The Portuguese coastline offers a variety of vastly different beaches, with characteristics that vary greatly depending on whether they are found in the north or in the south. In this article we will tell you which are the best beaches near Porto, one of the most popular Portuguese cities to visit and, undoubtedly, the backbone of the entire north of Portugal.
Beaches near Porto that you should visit
If you travel to Porto and want to enjoy the urban life and the tranquility and relaxation offered by the beach, you can do both. In addition, by renting a car in the city, you can visit several beaches near Porto that are well worth discovering. We tell you which!
Foz do Douro
The first area on our list is in the city of Porto itself. Foz do Douro has a large promenade with 7 beaches next to each other, all of them blue flag beaches.
One of the most beautiful is the Castelo do Queijo beach, north of Foz do Douro, which extends from the Fort of São Francisco Xavier downwards. From this beach it is highly recommended to contemplate the sunset with a stunning view.
The area of Foz do Douro is also ideal if you are going with children, since it is home to the Porto aquarium, an activity to help you round off the day.
Matosinhos
Among the beaches of Foz do Douro is the beach of Matosinhos, known for being one of the best for surfing and water sports in general.
In fact, it is easy to see, above all, people practicing water sports on this beach, and most of the surf schools are concentrated around here.
However, if you are going to spend the day and want to enjoy the tranquility, it is best to go to any of the surrounding beaches.
Piscinas das Marés
Also in the district of Matosinhos are the Piscinas das Marés, a set of saltwater pools on the seafront, considered a National Monument. To reach them you can go to Leça da Palmeira beach.
Senhor da Pedra
This is, without a doubt, one of the most recognisable beaches in Portugal. And this is thanks to the large chapel located right on the seafront, the Capela do Senhor da Pedra which gives the beach its name and which is accessed from Miramar beach.
This seventeenth-century chapel offers a rare sight. In addition, the local popular culture is full of legends that revolve around the chapel, which arouses interest in going to see it.
Póvoa de Varzim
A little under 20 miles north of Porto you will find Póvoa de Varzim beach, where bathers and surfers happily coexist.
The width of the sand and the life of its promenade make this beach a very popular area for both domestic and international visitors. In addition, its proximity to Galicia means many Galicians travel down here.
Vila do Conde
South of Póvoa de Varzim are the beaches of Vila do Conde, comfortable and accessible beaches with ample parking. These beaches, such as Azurara or Árvore, are great places to spend the day with the family.
These beaches are located within the regional protected landscape of the Vila do Conde coastline and the Mindelo ornithological reserve, so the natural environment in which they are situated is another plus.
Costa Nova
50 miles south of Porto is the Costa Nova beach, one of the most photographed beaches on the Portuguese coast. And, although it is a little further away, it is worth making the trip to spend the day.
It is most recognisable for its wooden houses, painted with stripes of different bright colours combined with white. Originally built mainly for fishermen, this type of house is now one of the main attractions of the Aveiro area.
How to enjoy the best beaches near Porto?
Although some of these beaches can be reached by metro or bus, it is best to rent a car in Porto with OK Mobility. This way, you can travel to other beaches located further away that you would not otherwise be able to reach so easily.
At OK Mobility we give you helpful advice and tips that will help you to drive along the beaches of Portugal without any problems. We are here for you!
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