Porto Seafood & Local Food

Discover the Tradition of Portuguese Fish Preservation

This tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into the ancient Portuguese art of preserving fish—a practice deeply rooted in the country’s culture and culinary heritage. Our journey begins at the vibrant Matosinhos Municipal Market, a bustling market offering a wide selection of fresh fish and seafood, fruits, vegetables, and other local products. Open since the early 20th century, the market is recognized as a Property of Public Interest and continues to serve its original purpose. It beautifully blends traditional market culture with striking architectural design. More than just a marketplace, Matosinhos Market is a dynamic commercial hub. It hosts a variety of businesses, from design company incubators to a wide range of shops and services—including clothing and shoe stores, cafés, grocery and organic shops, kiosks, florists, travel literature vendors, and restaurants. Next, we visit the Portugal Norte canning factory, a family-run business with roots dating back to 1912. This factory represents a perfect harmony between tradition and innovation, producing high-quality canned fish using time-honored methods. Visitors can observe the production process from an upper viewing deck, offering a 360° view of the workshop where each product is handmade with care—preserving the essence of Portuguese culinary tradition. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and concludes with a delicious tasting experience featuring a selection of the factory's finest products. At the end of the tour, we’ll return to the original meeting point or, if you prefer, drop you off at a location of your choice—just let your guide know in advance.