tourist attractions in matosinhos portugal

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The 23 best things to do in matosinhos.

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The town of Matosinhos lies just north of Porto and although it’s considerably smaller and quieter than its more famous neighbour, you’ll find several things to do in Matosinhos, especially if you like low-key destinations.

Connection from Porto to Matosinhos is by a metro line that takes just over 30 minutes. You could even use Matosinhos as a base (see my accommodation suggestions below) and take day trips into Porto.

Matosinhos started life as a fishing village and you can still see parts of the older neighbourhood if you wander through the back streets near the parish church. The industry has since expanded and it is currently the country’s main fishing port, benefiting from related industries that have sprouted alongside it, such as canning, metalworking and wood processing.

Lacking any major monuments beyond the swirly Leixões cruise terminal, the local tourism board market their small city as having the “World’s Best Fish”. It’s a bold claim, and one that I’m not qualified to dispute or confirm! True or not, Matosinhos is, however, a great place to find an abundance of restaurants grilling fresh fare from the ocean, and a vast array of seafood at the local Mercado de Matosinhos.

If you’re curious about what other activities and attractions Matosinhos has to offer, this guide is for you.

1. Spend time at Praia de Matosinhos / Matosinhos Beach

The huge expanse of sand between the fortress and the port has attracted the people of Porto for many years and it’s easy to see why. There’s plenty of space for relaxing and it’s also very popular for activities such as surfing, bodyboarding and volleyball to name just a few.

There are several other beaches as you head north from Matosinhos but this is the easiest one to get to by public transport.

See this Matosinhos beach guide for other options.

2. Learn to surf in Matosinhos

One of the best things to do in Matosinhos is to take to the water.

Because of the shelter provided by the port, the waves at Matosinhos beach are relatively gentle, making it a great place to learn to surf.

You can put your trust in one of the first surfing schools implemented in Portugal with this 90 minute surfing lesson , adjustable for all levels.

You can also get individual attention from your very own tutor on this private surf lesson .

3. Contemplate the Tragedy of the Sea ( Tragédia do Mar ) sculpture

As you walk along the beach look out for this thought-provoking sculpture, a remider of the perils faced by the town’s fishing community. 

December 1st, 1947, was one of the saddest dates for the fishing community of Matosinhos when four fishing trawlers sank, killing 152 fishermen. The Tragedy of the Sea sculpture by José João Brito, inspired by a painting by another Portuguese artist, Augusto Gomes, was inaugurated in 2005 as a tribute to the families and victims of this shipwreck.

4. Admire the architecture of Leixões cruise terminal

If contemporary architecture floats your boat, at the far end of Praia de Matosinhos you’ll see the iconic Leixões cruise terminal, a purpose built terminal for ocean-going passenger ships that opened in 2015.

This is where cruise ship passengers disembark for their excursion into Porto (or just to relax on the beach).

Even if you’re not on a cruise, you may wish to spend some time gazing at the pearlescent tiles, swirls and curves of this impressive award-winning building. 

Guided visits take place on Sundays and must be booked in advance by email. See this website for more details.

5. Watch the She Changes , or “ Anêmona ” sculpture

Look along Matosinhos beach to the south and you’ll see this majestic sculpture. Suspended above the roundabout are red nets which symbolise the local area’s fishing heritage.

She Changes was designed by the American artist Janet Echelman in 2005 and has received international awards. It’s affectionately known by the locals as Anêmona because its pulsating form resembles an anemone.

I found it quite mesmerising so do take a little while to watch the way the nets billow in the breeze.

6. Visit a working sardine factory

As the “World’s Best Fish” destination, Matosinhos goes hand-in-hand with the fishing industry, including canning. Not only can you see the fresh catches at the market and taste divine fish in restaurants, you can also learn how important sardines are for the local community by visiting one of the most iconic canning factories.

On this guided tour you’ll be taken around the Conservas Pinhais factory and offered detailed explanations of the cooking and canning processes. Unlike other canning factories that have been turned into museums, this is still very much in operation so you’ll get to see live action as well as taste some of the delicious fish.

7. Discover the area by bike

Besides walking, another alternative to keeping fit is to explore the area on two wheels. Because Porto and Matosinhos are so close to each other, many tours cover both areas.

One is this cycle tour of Porto , which includes a visit to Praia de Matosinhos and Castelo do Queijo as well as the usual Porto sights.

To make things even easier, try this 3-hour electric bike tour which covers the same places.

8. Visit the Sanctuary of Senhor Bom Jesus

The Sanctuary of Senhor Bom Jesus is the city’s main monument of architectural, historical and religious significance, although it’s not as impressive as the Bom Jesus sanctuary in Braga .

The original site had a temple and monastery on it but it wasn’t until the 16th century that instructions were given to build a church, with further expansion in the 18th century.

That’s when Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, whose works include Clérigos Tower and Porto Cathedral got involved. He raised the side walls and produced a completely Baroque façade, with the nave and main chapel covered in gilded carvings by the Porto carver Luis Pereira da Costa, some of the best to be seen to this day in Portugal.

The origin of the sanctuary is linked to an intriguing story. According to the legend, a wooden figure of the Senhor do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos was thrown into the sea by Nicodemos in Palestine and turned up Matosinhos in the year 124. However, during its journey it lost an arm and no matter how many skilled craftsmen tried to make a replacement limb, all failed. The figure was placed in the nearby Bouças Monastery under protection. Later, an old lady was busy lighting a fire on the beach close to where the figure was found and was surprised to see a dry branch that kept popping out of the fire. She then realised that the fire-resistant branch was actually the figure’s missing arm.

9. See the Senhor do Padrão monument

Standing in a small park close to the corner of the beach is the Senhor do Padrão monument. The arched stone construction marks the spot where, the above-mentioned statue of Senhor do Bom Jesus allegedly washed up on the shore.

This commemorative monument was built in 1758 and was originally completely isolated in the middle of a vast sandy beach, which just goes to show how the land has been reclaimed since then.

10. Go to a fish restaurant

You can find plenty of restaurants dotted all over Matosinhos but I particularly like strolling along Rua Hérois de França, a street full of tempting grilled fish and seafood restaurants.

Choose whichever takes your fancy, although O Lusitano is among the most popular and traditional.

11. Indulge your senses at Mercado de Matosinhos

If you want to experience a local market, the one in Matosinhos is far more authentic than the tourist-oriented Bolhão Market in Porto. It’s full of colour and life, including live animals and a fantastic fish section as well as fruit and veg.

12. Cross the bridge over the Leça River

As you come out of the market you can cross the River Leça via Ponte Móvel de Leça , a movable bridge. This connects Matosinhos with Leça da Palmeira, where you’ll find more beaches and a small marina. There are other attractions on this side of the river, including seawater swimming pools and pretty gardens (see below).

13. Chill out at Praia de Leça / Leça Beach

This is another large beach with a big expanse of sand but with a different vibe to its cousin in Matosinhos. Its stronger waves are ideal for surfing and bodyboarding and it’s very popular amongst young people thanks to various entertainment and late night bars.

There’s plenty of room for everyone but if you’d prefer somewhere to swim calmly and safely, try the adjoining Piscinas de Marés seawater pools.

14. Go for a dip at Piscinas de Marés

The Piscinas de Marés are a set of saltwater pools that date back to the 1960s. Designed by renowned Portuguese architect, Álvaro Siza Vieira, they have recently undergone renovation to bring them up to date.

It’s a safe place to swim with the added benefit of the Atlantic Ocean just a few feet away, making it a good option for a day trip from Porto .

15. Check out the Boa-Nova Lighthouse (Farol da Boa Nova)

Further along the coast you’ll find this fine lighthouse standing 46 metres high and the second highest in Portugal at 57 metres above sea level. Built in 1927, the Boa Nova Lighthouse naturally has fantastic views if you can manage the 225 steps!

There’s also a small museum where you can see various exhibits concerning parts and mechanisms associated with the workings of lighthouses.

Open for visits on Wednesday afternoons.

As you approach the lighthouse you may want to avert your gaze from the defunct oil refinery to the right, an ugly but important part of the industrialisation evident in the area, which is currently being dismantled.

16. Discover little beaches

A little further along the coast are two beaches worth visiting, Praia da Senhora da Boa Nova and Praia Azul.

Praia da Senhora da Boa Nova is closest to the lighthouse and small and sheltered, ideal if it’s a little windy.

Praia Azul is a small cove on the other side of the rocky promontory. Its small sandy beach is about 50 m and shaped like a shell. If you fancy a walk beside the ocean, follow the wooden boardwalk north from here to find other, larger beaches.

17. Admire Capela da Boa Nova

This quaint little chapel occupies the site of an old Franciscan Monastery on the promontory. It was once a hermitage for Franciscan friars who, due to the harsh conditions of the place, relocated to Quinta da Conceição (see below) in 1478.

