Porto Beaches

During the summer, when temperatures soar, skies stay blue, and relaxation is the priority, there’s no better plan than hitting the beach. Portugal’s coastline has plenty to offer, but we’ve made it easy by rounding up the best beaches near Porto. Not sure how long to stay in Porto? A few days let you explore the city, but add extra time if you want to soak up the sun along its stunning coastline.

Foz do Douro

The easiest beach escape from Porto is to Foz do Douro – really, if all you want is a paddle in the rock pools, a lie on the sand and a beachside beer, there’s no need to go anywhere else. You can reach Foz do Douro by tram or bus #500, both leaving from Porto.

Ready to explore Portugal? Start preparing by finding out how to get there.

Matosinhos

Matosinhos lies further north from Foz do Douro and is where the locals go to eat seafood and for a night's clubbing. There are beaches and more restaurants across the Rio Leça at Leça da Palmeira, which is an easy walk away from Matosinhos or alternatively you can take the bus #507 from Senhora da Hora or take the Matosinhos metro line A.

Vila Nova de Gaia and Vila do Conde

The Vila Nova de Gaia beaches (reached via buses #902 or #906), across the Douro to the south, have extensive sands and big campsites. Further south still is the resort of Espinho, which is 18 km from Porto (there are frequent local trains from São Bento with the journey lasting 35 minutes). Once the darling of northern Portugal’s monied classes, the resort is now largely ruined by unchecked construction that has taken place since the 1970s. A better day-trip option is by metro (Line B) to the north of the city: the old seafaring town of Vila do Conde is easily the best target, though the brash resort of Póvoa de Varzim just beyond (at the end of Line B; 1hr from Porto) might tempt you with its 8 km of sands.

Featured Image, Covo Beach, Porto © Vitaly Fedotov / Shutterstock