A Story of Sea, Fish and Canning
Matosinhos grew with the sea. Fishing, maritime trade, the Port of Leixões and the canning industry have deeply shaped the city’s history, helping to build a gastronomic identity that remains alive today.
From the Port of Leixões to the Canneries
In the late 19th century, Matosinhos entered a new chapter in its history. The construction of the Port of Leixões, completed in 1895, created better conditions for maritime activity and played a decisive role in the growth of local fishing and trade. The abundance of fish and the proximity to the port favoured the growth of the canning industry. The first cannery in Matosinhos was established in 1899. Matosinhos would go on to become the largest canning and fishing centre in the world. The canning industry employed thousands of people and carried the Matosinhos name to international markets.
A Tradition That Has Reached the Present Day
Among the most iconic examples is the Fábrica de Conservas Pinhais, whose history dates back to the early 20th century and continues to maintain traditional production methods. Also noteworthy is Conservas Portugal Norte; both factories can be visited and are located just a few minutes’ walk from the Sea Porto Hotel. The historic cannery Ramirez, now located in the parish of Lavra-Matosinhos, is at the forefront of technological innovation, incorporating cutting-edge technology, robotics and an intelligent cold chain as a green factory. As historical testimony, Roman fish-salting tanks still exist in the Angeiras area—remnants showing that fish processing and preservation date back around two thousand years, which can also be visited. However, the connection to the sea did not stay behind factory walls. It lives on in the city’s gastronomy, particularly in the fresh fish arriving daily at the fish market and local restaurants. Sardines, sea bass, sea bream, octopus and seafood form part of a cuisine defined by its closeness to the Atlantic and preparations that highlight product quality. It is this identity that underpins the brand
Matosinhos World’s Best Fish.
In 2025, this tradition gained further international recognition with the inclusion of Matosinhos in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of Gastronomy.
Discover the World’s Best Fish from Sea Porto Hotel
Today, discovering Matosinhos also means discovering its history through gastronomy. The Sea Porto Hotel is a starting point to explore this connection between city, sea and gastronomy. Just minutes away, you can visit the Port of Leixões, the fishing area, and the old canneries, explore the city, and sample the fish behind the World’s Best Fish. Consider this an open invitation!
