Porto · MATOSINHOS TOURS
Porto trips always run a day short. These 7 matosinhos tours justify the time, priced and timed so you can choose quickly and get back to the river.
Spend 1.5 hours learning to surf in Matosinhos with Fish Surf School. In a group of no more than eight, you’ll practise on the sand, then head into the water with an instructor to work on paddling, standing, and catching waves. Wetsuit, board, insurance, and storage are included.
“We loved the activity! Our Coach was amazing and tried his best for us to catch our first waves. Thank you!”
At Conservas Pinhais in Matosinhos, an English-speaking guide leads you through a century-old cannery, its working production floor when active, and an old workshop. You’ll try wrapping a tin, then taste fish preserves with wine or a soft drink. The 1.5-hour visit costs $30 per person.
“This was a superb factoren tour! -Quality 10 -Hospitality 10 -Educative 10 -Honesty 10 -Historical 10 -Professional 10 -Comercial none -Product and Lunch 10 Thans a lot , what a very nice experience! What a classic family company,success in the future!”
Meet at Matosinhos’ Anemone Roundabout for a 90-minute surf lesson with SurfingLife Club, a school with 30 years of experience. An instructor speaks English, Polish, Spanish, French, or Portuguese and adapts coaching to your level. You’ll practise on the sand, then head into the water with a surfboard, wetsuit, and personal feedback included.
“even though i was the only customer they didnt cancel the event. They got one more from another school so we were only two and got very much attention from our teacher, which was very nice and giving much feedback where to work on”
Start at Leixões Port in Matosinhos and ride with a private guide along the coast into Porto, with short walks through old districts, a visit to the Clérigos Tower area, and a stop across the river at Serra do Pilar. Guides have included Ana, Tito and Bernardo. The 3.5-hour tour ends with Port wine by the Douro.
“We had a wonderful tour, driving along the coast from Leixoes to Porto, visiting local markets, churches, and walking through the old city. Our guide, Ana, was very knowledgeable about the history and districts of Porto and Gaia that we passed through. She took us over two bridges, up to the highest point overlooking the city, and through the bustling old center. Pickup and return was extremely convenient right outside our cruise ship port. Overall we thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.”
Meet Surfitbox at Matosinhos Beach for a 90-minute surf lesson with a certified coach, a board, and a wetsuit. Small groups are capped at eight, and instruction is offered in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Beginners get a safety briefing and beach instruction before heading into the water; coaches such as Filipp and Ricardo have been praised for their patient, helpful teaching.
“The lesson was really good! Our teacher (Filipp) was really nice and helpful. He had patience for each of us to help us with our difficulties and cheered us on. He showed us the important steps and then we were able to go in the water and practice. We all managed to surf by the end🤪 The guy at the reception (Zach) was also welcoming, giving us our suits, showing us where we could store our stuff. Would really recommend!”
Join a private three-hour sail aboard the Diva, a Beneteau First 35s5, from Marina Porto Atlântico to the Douro River and Ribeira. You can help trim the sails or take the helm, weather and conditions permitting, while your skipper points out Porto and Gaia. Water, soft drinks, beer, and Port wine are included.
“Best experience, we had an amazing time with our skipper Fernando”
At Onda Pura Surf Center in Portugal’s Norte Region, you get a two-hour group session with an instructor who speaks English or Portuguese. The surf lesson lasts 1 hour 30 minutes, with board and wetsuit provided. Groups are capped at seven, and coach Bernardo has earned praise for clear, lively teaching. Arrive early for the briefing.
“It was great experience! Coach Bernardo was amazing. I tried it already in few spots before but this experience was the best so far :)”
Pick a glass, a boat or a road out of town.
