If you're in the Central region of Portugal, you're very likely to see images of Costa Nova appear on postcards, and rightly so. This picturesque coastal village is a delight to behold. The village's most famous feature is the brightly coloured candy-striped fisherman's houses, known as Palheiros. These houses, traditionally inhabited during summer and autumn, are painted in vertical stripes of green, blue, yellow, or red with bright red geraniums in their window boxes that are uplifting to the soul. Costa Nova is located on Portugal's Costa de Prata or "Silver Coast". There is a wonderful stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that have yet to suffer the pitfalls of mass tourism. Situated on a long sand bar between the Ria de Aveiro and the Atlantic, the village has a long fishing heritage that has given way to visiting families who have maintained the village's charm. Costa Nova is within easy reach of Aveiro by bus and makes a great day excursion.
| Costa Nova
The palm tree-lined promenade runs along the Ria Aveiro estuary and makes an ideal stroll or leisurely cycle ride. The route takes you past sailing clubs, a mini-golf course and beautiful views over the Ria. It is along here you'll encounter most of the Palheiros houses on one side and traditional brightly painted fishing boats on the other. Towards the end of the 19th Century, Costa Nova began to attract visitors and the local fishermen began to rent out their Palheiros in the summer season. It was during this time the idea arose to paint the outside panels of these wooden houses in bright colours.
Along this strip, you will also find many cafés and restaurants serving the catch of the day at very reasonable prices. The sunset over the estuary is a sight to behold. In contrast to the calm waters of the estuary on the other side of Costa Nova is the seashore.
Within a hideously designed exterior is the municipal market which everyone calls the fish market. Inside is an intriguing insight into local life and contains every conceivable and unconceivable type of fish these rich waters contain. The vendors service the region's restaurants and anyone who enjoys buying the freshest fish possible. There are also stalls that prepare and cook local dishes.
Tuesday - Sunday: 08h00 - 19h00, Monday: CLOSED
236 Avenida José Estêvão, Costa Nova do Prado, 3830-453 Gafanha da Encarnação, Portugal. | 40° 36' 39.0" N | 08° 44' 58.5" W
+351 234 394 512 | geralcmi@cm-ilhavo.pt
The coastal beach at the opposite side to the river Costa Nova is wide, lined with grassy dunes, clean and well equipped for a good day by the sea, worthy of its awards as a Blue Flag and Golden Beach. The waves here are much appreciated by surfers. The beach itself extends the length of the sandy spit southwards in the direction of Vagueira Beach, their wooden boardwalks and floating bridges that run the length of the beach for those who like a long walk along the seashore. Although the beach sees many visitors, the sheer size of the beach ensures it never feels crowded. | 40° 36' 54.4" N | 08° 45' 12.7" W
Rounding the northern tip of the southern sand bar stands Praia da Barra, the beach is equally good as Costa Nova but the area has a more "urbanised" feel. The 19th-century lighthouse here is Portugal's tallest, the Farol da Barra rises 62 metres (203 feet). The site around it is open to the general public throughout the year. Barra's exposure to the Atlantic elements makes it ideal for surfing and water sports.
40° 37' 54.3" N | 08° 44' 57.5" W
On the northern bar of the Ria lies São Jacinto, its expanse of beach and nature reserve dunes. It has good amenities such as fully equipped locker rooms, beach facilities, café and disabled access. The dunes are not only spectacular but play a vital role in the area's ecology and stabilising water levels. To get to São Jacinto from Aveiro it's possible to take a ferry across the lagoon, the drive takes a roundabout route.
40° 40' 09.1" N | 08° 44' 47.7" W
| Praia da Costa Nova
Costa Nova Hotel ★ ★ ★8.8/10 Very Good (246 verified customer reviews) If coastal whimsy were a hotel, the Costa Nova Hotel would be it. Set amid the candy-striped splendour of Costa Nova’s iconic beach houses, this delightful boutique hotel offers not only aesthetic joy but also enviable Atlantic Ocean views. The rooms are immaculate and breezy, with balconies perfect for morning espresso and people-watching. The décor? A charming nod to nautical chic—without a whiff of kitsch. Breakfast is a sunlit affair with local pastries and fresh orange juice that tastes like bottled joy. You're steps from Praia da Costa Nova, seafood restaurants, and the photogenic canals of nearby Aveiro. In short: it’s coastal Portugal’s answer to laid-back glamour. You’ll check in for a night and stay for the week. |
Costa do Sal - Boat Lounge Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★8.6/10 Very Good (15 verified customer reviews) Imagine the sheer theatricality of sleeping on the water! The Costa do Sal – Boat Lounge Hotel in Costa Nova, Portugal, is a gloriously unique floating escape. Set along the Ria de Aveiro, these repurposed vessels have been transformed into stylish, cabin-chic suites with panoramic views, gentle river breezes, and sunsets that deserve standing ovations. It's nautical luxury without losing that salty soul. Each boat offers a snug bed, sleek bathroom, and rooftop terrace for cocktails at golden hour. You're minutes from Praia da Costa Nova, and the area’s famed seafood is only a flip-flop stroll away. Perfect for romantics, escapists, and travellers seeking a one-of-a-kind hotel in Central Portugal.
