A coastal city north of Porto known for fresh seafood restaurants, wide beaches, and the 16th-century Forte de Leça da Palmeira. Home to Portugal's largest seaport.
Matosinhos, 8km north of Porto, is a coastal town where fishermen bring their daily catch to waterfront restaurants, and surfers ride waves at two Atlantic beaches. You can watch fish vendors haggle at the Mercado de Matosinhos, walk under the 150-meter red-netted She Changes sculpture, or tour one of three active sardine canning factories that maintain the town's fishing industry traditions.
Getting to Matosinhos from Porto
The metro's blue line (Line A) connects Porto to Matosinhos in 27 minutes from Trindade station to Matosinhos Sul. Bus route 500 follows the coastal road, giving you Atlantic Ocean views during the 40-minute journey. You can also cycle along the flat coastal path from Porto, covering 11.5 kilometers.
Beaches and Swimming
Praia de Matosinhos stretches along the southern side of the port, with wide sandy shores and consistent waves for surfing. The port's sea walls create calmer waters, making this beach popular among surfing beginners. Several surf schools operate here, including Surf's Up and Surfaventura, with equipment rental and lessons. North of the port, Praia de Leça da Palmeira extends as another long sandy beach, with fewer visitors during summer weekdays.
Fresh Seafood and Markets
Along Rua Heróis de França, restaurant workers grill fresh fish on outdoor charcoal grills. Local fishermen deliver their catch directly to these establishments between 6:00 and 8:00 each morning. The Mercado de Matosinhos opens Monday to Saturday from 7:00 to 14:00, with vendors selling fresh fish, local produce, and regional specialties. Three sardine canning factories - Conservas Portugal Norte, Pinhais, and Ramirez - run guided tours showing their production processes.
Modern Architecture and Art
The glass-walled Leixões Cruise Terminal, completed in 2015, welcomes cruise ships with its curved design and rooftop viewing area. Near the beach, Janet Echelman's She Changes sculpture suspends red nets above a roundabout, moving with the wind. The structure measures 50 meters in height and 150 meters in width.
Swimming Pools and Coastal Walks
The coastal path along Avenida da Liberdade connects Matosinhos to the Farol de Leça and Boa Nova chapel. The Piscinas de Marés, designed by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, consists of concrete saltwater swimming pools built into the rocky coastline. The northern section of Parque da Cidade extends into Matosinhos, with paved paths connecting to Porto's largest park.
Historical Sites
The 17th-century Bom Jesus de Matosinhos church contains a wooden carving of Christ that draws pilgrims throughout the year. The Farol de Leça lighthouse, built in 1926, rises 46 meters high and ranks as Portugal's second-highest lighthouse at 57 meters above sea level. The Nossa Senhora das Neves Fort and Castelo do Queijo formed part of the coastal defense system built in the 15th century.
