10 Best Beaches of Porto

Only three miles (5km) north of Espinho, Miramar is a small seaside resort famous for its 17th century Capela do Senhora Pedra chapel perched precariously on a wave-beaten headland jutting out from the beach. The town is home to a famous nine-hole golf course and several holiday homes and mansions. There are actually three beaches in Miramar; the Praia do da Pedra, the Praia da Sãozinha and the Praia de Miramar. The beaches hare are somewhat exposed to Atlantic winds. They're pleasantly un-crowded, frequented mostly by locals. In summer the water is tame and good for bathing, whilst in winter months, the surfers take advantage of the large swell that is washed up.

Miramar has useful facilities such as several cafés on the beach, bars, car parking, a private sports club with tennis courts and the Clube de Golf de Miramar golf course. As with all beaches in this area access to the beach and over the dunes is via wooden walkways, with wheelchair accessibility. This beach is a true gem but shhhh… keep it secret. | 41° 03' 59.97" N | 08° 39' 24.5" W

The beaches at Esposende are amongst the finest on the Costa Verde and are part of the Parque Natural do Literal Norte. People come here to enjoy the long line of excellent beaches, swim in the clear waters, take long invigorating walks along the wooden boardwalks and enjoy the scenery, bird watchers look out for birds such as capped herons, terns, mallards and herring gulls. The dunes' importance in preventing coastal erosion led to this area becoming a protected nature park in July 2005, encouraging the growth of maritime thistle, beachgrass and sea cudweeds, not only anchor the dunes into place but also preserves important wildlife - which in turn attracts visitors. The picturesque windmills which line the dunes have replaced their inner workings for tourist accommodation, however remain quaint features on the landscape. | 41° 30' 22.4" N | 08° 47' 15.6" W

Espinho has a long stretch of beach running the length of the town, starting in the North at the start of the Passadiço Espinho boardwalk across the dunes and the dividing line between Porto and Aveiro districts. The beaches which run from this point to the pier at the southern end of collectively known as the Praia da Frente Azul and subdivided according to the respective beach bar: Marbelo, Pop, Azul, Seca and Costa Verde. The conditions here are ideal for bathers and sun-bathers alike and are patrolled by coastguards. Beach sports are often played here too, such as volleyball, basketball and football. The surf here is gentle yet steady ideal for body-boarding and windsurfing. It's along this stretch you'll find the Piscina-solário Atlântico an outdoor swimming pool protected by the Atlantic winds by an exterior wall, it includes a children's pool, a bar and a sunbathing area. | 41° 00' 52.2" N | 08° 38' 41.3" W

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 creating 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

TThe Praia da Esmoriz beach is linked to the Barrinha de Esmoriz lagoon and National Reserve at the northern end. The expanse of sands here at this stretch of the beach is the widest of the resort, with fewer bars, cafés and apartments. Instead, it's where new dunes and coastal habitats are being regenerated. The beach is somewhat exposed to Atlantic winds, and the waters here are best suited to surfers who take advantage of the consistent beach breaks here. Waves reach a height of between one and three metres with no hidden rocks and easy access to the beach.

The central and southern side of the long beach is dominated by sea and old homes, remnants of the old fishing village and the traditional wooden fisherman's houses known as Palheiros. Many of which have been restored and turned into holiday accommodation. This end of the stretch of beach is more suitable for families and sunbathers alike. There's certainly no shortage of eateries and facilities here.
N 40º 57' 36.5" | W 08º 39' 01.0"