The grassy area around the chapel enables you to take some quite dramatic photos of the rock formations leading down to the sea.

18. Treat yourself to a meal at Casa de Chá de Boa Nova 

A perfect place for a special lunch or dinner would be this outstanding restaurant designed by the award-winning Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira. Built around the rocks, offering amazing views of the ocean, this Michelin-starred restaurant has been classified as a National Monument since 2011.

19. Explore the gardens at Quinta da Conceição & Quinta de Santiago 

Quinta da Conceição has been transformed into a lovely park with shady trees and grassy areas. If you wander around you’ll find porticoes, figures, columns and a small chapel. Once upon a time it was a hermitage for the Franciscan friars who moved from the more challenging location at Boa Nova (see Capela da Boa Nova). These days it’s the perfect place for a relaxing stroll.

A short walk along Rua Vila Franca will bring you to Quinta de Santiago, built originally as a summer house, now a local history museum. You can tour the various floors and get a feel of life in bye-gone eras and a walk around the gardens offers sculptures from various artists. 

Opening times: From April to September Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 1pm and from 3pm to 6pm

From October to March Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 1pm and from 3pm to 6pm Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 3pm to 6pm

20. Contemplate the architecture at Nossa Senhora das Neves Fort

This fortress, sometimes known as Leça da Palmeira Fort or Matosinhos Castle, is a well maintained fortification and looks pretty impenetrable. It was part of the defensive line of the city of Porto and, while you can’t visit, its angular lines make for good photos, even though I don’t have any!

21. Take a walk through Parque da Cidade

The famous Parque da Cidade, the largest city park in Portugal, is so big it’s shared between Porto and Matosinhos. It’s a great place to wander through and because of its many entrances it’s easy to explore. You can walk, bike or even park your car nearby if you want to keep your transport options open.

22. Hang out with locals at Fort Castelo do Queijo

Just off the huge roundabout after leaving the park is Fort Castelo do Queijo or “The Cheese Castle”. The fortress gets its name from the rounded granite rock it was built on, which apparently looks a little like Portuguese cheese.

Officially called the Fortress of São Francisco Xavier, it was originally built to defend Matosinhos from Spanish invaders in the mid-1600s.  You can find a military-historical museum there and a program of cultural and entertainment events, which is open to the general public.

It’s quite a striking building and you get some fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean. On an afternoon, you may also encounter local men playing cards nearby.

Open Tuesday to Sunday 10:30 to 5 pm. Closed Mondays.

23. Explore the underwater world at Sea Life Porto

Sea Life is one of those places where time seems to disappear. Whether it’s walking through an underwater tunnel, discovering thousands of different creatures or learning about sea conservation, this aquatic centre is really well set out and ideal for families.

Ticket prices start from just under €18. Opening times: Monday to Friday 10 am – 6 pm, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 10 am -7 pm.

Where to stay in Matosinhos

Matosinhos hotels.

Eurostars Matosinhos

This 4-star hotel with pool, fitness center and sauna is just a few minutes walk from Matosinhos beach. The rooms are bright and spacious and you can start the day with a very good breakfast. You’ll find the staff very friendly and helpful, too. See availability .

Ocean Porto – Beach House

This recently renovated small boutique hotel set in a historical building close to Matosinhos Beach has an outdoor pool and garden. Rooms are nicely designed and warmly decorated and the staff will make you feel welcomed. Book your room now .

Guesthouses in Matosinhos

Mytrip porto.

You can select a room with a garden view or a studio with a terrace at this lovely centrally located guesthouse. Everything is clean with good communication with the hosts. Check for dates .

Brito Capelo 183

The rooms at this stylish and modern guesthouse may be a little on the small side but everything is spotless, with comfy beds and easy check-in. There’s a well equipped kitchen shared with other guests. See availability .

Matosinhos Apartments

Porto sea apartments  .

You get some great sea-views from these apartments, just a stone throw from the beach. Apartments are modern, stylish and spacious and free parking is available onsite. Select your apartment now .

Search Booking.com for other places to stay in Matosinhos.

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Home » Travel Guides » Portugal » 15 Best Things to Do in Matosinhos (Portugal)

15 Best Things to Do in Matosinhos (Portugal)

A few short kilometres from the centre of Porto, Matosinhos is where Porto’s residents come to kick back and dine. For a long time this was the source of the city’s fish and seafood, and the market and profusion of seafood restaurants remain from this time.

Matosinhos also has one of the best beaches in the Porto area, with surf-friendly waves all year round if the conditions are right. The oceanfront is also still defended by 17th-century forts, and there’s history in the shape of Baroque and medieval churches, and a day out for kids at Sea Life aquarium.

Lets explore the best things to do in Matosinhos :

1. Igreja do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos

This church goes back to the middle of the 16th century, but almost everything you see now if from an exuberant 18th-century Baroque redesign.

This expansion was made by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni and funded by emigrants who had made their fortunes in Brazil.

The facade is masterful,  with windows and pilasters that have sinuous curves.

There are three portals and a mass of sculpted granite, fashioned into pediments and alcoves, with statues of St Peter and St Paul.

The inside radiates with gilded woodwork, both in the side chapels and at the main altar.

Take a moment to check out the organ, which was made in 1685 in the Hamburg style by the Dutchman Michael Hensberg.

2. Matosinhos Beach

The largest sandy beach in the Porto area has an enticing, broad arc of pale sand.

For a long time the industrial activity up the coast prevented Matosinhos from earning the Blue Flag, but it has been awarded this mark of quality for the last few years.

As this is an Atlantic beach the water will be brisk and the currents might be a bit strong for inexperienced swimmers.

But the spacious sands, wide promenade and choice of bars and restaurants make up for it,

3. She Changes

Suspended above the roundabout behind the beach is an arresting piece of public sculpture.

This is the work of the American Janet Echelman and made in 2005. It was Echelman’s first permanent public installation, and she has gone on to produce sculptures for cities across Canada and the USA. In her now established style She Changes is a gossamer-light arrangement of circular nets 45 metres in diameter and harking back to Matosinhos’ traditional fishing industry.

The netting is in a variety of colours and densities, so it looks different depending on the time of day or angle you view it from.

4. Sea Life Porto

Northern Portugal’s largest aquarium is right in Matosinhos just a few a hundred metres or so from the beach.

There are 5,800 inhabitants here, from more than 100 species in over 30 tanks.

The largest of these, “Reino do Neptuno” has an underwater tunnel you can walk through.

The sharks are often the stars of the show, and Sea Life Porto has blacktips and smaller varieties like nurse sharks and the odd-looking zebra sharks.

These are joined by local and exotic creatures like octopuses, rays, seahorses, jellyfish, and freshwater species from the Douro River such as carp and trout.

Matosinhos can feel like a self-contained city, so it can be easy to forget that you’re only 15 minutes on the Metro from the centre of Porto.

If there’s a place to start it’s the Ribeira quarter on the north bank of the Douro.

This is under the Dom Luís I Bridge, an enduring landmark built by one of the founders of the Eiffel Company.

On the south bank in Gaia are the venerable port lodges, while if you make your way up the hill you’ll arrive at monuments like the Cathedral, Torre dos Clerigos and the extraordinary Palácio da Bolsa.

and even then you’ve barely made a dent on all the things to see in this city.

6. Mosteiro de Leça do Balio

There has been a church on this patch by the Leça River since the 900s.

And there may even have been a Roman temple here before that as it is on the old Roman road that connected  Porto to Braga in the north.

When the church came under the control of the Knights Hospitalier in the 13th century they gave it the warlike appearance it has today, with a tough square tower defended by crenellations and equipped with arrow loops.

Inside, take a look at the column capitals showing bible scenes and the later recumbent funerary statue of the 16th-century bailiff Frei Cristóvão de Cernache.

7. Casa-Museu Abel Salazar

The noted 20th-century Portuguese scientist, artist and social thinker Abel Salazar spent 30 years of his life in Matosinhos, and the home he lived in has been turned into a museum.

This three-storey building is mainly dedicated to Salazar’s art, which is in the Neo-Realist style and includes hammered copper, pen drawings, sculptures, oil paintings and sketches.

To show you just how diverse Salazar’s talents were you can see his home laboratory on the second floor, with rooms full of equipment and revealing his research in biology that lifted him to prominence in the 1920s.

8. Parque da Cidade

Portugal’s largest urban park forms borders Matosinhos to the south and has 83 hectares of lawns and woodland, beginning on the beachfront.

It was nine years in the making, between 1993 and 2002, and conceived by the landscape architect Sidónio Pardal.

There’s a vague ancient theme to the gardens, with small pavilions, pergolas supported by granite stones.

In the northeast corner you’ll find the Pavilhão da Água, an exhibition about water, its cycle, function and importance to mankind.

9. Jardim da Foz

For a restorative oceanfront walk just head down to the Avenida Montvideu, which is traced by a long garden beside a craggy length of the Atlantic coastline.

