Leixoes Port: What to See in Matosinhos in One Day
Leixoes Port is the largest artificial port in Portugal, located at the mouth of the Rio Leça in the municipality of Matosinhos.
The port authority provides a free shuttle to leave the port, as it is not accessible on foot. Once outside the port, you can decide whether to head to the city of Porto, which is 9 km away, or stay nearby and visit the town of Matosinhos.
Porto di Leixoes
Matosinhos is a seaside resort, situated a few kilometers from the mouth of the Douro River, and it is definitely a place not to be missed.
After leaving the port, let’s explore this small city that was once a fishing village. On the road, you will immediately notice “Senhor do Padrão,” a monument built in the 18th century that marks the place where, according to legend, the image of the Lord of Matosinhos appeared. Along Rua Heróis de França and Avenida Serpa Pinto, you will find many restaurants of all kinds. It’s worth visiting around lunchtime to taste something typical or enjoy the catch of the day.
Igreja Paroquial do Senhor Bom Jesus de Matosinhos
But before enjoying a good meal or a beach break, let’s discover the monuments of this small town. With a walk of about 20 minutes amidst shops and restaurants, you can reach the “Igreja Paroquial do Senhor Bom Jesus de Matosinhos,” a beautiful Baroque-style church with three naves separated by five 16th-century arches supported by Ionic columns and sustained by a 17th-century wooden coffered ceiling.
If you have more time, another not-to-be-missed stop is the “Mosteiro de Leça do Balio,” reachable by car in 15 minutes. It is a 10th-century structure located on a Roman site where, according to findings, there was a villa and a temple of Jupiter.
Mosteiro Leca Balio Matosinhos)
While walking through the streets of Matosinhos, you can also catch a glimpse of the Palácio da Justiça, the Câmara Municipal, the Casa da Arquitectura, an architectural showcase set in a former winery with guided tours of permanent and temporary exhibitions, and finally, the Pinhais canned fish factory located on Avenida Meneres.
The factory is definitely worth a visit, especially if you want to enjoy some tastings. After the tour, you can taste some of the products and then purchase the Pinhais canned fish tins.
Returning to the port and reaching Praça da Cidade do Salvador, you can admire Janet Echelman’s “Escultura De Rede,” a sculpture formed by a net supported by a steel ring that moves fluidly in the wind and becomes very attractive when illuminated at night.
Escultura De Rede
The final stop of the tour is Matosinhos Beach, a wide sandy beach where you can practice surfing, swimming, or simply relax under the sun’s rays.
For those who want to reach Porto, you can opt for a taxi from Leixoes, which can cost between 15 to 20 euros. Alternatively, you can take the bus, which will take about 40 to 50 minutes to drop you off at São Bento Station in Porto’s historic center.
Stay tuned for more information, tips, and news on Cruising Journal, and also check out the guide to the city of Porto.