The best coastal towns in Northern Portugal: 6 hidden gems beyond Porto

Most visitors to Portugal stick to the familiar path between Porto and Lisbon. But if you’ve already explored these cities and want to experience something different, the northern coast offers some of the best coastal towns in Portugal. These towns, easily reached by car and perfect for day trips from Porto, could also become part of a longer northern Portugal road trip where you can explore the entire coastline and visit what I consider the most beautiful coastal towns in the north.

I spent several months exploring this stretch of coastline, discovering hidden beaches in Portugal where local families gather for Sunday lunches and fishermen still bring in their daily catch. While Porto’s charm draws millions of visitors each year, these nearby coastal communities offer a glimpse into a more traditional way of Portuguese life.

This guide focuses on six distinctive towns, all located within 90 minutes of Porto. Each tells its own story through historic architecture, pristine beaches, and rich local traditions. These are some of the best beach towns in Portugal for families and experienced travelers alike. And if you’re wondering what to see near Porto, these towns make perfect day or weekend trips, offering experiences that go beyond the typical tourist trail.

The Santa Clara Monastery itself is also worth a visit—it sits atop a hill overlooking the town, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic and the historic center below.

Póvoa de Varzim combines beautiful beaches with rich maritime traditions. This lively coastal town sits just 5 kilometers north of Vila do Conde and 30 kilometers from Porto.

When you visit the town’s coastline, you’ll discover that the Póvoa de Varzim beach area stretches along the entire city, and the beaches vary from south to north in their activities and atmosphere.

The southern part is more peaceful and family-oriented. Here you’ll find the historic fishing port, where you can watch local fishermen bring in their catch early in the morning. There’s also a marina with yachts, and you can take a pleasant walk along the breakwater to the lighthouse.

The central beach area buzzes with activity, especially in summer. The promenade is lined with restaurants and cafes serving fresh seafood and local specialties. At night, the area comes alive with several nightclubs along the beachfront.

The northern section offers a wider beach with fewer people—perfect if you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.

The old town, just one block inland from the promenade, holds onto its fishing village charm. Here you’ll find the traditional ‘siglas poveiras’—ancient’ symbols that local fishing families used to mark their belongings.

If you enjoy gambling, check out one of the oldest casinos in Portugal—right on the beachfront. It adds its own flavor to the town’s nightlife.

Fão is another small coastal town just 40 minutes north of Porto. The town center keeps its traditional Portuguese character with old houses and narrow cobblestone streets.

Praia de Ofir, the town’s main beach area, stretches for several kilometers along the coast. This is one of the best surfing beaches in Northern Portugal for those just starting out. The beach has perfect conditions for beginner surfers—a gradual slope into the water and consistent waves make it an ideal spot to catch your first wave. If you’re looking for surfing in Portugal for beginners, you’ll find several excellent surf schools here that offer lessons and provide all the equipment you need.

The area between the Cávado River and ocean creates a unique natural setting. On one side, you can watch fishermen working on their boats in the calm river waters. On the other, the Atlantic waves roll onto the wide sandy beach.

For nature lovers, there’s a wooden walkway along the sand dunes. It’s perfect for peaceful walks with ocean views on one side and pine forest on the other.

Esposende is another coastal town, located on the opposite bank of the Cávado River from Fão.

A beautiful riverside promenade runs from the town center all the way to the ocean. You’ll find palm trees lining the path, a dedicated cycling lane, several playgrounds for children, and cozy cafes overlooking the river.

The river mouth is a lively spot for kitesurfing—steady ocean winds combined with the calm river waters create perfect conditions for this sport. When conditions are right, you’ll see many colorful kites in the air, adding energy to the area’s atmosphere.

Just one block inland from the promenade, you’ll find the historic center with its narrow streets, traditional Portuguese architecture, and local restaurants serving fresh seafood caught by the town’s fishing fleet.

Just an hour north of Porto, you’ll find one of the most beautiful cities on Portugal’s northern coast.

The main attraction of this city is the Santuário de Santa Luzia. This white church stands on top of a hill above the city, and the views from up there are amazing—you can see the entire city, the Atlantic coast, the Lima River, and green mountains all around. You can get there by car or take a historic funicular from the city center.

The main square, Praça da República, is surrounded by beautiful buildings from different periods—Manueline, Renaissance, and Baroque. Make sure to visit Paços do Concelho, a 16th-century old town hall with its prominent arches.

When exploring things to do in Viana do Castelo, take time to walk through the small streets of the old town. You’ll find lots of buildings decorated with traditional Portuguese tiles (azulejos), local shops, and restaurants with fresh seafood.

Along the Lima River, you’ll find a waterfront with a working port and modern marina. The riverside promenade runs all the way to the ocean, where it connects with the Coastal Walking Trail (Ecovia do Litoral). The beaches here are quite rocky, making them perfect for long scenic walks rather than sunbathing.

If you’re looking for a perfect beach day, visit Praia do Cabedelo near the city. I consider it one of the best secret beaches in northern Portugal.

Located 75 kilometers north of Porto, Moledo is the last coastal town before reaching Spain. Long favored by Portuguese elite as a holiday destination, this small town offers a unique combination of landscapes.

The beach here is a wide stretch of sand with impressive views of Tecla Mountain on the Spanish coast and Insua Fort, a small fortress built right in the ocean. During windy days, the beach comes alive with windsurfers and kitesurfers, creating a vibrant atmosphere unique to this spot.

Along the Minho River, which forms a natural border between Portugal and Spain, you’ll find a quieter river beach. While the ocean beach attracts more visitors, this spot offers a more peaceful setting, especially when ocean winds pick up.

The ecovia litoral norte coastal trail passes through Moledo, offering some of its most scenic sections. Walking here, you’ll have pine forests and mountains on one side and the ocean with its rocky coast on the other. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for both walking and cycling.

These coastal towns in Northern Portugal are perfect for day trips from Porto—most are within an hour or two drive. While you can reach some by train, renting a car gives you the most flexibility to explore.

The ideal time to visit is from late spring to early fall (May to September), when you can enjoy beach activities and warmer weather. However, my family visits these places for walks all year round—each season brings its own charm to these coastal towns.

If you’re wondering what to see near Porto, these coastal towns offer a perfect mix of beaches, history, and local culture.

You can easily combine these towns into different routes:

• For a short trip: Visit Vila do Conde and Póvoa de Varzim, connected by a beautiful beachfront boardwalk.
• For a full day: Start in Fão and Esposende, perfect for morning surfing lessons, then head to Viana do Castelo.
• For a weekend: Take a leisurely drive from Porto to Moledo, stopping at each town along the way.

These are some of the best beach towns in Portugal for families, each with its own character—from lively Póvoa de Varzim with its casino to peaceful Fão with its surf spots. Take time to try local seafood restaurants, and don’t miss the morning fish markets where you can see fishermen bringing in their fresh catch.

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