There are lawns here, and the dense vegetation offers plenty of shade in summer.

The magic comes from the sight of the Atlantic crashing against the rocks, and some of the public art installed here in the 1930s.

These are in the Art Deco style, and were fashioned by some of the leading lights of the period, like Irene Vilar, Henrique Moreira and Manuel Marques.

There’s a tribute to local seafarers, a statue of the 16th-century writer Luís de Camões and a fine monumental fountain.

10. Matosinhos Market

As it once made a living from the ocean, Matosinhos has an affinity for seafood, and the place to get in touch with this tradition is on Rua França Júnior.

The building is pretty special too: It’s a curving white pavilion dating to 1944 and revamped in the last couple of years.

As part of this renovation, offices and studios have been set up for young designers in the galleries above the market floor.

These merit a quick look, but the headline is the hall below, and you could come just to stare at the counters piled with ocean-fresh fish and seafood.

It’s one for the early birds as the best time to visit is first thing in the morning.

11. Sea Fortresses

After Portugal’s independence was restored in 1640 Porto set about strengthening its Atlantic fortifications to fend off attacks by the Spanish navy and privateers.

Two remain in Matosinhos, and show few signs of wear and tear.

The best preserved is the Forte de Nossa Senhora das Neves just across the Leça River, and although it isn’t open to the public its bartizans and star configuration are photogenic.

Further down is the  Forte de São Francisco do Queijo, from the same time and resting on a headland south of Matosinhos beach.

This one has a trapezoidal shape and a small military museum inside.

12. Serralves

Southeast of Matosinhos, on the way to the centre of Porto is a cultural space that contains a park, Art Deco villa and a contemporary art museum.

The villa, the Casa de Serralves, was built between the 1920s and 40s and is a swish venue for some of the museum’s temporary exhibits.

It’s possibly Portuga’s best example of Art Deco architecture and has fittings by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann  and glassmaker René Lalique, who designed the skylight in the main hall.

The gardens in front the villa are in 18 hectares and organised in parterres.

There are fountains and pergolas, and a very grand alley lined with gum trees.

The museum itself was founded in 1999 and puts on short term shows of contemporary art; Joan Miró, Christoper Wool, Luc Tuymans, Claes Odenburg, Roni Horn and Franz West have all featured since it opened.

13. Pharmacy Museum

This terrific museum is hidden in Porto’s industrial quarter, so doesn’t receive as many visitors as it might.

But it’s a short way from Matosinhos and warrants the effort to get there.

There are pots, mortars and instruments from Ancient Greece, Rome, Mesopotamia, China, as well as civilisations like the Aztecs and Incas.

The best bits though are the reconstructions of various pharmacies: There’s one from Macau in colonial Brazil, an 18th-century pharmacy that used to be in Porto, and one of the most recent additions is an Islamic apothecary, brought here piece by piece from Damascus.

14. Surfing

Another elevates Matosinhos above the other beaches around Porto is the absence of rocks.

These are restricted to the south end of Matosinhos beach, and as the beach is so exposed you could surf here at any time of year if the conditions are right.

When there’s an easterly wind blowing you’ll get a good reef break with rolling waves.

There are also eight surf schools in Matosinhos in case you or your kids are inspired to get started here.

15. Cuisine

Porto’s residents come to Matosinhos purposely to dine on fish and seafood, which is straight from the ocean and surprisingly affordable.

The amount of restaurants will make your head spin; there are literally scores in the area, many packed around the Porto de Leixões.

If you’ve got an big appetite you could go for a seafood platter, which will have crab, clams, goose barnacles (a particular speciality), shrimp and lobster.

Also very traditional are grilled sardines, served with new potatoes, and salted cod (bacalhau), in its dozens of different preparations.

Pair it all with vinho verde, a crisp young wine from the Minho Valley in northern Portugal.

15 Best Things to Do in Matosinhos (Portugal):

• Igreja do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos
• Matosinhos Beach
• She Changes
• Sea Life Porto
• Mosteiro de Leça do Balio
• Casa-Museu Abel Salazar
• Parque da Cidade
• Jardim da Foz
• Matosinhos Market
• Sea Fortresses
• Pharmacy Museum

Top Things to Do in Matosinhos - Matosinhos Must-See Attractions

Things to do in matosinhos, explore popular experiences, ways to tour matosinhos.

Private Porto Half-Day City Tour

3-Hour Electric Porto Bike Tour

Porto Surf Lesson

Port Wine Cellars Private Tour with Local Lunch

Cruise Shore Excursion - Private Tuk Tuk Tour to the Historic Center

Private Tour to Coimbra, Aveiro and Costa Nova

Fado Dinner Show and Night Lights Tour in Porto

Aveiro / Porto / Gaia full day Private tour

Private Surf Lesson for two in Matosinhos Beach

Private Best Fish Experience From Porto

Mountain bike tours.

Top Attractions in Matosinhos

Other Top Attractions around Matosinhos

Extreme Sports

Wine Tastings

Half-day Tours

Surfing lessons.

What travelers are saying

Top Things to Do in Matosinhos - Matosinhos Must-See Attractions

Things to do in matosinhos, explore popular experiences, ways to tour matosinhos.

Private Porto Half-Day City Tour

3-Hour Electric Porto Bike Tour

Porto Surf Lesson

Port Wine Cellars Private Tour with Local Lunch

Cruise Shore Excursion - Private Tuk Tuk Tour to the Historic Center

Private Tour to Coimbra, Aveiro and Costa Nova

Fado Dinner Show and Night Lights Tour in Porto

Aveiro / Porto / Gaia full day Private tour

Private Surf Lesson for two in Matosinhos Beach

Private Best Fish Experience From Porto

Mountain bike tours.

Top Attractions in Matosinhos

Other Top Attractions around Matosinhos

Extreme Sports

Wine Tastings

Half-day Tours

Surfing lessons.

What travellers are saying

Top Things to Do in Matosinhos - Matosinhos Must-See Attractions

Things to do in matosinhos, explore popular experiences, ways to tour matosinhos.

Private Porto Half-Day City Tour

3-Hour Electric Porto Bike Tour

Porto Surf Lesson

Port Wine Cellars Private Tour with Local Lunch

Cruise Shore Excursion - Private Tuk Tuk Tour to the Historic Center

Private Tour to Coimbra, Aveiro and Costa Nova

Fado Dinner Show and Night Lights Tour in Porto

Aveiro / Porto / Gaia full day Private tour

Private Surf Lesson for two in Matosinhos Beach

Private Best Fish Experience From Porto

Mountain bike tours.

Top Attractions in Matosinhos

Other Top Attractions around Matosinhos

Extreme Sports

Wine Tastings

Half-day Tours

Surfing lessons.

What travellers are saying

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Top 10 things to do in Matosinhos

Cool vibes, stereo sounds and amazing waves. We’ve found the top 10 things to do in Matosinhos

Looking for some summer vibes? Look no further – Matosinhos is the answer. Chase the waves, breathe in the sea breeze or eat the best fish in town. Get to know the best places to enjoy this cool neighbourhood while you get your tan on. 

An email you’ll actually love

Try these ice creams

• Ice-cream parlours

The ice creams at Modì – Gelateria Italiana are made daily by hand and are the best way to end a great day at the beach. The flavours vary but if they have the pistachio or watermelon in stock, there’s no need to consider any of the others.

Climb the Farol de Leça

• Attractions
• Historic buildings and sites
• Leça da Palmeira

Wednesday is the day to venture up the 46-metre lighthouse at Leça, also known as Farol da Boa Nova. It’s free and offers the best view of the area.

Get on to a surfboard

Grab a wetsuit and your board and make waves off Praia de Matosinhos . If you didn’t bring any supplies don’t worry, you can rent equipment as well as take lessons at the likes of SurfAventura, Onda Pura and Surf’in Monkeys – all of which are in the vicinity of this beach.

Check out the Mercado de Matosinhos

Still a working market, but also now a place for great prepared food – from sushi to veggie dishes, cakes and speciality coffees – and a design incubator. 

Try a real Neapolitan pizza

• price 2 of 4

Antonio Mezzero, a master pizzaiolo from Naples and ambassador of Neapolitan pizza in Portugal, is the mentor at Pulcinella, a restaurant where regulars wait patiently to be seated. That’s because the pizzas are made in a wood-fired oven in real Neapolitan style, with thin crusts, thick edges and fresh ingredients, some of which are imported straight from Italy.

Casa da Arquitetura

• Art and design

Raising the profile of architecture in a city that is home to Álvaro Siza Vieira, the first Portuguese to win the Pritzker Prize, is the mission of the House of Architecture. Whether you’re a specialist in the field or not, it’s worth visiting this building, which once belonged to Siza’s family.

