Yes! Porto has several beautiful beaches just a short distance from the city center. While Porto itself is located along the Douro River, the Atlantic Ocean is nearby, offering golden sand beaches, scenic promenades, and great seafood restaurants.
Top Beaches Near Porto 🏖️
1. Matosinhos Beach (Praia de Matosinhos) – Best for Surfing 🏄
📍 Distance: 20 minutes from Porto city center (Metro Line A)
✔ Biggest and most popular beach near Porto.
✔ Great for surfing with multiple surf schools.
✔ Plenty of seafood restaurants along the promenade.
✔ Easy access via Metro (Matosinhos Sul station).
2. Foz do Douro Beaches – Best for Scenic Views 🌅
📍 Distance: 15 minutes from Porto center (Bus 500 or tram)
✔ Praia dos Ingleses – Small, sandy beach with beach bars.
✔ Praia da Luz – A trendy beach with a famous lounge bar.
✔ More relaxed & upscale atmosphere than Matosinhos.
✔ Beautiful promenade, perfect for sunset walks.
3. Miramar Beach – Best for a Peaceful Escape 🏝️
📍 Distance: 25 minutes south of Porto (Train from São Bento Station)
✔ Known for Capela do Senhor da Pedra, a small chapel on the sand.
✔ Less crowded & very scenic, perfect for photography.
✔ Soft sand & great for sunbathing.
4. Espinho Beach – Best for a Day Trip & Surfing 🌊
📍 Distance: 30 minutes south of Porto (Train from São Bento)
✔ Long sandy beach great for walking and sunbathing.
✔ Strong waves, perfect for surfers.
✔ Lively town with a casino and seafood restaurants.
How to Get to the Beaches from Porto?
🚆 By Train – Espinho & Miramar (Comboios de Portugal trains from São Bento)
🚋 By Metro – Matosinhos (Metro Line A – Matosinhos Sul station)
🚌 By Bus/Tram – Foz do Douro (Bus 500 or Tram 1 along the river)
Can You Swim at Porto Beaches?
✔ Yes, but the Atlantic Ocean is cold year-round (16-20°C).
✔ Waves can be strong, so always check flag warnings.
✔ Lifeguards are present on popular beaches in summer.
Best Time to Visit Porto Beaches?
☀️ Summer (June – September) – Best for swimming & sunbathing.
🍂 Spring & Autumn (April – May, October) – Great for walking & surfing.
🌊 Winter (November – March) – Too cold for swimming but good for dramatic ocean views.
If you’re visiting Porto and love beaches, it’s worth adding a half-day trip to Matosinhos, Foz do Douro, or Miramar! Would you like recommendations for beachside restaurants or sunset spots? 😊