MATOSINHOS TOURS
The metro runs from the middle of Porto to a beach, a fish market and the best grilled sardines in the district. The 7 below cover the surf schools, the canning factory and the boats out of Leições, with prices and how long the ride out takes.
Learn the basics of surfing at Matosinhos with Fish Surf School. In groups of eight or fewer, instructors such as Ricardo, Ivan, and Nono teach safety, paddling, standing, and wave timing. Your $34 fee includes a wetsuit, board, insurance, storage, and a 1.5-hour lesson.
“We really liked it, instructor was super friendly and helpful. We had a great time”
Visit Conservas Pinhais in Matosinhos for a guided English tour through its historic factory, working production areas, and old workshop. Learn the hand process, wrap your own tin, then taste preserved fish with wine or a soft drink. Guide Roberto is praised for making the visit clear and friendly.
“I love this tour! It’s quote underrated. There were four people in my group on a Friday afternoon and we learned to wrap the sardine can, understand the history of the company and the process of making canned sardines. They source mostly from Portugal and Spain (for spices) and I can tell they are very proud of the small batch production process and family oriented culture. The ticket also includes a tasting of the sardine with complimentary bread and a glass of wine. The spicy olive oil sardines were spectacular, their meticulous process really shows in the tasting, it’s the best canned sardines I have ever had. I thoroughly enjoy…”
Meet at Matosinhos’ Anemone Roundabout for a 90-minute surf lesson with SurfingLife Club. In a group of up to eight, you’ll learn safety, paddling, and standing on the board. Instructors speak five languages, and João is one coach praised for patient, useful feedback.
“Amazing surf coach who is patient and gave excellent feedback and tips for improvement. Everyone was super friendly and made me feel comfortable as a beginner surfer.”
Travel from Leixões through Matosinhos, Foz, and Porto in a private tuk tuk with a local guide. Walk around old neighborhoods, see Clérigos Tower, Livraria Lello, Bolhão, Ribeira, and Serra do Pilar, then enjoy Port wine by the Douro. Guides may speak English, Spanish, or Portuguese.
“I enjoyed the tuk-tuk experience and our guide. It's not the most comfortable ride, but it's fun! I'm glad we stopped at the famous bridge in Porto, the beautiful McDonald's and the large art installation called 'She Changes'. They weren't listed on our itinerary but were appreciated. We should have made some stops, but didn't, including the Cordoaria's Garden and the Serra do Pilar Monastery. Overall, it was a very good way to see the city in a few hours.”
Meet Surfitbox at Matosinhos Beach for a 90-minute lesson with a surfboard, wetsuit, safety briefing, and certified coaching. English, Spanish, and Portuguese are available. Groups are limited to eight, with private, kids, weekly, and monthly options also offered.
“Expert and funny coach. Well organized stage made of only 6 students. Very nice experience to be done again.”
Join a private crew aboard the 35-foot Diva from Marina de Leça. Sail past Matosinhos and Porto, enter the Douro, and reach Ribeira and Gaia with a guide such as Antonio, Renato, Pablo, or Fernando. You can help trim the sails and steer while enjoying Port wine, beer, soda, and water.
“Best experience, we had an amazing time with our skipper Fernando”
Meet Onda Pura Surf Center near Burger King for a two-hour group session, including a briefing, wetsuit, board, and 90 minutes of instruction. FPS-certified coaches such as Bernardo teach in English or Portuguese. Groups are limited to seven, making this a friendly first step into surfing.
“It was a very delightfull and entertaining activity. Thanks to Bernardo, surfing might become a new hobby. He taught very well with a lot of insight and gave the class a fun twist. Thanks a lot!”
Pick a bank, a valley or a kitchen.