Cruise Terminal of The Port of Leixões

• Ships and boats

Named Building of the Year 2017 in the Public Architecture category by the highly respected ArchDaily online magazine, the Leixões Porto Cruise Terminal is a great building to photograph, thanks to its spiral shape and shiny white exterior (using tiles made by Portuguese company Vista Alegre). The terminal is also home to the Sea Center of the University of Porto’s Science and Technology Park, an important maritime research unit.

Dive into the Piscina das Marés

• Things to do

Designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira, the Pool of the Tides is made up of a collection of saltwater pools – one just for children – that became a listed national monument in 2006. During the summer it’s a real hit.

Mercado de Angeiras

• Markets and fairs
• Greater Porto

It is at this fresh produce market where many of Porto’s top chefs stock up on fresh fish and shellfish. Even if you don’t take anything home, it’s a great place to take photos, explore the Lavra neighbourhood, and work up an appetite for lunch.

Terminal 4450

• price 3 of 4

It’s a restaurant called Terminal 4450, it’s in Leça and the concept revolves around, well, an airport terminal. There are suitcases at the end of a long corridor, check-in boards and a menu like a passport. Meat is the speciality here, so dig in.

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Things to do in Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira | Portugal

• August 17, 2023

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Matosinhos is one of the main beach destinations in the north of Portugal, and has the advantage of having excellent transport infrastructure, with a direct metro from the center of Porto, for example. But it’s not just for the beaches in Matosinhos that you should visit this region, and in this article I’ll tell you about many other spectacular places to discover!

• Have you ever heard of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos or the Monastery of Leça do Balio ?
• Did you know that the Port of Leixões is the largest artificial port in Portugal, after the Port of Sines in the Alentejo?
• Have you visited MuMMa, the Matosinhos Memory Museum ? And what about Quinta da Conceição Municipal Park in Leça da Palmeira?

In this article I’ll write about all these places and many more. 😉 Are you ready to find out all things to do in Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira? Keep reading!

Article Content

Where are Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira located, in Portugal?

Matosinhos is on the north coast of Portugal, in the district of Porto, bordered by Maia, Vila do Conde and the municipality of Porto itself. Leça da Palmeira, in turn, is a parish of Matosinhos, immediately north of River Leça.

As a curiosity, below is a list of other articles on the north of Portugal (with links), in case you’re planning a longer trip there. 😉

When to visit Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira?

You should visit Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira in the summer if you want to enjoy its beaches. However, there is plenty to do in other seasons as well, such as visiting Bom Jesus, the main religious temple in the city, or strolling through the city’s beautiful gardens, which I’ll tell you about later.

When it comes to festivities, you can organize yourself to visit Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira during their main annual events:

• The Festivities of Senhor de Matosinhos , which takes place between May and June, for around 3 weeks of celebrations. It is centered on the Bom Jesus de Matosinhos Church, mentioned above, and the procession that follows it to Senhor do Padrão, in the city center, next to the Port of Leixões.
• The Festivities of the Martyr São Sebastião , in honor of the fishermen of Matosinhos. It takes place in July.
• The Festivities of São Brás , in the parish of Santa Cruz do Bispo, in February.
• The Festivities of Senhora da Hora , celebrating the ascension of Our Lady, forty days after Easter.
• The Procession of Senhor dos Passos , in Leça da Palmeira. It takes place on the fifth Sunday after Lent.
• And the Dolphin Fair , on the 4th Sunday of each month, in Basílio Teles Garden in front of Matosinhos Town Hall.

Travel Insurance + Car Rental

If you don’t have a car for your travels in Portugal yet, start by comparing prices in Discover Cars , before renting one.

As far as travel insurance is concerned, it is always important to be more protected against any type of hazards. I recommend World Nomads for that . Don’t travel to Portugal without it. Be safe! 😉

Gastronomy and Restaurants in Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira?

Moving on to the fantastic gastronomy of Matosinhos, you should definitely go for the fish. In fact, if you search for this topic on google, you’ll certainly see a reference to the best fish in the world being from Matosinhos. 😀 Whether or not it’s the best in the world, I’ll let you decide for yourself by suggesting the typical grilled sardines, fish stew, monkfish rice, sea bass, grouper, sole, hake, octopus or cataplana / seafood rice .

There is also no shortage of excellent restaurants in Matosinhos where you can try fish, and I would like to highlight a few located in Rua Heróis de França: Bom Peixe, Meia-Nau, O Valentim or Tito . When you walk down this street at certain times of the day, I’m sure you’ll be delighted by the smell of grilled fish. 😉

If you’re visiting Leça da Palmeira, how about trying Restaurant O Alves ? With quality, but very expensive, is the Boa Nova Tea House . The latter’s building is a national monument and was designed by one of the city’s famous architects: Siza Vieira.

Accommodation tips in Matosinhos

To sleep, I recommend staying near the beach in Matosinhos or Leça da Palmeira. I’ll give you some tips below, but you can find out more directly on Booking.

Things to do in Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira

And now, I’m going to introduce you to the sights you can’t miss, in other words, everything to visit in Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira in a 3-day itinerary, or even longer, as it depends on your own pace and travel style.

I’ve decided to organize this section into 6 different tabs, which appear in the same way on the map below:

Visit the coast of Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira

Visit the center of matosinhos, visit leça da palmeira, visit perafita, visit leça do balio.

• And visit Santa Cruz do Bispo.

Map | Things to do in Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira

When it comes to the coast of Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira, I’m not going to write much because there’s already an article on this blog with lots of information about it. That article is about the Best beaches in Matosinhos .

1. Best Beaches in Matosinhos

My top 11 beaches in Matosinhos is what you’ll find below, and you’ll find all the details I think you need in the article mentioned.

• Matosinhos Beach , near the city center.
• Leça da Palmeira Beach .
• The Tidal Swimming Pool , next to the previous one.
• Fuzelhas Beach .
• Senhora da Boa Nova Beach .
• Blue Beach , also known as Conchinha Beach.
• Aterro Beach .
• Cabo do Mundo Beach .
• Memória Beach (Memory beach, in English).
• Agudela Beach .
• And Angeiras Beach .

2. Other places to visit on the coast of Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira

I also highlight other must-see spots in this coastal area in the Best beaches in Matosinhos article. They are:

• Leça da Palmeira Lighthouse , which is 46 meters high and began operating in 1926. It can be visited every Wednesday afternoon.
• The Boa Nova Tea House , built by Siza Vieira and a national monument since 2011. It dates back to 1963.
• The Chapel of Senhora da Boa Nova , next to the sea and remarkable rock formations.
• The Obelisk of Memory , marking the landing place of King Pedro IV in 1832, together with a huge army to confront his brother Miguel, in the context of the Liberal Wars.
• And also the Roman Tanks of Angeiras , used in the past for salting fish, which are one of the most important archaeological sites from Roman times in the north of Portugal (4th to 5th century).

3. Surf Experience when visiting Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira

As well as getting to know the best beaches in Matosinhos , and the other places along the coast also highlighted, how about trying a surf lesson in this municipality? Click on the links below to find out more. 😉

• Option 1 – Surf Experience in Matosinhos
• Option 2 – Surf Experience in Matosinhos

In the center of Matosinhos, I recommend that you leave your car in Senhor Bom Jesus parking lot , which is completely free and has plenty of space. That’s what I did, and it was from there that I began to discover the city.

1. 25th of April Park

The first place you’ll want to visit is the 25th of April Park , which is right next to the parking lot. It has at one end an old palace restored by Siza Vieira, which is home to the Youth House of Matosinhos. This park is very green, with lots of trees, and a gorgeous fountain in the center.

2. Church of Senhor Bom Jesus de Matosinhos

Next is the 18th century Church of Senhor Bom Jesus de Matosinhos , the work of the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, who was also responsible, for example, for the construction of the Clérigos Tower in Porto. Senhor de Matosinhos is the city’s patron saint and his image has been venerated there for a long time. It is known that this image is a wooden sculpture that originated between the 12th and 14th centuries, but there is a legend that places it at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion.

3. Museum of Sacred Art of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos

As well as visiting the church itself, which has a rich interior with gilded woodwork and an image of Bom Jesus, you should also visit the Museum of Sacred Art . It is owned by Misericórdia de Matosinhos, and its collection includes, for example, a copy of the Papal Bull of Paul V, a collection of paramentaria and goldsmithery, and various offerings to Senhor Bom Jesus.

The square around the church is very pretty, and I particularly liked the surrounding garden, with a bandstand and several fountains.

4. Guilhermina Suggia Square and Matosinhos Municipal Market

You should then go down to Avenue Eng. Duarte Pacheco , which you will follow to the Matosinhos Municipal Market and then to the fishing docks. Along the way you’ll pass Guilhermina Suggia Square , in honor of the famous Portuguese cellist. Matosinhos Municipal Market has existed since the first half of the 20th century and is open from Monday to Saturday, although it is only open all day from Tuesday to Friday. It sells mainly fresh products such as fish, seafood and vegetables.

