Surf: Two different spots, one is a beach sheltered by a large breakwater, which makes it a good option in massive swells. The other is a much more consistent wave and best at lower tides. Environment: Is it worth the pollution risk though? Surf: General: Matosinhos is a long, super flexible stretch of beach sheltered by a long breakwater at the northern end. There are a number of distinct breaks starting with a right point at the breakwater end with the waves generally increaing in size as you move south. In the centre of the beach is a right and left peak, while the southern end hosts a right sandbank and a left point. Its proximity to Porto means it gets crowded when it's good. Tides: All tides Size: Waist high to double overhead. Wind: NE, E Swell: NW, W, SW Bottom: Sand with occasional rocks towards southern end. Paddling: Fine when small, can be hard paddle out when bigger. Spot Rating: Consistent urban beach with a number of good quality waves, the points being the best. Access: There are some beach side parking bays on the road, plus a couple of small car parks towards the southern end of the beach. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Popular spot with room to spread out. Local Vibe: Competitive but OK. Environment: Renowned as a heavily polluted spot, close to harbour and rivermouth. Hazards: Crowd, heavy when big. Season: Needs medium to large swells to get going so best September to November.