Explore the Best Beach Day Trips Porto in Summer 2024
While visiting the city of Porto, most travelers usually need to plan how to get the most out of the beach day trips Porto. Porto is known in the world for Port Wine, Douro River, historical churches, and monuments. But this city has so much more to offer than just its World Heritage status. That is why one needs to take a break from exploring the cities and head directly to the beach day trips in Porto to work on your tan and learn how to surf or swim to cool off. From urban beaches in the city to the quietest beaches in villages close by, the only problem you will face is which one to choose.
During the Spring, Summer, or even Autumn, the weather is very mild, and chances of getting to a pleasant beach day are very high. But in the winter, you can only experience the stormy sea from inside the restaurants and bars on the beach while drinking warm tea. Throughout the year, the temperature generally ranges from 6 degrees Celsius to 24 degrees Celsius and is rarely below 1 degree Celsius or above 30 degrees Celsius.
Both to the North and to the South of the Douro River, Porto is blessed with a wealth of long, clean, and sandy beaches.
How to Reach Porto?
Porto has an international airport where flights from different countries are available. Hence, if you are traveling from the UK, you can avail of a direct flight to Porto. Also, if you are one of the adventurous types, you can even head to Porto on a road trip, as Portugal has one of the finest roads in the world. If you are planning to visit other amazing places in Portugal like Lisbon, Braga, Coimbra, or Faro, then head to Porto and take the high-speed rail train in Alfa Pendular.
If you need a Portugal visa appointment, make sure to schedule it in advance to enjoy a hassle-free journey.
10 Best Beach Hotels in Porto
- Flattered to be in Porto
- Villa Foz and SPA member of design hotels.
- Duas Portas Townhouse
- Apartment by the sea
- Seaside Elegance and Tranquility: Your Luxurious Porto getaway.
- Portie Deluxe Suites by DA’HOME
- Gilreu Beach Duplex Apartments in Foz by LuxiStay
- Hotel Boa – Vista
- Hotel Portofoz
- Monsenhor52
Best activities to do in Porto before heading to beach day trips Porto
1. Ribeira’s District
The area along the riverside is Ribeira, one of the oldest parts of Porto. The view of the old houses appearing to be on top of each other, the D. Luis I cast iron bridge, and the colorful Rabelo boats made this area recognized as a world heritage by UNESCO.
2. Stroll along the old historical distric
The historical district of Porto extends from the downtown area to Ribeira. Here, you will find important monuments such as the Bolsa Palace, S. Francisco Church, S. Bento station, Se Cathedral, and the Clerigos Tower. Take a tram to move between various points of your route.
Also check, Unique Places to Visit in Portugal in 2024 – Best Expert Tips
3. Enjoy a wine tasting at the Port Wine Cellars
People say you should definitely try Port Wine until you try it in Porto. To discover the history behind this world-known wine and become an expert in distinguishing the different kinds of Ports, head across the river and visit the Port Wine Cellars.
4. Explore Bolhao Market and Santa Catarina Shopping Street
Mix with Porto’s locals at Santa Catarina, the busiest street in the city, and by visiting the Bolhao Market. Everyone in Porto knows this market as a symbol of the real Porto Spirit.
5. Have a coffee at Cafe Majestic
Originally a gathering point for artists and intellectuals, Cafe Majestic is one of the most elegant and well-known cafes in Porto.
6. Try a delicious dish of Francesinha
Francesinha is a typical dish from Porto. It consists of a sandwich with a steak, ham, and different kinds of sausages, all covered in melted cheese and soaked in a special sauce. It can or not have an egg on top and be served with french fries. The sauce is kept secret and varies from one restaurant to another. Still, some common ingredients are beer and tomato, and it is usually spicy, varying in degree from place to place. It is recommended to be accompanied by beer on tap or, as the locals call it, fino. Eating a Francesinha can be a different experience from one place to another.
7. Go for a boat trip on the DourRiverer
The DourRiverer is surrounded by beautiful and rich landscapes. The best way to fully experience them is to go on a boat trip. You will see the breathtaking region of Douro Valley, where the river winds through the green mountain and forms a landscape that has already been recognized as a world heritage site by Unesco.
8. Explore the new Porto in the Boavista district
Boavista is the modern region of Porto. For a more relaxed afternoon, you can visit Casa da Musica, the Contemporary Art Museum of Serralves, or Parque da Cidade.
Also check, Best Day Trips from Porto – Must-Visit Destinations
Porto Beach destinations: Best beaches near Porto
- Praia dos Ingleses
This beach day trip to Porto is right on the Atlantic coastline, which is just a 20-minute ride by tram from the center of the city. It is situated near the mouth of the Douro River. The beach is a large swath of sand with rocky outcrops on the border. The waves and currents of the sea are strong in this one. Hence, you might not get a relaxing swim, but it won’t stop you from sunbathing or socializing. Also, if you want to taste the local cuisines, the outer part of the beach is lined with busy cafes and bars that stay open long past sunset.
