Beaches South of Porto
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BEACHES SOUTH OF THE RIVER

Porto is a diverse holiday location, you can add a day at the beach to your city break. There are some wonderful beaches south of Porto and Gaia waiting to be discovered by foreign visitors. With MADABOUTPORTO.COM as your guide, you'll learn the best beaches to visit, what to do, where to eat, how to get there and get around.



The town which faces Porto across the Douro River is more famous for the Port trade and wine cellars than diverse natural landscapes and golden beaches. But with a little exploration, you'll discover picturesque areas, ranging from an estuary rich in wildlife, meadows and long stretches of unspoiled sands. The 15km (9.5 miles) expanse of coastline descending from Vila Nova de Gaia boasts the largest number of Blue Flag beaches in Portugal. Ongoing investment in the area has created a network of wooden boardwalks and cycle paths which run the full stretch of coast ideal for sunset strolls and bike rides.

Praia de Lavadores

Praia de Lavadores

Yellow Bus Tour

Praia Cabedelo do Douro

Where the Douro meets the sea there's a nature reserve for the protection of birds and coastal fauna. Here you can do some bird watching or a gentle stroll to take in the magnificent scenery. There's a beach here, although it's exposed to the elements. It can get quite windy here and the sea very choppy. The nearby village of São Pedro da Afurada maintains much of its original charm and an abundant choice of cafés and restaurants can be found in its old narrow streets. | 41° 08' 23.3" N | 08° 40' 0.6" W


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Praia de Lavadores

The most northern beach on the Avenida Beira Mar is well served with amenities and places to eat and drink. The long stretch of sand is boulder-filled and thins considerably during high tide. The beach is easily accessed via the wooden esplanades and walkways, Praia de Lavadores is surprisingly uncrowded considering its close proximity to Porto and Gaia. | 41° 07' 44.8" N | 08° 40' 05.6" W | 902


Praia de Salgueiro

An attractive wide expanse of fine white sand and natural vegetation is easily accessed by road and cycle path. It has a good choice of amenities including bars/cafés located on the beach itself. At one end there is a small rocky outcrop that creates a natural sea break and ideal bathing conditions. The waters here are believed to have positive health properties due to its high iodine content. The southern end has enough swell for water sports. The beach has EEC Blue Flag status and there's sunshade and sunbed rental available. Frequented by guests from the near-by campsite (Parque de Campismo de Salgueiros) and locals alike. The car park seems inadequate during busy periods. | 41° 07' 13.1" N | 08° 39' 54.3" W | 906


Praia de Salgueiros

Praia de Salgueiros

Madalena Beach

Praia da Madalena


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Praia da Madalena

Access to this lovely wide swathe of lightly coloured beach is via wooden boardwalks which traverse a dune system. Madalena is home to a number of holiday lets and hotels as well as a small golf course and volleyball courts. The beach is rocky at the southern end. There's plenty of eateries and watering holes to satisfy everyone's needs. The Madalena train station is a 30-minute walk from the coast however the bus service will take you directly there.
41° 06' 12.5" N | 08° 39' 42.3" W | 906




Praia de Valadares

A long sweep of beach and dunes interspersed with rocky outcrops and the occasional beach café. Wooden walkways run the length of the coast lined by villas. The beach blends seamlessly into the Praia do Atlântico in the south. | 41° 05' 31.8" N | 08° 39' 27.5" W | ZF | Valadares


Getting There

• Linha de Aveiro Urban trains (Comboios Urbanos) to and from Porto Timetable

Espirito Santo operate the buses around Vila Nova de Gaia
Espirito Santo Website

There's an excellent dedicated cycle path that runs from Vila Nova de Gaia and follows the river and coastline all the way to Miramar. If you feel too tired to cycle back you can return by train, cycles are permitted onboard.

Cross the Arrabida bride and head south on the A1, Take A44 to R. das Moutadas in Vila Nova de Gaia. Take the exit towards Gulpilhares from A29. Take the exit onto A29 towards Espinho/A25/Aveiro/A8/Lisbon.

TOP TOURS

Porto City Tour Full Day with Lunch (optional) and Wine Tasting

Porto City Tour Full Day with Lunch & Wine Tasting

Uncover the mysteries of Porto on this full-day sightseeing tour with lunch. Meet your guide and spend the day travelling through the city's charming corridors, compelling neighbourhoods and seeing its historic landmarks. Learn about Porto's history, including the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Douro River and much more. Then, enjoy a traditional local lunch and continue your journey to the Sé Cathedral, São Bento Railway Station and more. This is the best tour for first-time visitors to orient themselves to many of Porto's wonders. See the city through the eyes of a local.

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Porto Premium 3 in 1: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Tram Tour and Guindais Funicular

Porto and Matosinhos Small Group Tour with Douro Cruise, Lunch and Wine Tasting

Porto and Matosinhos Small Group Tour

The most complete one day tour to the cities of Porto and Matosinhos. A professional guide in a new comfortable vehicle equipped with air-conditioning will accompany you on a journey you will never forget. You will get to know the most emblematic places and understand the whole history that surrounds this city. Lunch will take place at a typical restaurant. We will visit the Porto wine cellars of one of the widely respected producers on a global scale. Being next to the Douro River you will then take a boat trip across the six bridges. Leaving the historical centre behind we will head to Matosinhos, a city that borders north with Porto known for the beauty of its beaches, connection to the sea and by the famous acronym WBF - World's Best Fish.

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