Free Tour Porto
Our Free tour of Porto is the best way to learn about the history of one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in Europe.
Let yourself be seduced by the charm of Porto
Let yourself be guided in Porto and the corners of the Green Coast!
Perhaps Porto does not seem like the dream beach destination, but the truth is that the city has a coastline with beaches and spectacular surroundings.
Do you want to know the best beaches in Porto? This city has an amazing offer for us, it combines the charm of the beaches and landscapes with the cultural, gastronomic and urban qualities of the city of Douro. Come and discover it with us.
Portugal is one of the countries with the highest number of blue flags on its beaches in the world. The people of Porto take advantage of its spectacular pleasant sandy areas for sunbathing and walking, to practice sports, to spend time with children and to escape from the tourism and from the typical crowded beaches.
First of all, you should know that the best beaches in the region are easily accessible from the centre of Porto, being connected by the inexpensive public transport network. Don’t hesitate, it’s the ideal opportunity to make a getaway to this door of the Atlantic coast. Let’s see, then, the best beaches close to Porto.
The nearest beaches for a getaway. They are located to the west of the city and you can get there by public transport (bus line 500, you can take it from Praça da Liberdade) in less than half an hour.
In Foz de Douro you can enjoy the pleasant Porto promenade, and you also have Sea life, the city's great aquarium, with more than 5,600 sea animals. Oh, and remember that Foz is one of the places with the most nightlife in the city.
When we talk about Gaia, on the other side of Luís I bridge, we immediately think about the Port Wine cellars. But in this area, you can find some of the best beaches in the city, also very close from the town by public transport.
Most of them are very suitable for a family beach day. Undoubtedly, the most outstanding sandy area is the Miramar beach crossed by the extraordinary pedestrian walkway. This place is said to be one of the most beautiful corners of Portugal at sunset.
Precisely in the late afternoon, a walk through the Marina and a glass of port wine with some petiscos (snacks) would be a nice way to finish the day. You can always book in advance the Old Town and Wine Tour with our guides, and you will discover the connection between the two banks of the Douro.
The fishing district of Matosinhos is recognized for its extraordinary gastronomic offer, especially fish. This is combined with some of the best beaches in the city that can be reached by metro from the centre of Porto.
The beaches in this area are much more crowded and, being popular, especially during the summer for sun lovers. However, their characteristics with open sea and wind, make these beaches especially suitable for active travellers and sports lovers, especially for surf and bodyboard lovers.
But Matosinhos offers two more alternatives. If you want to opt for a nudist beach you can go to Praia de Aterro. But if you prefer natural pools you also have within walking distance the famous pools Marés.
Located on the north coast, they are authentic natural gems of fine white sand with extraordinary landscapes. They have become one of the favourite beach destinations in northern Portugal. They are frequented by both locals and tourists.
In less than an hour, the metro (line B) covers the 36 kilometres that separate Póvoa from Porto. The most popular beaches are those in the vicinity of the urban center, such as Praia da Salgueria or Praia Redonda.
20 kilometers south of Porto, Espinho is connected by a regular and very cheap urban train service that departs from the São Bento train station, with a 40-minute trip. Its impressive 17-kilometers long sandy beach is considered the best beach in the surroundings of Porto.
Oriented and exposed to the Atlantic, it is ideal for an excursion and its conditions and waves make it ideal for surfing.
28 kilometers from the center of Porto, two of the best beaches in northern Portugal are located in this city. Nossa Senhora da Guia beach and Forno beach, in both cases indicated to enjoy a quiet and relaxing day with the family. They have a great infrastructure for bike rides and entertainment services for children. The most comfortable access is by bus from Póvoa de Varzim or simply by metro (line B).
If at the time of planning your trip to Porto the beach was not on your agenda you were mistaken, it’s easy to see. Family, sport, landscape and natural beauty come together on the beaches of the Douro capital.
Porto always gratifies you. Discover with us all its corners!