Pinhais Cannery & Co., Braga Travel Guide

Founded in 1920 by fishermen brothers in Matosinhos, Pinhais & Cia has preserved its artisanal traditions for over a century. The cannery specializes in hand-made premium sardine conservas, earning global acclaim for brands like Nuri and Pinhais. Its elegant factory building stands as a historical icon in the heart of this coastal town near Porto, embodying generations of craftsmanship passed from mothers to daughters.

Every step remains manual: sardines are hand-selected for quality, cooked in steam before canning to keep bones soft and flavors pure, and packed with fresh ingredients like 100% refined olive oil from the Douro Valley or secret tomato sauce made daily. Local women wrap each tin in signature paper at speeds up to 28,000 per day, a skill visitors can try during tours. Only sardines, mackerel, and horse mackerel are used, ensuring unmatched freshness and longevity.

Guided 90-minute tours reveal the entire process, from fish selection to wrapping, culminating in tastings of sardines with bread and vinho verde at the Can-Tin Café. Open daily from 9am to 6pm, tours cost around 14 euros and include hands-on wrapping. The café offers wraps, burgers, salads, and more featuring house conservas, perfect after exploring Matosinhos beaches or seafood spots.

Pinhais sets the standard for Portuguese conservas, with Nuri as a cult favorite for chefs worldwide due to its vintage design and superior taste. Products symbolize purity and tradition, influencing global tinned fish trends. The cannery's commitment to quality ingredients and methods makes it a must for food lovers seeking authentic flavors.

Situated on Av. Menéres 700 in Matosinhos, the cannery is centrally located near Porto's beaches and restaurants. Easily reachable by public transport, it's ideal for day trips combining culture, sea, and seafood.