- Prai da Madalena
This place is the kind of beach where people come to relax. Slatted fences lean along the edge of a long stretch of rising and falling sand. Waves crash against rock clustered at the water’s edge. It was once one of the most popular beaches in Porto, but these days, beachgoers can enjoy the scenery without the crowds. The waves in the water are quite strong, so opt instead to relax on the sand. If you need a break from the sun, rent one of the little shade huts or grab a drink at one of the bars along the beach.
- Praia do Molhe
Praia do Molhe has a distinct old meets new feeling. Thick vines climb the walls of a Renaissance mansion surrounded by modern apartments. The iconic Pergola da Foz defines the beach. It was constructed in the 1930s to make the landscape more beautiful, which gave the place a touch of romance. The water is relatively calm as there is a stone jetty built to defend against strong, northerly swells. Hence, you can surely take a dip in the Atlantic. This beach is a great destination for couples, with excellent restaurants and bars.
Also check, Portugal in October: Weather Insights & Travel Tips
Family-Friendly Beaches Porto: Surfing spots near Porto
- Lavadores Beach
This beach day trip to Porto is a very peaceful and serene spot located close to Porto. Situated just south in Vila Nova de Gaia, this blue flag beach is one of the municipalities awarded for its super clean waters. The wide beach, dotted with clusters of huge granite rocks, makes an ideal setting for walks along the coast. The rocks also give this already quiet beach a more secluded feel.
- Praia da Sereias
Praia des Sereias is an amazing place to soak up some sun. This long stretch of coastline has dunes with seagrasses and an elevated boardwalk. Wide open swaths of sand are interrupted by clusters of rocks that break the waves. This beach is a popular surf spot; the waves here are consistent throughout the year. The strong winds and rough waters mean you probably won’t want to swim, but it’s a lovely spot to relax and watch the ocean sway. The beach has lots of umbrellas and loungers. There is also a cluster of eateries near the boardwalk, making this a great spot to bring your family.
- Matosinhos Beach
You can make it to beach day trips in Porto Carvoeiro, Portugal – Places to Stay & Tourist Guide by easily taking any of the public transport from the city center. Matosinhos Beach is the largest and most visited beach in the Porto region. The place is quite lively as groups of friends flock here in summer to surf, socialize, and kick the football around. Matosinhos hosts several surf schools and is a solid spot to learn the basics of the sport. The location is highly convenient, just on the other side of the port, where you’ll find a cluster of some of the best and most reasonably priced seafood restaurants.
- Praia de Moledo
It is one of the most remote beaches, which keeps the crowds away. As it is located near the border with Spain, it takes 1 hour by car or 90 minutes by train from Porto. This beach is one of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches. The long, gently curving coastline is bordered by the dense Mediterranean pines of the Mata of Camarido, a protected forest with walking trails. The beach is bordered on the north by the Miho River.
- Moreiro Beach
If you are looking for a more secluded beach, you will need to head north to Praia de Moreira. This place is a quiet, no-frills place. There are a few sun umbrellas stuck in the sand and a single beachside bar. This place is only accessible by car, and it takes around a 30-minute drive from Porto City. The south end of the beach is studded with rocks, so stay on the north side, which is safe for swimming. The beach is clean and is especially popular with families in the summer months. Hence, pack yourself some sandwiches before you head to this place.
Get professional assistance for Portugal Visa Appointment.
To obtain a Portugal Visa from the UK to explore Beach Day trips Porto, you will first have to book a visa appointment with the VFS center, as walk-ins are strictly not allowed. During the appointment, a visa officer will verify your documents and may also ask you a few questions regarding your trip.
Hence, you will need professional assistance to prepare your documents and secure an appointment for a successful visa application. For a small service charge, we provide complete guidance on obtaining a Portugal Schengen Visa and manage the entire visa appointment process from start to finish.
Once you complete your Portugal Visa application, our experts at Portugal Visa will cross-check it for accuracy and remove errors if necessary. We are committed to providing supreme-quality services to avoid visa application delays so that you can enjoy your trip according to your planned schedule.
Conclusion
Beach day trips Porto are often not considered a tourist destination. Still, they are located in the heart of Costa Verde, where there are golden sandy beaches, rocky coves, cold waters of the Atlantic, and natural landscapes of great beauty. These wonderful beaches in the city of Porti are generally not advertised. Hence, many tourists and visitors need to learn that a trip to Porto in the summer can also include days on its beaches. This blog helps you explore the best beach day trip from Porto.
