Matosinhos
LAND OF HORIZON AND SEA
Authentic and vibrant, Matosinhos is a city to be lived through the senses. Here, the sea sets the rhythm of daily life – from fresh fish by the shore to the breeze that moves through contemporary architecture, museums and local markets.
Just minutes from the centre of Porto, discover a destination where tradition and modernity meet: natural beaches, unique flavours, culture, design and the relaxed atmosphere of a place that knows how to welcome.
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Inspired by Matosinhos’ connection to the Atlantic, the Deck Bar invites you to moments of pause. Let yourself be carried by the atmosphere and explore our Bar Menu, with a curated selection of drinks and light meals. Discover our bar menu.
An iconic work by Álvaro Siza Vieira, these saltwater pools integrated into the rocky landscape offer a swim in perfect harmony with the Atlantic. An unmissable architectural and sensorial experience.
A walk along the Matosinhos coastal shoreline, the boardwalks allow you to move over dunes and rocks with stunning views of the Atlantic – ideal for leisure, exercise or simply taking in the landscape.
Book directly with us and enjoy an immediate 12% discount on your stay.
An iconic work by Álvaro Siza Vieira, these saltwater pools integrated into the rocky landscape offer a swim in perfect harmony with the Atlantic. An unmissable architectural and sensorial experience.
A walk along the Matosinhos coastal shoreline, the boardwalks allow you to move over dunes and rocks with stunning views of the Atlantic – ideal for leisure, exercise or simply taking in the landscape.
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Internationally awarded, the terminal combines architectural innovation and functionality. A gateway for many visitors, it is also a viewpoint over the sea and the city.
An iconic landmark of the coastline in Leça da Palmeira, the lighthouse rises above the Atlantic rocks as a maritime symbol and navigation guide, harmoniously integrated into the landscape and local identity.
Located on the North Breakwater of the Port of Leixões, in Leça da Palmeira (Matosinhos), the Porto Atlântico Marina stands out for its privileged location by the Atlantic Ocean and its modern leisure navigation facilities. Designed to accommodate motor and sailing boats, with a strong sporting component, it offers mooring and technical services.
Matosinhos is recognised as one of the best surfing destinations in northern Portugal. The sea offers ideal conditions both for beginners and experienced surfers, and the many schools along the coast provide lessons and equipment throughout the year. In a relaxed and authentic atmosphere, surfing in Matosinhos is more than a sport – it is a celebration of Atlantic spirit and the vibrant energy of the city.
Internationally awarded, the terminal combines architectural innovation and functionality. A gateway for many visitors, it is also a viewpoint over the sea and the city.
An iconic landmark of the coastline in Leça da Palmeira, the lighthouse rises above the Atlantic rocks as a maritime symbol and navigation guide, harmoniously integrated into the landscape and local identity.
Located on the North Breakwater of the Port of Leixões, in Leça da Palmeira (Matosinhos), the Porto Atlântico Marina stands out for its privileged location by the Atlantic Ocean and its modern leisure navigation facilities. Designed to accommodate motor and sailing boats, with a strong sporting component, it offers mooring and technical services.
Matosinhos is recognised as one of the best surfing destinations in northern Portugal. The sea offers ideal conditions both for beginners and experienced surfers, and the many schools along the coast provide lessons and equipment throughout the year.
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By the dock area, several restaurants grill fresh local fish and seafood in plain sight, serving typical dishes such as grilled sardines, sea bass on the grill or seafood rice, in an authentic celebration of the sea.
With fresh products, quality fish and an authentic atmosphere, the market is a meeting point for both locals and visitors. It is the ideal place to discover local flavour and daily life in the city.
By the dock area, several restaurants grill fresh local fish and seafood in plain sight, serving typical dishes such as grilled sardines, sea bass on the grill or seafood rice, in an authentic celebration of the sea.
With fresh products, quality fish and an authentic atmosphere, the market is a meeting point for both locals and visitors. It is the ideal place to discover local flavour and daily life in the city.
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Suspended over the rocks with a view to the sea, this building designed by Siza Vieira blends form, function and landscape. Now a restaurant, it is a space where gastronomy and architecture meet.
Dedicated to the promotion and reflection on architecture, this cultural centre stands out for its innovative programming and the renovated building where it is housed. A space of discovery for both professionals and enthusiasts.
A national monument of rare beauty, combining Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and once a crossroads of the Caminhos de Santiago, marking centuries of history, spirituality and cultural significance in the region.
A national monument and centre of some of the most emblematic religious festivities of the city, this 18th-century church stands out for its imposing Baroque façade and richly decorated interior. It is one of the symbols of Matosinhos’ spiritual and architectural heritage.
Located by the coast, this 17th-century fort is a well-preserved example of the military architecture of the period. Overlooking the sea and the port, it highlights the strategic importance of the area and offers historical insight into Portuguese coastal defence.
Suspended over the rocks with a view to the sea, this building designed by Siza Vieira blends form, function and landscape. Now a restaurant, it is a space where gastronomy and architecture meet.
Dedicated to the promotion and reflection on architecture, this cultural centre stands out for its innovative programming and the renovated building where it is housed. A space of discovery for both professionals and enthusiasts.
A national monument of rare beauty, combining Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and once a crossroads of the Caminhos de Santiago, marking centuries of history, spirituality and cultural significance in the region.
A national monument and centre of some of the most emblematic religious festivities of the city, this 18th-century church stands out for its imposing Baroque façade and richly decorated interior. It is one of the symbols of Matosinhos’ spiritual and architectural heritage.
Located by the coast, this 17th-century fort is a well-preserved example of the military architecture of the period. Overlooking the sea and the port, it highlights the strategic importance of the area and offers historical insight into Portuguese coastal defence.
Visit us and stamp your pilgrim credential at Sea Porto Hotel.
We are located on the Portuguese Coastal Way, one of the official routes of the Caminos de Santiago, which crosses Matosinhos on its way to Santiago de Compostela.
The city plays an active role in supporting this route, with waymarking, boardwalks and improvements designed to enhance the walking experience.
The first stage often starts at Porto Cathedral, following the Douro River towards the sea, passing through Matosinhos, Leça da Palmeira, Boa Nova and Praia da Memória before continuing to Vila do Conde and beyond.
Drawn by the sea, pilgrims walk coastal and urban landscapes, covering around 280 km to Santiago, making this route an increasingly popular alternative to the inland Portuguese Way.
You can also stamp your credential at the Tourist Offices of Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira. Soon, it will also be possible to stamp it here at Sea Porto Hotel.
Architect
Born in Matosinhos
Internationally recognised for his contemporary architecture integrated into place and landscape.
“Architecture is a state of mind, not a profession.”
Poet
Lived in the city
A central figure in Portuguese modernist literature, known for her intense and melancholic writing.
“To be a poet is to be higher, greater than humankind.”
Painter
Born in Matosinhos
A key figure in contemporary Portuguese painting, with works deeply connected to the sea and spirituality.
“My painting is the memory of my land.”
Poet
Spent part of his childhood in the city
One of the leading names of Portuguese ‘saudosismo’, with lyrical and melancholic works.
“To dream is nothing more than longing.”
