The secrets of Porto’s beaches and bays

Sometimes, all the facilities, water sports and convenience can’t lure you away from a stellar sand-strewn spot. In Porto, the beach you’re looking for is Praia de Moreiró. Just a 30 minute drive north from Porto, you’ll find a fairly un-spoilt beach to relax and unwind on. There’s a smattering of facilities – basically a beach bar and a small car park – and little to do but amble the dunes or paddle in the gently lapping waves. The wooden boardwalk that leads down on the sands is serving some major Cape Cod vibes. After that? It’s all blue ocean, golden sands and your inner most thoughts. Helpfully, this beach does have a lifeguard in the summer season – letting you swim with a little peace of mind. 

Legend has it, Praia da Granja was once the favoured seaside resort among Portugal’s aristocrats and royalty. Whether a King or Queen ever rustled up a sand castle or two on this shore might not matter to you, but it does suggest the beach might have something going for it. And, as Porto beaches go, it’s not a bad spot to park your beach towel on. The promenade benefits from a few aged but certainly swish villas to peer at – giving the whole area a certain luxe feel. It is a 25 minute drive from Porto, but this beach gets the big thumbs up from us for access. Wheelchair users will find this one of Portugal’s easier beaches to enjoy. And, when you add in the essential Blue Flag status, it’s shapes up rather nicely – with or without any visiting dignitaries.  

Beaches near Porto can suffer a little from being a smidge too thin, especially at high tide. You’ve no such worries at Cabedelo do Douro. The soft sands you perch on here are part of the vast sandbank that has formed at the mouth of the River Douro. Yes, when you’re out on the bank you might feel a little far from facilities, there’s plenty nearby to keep even the most restless beachgoers amused. The Duoro Estuary nature reserve is right on your doorstep, with the suitably glittering Afurada marine just a 20 minute stroll to the east. Head south and you’re looking at a coastal stroll lined with cafes, bars and a whole lot of beach action to browse. In land, there’s a couple of city parks if you’d like to swap golden sands for greenery. The best part? This is all within a 15 minute drive from the centre of Porto. 

Of all the beaches near Porto, we think Canide Sul Beach combines the best of everything. A minimal drive to get to the shores (around 15 minutes), vast swathes of sand to frolic on and waves that any surfer would be keen to have a crack at. Those waves might make the waters a tad unsafe for little ones, but they do make a lovely backdrop for a romantic stroll along the beach. If the mere mention of surf-able waves has you furiously waxing your board in anticipation, you’d be right to get excited. The resident surf school here uses the reliable waves to get people of all abilities out on to the water. And, while the surf can get rough, the waters do calm enough to see stand up paddleboarders brave the ocean too. 

Porto beach options don’t always come with the option to sip Moet & Chandon in stylish surroundings. At Praia de Pedras do Corgo, the Melanina Beach Club is THE place to mingle with Porto’s hip and stylish crowd while taking in the gorgeous vista of the beach beyond. Lounge in deckchairs, recline on a cabana or take a seat at the bar. Wherever you sit, just don’t miss the rainbow hues of the burger buns. Pleasingly, the beach itself doesn’t succumb to any style over substance concerns. Scuba divers will want to suit up and plunge to the depths in search of the WWII submarine scuppered on the sea floor. While plenty of parking and a long and rustic boardwalk to meander make this a gorgeous spot to explore yet more of Porto’s coastline.