Costa Nova – Palheiros, Ria and Water Sports

Costa Nova combines Atlantic beaches, the calm waters of the Ria de Aveiro and a distinctive fishing tradition. Those looking for a holiday apartment for a varied stay can choose between water sports, walks, culture and regional specialities here. It is worth considering the desired focus of the trip when choosing the location: should the beach, the Ria or the town’s maritime history be the main focus?

Palheiros, dunes and maritime culture

Among the most striking buildings are the Palheiros of Costa Nova. These houses are painted on a white background with colourful stripes and define the townscape. Their history is closely linked to fishing: after the Ria de Aveiro bar was fixed in place in 1808, fishermen from Ílhavo moved to Costa Nova and began building wooden Palheiros there.

The Cais Criativo Costa Nova also makes a distinctive contribution. The wooden building stands on the dunes along the seafront and is connected to the beach by wooden walkways. Its programme includes music, fashion, architecture, photography and design. In autumn and winter, the Cais Criativo is available for hosting artistic residencies. For a culturally focused trip, this place therefore offers a point of interest of its own alongside the beach and the Ria.

Experience the water: Atlantic, Ria and Canal de Mira

Praia da Costa Nova is washed by lively seas that are popular with surfers. Opposite lie the calm waters of the Ria de Aveiro, which are suitable for sailing and windsurfing. On the Costa Nova shore, the Canal de Mira of the Ria de Aveiro is also used for sailing, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and kitesurfing.

Clube de Vela Costa Nova was founded in 1981 and focuses its activities mainly on dinghy sailing. The Costa Nova Cup, a women’s event in surfing and bodyboarding, is also held annually at Praia da Costa Nova.

Walks and nature by the Ria

The Frente Ria Costa Nova–Vagueira is both an ecological trail and a cycle path, connecting the beaches of Costa Nova with Praia da Vagueira. The wide sandy beach of Praia da Costa Nova do Prado extends southwards towards Praia da Vagueira, where walks are possible. The shore route is equipped with signage and rest areas and has infrastructure for fishing and recreational boating.

Along the Frente Ria Costa Nova–Vagueira, you can also discover the natural features of the Ria de Aveiro Special Protection Area within the Natura 2000 network under the Birds Directive. The circular route “Costa Nova do Prado, mais do que os palheiros – passeio pedestre” focuses on the importance of shellfish in the Ria de Aveiro as well as the historical and social development of the population of Costa Nova. A local snack is included in this tour. This makes it possible to combine a walk with insights into the landscape, history and everyday culture.

Fish market and regional specialities

The Mercado do Peixe da Costa Nova offers a direct experience of the connection between the town and fishing. There, you can buy prepared seafood, eat it on site or take it home. The regional pastry known as “tripa” originated in Costa Nova and adds to the culinary side of the stay.

A guided experience combines a tour of the Mercado do Peixe with a Ria Príncipe boat trip on the Canal de Mira of the Ria de Aveiro and a tasting. Another guided tour takes visitors to the fishing district and the quay used for artisanal fishing. Those who value culture and culinary experiences when looking for a holiday apartment will therefore find various ways to discover Costa Nova beyond its beaches.

More places for planning your trip

If you would like to extend your search to other destinations, you can also look at Gafanha do Carmo, Ílhavo and Gafanha da Encarnação. Costa Nova itself is particularly suited to travellers who want to combine beaches, the Ria, maritime history and regional cuisine in one trip.

For the higher-level travel overview: Ilhavo.