Matosinhos

Good for beginners
Located in between the Cheese Castle and the Leixões Harbour, Matosinhos is probably the most surfed beach in Porto, due to several reasons. Firstly because of the acessabilities, since you can easily reach Matosinhos beach both by metro or by bus. Car parking is also easily available.

Secondly because Matosinhos offers high surfing consistency, mostly from October through June time frame.

The bottom is sand but there also also a few rocks, nevertheless this beach is easily regarded as a begginer or intermediate surfing spot.

Plenty of ammenities around like surf shops, restaurants, bars, cafe´s, supermarkets, etc.

Localism is not a problem at this beach since most of the locals are quite friendly, however you should expect some large crowds on sunny days with good waves.

Matosinhos is Porto's main beach. A long stretch of fine sand backed by apartment blocks, an esplanade and any number of small cafes it is pleasant enough. In the summer there's always some sort of activity on the beach and the lifeguard service makes for safe bathing.

In "Matosinhos Sul" metro station, you can enjoy "Matosinhos" beaches and see front, eat in traditional fishing restaurants near the fish market and experience the local night life.

The water quality has improved greatly over the years, although it still isn't up to Blue Flag standards. Given there is a large port and oil terminal at the northern end of the beach this isn't a huge surprise.

Matosinhos is also Porto's most consistent surf spot. Unlike the beaches towards Foz there aren't rocks everywhere and the harbor wall at the northern end can provide shelter from the wind. The gently sloping sand here takes some of the power out of the surf making it a suitable spot for all levels of surfer.

One major benefit of coming to the beach at Matosinhos is this area is renown for its great restaurants, particularly seafood.