I don't know the area all that well but Matosinhos is about 6 miles from the airport and has a rather large sandy beach. It is also on the tram/metro line so you can easily get into the city of Porto if you want to. There is though a large commercial port and oil refinery in the area, which might spoil your views!

There's also Espinho across the river to the south, which seemed a popular area with city dwellers when last I was there. However that's a lot longer away, about 23 miles, but my route finder suggests it's only about 35 minutes by road. Rather longer (an hour or so) by metro and train.

Other places that I really don't know much about are to the north of the airport, such as Vila do Conde and Povoa de Varzim. You will need to do a bit of digging to find out what these offer holidaymakers. They obviously cater for people on day trips but what there might be in the way of hotels etc I really don't know.

Hope that helps a bit.

thank you for your tips cubsur. I think we will pass on this one, shame really as the prices seemed so good for flights. many thanks la x

You could have a look here. I have to state an interest as my daughter works for Pestana!
http://www.pestana.com/hotels/en/hotels/europe/OportoHotels/

One thing to be aware of is that Porto does not get Algarve weather. It's much further north and facing the open Atlantic so don't expect it to be much warmer than say Cornwall. And there's a reason why the Green Coast is so green - it does rain as well!

Also Greater Porto is an industrial area so 30 minutes might not be far enough away. I've spent an afternoon in Povoa de Varzim and it seemed pleasant enough and clear of the industry, Viana do Castelo further north (almost at the Spansih border) is very nice but well beyond 30 minutes

Yes Povoa de Varzim is a nice town, at the end of a Metro line so easily accessible. It caters for Portuguese visitors; I saw and heard very little English which may or not be a problem. Plenty of supermarkets etc.