September 23, 2026, 10:11 am | Read time: 4 minutes
This year’s TRAVELBOOK Award 2026 introduced a new category: the world’s most extraordinary city beach. Five international beaches were nominated: Canada’s English Bay Beach, South Korea’s Haeundae Beach, Namibia’s Mole Beach, Portugal’s Praia de Matosinhos, and Spain’s Playa de San Lorenzo. We present the Portuguese contender near Porto here.
Praia de Matosinhos in Portugal
Praia de Matosinhos is considered the city beach of Portugal’s northern metropolis, Porto. Technically, it belongs not to Porto but to the town and district of Matosinhos, which gives it its name. However, the beach borders directly on Porto’s city limits and has long been established as the city beach of the Portuguese city.
The expansive, soft sandy beach on the Atlantic is easily accessible from Porto (see travel information) and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike for a beach day or a short break by the sea. Consequently, Praia de Matosinhos is bustling during the holiday season and on weekends. The beach is also known and loved for its good water quality and regular cleaning campaigns.
The beach is lined with block-like buildings along a wide waterfront promenade, where cafés and restaurants are located. It is partially accessible via a wooden ramp. To the north, Praia de Matosinhos transitions into Praia do Titan, and the Porto Leixões cruise terminal is also north of Praia de Matosinhos. To the south are Praia Internacional, the Anémona sculpture, and a bit further, the Forte de São Francisco Xavier fortress.
What can you experience at Praia de Matosinhos?
Like many other Atlantic beaches in Portugal, Praia de Matosinhos is a popular destination for surfers. The beach is especially worthwhile for beginners in the summer, as the waves are relatively small at this time. In winter, however, they can be more challenging and are suitable for more advanced surfers. Various providers for surf equipment and lessons are available near Praia de Matosinhos. Windsurfers also frequent the beach at Matosinhos.
Besides surfing, Praia de Matosinhos is also popular as a regular swimming beach and for sunbathing, as well as for long walks. In addition to the beach itself, the adjacent waterfront promenade is also great for leisurely strolls. Lovers of fresh fish and seafood also come to Praia de Matosinhos and its vicinity, as some restaurants behind the harbor basin are considered among the best in the country, according to the info site Porto-North-Portugal.com.
Like many other places along the Portuguese Atlantic coast, Praia de Matosinhos is also a popular spot to watch breathtaking sunsets.
Also interesting: Why a trip to Porto is worthwhile even in winter
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Travel Information
Matosinhos is about eight kilometers from Porto’s center. Those wishing to travel from Porto to Praia de Matosinhos can use either the bus or the metro. The nearest metro station to the beach is Matosinhos Sul, and the journey from Porto’s Trindade station takes about half an hour. Once in Matosinhos, it’s just a short walk to the beach.
Location of Praia de Matosinhos in Portugal:
Methodology for the TRAVELBOOK Award
Again this year, we say: All nominated regions, countries, and others for the TRAVELBOOK Award are already winners, even if they didn’t achieve overall victory. This also applies to Portugal’s Praia de Matosinhos. Every hidden gem travel destination has already made it to the shortlist, having been selected from a large number of contenders in a category.
Also interesting: Which is the world’s most extraordinary city beach?
The TRAVELBOOK editorial team sought help from the community on Facebook and Instagram and consulted experts from the travel industry to create the shortlist. For the first time this year, not only TRAVELBOOK readers but also BILD readers voted. More than 150,000 votes were cast to determine the trend travel destinations for 2027.