Just north of Porto, Matosinhos is a neighbourhood where the Atlantic isn’t just a view — it’s a way of life. Once an industrial port town, it’s now one of the region’s most dynamic and liveable areas — a place where surfers, families, and creatives have found common ground.

From Port to Playground

Matosinhos has always been defined by the sea. Its fishing heritage runs deep, and you can still watch the catch come in each morning at the harbour. But over the past decade, the area has transformed — attracting new residents, restaurants, and a growing design scene, all while holding onto its authentic character.

Lisbon old city center at sunset

The Beach Life

The long stretch of Praia de Matosinhos is one of the best urban beaches in Portugal. Surfers catch waves year-round, joggers trace the promenade at dawn, and families gather on sunny weekends. It’s accessible, unpretentious, and central to daily life here.

Seafood Capital of the North

If Porto is known for its food, Matosinhos is where the freshest seafood lives. The Rua Heróis de França is legendary — a street lined with grill restaurants serving sardines, sea bass, and octopus straight from the ocean. Lunch here is a ritual, best enjoyed slowly with a cold beer and good company.

A Creative Edge

Matosinhos is also home to a growing creative community. The former industrial spaces near the port are being reimagined as studios, galleries, and co-working hubs. It’s a neighbourhood that attracts people who want to build something — without the noise of a big city.

Casa Linha: Living by the Sea

Alaya Living’s Casa Linha project captures the spirit of Matosinhos — a thoughtfully designed residence that connects indoor comfort with outdoor life. It’s a place for people who want to wake up near the water, live with intention, and be part of a neighbourhood that’s still writing its story.

Matosinhos isn’t trying to be Porto. It’s something else entirely — a coastal community with its own rhythm, its own flavour, and its own quiet confidence. For those who value space, sea, and substance, it’s a place worth knowing.