Matosinhos
A fishing port town just north of Porto, famous nationwide for its charcoal-grilled seafood street and long beaches that are great for surfing and walking.
Matosinhos lies just northwest of Porto and is an important fishing port and canned-fish producer in Portugal. Dozens of charcoal-grill seafood restaurants line Rua Heróis de França by the harbor. Grills set up at the doorways cook sardines, sea bream, squid and prawns at reasonable prices, making this the local favorite for weekend seafood. The long Matosinhos beach has reliable waves and several surf schools. The giant fishing-net sculpture on the beach, “She Changed” (Anémona), is a landmark. Metro Line A takes about 30 minutes to reach the town, or you can walk or cycle along the seafront from Foz do Douro.
Opening hours
Open all day; restaurants mostly 12:00–3:00 pm and 7:00–11:00 pm
Nearby sights
- Foz do Douro
- Serralves Foundation
- Casa da Música
- Crystal Palace Gardens
- Soares dos Reis National Museum
- Igreja do Carmo & Igreja dos Carmelitas
- Livraria Lello
- Clérigos Church & Tower