Top 10 Things to Do in Matosinhos Portugal

Nestled on the coast of northern Portugal, Matosinhos offers a blend of a traditional fishing village and modern vitality, making it a hidden gem for travelers. It’s famous for its many excellent seafood restaurants and long pristine beaches, and is one of our favorite beaches near Porto accessible by public transport. There is much more to Matosinhos though. Here’s a list of the top ten things to do when visiting Matosinhos, whether on a day trip from Porto or for a longer stay.

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Is Matosinhos Worth Visiting?

With a mix of coastal beauty and beaches, incredible fish restaurants, and cultural experiences, Matosinhos caters to all tastes and interests. Whether you’re here to explore, relax, or indulge in local flavors, Matosinhos is an ideal destination for your Portuguese adventure. Many visit Matosinhos as a day trip. It is also easy to stay on the coast in Matosinhos while day tripping into Porto. You can take a bus or subway into Porto typically in under 30 minutes.

How to get from Porto to Matosinhos

Here’s how to navigate your way from the heart of Porto to the refreshing breezes of Matosinhos.

1. Relax at Matosinhos Beach

A trip to Matosinhos would be incomplete without a day at its renowned beach. Enjoy the wide, sandy shores perfect for sunbathing, surfing, beach volleyball, or just a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge. If you’re taking the metro from Porto, get off at the Matosinhos Sul stop, and take a short walk from there to the beach.

Right next to the tourist office, you’ll find the Monumento Tragédia no Mar, which commemorates the loss of many fishermen during a fierce 1947 storm.

2. Catch a Wave Surfing

Matosinhos Beach is well known for its consistent surf conditions, suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. There are plenty of options to take surf lessons or rent equipment from the local surf schools (see lesson/tour options below).

3. Tour the Pinhais Sardine Factory

Dive into the history of Matosinhos with a guided tour of a traditional sardine factory. This may sound an unusual thing to do, but I found it to be great for both adults and kids (the excellent reviews support this). If you are visiting Porto in winter or during the off season, this can be a great rainy day activity as well. On my tour, there were families with younger kids on the tour, who enjoyed the tour from start to finish due to the engaging tour guide.

What’s involved in the Pinhais sardine factory tour? You’ll get hands on learning the process of sardine preservation and its importance in Portuguese maritime history. Pinhais is unique in that they clean and pack the sardines by hand, with machines used just for adding olive oil and sealing the cans. You’ll have a chance to wrap your own can of sardines to take home, and you’ll finish your tour with a sardine tasting with bread and wine or other drink of choice.

4. Dine at a Seafood Restaurant

Indulge in a plate of grilled sardines or other seafood delicacies like ‘bacalhau’ (salt cod), freshly prepared with the catch from the Atlantic.

The location of “O Cantinho Senhor do Padrão”, directly in front of Zimbório do Senhor do Padrão, is excellent, with great food to match. Another of our favorites in Matosinhos is O Clássico, known for its amazing fresh fish.

5. Visit the Escultura De Rede

The Escultura De Rede, by Janet Echelman, sits just across the street from Matosinhos Beach, in a traffic circle. You can’t miss this sculpture as you go by. Dedicated to the fishing heritage of Matosinhos, it is meant to be a fishing net, though locally nicknamed the Anemone.

6. Biking Along the Coast

Rent a bike and pedal your way along the scenic coastal paths of Matosinhos. This is a fantastic way to see the rugged coastline, enjoy the fresh sea air, and stop at charming spots along the way. If you prefer, bike all the way to or from Porto. This 11.5 km stretch is the beginning of the Porto-Santiago litoral camino, passing through Foz do Douro on the way to Matosinhos, extending to Viana do Castelo and beyond.

7. Walking Along the Coast

For a slower pace, a coastal walk provides a serene experience where you can admire the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the many cafés, restaurants, and boutiques.

Walk south towards Foz do Douro, where you’ll find more beaches and beautiful walkways.

Or, walk north to Leça da Palmeira, where you can swim in the natural pools. This is a popular spot to watch sunsets.

8. Visit the Castelo do Queijo

Also known as the Cheese Castle, this seaside fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into Portugal’s military history. Located on a rocky outcrop by the beach, it’s a great spot for history buffs and offers picturesque views of the ocean.

9. Browse the Mercado

Experience the local flavor at the Mercado de Matosinhos, a vibrant market where you can find everything from fresh produce to artisan crafts. It’s a perfect place to sample local foods, interact with friendly vendors, and pick up unique souvenirs.

Matosinhos Mercados also has a fish restaurant in the market. The fish doesn’t get much fresher than this.

10. Tour the Super Bock Casa da Cerveja

Beer enthusiasts will relish a visit to the Super Bock Casa da Cerveja, the brewery where Portugal’s iconic Super Bock beer is made. The tour lasts about 2 hours, and you’ll learn about the brewing process, taste various beers, and dive in the rich history of one of Portugal’s favorite beers.

This is a bit inland from the remainder of our things to do. To get here from Porto, take Bus 128 from outside of the Trindade metro station to the Mosteiro de Leça do Balio stop, right next to the factory.

Where to Stay in Matosinhos

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