The Porto Cruise Terminal, located at the South Mole of the Port of Leixões, is a port facility dedicated to cruise operations and other activities aimed at opening the port to the community.

It emerges from a dynamic territorial cooperation linking two main objectives: the improvement of port commercial efficiency by maximizing the attractiveness of cruise activity as a high growth potential segment and also a better urban integration.

This innovative architectural work was designed by the Portuguese Architect Luís Pedro Silva.

The project includes the main building, which houses various components, the cruise ship reception terminal, and spaces dedicated to various activities and stakeholders, such as the CIIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research at the University of Porto, as well as rooms for events, exhibitions, performances, and visits.

The Porto Cruise Terminal thus represents one of the most important gateways for visitors to the Porto and Northern Portugal destination, definitively boosting the growth of cruise and passenger activity in both Matosinhos city and the broader destination.

The 340-meter-long dock, inaugurated in 2011, allows the largest cruise ships to call at Leixões, accommodating the majority of the world's current cruise fleet.

Today, the Porto Cruise Terminal is an important venue for corporate events, with the capacity to host diverse initiatives such as congresses, conferences, gala dinners, seminars, meetings, exhibitions, among others.

It also serves as a privileged venue for cultural promotion, hosting different exhibitions throughout the year.

Due to its architectural value, the building is highly sought after for conducting photoshoots, taking advantage of the scenic indoor and outdoor spaces, particularly provided by the tile pattern.

Guided tours held during the week and weekends are another example of the building's openness to the community and the city.

The Porto Cruise Terminal also houses the CIIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research of the University of Porto and other research units with a maritime focus (from biology to robotics), serving as a hub for incubating new companies that will economically benefit from the innovations developed at the University.