5. Matosinhos Dockyard and Fishing Docks

Along Avenue Eng. Duarte Pacheco you’ll see lots of shipping containers. You’ll also find various accesses to the Port of Leixões, but as you’ll see, they’re all off-limits to the general public.

I recommend that you head to the Matosinhos Fish Market and Fishing Docks in the Port of Leixões, where I finally managed to get in to get closer to the boats. I’m sure you’ll love it there, despite the absurd amount of seagulls, seagull droppings and the intense smell of fish. 😀 Be careful with forklifts and other transport of this kind, because although there is no ban on entering the fishing docks (at least at the time of my visit), there was a lot of cargo handling going on, which can be a bit dangerous for the less cautious.

The Fish Market is called DocaPesca and is supposedly one of the biggest in Portugal, along with Peniche and Sesimbra . It sells, for example, octopus, sardines, horse mackerel, anchovies and swordfish.

6. Senhor do Padrão in Matosinhos

Also on the outskirts of the fishing docks is the 18th century Senhor do Padrão monument. It is associated with the aforementioned Legend of Senhor de Matosinhos, as it marks the spot where the wooden image was supposedly found. Until the beginning of the 20th century, Espinheiro beach was located there, and the monument in question was isolated in the middle of the sand. The city was not yet the urban environment it is today.

Senhor do Padrão is undoubtedly one of the most important places in the city, especially for the fishing community of Matosinhos, which still gathers there on November 1st to pay homage to the fishermen who died at sea by lighting thousands of candles. As far as the structure itself is concerned, the statues of the four evangelists (Mark, Luke, John and Matthew) stand out.

7. Port of Leixões Cruise Terminal and Titan

The Port of Leixões is considered by many to be the greatest engineering feat carried out in Portugal in the 19th century. It began to be built in 1884 at the mouth of River Leça. It’s gigantic, and you’ll understand that if, like I suggested, you walk along Avenue Eng. Duarte Pacheco from Bom Jesus de Matosinhos.

One of its most recent infrastructures, inaugurated in 2011, is the Cruise Terminal , which allows the world’s largest cruise ships to stop at Leixões. The Terminal is located on the south breakwater of the Port of Leixões and can be visited on request, as you can find out on the official website . Take the opportunity to visit the huge metal crane called Titan , which was essential during the construction of the Port of Leixões in the past.

8. “Tragedy on the Sea” Monument and Anemone Roundabout

The “Tragedy on the Sea” monument is located right in Matosinhos Beach and must be visited before heading back inland from the coastal area. After all, it is extremely important for the region, as it was built in tribute to the greatest maritime tragedy of the mid-20th century, when four trawlers sank off Matosinhos, killing 152 fishermen and leaving around 70 widows and 150 orphans. The sculptures on the monument represent the distress and despair of the women and children who saw their families destroyed.

9. House of Architecture and Pinhais Canning Factory

Optionally, how about stopping by the House of Architecture in Matosinhos , which hosts various events and temporary exhibitions, which you can find out more about here ? It was created in 2007 as the Portuguese Architecture Center, after the conversion of the former Real Vinícola de Matosinhos complex.

You can also head to Pinhais Canning Factory , whose history dates back to 1920. You can book a visit on the official website , which includes a tour of the factory and a taste of its traditional canned sardines. 😉

10. Matosinhos Town Hall and Basílio Teles Park

On your way to the Town Hall, you must cross the railway line, which forms a very imposing avenue in the center of the city.

As far as the Town Hall is concerned, it dates back to 1987 and is therefore relatively new and contemporary in appearance. In the surrounding area you’ll find the pleasant Basílio Teles Park or Garden, with a fabulous linden tree avenue, a small lake, a bandstand, many park benches and a children’s play area.

11. Florbela Espanca Municipal Library and Matosinhos Design House

There are also several other interesting public spaces nearby, such as the Florbela Espanca Municipal Library and the Matosinhos Design House .

12. MuMMa – Matosinhos Memory Museum

However, the highlight is MuMMa, or Matosinhos Memory Museum , which is the main museum in the municipality and allows visitors to discover more about the past and present of the city and surrounding area. It is located in Visconde de Trevões Palace, built at the beginning of the 20th century.

Moving on to Leça da Palmeira, I’ll start by pointing out that it’s on the north bank of River Leça, where you’ll find more of the Port of Leixões, as it surrounds the entire mouth of this river.

1. Leixões Port Marina and Leça’s Sailing Clubs

You should start your visit to Leça da Palmeira by its beach and tidal swimming pool, choosing to visit also Leixões Port Marina , also known as Marina Porto Atlântico. This marina has more than 200 spaces for yachts up to 30 meters, although it can berth longer vessels if necessary. In the surrounding area you’ll find several nautical clubs.

2. Fort of Nossa Senhora das Neves and Castelinho de Leça da Palmeira

Also near the sea and Port of Leixões, you’ll find other interesting buildings to visit, which I’ll identify below:

• The Fort of Leça da Palmeira , also known as the Fort of Nossa Senhora das Neves or Castle of Matosinhos. Its construction began during the Philippine Dynasty, namely in the first half of the 17th century, although it was only completed almost a century later. Its purpose was to defend that part of the Portuguese coast against pirate and privateer attacks. In the 20th century it became the property of the Captaincy of the Port of Leixões.
• And Castelinho de Leça da Palmeira , in the middle of Leça beach, also known as Miramar or Signal Tower. In fact, it was used to send signals to fishing boats passing along the coast of Matosinhos on days when the sea was rough. It dates from 1870.

3. Chapels of Santa Catarina and Sagrado Coração de Jesus

Be sure to visit also the nearby religious temples, namely the Chapel of Santa Catarina, which dates back to the 15th century, and the Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

4. Leça da Palmeira Church and Santana Garden

Only then should you head inland, visiting the Mother Church of Leça da Palmeira and the surrounding garden, which is called Santana Garden. The Mother Church is also known as the Church of São Miguel and originally dates from the 17th century, although it was renovated in 1873. Its most important features are the images of São Miguel (patron saint of Leça da Palmeira) and Nossa Senhora da Conceição, the latter carved from ancã stone in the 15th century and which once belonged to the Franciscan Convent of Santa Maria da Conceição, the ruins of which you’ll learn about in the next section of this article.

As far as Santana Garden is concerned, its pond with fountains and Santana Chapel, built in the 18th century, undoubtedly stand out. As a curiosity, this small chapel was used as a hospital for cholera patients when, in the mid-19th century, Leça da Palmeira was afflicted by an outbreak of the disease.

5. Quinta da Conceição Municipal Park

Quinta da Conceição Municipal Park is undoubtedly the most beautiful and pleasant in the municipality of Matosinhos, and has the particularity of being located where the Convent of Santa Maria da Conceição once stood. In fact, you’ll find lots of traces of this convent as you walk around the gardens, such as the chapel of São Francisco, the ruins of the cloister, the Manueline portico, some fountains, lots of statues and even crosses.

As far as the history of this convent is concerned, it is worth noting that it belonged to the Franciscan order, which arrived in 1481 and remained there until the extinction of the religious orders in 1837.

In addition to all the free spaces in this municipal park, don’t forget the tennis courts and the swimming pool.

6. Quinta de Santiago

I’ll finish off Leça da Palmeira with Quinta de Santiago , where you can’t miss the fabulous viewpoint over the Port of Leixões. It also has some museum spaces to visit by reservation, which I’ll list below:

• Quinta de Santiago Museum , located in the main building, dating from the late 19th century.
• Irene Vilar Space .
• And Casa do Bosque , which houses the Giant Waterfall, representing Leça da Palmeira at the beginning of the 20th century.

Perafita is now part of a parish in Matosinhos that also includes Santa Cruz do Bispo and Lavra. Cabo do Mundo beach is part of Perafita, for example, but that’s not why I decided to create this section.

In Perafita area, you shouldn’t miss the medieval grave you’ll find at these coordinates , which is part of a larger complex of graves belonging to the Medieval Necropolis of Montedouro . There are a total of 5 non-anthropomorphic graves, carved out of granite rock and dating from the High Middle Ages (7th to 11th centuries). The easiest to find is the one I’ve identified. 😉

Also stop by Perafita Church, with beautiful tiles on the main façade.

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, I suggest you try Cabo do Mundo Kart Track , also located in Perafita.

Visit Santa Cruz do Bispo

In Santa Cruz do Bispo, on the other hand, there’s a place I really enjoyed visiting: Ponte do Carro Leisure Park . You should also stop at Monte de São Brás to visit the Ecological Park, and then at the Church of São Brás and Chapel of São Sebastião .

1. Ponte do Carro Leisure Park

2. Monte de São Brás (Church of São Brás and Chapel of São Sebastião)

It only remains for me to point out a few tourist attractions in the region of Leça do Balio, a Portuguese town that today forms another of the parishes of Matosinhos together with Custóias and Guifões.

