My favourite part of Porto is for sure Foz and the seafront! There are several nice trendy beaches from north to south that can be enjoyed: Castelo do Queijo, Homem do Leme, Molhe, Gondarém, Senhora da Luz, Praia dos Ingleses, and Ourigo.

The water is too cold for me and I don’t go to the beach here, but in the summer it’s very pleasant and it can get crowded. There are also better, larger beaches very close to Foz as “Matosinhos Sul” in the picture (even if less trendy), just a stone’s throw north of Castelo do Queijo and Edíficio Transparente.

Foz’s beaches stretch along 3 kms and two avenues (Brasil and Montevideu). This is where the British originally had their holiday houses in the 19th century, when this part was away from Porto. This is, of course, a posh part of the city and is very well taken care of. On many of these beaches there are stylish (although slightly expensive) “beach” caffès, bars, and restaurants, where it’s great to relax, enjoy the sun, the views (sea, people), good music, and a fine drink or food.

Additionally, along the avenues just above the beach, I like the promenade for a good walk, run, roller-skating, or biking. During the week, there are mainly “locals”, but on sunny weekends it gets really crowded with people all over the city and surroundings.

It’s also a great place to watch the sunset, but it may get cold afterwards. Foz is Porto at its best!