What to do in Porto

As the second largest city in Portugal, Porto is located up north next to the estuary of the Duero River. The coastal city is an emblem of elegant neighbourhoods and stately villas within the charming little streets that UNESCO has declared a World Heritage Site.

The historic city is also known amongst extreme sports junkies due to its idyllic location. The practice of surf is one of the top water activities due to the consistent swell all year round in the north-west coast & the famous Espinho wave, a long and barrelling right-breaker. Also, because there are a lot of beaches that remain unknown to tourists you can head up and enjoy of the elusive spaces and really focus on surfing.

Surfing is indeed one of the most popular outdoor activity due to the waves that keep breaking across the north-eastern shoreline all year round. It is not only a sport, it is also a real community who is ready to welcome each new member passing by one of the numerous surfcamps.

For example, Surfin Monkey surfcamp provides surf holidays for those who seek an awesome surfing experience and those who want to learn how to surf. The camp is located northwest of Porto on Matosinhos beach, which is considered the best in Europe for surfing. The beach is medium sized, sandy with lots of space and consistent waves. The swell size starts working at 1 meter and holds up to 2.5 meters.

Kitesurfing is also a very popular sport in Porto and its surroundings. Only 30 min north from the city, the small town of Esposende is a peaceful place where the Cávado river meets the Atlantic. Here, the flat waters protected by the dunes in the river mouth are ideal for beginners and freestylers. Kitesurf clubs will provide you all the necessary equipment: the board, the kite, the harness, the bar and of course the kitesurfer outfit!

Although surfers and kitesurfers come to try out the rad waves, there are also more activities to choose from. One of the renowned spots is Peneda-Gerês National Park, discover the countless canyons in the area or kayak in the hidden streams around the park.

Porto is a city to discover on foot, come to unveil its most outstanding corner and mix it up with adrenaline-charged activities.