1. Monastery of Leça do Balio

Without a doubt, the Monastery of Leça do Balio , which already existed in the 10th century, stands out. About its history, it is known that in the 12th century it was donated by D. Teresa to the military-religious order of the Knights Hospitallers, and that later King D. Afonso Henriques gave it jurisdiction over the territory that included Leça, Custóias, Barreiros, Guifões and São Mamede. The Order of the Hospital depended directly on the Pope and its mission was to protect and assist pilgrims, as well as taking part in military incursions against the Moors.

The Monastery of Leça do Balio was also a point of passage for several kings and queens, or important nobles of the kingdom, such as Queen Santa Mafalda, King D. Sancho I, Nuno Álvares Pereira, and King D. Fernando I, who in fact married Leonor Teles there. The monastery unfortunately fell into ruin after the extinction of the religious orders, and today only the church remains.

2. Varas Park and Leça Green Corridor

Next to the monastery you can take a walk through Varas Park , and then along Leça Green Corridor , for example this linear trail I found on wikiloc .

3. SuperBock Beer House and Lionesa Urban Art

If you like to drink beer and want to know more about the brewing process and Super Bock brand itself, then you really must visit the Beer House . An appointment is required !

Don’t forget to stop by an adjacent street full of amazing urban art panels! 😉 I’m talking about the Lionesa Urban Art murals , of course.

4. Abel Salazar House Museum

You can also visit the house where Abel Salazar lived during the last years of his life. This man was an important doctor, teacher and painter who worked and lived in Porto at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Some of his personal objects are on display in this house, as well as some of his works of art and even the books he wrote. Check timetables and prices here .

5. Picoutos Park

Finally, the Picoutos Park, also known as the Ribeira de Picoutos Ecological Park . Ideal for those who like to go for walks, it has some wooden walkways and an organic vegetable garden.

Extra: Visit Porto

Since Matosinhos is so close to Porto, why not head to the city and visit its main tourist attractions, such as the Clérigos Tower, Ribeira do Porto, Porto Cathedral or Bolsa Palace?

Below are several links to excursions and tickets for monuments and museums. Consider using Porto Card if you really want to visit a lot of museums in one day, and use the city’s public transport quite often.

Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal

• N2 Portugal Road Trip Itinerary
• Madeira Itinerary and Travel Guide
• São Miguel Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
• Terceira Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
• Pico Itinerary in Azores
• Faial Itinerary in Azores
• Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
• Porto Itinerary and Travel Guide
• Things to do In Braga (Minho)
• Things to do in Guimarães (Minho)
• Things to do in Viana do Castelo (Minho)
• Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
• Douro Valley Itinerary
• Trás-os-Montes Itinerary
• Things to do in Bragança
• Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary
• Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
• Things to do in Aveiro
• Things to do in Coimbra
• Things to do in Leiria
• Things to do in Fatima
• Things to do in Nazaré
• Things to do in Peniche
• Things to do in Évora (Alentejo)
• Things to do in Beja (Alentejo)
• Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
• Things to do in Lagos (Algarve)
• Things to do in Portimão (Algarve)
• Things to do in Faro (Algarve)
• Things to do in Tavira (Algarve)

I hope you enjoyed this article and list of things to do in Matosinhos. Have a nice stay in my country! 😉

Pedro Domingues

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Best things to do in Matosinhos

Matosinhos, a city located by a few kms north of Porto, is becoming increasingly popular among locals and tourists alike.…

Matosinhos, a city located by a few kms north of Porto, is becoming increasingly popular among locals and tourists alike.

No wonder: located by the Atlantic ocean, it is the perfect combination of a city life and the coastal atmosphere we so very much like during the warm, summer days. Moreover, it is a city with great gastronomy, and fantastic places to enjoy the outdoors. This is my list of the best things to do in Matosinhos – I hope you enjoy it! 🙂

The best things to do in Matosinhos are:

Walk by the beach.

Naturally, one of the best things to do in Matosinhos, being an Atlantic city, it is walking along the sea.

Most people go walking by the beach of Matosinhos itself, that is, between the roundabout where the sculpture She Changes, by Janet Echelman, is located, and the Leixões Cruise Terminal.

If you don’t have a car, this is the best solution, because you have the metro nearby – just get off at Matosinhos Sul station and you’re a 5-minute walk from the beach.

However, I personally like walking on the wooden walkways that start near the Leça da Palmeira Lighthouse, heading north. There are much less people and much more beautiful landscapes. The only drawback is that you need a car to get there (or a lot of patience for the scarce public transport in this area).

Surf Matosinhos waves!

If you’re traveling to Porto with kids / teenagers or if you’re the sporty type, then one of the best things to do in Matosinhos is definitely to go surfing 🙂

If you’re a professional surfer I am sure you’ll find your way around, but otherwise I recommend you to book a surf lesson in Matosinhos with one of these schools:

• Fish surf school : this is the most popular and affordable option to go surfing in Matosinhos. It is a group class that lasts for around 1h30. All the materials (including the wetsuit, of course!) is provided by the instructor who, at the end, will be happy to provide you with plenty of tips to enjoy the rest of your trip in Porto. Most people go for the group experience (25€ / pax), but you can also book a private surfing class for 50€ / pax. As this is the most popular choice, I recommend you to book your ticket to your surf class in advance .
• Pura Vida surfing school : this is also a very popular choice, particularly among those of you who don’t want to take care of anything, as they provide transportation from the city centre. Another thing I like about this option is that, as they are picking you up from Porto, they have the flexibility to then take you to the best surfing spot in the area depending on the weather forecast. The price of Pura Vida surfing class is 45€ / person.

Visit Leixões cruise terminal

One of the most astonishing building of contemporary architecture in the region is located in Matosinhos, so you definitely should save some time in your agenda because it is simply stunning. I am talking about the iconic Leixões cruise terminal, that was considered the “Building of the Year 2017” by ArchDaily.

Fortunately for us, common mortals, the port of leixões terminal is available for visits on Sunday mornings (during winter, between October and June) and on Sundays all day during summer, between July and September.

In summer, the times available for visiting are 10:15 am, 11:15 am, 12:15 pm, 3:15 pm, 4:15 pm and 5:15 pm.

Price: 5€ / person. Seniors pay 3,50€ and children up to 12 years old don’t pay the ticket. How to book your experience: send an email to [email protected] How to get there: the subway station Matosinhos Sul is a 2 minutes walking distance.

Go karting !

I don’t know about you but I LOVE karts, so for me one of the best things to do in Matosinhos is to go karting (even though I always come back with a bruised ego because, despite being an excellent road driver, I am a terrible kart driver :P). Moving on!

You have two options to go karting in Matosinhos:

• Kartódromo do Cabo do Mundo: it is an outdoor track, right in front of the beach. Prices vary according to the vehicle used and the time of use, but never less than 15€ / 10 minutes.
• Kart Center de Matosinhos: this is a covered track, with similar prices to the previous option.

For both places you need to go by car (you can also try a combination of 2 / 3 public transport, but it sucks!).

Visit a traditional fish market

One of the best things to do in Matosinhos is to visit one of its famous fish markets.

If you’re a tourist just looking to check a market and take some photos, I recommend you to visit Mercado de Matosinhos.

On the lower floor you will find all the fresh fish vendors. On the top floor, you will find fruit and vegetable vendors, aromatic herbs and even live animals for slaughter.

In Mercado de Matosinhos you will also find some restaurants (namely Mafalda’s), so it’s a good place to have lunch after wandering around the vendors.

To go to Mercado de Matosinhos, take the subway and get out at the station Mercado.

However, if you live here and REALLY want to buy fish, then you have to go to Mercado de Angeiras! It’s a very small market, nothing fancy, where you can find the best fish in the whole region. However, Mercado de Angeiras is further away from Porto and there is no good public transport there.

Learn how to make canned sardines!

One of the best activities to do in Matosinhos is definitely, definitely to do a factory tour of Pinhais, one of the most iconic canned fish brands in Portugal (and one of the most delicious ones too!).

During this tour, you will visit the factory and meet the workers who do the canned fish – and for me, the most special thing about the tour is witnessing how incredibly proud they are of their work. Afterwards, you will have the chance to sit down with them and pack your own cans (it’s really fun!) and then you’ll sit down to sample some of their delicious products.

I have already taken a school of kids from NYC to do this activity during one of our private tours, and it was by far their favourite activity 🙂

Price: 15€ / person. Seniors pay 12€, children from 5 to 12 pay 9€. Free up to 4 years old.

How to get there: the subway station Câmara de Matosinhos is a 10 minutes walking distance.

Especially for families with kids: Visit the Sea Life Porto

A friend of mine finally took my advice and took her child to SEA Life Porto and then she called me saying “if I had known that it was that good, I would have taken my kid there – I think I’ll go alone too!”.

