenellations and arrow loops.
Inside, noteworthy features include column capitals depicting biblical scenes and the 16th-century recumbent funerary statue of bailiff Frei Cristóvão de Cernache.
7. Casa-Museu Abel Salazar
The esteemed 20th-century Portuguese scientist, artist, and social thinker Abel Salazar spent 30 years of his life in Matosinhos, and his former residence has since been converted into a museum.
This three-story facility primarily highlights Salazar’s artwork, which reflects a Neo-Realist style featuring hammered copper, pen drawings, sculptures, oil paintings, and sketches.
Demonstrating the breadth of Salazar’s contributions, visitors can view his home laboratory on the second floor, complete with equipment showcasing his biological research that elevated his status in the 1920s.
8. Parque da Cidade
As Portugal’s largest urban park, Parque da Cidade lies to the south of Matosinhos and spans an impressive 83 hectares of lawns and woodlands, commencing at the beachfront.
The park’s development took nine years, from 1993 to 2002, and was conceived by landscape architect Sidónio Pardal.
The gardens have an ancient theme, featuring small pavilions and pergolas supported by granite structures.
In the northeast corner, visitors will discover the Pavilhão da Água, an exhibition dedicated to water, its cycles, functions, and significance to humanity.
9. Jardim da Foz
For a rejuvenating oceanfront stroll, visit Avenida Montvideu, a long garden skirting a rugged stretch of the Atlantic coastline.
The area features lush lawns, while the dense vegetation provides ample shade during the summer months.
The captivating experience is enhanced by the sight of the Atlantic waves crashing against the rocks, accompanied by public art installations from the 1930s.
These installations are in the Art Deco style and were designed by prominent artists of the era, including Irene Vilar, Henrique Moreira, and Manuel Marques.
Notable pieces include tributes to local seafarers, a statue of 16th-century poet Luís de Camões, and an exquisite monumental fountain.
10. Matosinhos Market
Given its historical reliance on the ocean, Matosinhos holds a special place in its culinary focus on seafood, best explored at Rua França Júnior.
The market building itself is a notable white pavilion constructed in 1944, recently renovated to modern standards.
During this renovation, offices and studios were established for emerging designers in the upper galleries, which warrant exploration, alongside the primary market hall.
The highlight remains the vibrant market floor, where an array of fresh fish and seafood awaits—best experienced early in the morning.
11. Sea Fortresses
Following the restoration of Portugal’s independence in 1640, Porto undertook efforts to enhance its coastal fortifications against potential assaults from the Spanish navy and privateers.
Two fortresses remain in Matosinhos, both exhibiting remarkable preservation.
The most intact is Forte de Nossa Senhora das Neves, located just across the Leça River; although not open for public tours, its bartizans and star-shaped configuration make it a picturesque sight.
Further along is Forte de São Francisco do Queijo, which dates from the same era and is perched on a headland south of Matosinhos beach.
This fortress features a trapezoidal layout and houses a modest military museum.
12. Serralves
Southeast of Matosinhos, on the route to Porto’s center, lies a cultural venue incorporating a park, Art Deco villa, and contemporary art museum.
The villa, known as Casa de Serralves, was constructed between the 1920s and 1940s and serves as a stylish location for temporary museum exhibitions.
It is arguably one of Portugal’s finest examples of Art Deco architecture, featuring elements designed by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann and glassmaker René Lalique, including the skylight in the main hall.
The villa is set within an 18-hectare garden, featuring meticulously arranged parterres, fountains, pergolas, and an impressive chestnut-lined avenue.
The museum, founded in 1999, hosts short-term exhibitions of contemporary art; renowned artists such as Joan Miró, Christopher Wool, Luc Tuymans, Claes Oldenburg, Roni Horn, and Franz West have presented their works since its inception.
13. Pharmacy Museum
This exceptional museum, located in Porto’s industrial district, tends to receive fewer visitors than it deserves.
However, it is a short distance from Matosinhos and merits the effort to visit.
The museum houses pots, mortars, and tools from Ancient Greece, Rome, Mesopotamia, and China, alongside artifacts from civilizations like the Aztecs and Incas.
Among its highlights are reconstructions of pharmacies: a colonial era pharmacy from Macau, an 18th-century Porto pharmacy, and an Islamic apothecary sourced from Damascus, reconstructed piece by piece.
14. Surfing
One aspect that distinguishes Matosinhos from other nearby beaches is the absence of rocky formations.
These only appear at the southern end of Matosinhos beach; its open exposure allows for surfing year-round when conditions are favorable.
During easterly winds, surfers can enjoy a favorable reef break with consistent rolling waves.
Furthermore, there are eight surf schools in Matosinhos for those looking to get started in this exhilarating sport.
15. Cuisine
Residents of Porto frequently visit Matosinhos specifically to indulge in fresh seafood that is both plentiful and cost-effective.
The number of dining establishments can be overwhelming; the area specifically, particularly around Porto de Leixões, features numerous choices.
For those with larger appetites, a seafood platter is recommended, typically including crab, clams, goose barnacles—a noted local delicacy—shrimp, and lobster.
Equally traditional options include grilled sardines served with new potatoes and salted cod (bacalhau) prepared in various styles.
Complementing these dishes with vinho verde, a crisp, young wine from the Minho Valley in northern Portugal, enhances the dining experience.
