The Best Beaches in Porto and Surrounding Area
Reed Chapman
Copywriter
Porto beaches can easily leave you spoilt for choice! With Portugal’s seemingly infinite coastline, you’ll want to ensure you pick the top spots for your well-earned campervan holiday in Porto. We all know what a time-waster decision-making can be. So, let’s focus on the vibrant city of Porto, a beautiful destination full of art, culture and delicious food. But what about its beaches?
After a long flight, you’ve picked up your fully equipped camper from our friendly Porto base, and the only thing on your mind is finding somewhere to relax and enjoy the sun, sand and surfing (we’ll add good food to that list, too). Well, we’ve got the lowdown for you on all the best beaches in Porto and surrounding areas so you can begin your trip in style.
Espinho Beach
Driving a short 20 minutes south of Porto, you will come to the idyllic Espinho Beach. In no time at all you can be parked up and enjoying the long, golden sands that Espinho is renowned for. Once a small fishing village, Espinho has quickly become one of Porto's most campervan-friendly beaches, so you will have no problem parking up and finding the perfect spot for sunbathing, picnicking or a leisurely stroll. The long beach never feels overly cramped, even in the busier peak summer season. You might even get to see the small fishing boats pull onto shore in the morning, selling their daily catches. A true taste of local life!
The town itself is also a bustling location, providing you with multiple options for dining, from light lunches to lavish dinners – the town's speciality is Caldeirada, a fish stew. Or better yet, why not put that camper to good use; stock up in one of Espinho's food stores or even the Monday Feira de Espinho market, and cook yourself up a delicious meal.
Holiday Checklist:
- Golden sands with lots of space ✔
- Dining and restaurants galore ✔
- Campervan friendly ✔
- Lifeguards during peak season ✔
If you’re searching for a nice relaxing beach with plenty of facilities around, you can't go wrong with this fantastic Porto beach.
Matosinhos Beach
As the closest patch of sand to Porto, Matosinhos beach is perfect for anyone wanting to get their toes between the sand as quickly as possible. Just a 10-minute drive from the city and you will be immersed in one of Porto's most popular summer spots. Of course, with popularity comes plenty of tourists, but Matosinhos provides nearby parking, so you should have no problem finding room for your camper.
The biggest draw to this beach is its opportunity for surfing. We know how many of you are dying to get your boards out on the waves, and there's no quicker way to do so once you land in Porto. Matosinhos is fast, easy and accessible with some very impressive waves.
With the metro nearby, you can also leave your camper safely parked up and, within 30 minutes, be in the centre of Porto. That's surfing and sightseeing all in one package! The city centre offers lots of great food, but Matosinhos itself provides a wide range of mouth-watering seafood restaurants that aren't to be missed. The smell of grilled fish is guaranteed to make your belly rumble. We all know how important good food is while on holiday.
Holiday Checklist:
- Close to Porto city centre ✔
- Seafood and dining ✔
- Surfing Heaven ✔
- Lifeguards during peak season ✔
If you’re looking for lots of fun and a great surf spot, head on down to Matosinhos Beach for one of the best beaches in Porto.
Miramar Beach
If you want an escape from the larger city, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more scenic spot than the beauty of Miramar Beach. Just a 15-minute drive south of Porto, you’ll be welcomed by a large stretch of coast in a peaceful residential suburb. Unlike many other beaches, Miramar doesn’t suffer from being overcrowded in the peak seasons by herds of tourists. Many locals love to chill out on the sand, so your body and mind will get a well-deserved rest.
Miramar’s biggest draw is the stunning 17th-century chapel located on its shores, the Capela do Senhora Pedra. This beautiful chapel stands on a rocky headland and can be seen for miles along the coast, creating a mesmerising view. The waves crashing on the surrounding rocks provide a must-see piece of Portuguese architecture. If there’s a perfect photo opportunity, it’s right here at this Porto beach!
A very campervan-friendly area, you will also find plenty of bakeries and small cafés around to give you that quick coffee boost or sweet pastry treat. Restaurants are uncommon in the area, but when you have a camper at your disposal, there’s nothing stopping you from cooking up a tasty dinner on the coast and enjoying the relaxing atmosphere.
Holiday Checklist:
- Historical sites ✔
- Quiet and peaceful ✔
- Campervan Friendly ✔
- Lifeguards during peak season ✔
If you want to get away from the bustle of tourists and capture the true beauty of Portugal, Miramar Beach is one of Porto’s best-kept secrets!
Póvoa de Varzim
Heading north? If you prefer a slightly more mainstream appeal, the beach of Póvoa de Varzim is a popular choice. Many tourists love this resort for its golden sand and clear blue waters. Póvoa de Varzim has quickly become a modern spot for those looking for a classic beach day of sunbathing, swimming and good food. With plenty of restaurants and bustling nightlife, you’ll never be short of places to go and enjoy good food in a fun atmosphere.
What it has gained in the modern, it lacks slightly in cultural areas that make Portugal unique. But for a fun, traditional beach day out while on your travels, especially if you’re heading north in your camper, Póvoa de Varzim is a great spot just 30 minutes north of Porto.
Holiday Checklist:
- Dining and nightlife ✔
- Golden sands ✔
- Family-friendly ✔
- Lifeguards during peak season ✔
If you want a reliable beach with plenty around, this beach is a great day out, especially for small families.
Vila Do Conde
Just a 20-minute drive north of Porto sits the Vila Do Conde beach. A stunning spot situated at the mouth of the Ave River with huge historical appeal and perfect scenery unique to the north. Despite the tourist appeal, this beach is much less busy than the more popular beaches in and around Porto. Parking up your camper, you can go for a relaxing stroll along the sand while immersing yourself in the rich cultural history of Portugal. With the Fort de São João still watching over the coast and the magnificent Monastery of Santa Clara in the town, all you history buffs will love the beach of Vila Do Conde.
There is also plenty of choice when it comes to food. Either get started cooking on your camper’s hobs or head into Vila Do Conde for some outstanding restaurants guaranteed to excite those tastebuds!
Holiday Checklist:
- Historical landmarks ✔
- Dining options ✔
- Tranquil atmosphere ✔
If you’re seeking Porto beaches that offer sun, sea, and culture, Vila do Conde is a top contender!
Our Little Secret
If you’re willing to drive a little further and off the beaten track, then we have a final, extra offering that might just be perfect for you. The Dunas de São Jacinto, about an hour south of Porto in the Aveiro district, is an 8km haven of white sand, undisturbed by modern tourism. A protected nature reserve with tons of wildlife and lined with beautiful pine forests, it’ll be hard to find a more spacious and tranquil beach. Despite its isolation, the campsite at São Jacinto is nearby, giving you the whole camping experience with your van. As such this ranks among the best beaches in Porto! Make sure you stock up on food beforehand in your camper’s handy fridge!
Holiday Checklist:
- Quiet ✔
- Nature ✔
- Campsite ✔
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, head on down to Dunas de São Jacinto! We guarantee the birdwatchers among you won’t be disappointed.
Final Thoughts on Porto Beaches
So there you have it! From modern beach resorts to unique historical landmarks, Porto beaches provide something for everyone. What better way to start your journey than on one of these eclectic locations, offering all the fun of the beaches you love with that little bit extra. Leisure, fun and culture all wrapped into one!
It’ll be hard to choose, but then you don’t have to. Take your camper for a journey along the coast and experience them all!