SEA Life Porto, besides being a great destination for families with kids, also has a large outdoor area with benches for people to sit by the “lake” where the penguins are fed, much to the delight of everyone around.

I’ve even had people tell me that they preferred SEA Life Porto to the Lisbon Oceanarium, specifically because of the large outdoor area.

So, if you’re looking for the best things to do in Matosinhos, I whole heartily recommend  SEA Life Porto .

If the weather is nice, go to SEA Life Porto and then take a stroll around Parque da Cidade (there is an entrance nearby) or go to Matosinhos beach just the other side of the road.

Price: 15,50€ / adult and 10,50€ / kid.

How to get there: there are many, many buses that stop at the roundabout of Castelo do Queijo or at the end of Avenida da Boavista (namely: the 200, 203, 205, 500 and 502).

Have a Michelin star meal by the Atlantic ocean

There is food and then there is food, and the food at Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, a Michelin star restaurant by the famous chef Rui Paula, is outstanding. But honestly, even if you are not suuuuuper fond of fine dining it is still worth it because the building itself was designed by Siza Vieira, one of the greatest Portuguese architects of all time.

For me what makes eating at Casa de Chá da Boa Nova such an interesting experience is that the entire meal consists of fish and seafood and it also incorporates different types of seaweed, as Rui Paula, like myself, is passionate about this exquisite ingredient.

As the place is quite beautiful, I recommend you to go there during lunch time and then walk by the beach.

Price: fixed menus between 150€ and 250€ + wines.

How to book your experience: send an email to [email protected]

How to get there: public transports to this area take forever, so I suggest you to call an Uber / taxi.

Visit the House of Architecture

The Portuguese architecture center is located in Matosinhos, in an industrial building from the beginning of the 20th century. It is an important building and had everything to become a great cultural center in the north, but I personally have a somewhat conflicting view of this museum.

This is because I’ve seen excellent exhibitions there (I remember one, absolutely fascinating, on the history of Brazilian architecture) but I’ve also seen terrible exhibitions there.

The museum’s website is a huge mess where you can’t even figure out how to book a guided tour and what the price is.

So my advice is: if you’re an architecture geek short on ideas of the best things to do in Matosinhos then visit the House of Architecture, but keep an open mind regarding the quality of its exhibitions because it’s a gamble.

Prices: 8€ Main Exhibition + 4€ Gallery of Casa da Arquitetura. 50% discount for students and over 65s. Free up to 12 years.

Local tip: unless they changed it, Casa da Arquitetura is free of charge on Sunday mornings.

How to get there: the subway station Matosinhos Sul is a 2 minutes walking distance.

Walk in the largest city park in Portugal

Most people don’t notice that the famous Parque da Cidade, the largest city park in Portugal, is shared between Porto and Matosinhos. Therefore, one of the best things to do in Matosinhos is definitely to walk in the city park!

The city park has several entrances. Usually I park the car at a car park called “Estacionamento Parque da Cidade Boavista” and then go walking in the direction of the Atlantic Ocean, which is where the park ends. It’s a beautiful, leisurely path that you can do by foot or by bike.

Price: free of charge.

How to get there: take the bus 502 and get out at the stop “Parque da Cidade”.

Taste the best seafood in the world­

Only tourist eat fish or seafood in downtown Porto because the rest of us know that the real deal is outside the city, in former fishermen villages. Therefore, if you’re a serious foodie, one of the best things to do in Matosinhos is to have a meal at one of their best fish and seafood at one of these restaurants .

Don’t forget to call to make a reservation, as Matosinhos’ restaurants are EXTREMELY popular, particularly when the weather is nice.

Try one of the best ice creams ever 😛

Before I discovered that I am lactose intolerant I used to LOVE eating ice creams and I became quite the expert in spotting great ice creams around town. So I was quite surprised to discover that Modi, a REAL Italian ice cream shop, opened a shop in Matosinhos, near the beach! 🙂

Modi has a good selection of both classic flavors like Dark Chocolate (fortunately, lactose free) and funky flavors like lemon with avocado, banana with açaí and chocolate yogurt.  The flavors, much to my enthusiasm, keep changing according to the seasons of the year. So going there, on a warm day, is definitely one of the best things to do in Matosinhos 🙂

Good news for vegans and lactose intolerant people:  all cones and fruit ice creams are dairy-free. Modi also has several gluten-free flavors.

How to get there: the subway station Matosinhos Sul is a 10 minutes walking distance.

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Matosinhos, Portugal; a tourism guide for 2024

Matosinhos is a major port and fishing town that boasts some of the finest beaches close to Porto.

In summer, Matosinhos is a vibrant and buzzing tourist destination, with residents of Porto flocking to the town's golden sand beaches.

These wonderful beaches lie on either side of the port, with its huge sea walls limiting the natural coastal erosion and creating two vast stretches of sand; the Praia de Matosinhos and the Praia de Leça da Palmeira.

The Praia de Matosinhos is the best beach that is easily accessible from Porto (connected by both the metro and bus), and is why the majority of visitors head to the town.

Matosinhos is also renowned for its seafood restaurants, which serve the fresh catch from the town's fishing fleet. At lunchtime, the delicious smell of grilled fish wafts through the fishing district.

Matosinhos is not the most scenic of towns, being a working port and filled with many bland 1980s apartment blocks. This doesn't really matter, as all of the sights of Matosinhos are along its beautiful coastline, including the Castelo do Queijo, the bustling beachfront and the coastal footpaths.

This article will provide a guide to Matosinhos and help you to get the most from your visit here. Related articles: Porto guide – Porto beach guide

Highlights of Matosinhos

The Praia de Matosinhos – The most popular beach close to Porto, which boasts a huge expanse of sand and waves that are suitable for surfing. Matosinhos beach is a fantastic location for a beach trip if you are based in Porto, as it can be easily reached from the city.

Praia de Leça da Palmeira – A glorious, sandy beach to the northern side of the Matosinhos port. The Leça da Palmeira is a slightly better beach than the Praia de Matosinhos, but it is a 1.5km from the metro (the ‘Mercado’ stop).

Fishing at Matosinhos – Fishing has always been at the heart of Matosinhos, and this can be experienced in the lively fish market (the Mercado de Matosinhos) or savoured in the family-run fish restaurants close to the harbour.

The fish restaurants along the Rua Heróis de França

The Avenida da Liberdade coastal path – The scenic foot and cycle path that heads northwards from Matosinhos to the Farol de Leça and Boa Nova chapel.

The Praia Azul beach and Capela da Boa Nova, 2km north of Matosinhos

Insight: The Matosinhos region comprises of two towns; Matosinhos to the south of the Rio Leça River and 'Leça da Palmeira' to the north. For visitors, the two towns should be considered as the same.

Why visit Matosinhos?

The sole reason why most visitors head to Matosinhos is for the beach. Matosinhos is a fantastic destination for a relaxing day on the beach, and is why so many of Porto's residents head here on a hot summer's day.

The Foz district of Porto (2km to the south of Matosinhos) has many small beaches, but these have coarser sands, rocky outcrops and are exposed to strong sea breezes. Matosinhos' beaches have soft sands, clean sea waters and waves that are suitable for surfing – and are generally much better than the beaches in Foz.

Apart from the beach, Matosinhos is rarely considered as a day trip from Porto. This is a shame, as the town has a genuine Portuguese atmosphere and a selection of interesting sights. A trip to Matosinhos could be combined with the Foz district or the Leça da Palmeira coastline, the section north of Matosinhos. Related articles: The Foz district

The Castelo do Queijo (Cheese Castle!) stands on the southern side of the Praia de Matosinhos

A trip to Matosinhos

The primary attraction of Matosinhos is the beaches, but there are sufficient sights to fill a half-day of sightseeing.

These sights could include the Bom Jesus de Matosinhos church, the lively market and Castelo do Queijo. If you include a coastal walk along the Leça da Palmeira coastline or the northern section of the Foz district, then you have an enjoyable full day of sightseeing.

One bonus of Matosinhos is that it is very easy to travel to from Porto, by either catching the metro (line 'A') or the regular bus (route 500). This means that Matosinhos can be combined with a day of sightseeing in Porto – often as the Foz district and Matosinhos.

Insight: Matosinhos Sul is the closest metro stop to the beach.

