Matosinhos
Greater Porto
Porto District

Municipalities of the Porto District

Guide to Portugal

Matosinhos has the Matosinhos Beach, which is the summer hotspot and a favorite among surfers, the incredible architecture of the Leizões Port Cruise Terminal and the world's largest steam crane: the Titan Crane. Gastronomy: moreover, it is one of the best places to savor the fish and seafood caught in the region.

Porto Metropolitan Area

Porto District

Northern Portugal

The municipality and the city of Matosinhos are part of Área Metropolitana and of Porto District, Northern Region of Portugal.

Location

The municipality of Matosinhos, in Porto District/a>, It is located on the right bank of the Douro River.

To the west, bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, Matosinhos borders to the north with Vila do Conde, to the northeast with Maia and to the south with the municipality of Porto, whose city it is located just over 9 km away.

Area and Population

With an area of ​​62 km², the municipality has a population of 172,557 inhabitants (INE, 2021), the second most populous municipality in the district, second only to the Porto.

In 2011, the municipality experienced its peak population, at a time when it had 175,478 inhabitants.

Matosinhos, Porto District

Matosinhos is the third most important city in the Porto Metropolitan Area and the Porto District, behind only the city of Porto.

A city with a rich history, important architectural heritage, and renowned gastronomy, Matosinhos is visited by many tourists throughout most of the year.

See also: Highlights about Matosinhos

Tourist attractions in Matosinhos

Besides the beaches that attract thousands of visitors, when visiting Matosinhos you will discover a varied architectural, cultural, historical and religious heritage. Sports lovers (including water sports) also enjoy the various options for practicing their favorite sporting activity.

• Casa de Santiago

Built on the site of the former Quinta de Villa Franca, this interesting building, currently owned by the municipality, houses a museum.

• Fort of Our Lady of the Snows

Another attraction of interest for history lovers: "It is a bastioned fort with a four-pointed star plan, protected by sloping walls and projecting guardhouses. The beginning of its construction dates back to 1651, thus replacing another older and smaller fortification, located a short distance from this one and whose construction had begun in 1638" [Matosinhos Municipal Council].

• Lord of the Standard

"A monument of very strong visual impact until the beginning of the 20th century, this dome was isolated in the middle of the sandy area of ​​"Praia do Espinheiro" being visible from many kilometers away both from the land and from the sea" [CM de Matosinhos].





Learn more: Tourist attractions of Matosinhos

Leixões Port

Located on the coast of the municipality, the Leixões Port is the second most important artificial port in the country (the first is the port of Sines) It is of great importance to the municipality's economy.

Heritage of Matosinhos

Matosinhos has a rich artistic, historical and cultural heritage, the highlight of which is the Church of the Lord Good Jesus of Matosinhos.

Other highlights of the municipality's heritage include:

• Bom Jesus de Matosinhos Standard

• Manueline Cross of Matosinhos

• Leça do Balio Monastery

• Medieval Carro Bridge


Learn more: Tourist attractions in Matosinhos.

Cruises

With a busy nautical station, in addition to its port, there are several cruises that include Matosinhos in their itinerary.

Furthermore, Matosinhos offers a variety of activities for sea lovers: "Whether it's to savor the best fish in the world, surf, take a boat trip, among other sea activities, visit icons of contemporary architecture, or enjoy relaxing moments by the sea and during a stroll along the boardwalks, not forgetting to experience unique cultural and historical moments provided by cultural shows, religious festivities and historical reenactments, Matosinhos provides you with a unique and memorable experience" [Matosinhos City Council].

Matosinhos Beach

It is the most popular beach among residents and those who live in Porto and the surrounding area.

A popular leisure spot for seaside strolls, swimming, and sports (water sports, cycling, skateboarding, etc.), and it also has several restaurants nearby.

Learn more: Beaches of Matosinhos.

Exponor

In Matosinhos, in the parish of Leça da Palmeira, you will find EXPONOR, a center where the most important trade fairs in Northern Portugal are held.

Land of Gastronomy

Land of gastronomy, as evidenced by the successful brand Matosinhos World's Best Fish, says it all about the role of gastronomy in Matosinhos: fish, crustaceans and other specialties that contribute to offering visitors a unique gastronomic experience.

Learn more: Cuisine and Gastronomy of Matosinhos.

Parishes of Matosinhos

See below the four Parishes of Matosinhos.