Matosinhos

Matosinhos sits at the point where the Leça River meets the Atlantic, about 10 kilometres north of Porto's city centre, and its identity has long been shaped by the sea. The town grew into a significant fishing port over centuries, but its modern character took form in the late 19th century with the construction of the Port of Leixões, one of the largest artificial harbours on the Iberian Peninsula. That infrastructure transformed Matosinhos into an industrial hub, and by the 20th century the town supported dozens of fish canneries processing the sardines and mackerel brought in by its fleet.

The canneries are mostly gone, but the fishing culture remains tangible. The harbour is still active, and the stretch of restaurants along Rua Heróis de França near the port is considered one of the best places in Portugal to eat grilled fish. Whole sea bass and dourada cooked over charcoal are the speciality, served simply and in large portions. The area gets busy at lunchtime and the quality is consistently high across several neighbouring restaurants.

For pilgrims on the Coastal Way, Matosinhos is a practical and appealing first stop out of Porto. Praia de Matosinhos, a long sandy beach just west of the town centre, is one of the most visited beaches in the Porto metropolitan area. The town has a metro line connecting it directly back to Porto, which also makes it a common alternative starting point for those who prefer to begin walking once they reach the coast rather than navigating the urban centre.