Below is an interactive map of the sights (green markers) and beaches (yellow) of the Matosinhos region. The green line is a suggested tour and covers 15km. ( Note: zoom out to see all of the points)

Sights (green markers): 1) Senhor do Padrão (monument) 2) Fish restaurant area 3) Mercado de Matosinhos (market) 4) Bom Jesus de Matosinhos (church) 5) Fort Leça de Palmeira (fort) 6) Piscina das Marés (ocean swimming pool) 7) Farol de Leça (lighthouse) 8) Capela da Boa Nova (chapel) 9) Sea Life (aquarium) 10) Castelo do Queijo (fort) 11) Pérgola da Foz Beaches (yellow markers): 12) Praia de Matosinhos 13) Praia de Leça da Palmeira 14) Praia do Aterro 15) Praia Azul 16) Praia da Senhora da Boa Nova 17) Praia dos Beijinhos 18) Praia de Leça 19) Praia do Homem do Leme 20) Praia do Molhe 21) Praia de Gondarém 22) Praia dos Ingleses

Sights of Matosinhos

The Piscina das Marés (marker 6 on the map) is a series of swimming pools that are set within a rocky outcrop on the Leça da Palmeira beach. The pools and sunbathing areas are popular with the Portuguese- and the water is always much warmer than the sea! This is a great area for families, with the entrance fee for a full day ranging from €7-€9/€5-€7 (adult/child) depending on the day and month.

The Mercado Municipal ( 3 ) is the daily market with a variety of stalls selling local produce, fresh fish and locally grown fruit and veg. The market building dates from the 1950s and is a protected national monument, with its bold, modernist interior and futuristic curved roof.

The 17th century Castelo do Queijo ( 10 ) is part of a series of defensive forts that guarded the coastline north of Porto. The bizarre name of the fort (Cheese Castle) is due to the granite rock it was constructed upon, which allegedly resembles a cheese.

The Bom Jesus de Matosinhos church ( 4 ) was historically an important pilgrimage destination as it housed the wooden carving of the 'Bom Jesus de Matosinhos'.

This ancient artefact was the first depiction of Jesus to arrive in Portugal (in 124) and was carved by Nicodemus, a man who knew Jesus and is mentioned in the bible. The 'Bom Jesus de Matosinhos’ carving gives the town of Matosinhos its name. The Bom Jesus church dates from 1579, but the exterior was re-modelled in an extravagant baroque style in 1743 by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni.

The Pérgola da Foz ( 11 ) is part of the pretty waterfront of the Foz district. This is a romantic setting from which you can watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.

The Farol de Leça ( 7 ) was the last major lighthouse to be constructed in Portugal, being finished in 1926. The lighthouse stands at 46m and is the second highest in Portugal.

The Ponte móvel de Leça bridge crosses the Rio Leça estuary and the Matosinhos port. This is not the most scenic area of Matosinhos, but is on the route from the metro to the beaches of Leça da Palmeira, such as the Praia de Leça da Palmeira.

To the south of the Praia de Matosinhos is the 'She Changes' sculpture, a series of impressive red nets that are suspended above the roundabout. This distinctive piece of art was commissioned in 2005 and created by Janet Echelman. The art represents the fishing heritage of Matosinhos, but locals refer to it as the Anémona (the sea anemone).

Travel to Matosinhos

Matosinhos is 8km from central Porto and is served by both bus and metro services.

The 'A' metro line connects Porto to Matosinhos. The journey takes 27 minutes from Trindade (the main metro station in Porto) to Matosinhos Sul (the closest station to the beach). The journey requires a Z3 (3 zone ticket) that costs €1.80. This ticket is charged to the Andante card, which costs €0.60 for the initial purchase.

An alternative is the 500-bus route, which connects central Porto and the Ribeira district with the Foz district and Matosinhos. This is a scenic bus route, as it passes along the Douro River as well as the coastline of the Foz district. The journey takes 30 minutes to reach Matosinhos, and a single ticket purchased on-board costs €2.50 or €1.80 (a Z3 ticket) if you have a pre-loaded Andante card.

The metro to Matosinhos

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Matosinhos is a resort and port on the Atlantic Ocean to the north of Porto and Foz do Duoro .

Less affluent and more urban than the gentile suburb of Foz do Duoro, Matosinhos is more of a working port with a reputation for the freshness of its seafood.

Easily reached from downtown Porto on the metro, Matosinhos draws Portoites in their thousands at the weekends during the heat of July and August.

The area was inhabited in Roman times and was an important place of salt production.

At the northern end of Matosinhos is the impressive lighthouse of Farol de Leça .

The main attractions in Matosinhos are its long stretch of beach and its many fine seafood restaurants.

However, there are other sights that make this town of around 45,000 people a pleasant day trip from Porto.

The 16th century Church of Matosinhos (Church of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos) has additional features by Nicolau Nasoni (1691-1773). Nasoni was active in Porto and other parts of northern Portugal during the 18th century. He was also responsible for the design of the Igreja dos Clérigos , the Archbishop's Palace, the  Misericordia Church  and the  loggia  (external gallery) of  Porto Cathedral .

The port is situated where the River Leça flows into the sea. North of here is Leça da Palmeira which has now merged with Matosinhos. Here is the international Leixões seaport, the second largest port in the country.

The Ponte móvel de Leça connects Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira over the river. The fourth-largest mobile bridge in the world its high span means it only needs to be raised for the tallest ships.

Locally-born and acclaimed Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza (Siza Vieira) has two projects here. The Piscinas de Maré de Leça da Palmeira are two natural pools framed by concrete walls and filled with fresh sea water to make swimming here safer (especially for children). The Boa Nova Tea House (Casa de Chá da Boa Nova) is a beautiful, two-star Michelin restaurant with superb views out to sea.

Álvaro Siza also designed the nearby Museu de Arte Contemporânea at the Fundação Serralves in Porto.

The star-shaped Forte de Nossa Senhora das Neves de Leça dates from the 17th century and was built to protect the coast and the mouth of the River Duoro from both the Spanish and pirate attacks. The Castelo de São João  and the  Castelo do Queijo  (Cheese Castle) in Foz do Douro are other forts in this line of coastal defence built around the same time.

Parque de Cidade do Porto

South of Matosinhos is the Parque de Cidade do Porto . The park is one of the largest urban parks in the country covering 83 hectares. It is ideal for walking, cycling or a picnic. There are facilities for soccer and rugby, and the area is also great for birdwatching. The park opened in 1993 and was designed by the landscape architect Sidónio Pardal, who has designed several parks across Portugal. Within the park is the Pavilhão da Água , built for the 1998 Expo in Parque das Nações in Lisbon and since 2002 an imaginative, water museum. The park is open from 7 am to 10 pm in winter (October - March) and from 7 am until midnight in summer (April - September).

Also here is Sea Life Porto , an aquarium with sharks, rays, jellyfish, starfish and thousands of other marine and fresh water creatures. It is the largest aquarium in northern Portugal.

A prominent landmark on the waterfront in Cidade Salvador Plaza is the huge She Changes sculpture by American artist Janet Echelman. Erected in 2005 and known locally as anémona (the anemone), the steel net represents the fishing traditions of the area and the poles the smokestacks of its more modern factories. The installation sways in the breeze and casts a variety of shadows. The whole structure was repaired and reassembled in 2021.

The Museu da Quinta de Santiago is an art and local history museum housed in a late 19th-century mansion designed by the Italian architect Nicola Bigaglia. The grounds also hold a collection of sculpture. Various guides dressed as historical figures connected with the house show you around. Fun!

The Blue Line ( Line A of the Porto Metro ) runs 16.5 km from Estádio do Dragão to Senhor de Matosinhos. It was the first line to open on the network.

From Sao Bento Station the #500 bus runs to Matosinhos via Foz do Duoro.

Bus #501 runs to Matosinhos via Trindade and Casa da Música from Aliados.

From Hosp. S. João metro station the #505 and #506 run west to Matosinhos Mercado.

The #507 runs from Cordoaria to the Mar Shopping Center with its large IKEA store via  Casa da Musica Station . The #508 from Boavista also stops at the Mar Shopping Center on route to Cabo Mundo.

The #205 from Campanhã Station goes to Foz do Duoro about 5 km to the south.

Hotels in Matosinhos

Places to stay in Matosinhos include the recommended Eurostars Matosinhos , Hotel Porto Mar , Porto Sea Apartments and the three-star Urban Hotel Amadeos .

Further south in Foz do Douro are the three star Hotel Boa - Vista , the two star Hotel Portofoz and bed and breakfast in a restored 18th century house at Casa da Belavista .

Matosinhos is one of the best places to eat and drink in northern Portugal. Besides the Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, the streets between Matosinhos Sul and Mercado metro stations are crammed with restaurants. Seafood is a specialty as is sushi but there are alternatives. For vegetarian try Terrárea on Rua de Brito Capelo.

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Top Things to Do in Matosinhos - Matosinhos Must-See Attractions

Things to do in matosinhos, explore popular experiences, ways to tour matosinhos.

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Top Things to Do in Matosinhos

Things to do in matosinhos, explore popular experiences, ways to tour matosinhos.

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Private Best Fish Experience From Porto

Mountain bike tours.

Top Attractions in Matosinhos

Other Top Attractions around Matosinhos

Extreme Sports

Wine Tastings

Half-day Tours

Surfing lessons.

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