If Porto is going to be you summer destination, make sure to visit some beaches located in the city or nearby. To help you on the difficult task to choose where to go, here are our favourite beaches to visit in the region! Get your sunscreen on and join us on the best summer of your life!
Praia de Miramar – Miramar Beach
Located in the neighborhood of Arcozelo, in Vila Nova de Gaia, Miramar Beach is located just 20 minutes away by train from Porto city center. What makes the beach so special, besides its large sand area and good-looking sea front, is the chapel at the top of a rock! With the high tide, it looks like the little church is floating above the water. Named Senhor da Pedra, the chapel was built in 1686 by locals. According to the legend, it was built to honor a miracle that saved many fishermen’s lives!
Praia de Espinho – Espinho Beach
Another great beach heading south is Espinho. Even though is already in another district (it belongs to Aveiro), it’s easy to get there – just a 30-minute ride by train.With 8 kilometers of beach, Espinho is a great place to surf and to play golf!
Praia de Leça da Palmeira – Leça Beach
One of the most popular areas in Matosinhos, the beautiful Leça Beach has one of the coolest public pools in the world! Designed by the awarded Portuguese architect Siza Vieira, Piscina das Marés was open in 1966 and classified as a National Monument in 2006. Besides its architectural value, what makes this swimming pools so special is that it’s filled with seawater! A must-visit spot on hot summer days!
Praia de Angeiras – Angeiras Beach
And if you keep heading north after Leça, a few kilometers away you will be in Angeiras Beach, at Lavra neighborhood. This beach is known for its large sand area with almost no rocks and its attended by locals and by tourist that stay in the camping area nearby. Good choice to escape the buzz of the most popular beaches.
Praias da Foz – Foz Beaches
And Porto has its own beaches! In the Foz area there are many options, like Praia do Molhe, Praia dos Ingleses, Praia da Luz… These beaches are all very close to each other and easily accessible. Our suggestion is to stay at Praia do Homem do Leme, on the way to Castelo do Queijo. With a larger sand area and many options of bars and esplanades, it’s a great place to relax! To get there take the 500 bus, which connects the beaches at Foz with Aliados Avenue.
We hope you enjoyed our suggestions! And if you want to have a great day exploring both the city and the beach, you should check our Surf & Explore – One Day Program! Experience and enjoy the surf lifestyle with us. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch some waves, relax, enjoy and have the best of Porto’s seaside!