|
Hotel Farol ★ ★ ★9.4/10 Very Good (9 verified customer reviews) Perched between the shimmering Ria de Aveiro and the roaring Atlantic at Praia da Barra, Hotel Farol in Ílhavo is a jewel of seaside serenity and Portu‑charm. With just 24 thoughtfully appointed rooms, it offers coastal hotel accommodation in Aveiro that feels intimate, polished, and delightfully unpretentious. Wake to views of the iconic Farol da Barra lighthouse, enjoy a hearty breakfast of local pastries and croissants, and wander down to the beach in moments. The staff are warm hosts who help you park, guide you to cafés, and ensure every moment is restful. Whether you're here for Aveiro’s Costa Nova beaches, saltpan walks, or simply to watch waves under red-and-white stripes, Hotel Farol delivers that rare mix of comfort, character, and coastal tranquillity. |
Embark on an exclusive yacht adventure, enjoy an unforgettable day and discover the magic of the Ria de Aveiro. The trip will begin at Jardim Oudinot Marina, where you will be greeted with a welcome drink by our crew. This will be your starting point for a peaceful trip along the Ria de Aveiro waters.
Passing through Praia Costa Nova we continue to São Jacinto. As you sail towards the sea, you will see the stunning Farol da Barra, from a captivating point of view.
(9) | 2 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
Book Online ►
Explore the central Portuguese cities of Aveiro and Coimbra on this small-group tour from Porto. Visit Aveiro, dubbed the ‘Venice of Portugal,’ and relax on a 1-hour boat cruise along the famous waterways. Then head to Coimbra, known as the ‘City of Students,’ and discover the city’s rich history as you explore the old town and Portugal’s oldest university.
(189) | 9 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
Book Online ►
Discover Aveiro, on this half-day guided tour from Porto. See the famous Ria de Aveiro, and the colourful houses in Costa Nova and learn about the community and the city's history! Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise through the city canals and indulge yourself in tasting a delicious local sweet pastry “Ovos Moles”. Finish the day, in the best way, visit the beach of Costa Nova and its peculiarly coloured striped houses.
(8) | 4 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
Book Online ►
Restaurante Marisqueira Costa NovaA true pescatarian paradise. An excellent restaurant to sample local cuisine and freshly caught fish served in a choice of two dining rooms located in front of the Ria.
|
Canastra do FidalgoThis popular restaurant in Costa Nova adopts the candy-striped theme of the town but this quirkiness doesn't subtract from the quality of the fish dishes served here. As you can expect from a town with two coasts the fish is always fresh but their bacalhau (dried salted cod) is equally excellent. Plenty of choice on the menu, as long as it's caught that day or in season, the wine list is also extensive, reasonably priced and well thought out. Portions are typically belly-busting but a meio doce (half portion) can always be asked for. Deserts maintain high standards, try asking for a pijama. 
|
Restaurante DóriThe Restaurante Dóri is located on the first floor over the Mercado da Costa Nova and Costa Nova fish market with terraces over looking the sea. And it's the sea where they draw their inspiration serving simple but excellent fresh seafood and fish including: eels stew, stew Brill, Fish Fry along with homemade pasties and Pepper Steak. The interior boasts a 18th century fishing boat.
|
| Maritime Museum of Ílhavo
Six kilometres (4 miles) from Aveiro the Maritime Museum of Ílhavo dates back to the late 1930s. It was fully remodelled in 2001 by the architects Nuno Mateus and José Mateus, and subsequently won the EU Contemporary Architecture Prize of the Mies Van Der Rohe Foundation in 2003. It is home to four permanent exhibitions and host to several temporary exhibitions, the Maritime Museum of Ílhavo makes for an interesting day out.
One exhibit pays homage to Portugal's cod fishing industry, amongst the displays is a two-masted schooner. Another exhibit is dedicated to the items relating to the Ria de Aveiro lagoon, including the famous moliceiros and other fishing vessels, many of which have been beautifully restored.
One more exhibition room documents Portugal's age of discovery and displays nautical instruments, ancient maps, compasses and so on. Also at the museum is a gallery of oil paintings and watercolours from the mid-twentieth century, with works by local and national artists.
Monday - Saturday: 10h00 - 18h00, Sunday: 10h00 - 18h00/CLOSED Low Season
Adult: €5.00, Child & OAP: €2.50
Av. Dr. Rocha Madahíl, 3830-193 Ílhavo, Portugal.
40º 36' 16.11" N | 08º 39' 57.65" W | +351 234 329 990
museuilhavo@cm-ilhavo.pt | Website
Costa Nova is 94.9km (59 miles) South of Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport PORTO. Website 
|
|
Access into Costa Nova via Aveiro on the A25 which splits into the IP1 toll road and A29 free road which takes you north to Porto and South towards Coimbra and onto Lisbon on the A8 and A17 highways.
|
|
The nearest train station is at Aveiro which can be reached by bus.
|
|
• Transdev: Website
|
2026 © Mad About Portugal. All rights reserved | Privacy Policy
Lisbon Card 
